Private Project

Detroit Under STRESS

In 1971, the Detroit Police Department begins operating one of the most controversial decoy police units ever created to battle street crime, S.T.R.E.S.S. (Stop the Robberies, Enjoy Safe Streets). After one year, Detroit becomes the city with the highest police civilian fatal shootings as well as the city with the highest police officer deaths. For the first time in almost 50 years, hear this incredible story from the STRESS officers who were there doing the decoy work as well as the community leaders and activists who were trying to disband the unit.

  • David Van Wie
    Director
  • David Van Wie
    Writer
  • David Van Wie
    Producer
  • Gardner Cole
    Producer
    Days of Thunder, Coming to America, The Fugitive
  • Ritta Yee-Fagain
    Producer
    MoliFILMS
  • C. Thomas Howell
    Key Cast
    E.T., The Outsiders, Red Dawn, Southland
  • Brandon Barnard
    Editors
  • Luu Nguyen
    Editors
    The Flash (CW), The Walking Dead (AMC)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 25 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 26, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Arizona Sunburn Film Festival
    Tucson
    United States
    July 28, 2017
    Film of the Festival
  • Full Bloom Film Festival
    Stateville
    United States
    September 15, 2017
    Film of the Festival
  • Soo Film Festival
    Sault Ste. Marie
    United States
    September 15, 2017
    Official Selection
  • Awareness Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 15, 2017
    Official Selection
  • Royal Starr Film Festival
    Royal Oak
    United States
    October 14, 2017
    Best Documentary Feature
  • The Block Film and Art Festival
    Logan
    United States
    October 6, 2017
    Official Selection
  • The Great Lakes International Film Festival
    Erie
    United States
    September 24, 2017
    Official Selection
  • International Independent Film Festival Awards
    Encino
    United States
    September 20, 2017
    Platinum Award
  • Leonard A. Oakland Film Festival
    Spokane
    United States
    March 3, 2018
    Official Selection
  • Miami Independent Film Festival
    Miami
    United States
    November 5, 2017
    Official Selection
  • South Texas Underground Film Festival
    Corpus Christi
    United States
    January 24, 2018
    Director's Choice
  • New Haven International Film Festival
    New Haven
    United States
    May 2, 2018
    Official Selection
  • FilmFest52
    Bethel
    United States
    December 13, 2017
    Official Selection
  • Chandler International Film Festival
    Chandler
    United States
    February 12, 2018
    Best Documentary
  • Red Dirt International Film Festival
    Edmond
    United States
    March 28, 2018
    Official Selection
  • Mindfield Film Festival
    Albuquerque
    United States
    April 3, 2018
    "Gold Award" Best Documentary
  • Pinnacle Film Awards

    May 1, 2018
    Official Selection
Director Biography - David Van Wie

David scripted and directed 5 commercials for Big Brothers Big Sisters, scripted and directed a music video for executive producer Gardner Cole, completed a pilot and first episode for a reality TV show here in Phoenix, as well as produced two commercials for Catholic Charities. Detroit Under STRESS has been a three year project and is David's first full documentary film. Just for fun, David has also published a multi award winning children's book, "Buttermilk" under his pen name Fat Hendrick.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Detroit Under STRESS is a film to further the discussion about police, communities, and crime. There is no easy answer, and all solutions have consequences; it is up to the people to decide what consequences they can live with and what consequences are necessary.