After the Factory

What happens after the factory? Detroit Lives traveled to Poland to make a documentary about reinvention in post-manufacturing cities. It parallels Detroit with Lodz, whose textile industry has seen a similar decline to Detroit’s auto business. After the Factory premieres at the DIA’s Detroit Film Theater on Thursday, February 2nd at 7pm. Check out the Facebook invite for all the details on the event. It looks to be a beautiful film that gives new context to the problems we’ve been facing for years. Definitely looking forward to it.

See the trailer for After the Factory after the jump…

A Couple of Questions for Tiger in a Jar

Tiger in a Jar is Matt and Julie, a husband and wife duo who are truly renaissance creative souls. They make videos, plan parties, take beautiful photos, and hunt for vintage home decor. Their stop motion animated videos are my favorite. They’re so delicate, and precious, and you can tell that so much love was put into them, whether they’re meant to document something or just simply be a creative expression.

The interview (+ many videos) behind the cut…

Kate McQueen Films

There’s a part of The Juliets new video where bits of firewood and dust are suspended in the air. That image has stuck in my head since I first watched it. I don’t know why I like that part so much; I think I’m amazed that the movement of dirt can be beautiful.

We just started blogging about photography a few weeks ago, so is it a stretch to move into filmmaking? I’ve decided that it’s not. I think that making memorable images is a common goal that all types of artists have, and Kate McQueen is really good at creating images that last in my head. Her films are simply beautiful to look at. I am not an expert on this subject by any means, but I feel a similar way about Jim Jarmusch’s movies, like I just want the frame to freeze so I can stare at it a little bit longer.

Ms. McQueen (who’s real name is Katie Barkel) gave a great interview to Amy Elliott that hints at an upcoming project with Silverghost. Along with videos for The Silent Years and Lightning Love, this girl is quickly checking off a list of my favorite Detroit bands.

The Juliets / “This Just In” from KATE McQUEEN on Vimeo.

Lightning Love / “Good Time” from KATE McQUEEN on Vimeo.