'The truth is being told': World premiere of Detroit at the Fox Theatre
Cast and crew of the new Hollywood movie Detroit say it might not be an easy film to watch, but it's one you have to see.
Actors, Detroit officials and real life characters walked the red carpet at the Fox Theatre Tuesday night before the movie's world premiere and talked about race, riots and how society still needs to change.
The film focuses on the Algiers Motel, a site where three black civilians were killed and nine others were badly beaten by police officers during the Detroit riot that happened 50 years ago this month.
Director and producer Kathryn Bigelow told reporters she felt compelled to produce a movie on the Detroit riot because "it's a story that has been kept secret for 50 years outside the city."
"I think what the film manages to do is humanize a situation that is virtually unthinkable for most people," Bigelow explained. "I hope it stimulates a dialogue that is meaningful."
The dark reality of that night is exactly what Julie Delaney, a victim of the Algiers Motel incident, wanted people to get out of her very personal story.
"It was brutal, it was a brutal evening ... and it is a story that I always wanted to tell," said Delaney. "We need to make changes because things have not changed in 50 years and I thought in my lifetime I would see change."
Delaney wasn't the only person at the premiere who believed society still has a long way to go to eliminate racism.
Michael Eric Dyson, a professor originally from Detroit, acted as an advisor for the movie. He described the film as "loud" and "aggressive," adding he hoped it will make people think about the discrimination still happening today.
"Perhaps we will be awakened by what we see on film and that will provoke a deeper engagement with the persistent forms of social hostility that black people have to confront," said Dyson. "If it occurred 50 years ago we really have to confront what is happening today."
For original Motown artist Martha Reeves, the Detroit premiere marked a return to the Fox Theatre and the same stage she was perfoming on 50 years ago when she was told everyone had to evacuate the building and go home due to the riots in the streets.
Years later, Reeves says she's glad the truth is being told.
"It is painful to watch, but it is good to know that reality is still the reason to make movies," the Detroit artist said. "When I saw it I was thrilled. I was angry at first, but the truth is being told. We aren't afraid anymore."
Detroit Police Chief, James Craig was also in attendance. He explained the Detroit Police Department has changed drastically from those days, adding he's looking forward to the public having a chance to see the film.
"It is exciting because I happen to be on the front seat in 2017...to be part of a department that now is a model for others to follow, that is great news and something to celebrate," Craig said.
Detroit opens nationwide on August 4th.
