October, 2024

Detroit Story Fest 2024

In a city often overlooked, we uplifted Motown's best stories in a celebration that was unmistakably Detroit.

Sold out to 1200 Detroiters!

Detroit Story Fest is a live-journalism showcase created by Back Pocket Media, held at the Detroit Film Theatre in 2024. This sold-out event brought together journalists, artists, and community members to share stories that challenged dominant narratives and celebrated Detroit’s diversity.

Clients

Proprietary

Knight Foundation
Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre

Challenges

  1. Build a National Festival: Increasing civic pride and trust in journalism (Philly, Detroit, and SF)
  2. New Market, Big Venue: On top of being Back Pocket’s first Detroit event, the team faced the challenge of selling out the largest venue they had used to date—1,200 seats at the Detroit Film Theatre.
  3. Story Selection & Balance: Curating a lineup that felt emotionally resonant, without overwhelming the audience, was a key editorial challenge.
  4. A tight timeline: Detroit had to be selected, partners secured, and stories developed within just a few months.

Solutions

  1. Combine Media and Art: Showcasing the city’s best stories on one stage. 
  2. Strategic Promotion: In addition to targeted advertising, the project was featured in on-air interviews with Michigan Public and WDET leading up to the event.
  3. Strong Partner Network: A cohort of 8–10 local newsrooms was recruited early. Their involvement in co-marketing and editorial collaboration helped build trust and excitement.
  4. Coordination: Through fast-paced coordination, the team built newsroom partnerships, sourced bold local storytellers, and launched a fully produced show with strong media backing.

Results

Detroit Story Fest 2024 sold out to 1,200 attendees and received glowing feedback. The event was covered by major local outlets, and all participating newsrooms expressed interest in returning, noting that the event helped extend the reach and impact of their reporting.

“The stories didn’t end on stage—they left a lasting impression on the community, reshaping how people see their city and themselves.”

Reflection

Detroit Story Fest 2024 successfully rewrote dominant narratives by spotlighting underrepresented stories through a multimedia live experience. The theme, “Singing from the Shadows,” resonated deeply with both storytellers and audience members. The night was more than a show; it was a communal act of storytelling that lasted after the final story was told.

Let’s Talk.

Have a burning question you can’t leave unanswered? Have an idea for a story, an event, or a way to collaborate? Those are all our favorite things. Reach out and let’s talk.

holler@backpocket.media