The 11th Annual Freep Film Festival opened Wednesday night with a sold-out and energetic crowd attending a screening of the documentary “Rouge” about the storied Downriver basketball program at the Detroit Film Theater.
The film tells the story of the River Rouge High School Panthers, the winningest high school boys basketball program in Michigan history.
“There are a lot of stereotypes and misrepresentations about places like River Rouge and Taylor, where I went to high school, so I’m excited to come here and bring respect and recognition to communities like River Rouge. “We're very excited about it, and it's been a long time coming,” said producer Raj Jafri.
The crowd applauded and cheered, honoring the Panthers and the River Rouge community.
The documentary is directed and produced by Hammoudi Jaafar, a Downriver native who grew up watching the team.
“I'm from Downriver and this means the world to me. I couldn't be more proud because this is tied to my childhood,” Jaafar said. The hope is that this film shines a light on the River Rouge community beyond the River Rouge area. assignment.
“Also, I want people to take away all this humanity. The heart and soul of River Rouge is so pure and beautiful that when it comes to this region, it's hard to do anything, both economically and environmentally.” I think there's a little bit of a misunderstanding just because we're in a situation like that.''That's right,'' he said.
A panel discussion featuring Free Press sports columnist Sean Windsor and Jaafar was scheduled to follow the screening. Jafri. LaMonta Stone, Eastern Michigan University director of basketball operations and former River Rouge men's basketball coach; EMU forward Legend Jeter, who starred with the River Rouge, and longtime Detroit Pistons play-by-play announcer George Blaha.
The film will also be available for viewing virtually during the festival, which runs through Sunday and features a lineup of more than 20 feature-length documentaries and dozens of short films.
Most of the films scheduled to be screened at the festival had their world premiere in Michigan or Detroit, and many are fresh from prestigious festivals like Sundance and SXSW.
The annual documentary festival, produced by the Detroit Free Press, will feature nearly 50 events, including parties, educational events and dinners that pair movies with food prepared by top local chefs.
Venues include the Detroit Film Theater at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, Detroit History Museum, Birmingham 8 Powered by Imagine, and Hazel Park Restaurant Frame.
Other films scheduled for release include “23 Mile,” which depicts events in Michigan as a battleground state during the 2020 presidential election; “A Two Hearted Tale” about the artist who created the iconic brand image for Michigan's most famous beer. “The Best of the Best: Jazz in Detroit” about the Motor City's remarkable jazz heritage. “Frida,” which depicts the life of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, including her time in Detroit, and “Luther: Never Too Much,” which depicts the late R&B icon Luther Vandross.
Freep Film Festival
April 10th to 14th
For the full lineup and more, visit freepfilmfestival.com.
Individual movie tickets: $15. 5-packs are available at a discounted price.
Virtual screenings of select films are available for $12 (goelevent.com/Freep/e/Search).
Dinner and movie tickets are available at framehazelpark.com/experience/freep-film-festival-frame-2024/.
