Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and Its People

Regional Roots is a twenty-six minute documentary film produced by the Detroit Orientation Institute (DOI) and One of Us Films. Covering 300 years of history, Regional Roots uses the immigrant experience as an introduction to the diverse landscape of Detroit.  From the earliest French and German settlers to today’s growing communities, immigrants continue to shape the region in pursuit of the American Dream. 

Regional Roots, the first documentary to receive the Michigan tax incentive, includes moving images from the National Archives, and photos, images and artifacts from local museum and library collections.  Film footage includes Diego Rivera painting his mural, Detroit Industry, and selections from Detroit News reels that haven’t been seen since theater showings in the 30s. 

View the trailer below:

View extended interviews at www.doi.blip.tv. 

Purchase the DVD at www.RegionalRoots.org.

Recent Awards:

Best Detroit Documentary (2010) at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival

Best Short Documentary (2009) at the Trinity Film Coalition Festival

Best Detroit Doc (2009) at the Ferndale Film Festival

Official Selection:

East Lansing Film Festival (2010)

Detroit Independent Film Festival (2011)