Press Kit

Resurgo Detroit: The Rise from Within is a landmark documentary from director Stephen McGee and poet-producer Jessica Care Moore, created from twenty years of immersive filmmaking in Detroit. Drawing from millions of photographs and thousands of hours of footage, the film rejects the decades-old national narrative of Detroit as a symbol of decline. Instead, it presents a powerful, people-centered portrait of a city defined by creativity, endurance, and humanity. Through intimate storytelling, poetic narration, and stunning cinematography, Resurgo reframes Detroit for both longtime residents and global audiences, offering a truer and more dignified reflection of the city’s soul.

The documentary has generated exceptional audience response and critical momentum. Resurgo won Best Feature Film at the Fresh Coast Film Festival and has been recognized by reviewers for its emotional honesty, visual depth, and social relevance. Screenings across Michigan have consistently sold out or neared capacity, often ending in standing ovations and extended Q&A sessions—many lasting an hour or more, with audiences fully engaged until the final moment. Each event has sparked meaningful conversation about Detroit’s identity and the importance of narrative ownership, underscoring the film’s cultural and community impact.

As word spreads, Resurgo is rapidly becoming a catalyst for renewed civic pride and broader national attention. Viewers frequently describe the film as transformative—reshaping their understanding of Detroit and revealing stories rarely seen in mainstream media. With its blend of historical archive, artistic voice, and lived experience, Resurgo is not only documenting a city’s evolution but contributing to it. The project stands poised to influence how Detroit is perceived for years to come, marking it as one of the most significant and emotionally resonant films to emerge from the region in decades.