The United States of Detroit

The United States of Detroit is a compelling documentary released in 2017, presenting an in-depth exploration of one of America's most iconic but beleaguered cities, Detroit. The film seeks to shed light on the narratives of resilient individuals who made the decision to remain in their struggling city, fighting against all odds to rebuild and revitalize it from the ground up. Helmed by director Tylor Norwood, the movie stars Oya Amakisi, Dan Austin, and John Gallagher who shares their profound insights, shedding light on what the future may hold for Detroit, a city fighting an uphill battle with economic decline and population decrease.

The film does an excellent job of juxtaposing the history of Detroit, showcasing Detroit's glorious past and its gradual decline. Once known for being the hub of the automobile industry and the birthplace of Motown music, Detroit was a haven where dreams came true. But due to several socio-economic factors, the city's infrastructure collapsed, leading to one of the biggest municipal bankruptcies in US history.

Oya Amakisi, an urban farmer, community health advocate, and a resident of Detroit, symbolizes the strength of Detroiters working relentlessly to bring about change in the city. Her story demonstrates how the people of Detroit are using food as a tool to resist oppression and build a strong and healthy community in a city that struggles with food security.

Renowned author and historian Dan Austin uses his extensive knowledge of Detroit's past to add context to the narrative. He provides not just expert commentary on how the city came to its current state but also visions for the future. Austin's deep dives into history paint a vivid picture of what once was and what could be again.

John Gallagher, who as a journalist has for decades critically examined and reported on the urban development and transformation in Detroit, offers captivating perspectives on the phenomena shaping Detroit. He lays bare the truth of the city's condition, providing a journalistic angle to the series of captivating personal stories shared in the film.

Throughout its runtime, The United States of Detroit doesn't shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of life in a struggling city. Instead, it puts a spotlight on the resilience of its people and their determination to turn their beloved city around. By focusing on individual stories of Detroiters working towards revitalization, the documentary showcases the city's gritty optimism and the spirit of community resilience.

The United States of Detroit also offers a unique perspective on the way the city has embraced creativity. From the comeback of the auto industry rebuilding around electric and autonomous vehicles to the artistic community finding numerous ways to express their spirit and make a living, the city is rechanneling its energy into pillars of innovation. With inspiring stories of educators, artists, farmers, technologists, and urban developers pushing against the bleak landscape, the film presents an inspiring testament to human resilience and perseverance.

The documentary is steeped in the spirit of unity and community development, demonstrating the collective commitment to Detroit's rebirth. There are captivating images of urban gardening, attempts to change the educational landscape, efforts to ensure food security, and narratives around new businesses that restore jobs and pride to the struggling city.

Reminiscent of a phoenix rising from the ashes, Detroit, as presented in "The United States of Detroit", is a city that refuses to surrender. The story is about a city's transformation, demonstrating that a community can rise above its hardships, and unity can core the path for a city's renaissance. The film shows that Detroit's narrative goes far beyond the commonly reported themes of urban decay – it's about a community's resilience and inventiveness to pull the city out of adversity.

"The United States of Detroit" offers a hopeful and heartwarming take on the city of Detroit. It shares the spirit of its resilient people and paints a picture of a unique American city determined to rise from the ruins. This film is a beacon of hope, showing that even in the most difficult of circumstances, it's possible to bring about positive change from ground level. It depicts a resilient community building themselves a better future, creating a new shared identity for their city - a new United States of Detroit.