One of Us Films completes Detroit Orientation Institute Blip.tv Channel as part of history project

Michiganians will be talking about Detroit's regional future once they get a glimpse of its regional past through the Detroit Orientation Institute's new blip.tv channel, http://www.doi.blip.tv
A collaborative effort between the DOI and One of Us Films, the channel is part of a larger media project focused on creating the documentary "Regional Roots," about the historical ethnic and cultural groups of the city. The documentary, "Regional; Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and its People," will premiere on May 21 at Compuware Headquarters, followed by a panel discussion. The 30-minute documentary will also air on WTVS/PBS at least four times throughout 2009. It is produced and directed by Franklin resident Carrie LeZotte. The film trailer is available at: http://www.doi.blip.tv/#1854882
   While briefly skimming politics and industry to provide context, the film centers around the regions roots of cultural and ethnic communities, including the range of African-American, Arab, and Asian-American, to name a few. Likewise, historical footage, as of Diego Rivera painting his mural, Detroit Industry, and early Jewish parades captured on Detroit News reels make an appearance.
   Interviews for the channel and documentary include: Dave Bing, mayoral candidate and President of The Bing Group; Lou Glazer, Michigan Future Inc. President; Stanford Ovshinsky, President of Ovshinsky Innovation; Shirley Stancato, President of New Detroit; George Galster, WSU's Clarence B. Hillberry Professor; Mike Smith, Walter Reuther Library Director; Hei Sook Park Wilkinson, Phd, Clinical Psychologist and Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs; Maha Freij, Deputy Executive Director and CFO of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services Kurt Metzger; Osvaldo Rivera; Paul Borman, Circuit Court Judge ; Brian Leigh Dunnigan, Author and Director of the University of Michigan's Clements Library.
   Sponsorship and community partnership includes: The Michigan Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities; DTE Energy; MGM Grand Detroit; Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA); University of Michigan Law School, Urban Communities Clinic; W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Detroit Public Television; and the Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the premiere event.

One of Us Films produces reality-based programming and fiction films with a focus on engaging the audience in the story. From historic narratives and intimate interviews to cinema-style training, our quality productions create a lasting impression. Director/Producer Carrie Lezotte was among a number of young professionals honored at the 2009 Vanguard Awards.