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.
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David Van WieDirector
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David Van WieWriter
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David Van WieProducer
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Gardner ColeProducerDays of Thunder, Coming to America, The Fugitive
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Ritta Yee-FagainProducerMoliFILMS
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C. Thomas HowellKey CastE.T., The Outsiders, Red Dawn, Southland
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Brandon BarnardEditors
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Luu NguyenEditorsThe Flash (CW), The Walking Dead (AMC)
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:1 hour 25 minutes 26 seconds
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Completion Date:May 26, 2017
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Production Budget:50,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Arizona Sunburn Film FestivalTucson
United States
July 28, 2017
Film of the Festival -
Full Bloom Film FestivalStateville
United States
September 15, 2017
Film of the Festival -
Soo Film FestivalSault Ste. Marie
United States
September 15, 2017
Official Selection -
Awareness Film FestivalLos Angeles
United States
October 15, 2017
Official Selection -
Royal Starr Film FestivalRoyal Oak
United States
October 14, 2017
Best Documentary Feature -
The Block Film and Art FestivalLogan
United States
October 6, 2017
Official Selection -
The Great Lakes International Film FestivalErie
United States
September 24, 2017
Official Selection -
International Independent Film Festival AwardsEncino
United States
September 20, 2017
Platinum Award -
Leonard A. Oakland Film FestivalSpokane
United States
March 3, 2018
Official Selection -
Miami Independent Film FestivalMiami
United States
November 5, 2017
Official Selection -
South Texas Underground Film FestivalCorpus Christi
United States
January 24, 2018
Director's Choice -
New Haven International Film FestivalNew Haven
United States
May 2, 2018
Official Selection -
FilmFest52Bethel
United States
December 13, 2017
Official Selection -
Chandler International Film FestivalChandler
United States
February 12, 2018
Best Documentary -
Red Dirt International Film FestivalEdmond
United States
March 28, 2018
Official Selection -
Mindfield Film FestivalAlbuquerque
United States
April 3, 2018
"Gold Award" Best Documentary -
Pinnacle Film Awards
May 1, 2018
Official Selection
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.
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.