The Detroit film scene is thriving with innovative stories, driven by passionate local filmmakers committed to portraying the city's distinct narratives. Among these filmmakers is Legend, a Detroit native who, at 40, is finally fulfilling a long-held aspiration. Over the past year, he has released two films and has another in the pipeline.
Legend explains, “I had to step away from filmmaking to focus on raising my son as a single father. Once he started college in 2018, I was able to return to my passion.” His most recent film, “Black Lies,” scripted 16 years ago, debuted on Tubi on February 25. The story centers on a dedicated father who, despite being separated from the child's mother, uncovers a startling truth when the child turns six.
Legend, along with filmmakers like Renika McQueen-Echo, Melissa Talbot, Darren Brown, Dennis Reed, Al Nuke, Randy Holloway, and Paige Alston, represents the dynamic wave of independent filmmakers in Detroit. The city's indie film scene initially blossomed in the early 2000s with titles such as “Project 313,” “5K1,” and “Envy,” though high production costs deterred many aspiring filmmakers.
“Producing a movie back then was incredibly costly. Nowadays, you can make a film for a fraction of the cost of a camera from that era,” notes TV and film producer Randy Holloway.
Early Detroit indie films were largely urban crime dramas, inspired by mainstream successes like “Paid in Full,” “ATL,” and “Menace II Society.” These films, often categorized as “hood movies,” focused on themes of violence, drugs, and sex, capturing some harsh realities of urban life but often neglecting other aspects of the Black experience.
“Indie films in Detroit tend to be more stereotypical than those in Hollywood,” observes actress Aria Moody, who starred in the 2021 Detroit film “Cain and Abel.” She points out that while mainstream media often portrays big cities with crime bosses and drug dealers, indie films frequently follow similar narratives.
Holloway sought to break away from these recurring themes. “I saw the same stories being retold. I wanted to offer something different,” he says. In 2015, he produced and directed “Bianca: Who Did This to You?” This film, based on a true story, delves into the effects of childhood sexual abuse.
“The response was immediate. During screenings, people opened up about their own experiences with abuse, often for the first time. It showed me the impact of our work,” Holloway recalls. His latest film, “Beautifully Unlayered,” co-written with Lisa Renée Miller, tackles mental health issues within the Black community.
As diverse storytelling attracts larger audiences, local actors and neighborhoods are finding inspiration. Legend chose to film “Asbury Park” (2021) in his former West-side neighborhood, witnessing the positive influence on the community. The film, featuring veteran actors like Glenn Plummer and Felicia Pearson, tells the story of four teenagers facing crucial decisions about their futures.
“Filming in my old neighborhood was essential. It was inspiring to bring well-known actors to the area. Locals could watch a movie being made right outside their windows, giving them hope,” says Legend.
Holloway emphasizes the value of Detroit filmmakers collaborating with industry veterans to enhance their craft and gain recognition. His experiences, including receiving advice from Will Smith and learning from TV executive David Hill, have been invaluable.
Detroit’s film culture continues to grow, but there is still room for improvement. Actress Aria Moody highlights the need for more training opportunities and professional acknowledgment for local actors.
“Authenticity in filmmaking is crucial. When outsiders tell our stories, they often miss the essence,” says Legend.
“We’ve carved out our own niche here in Detroit. We didn’t just claim a seat at the table; we built our own,” Holloway concludes.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
What OPPRIME.tv Offers Filmmakers
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