Documentary Filmmaking
Preserving History, Amplifying Voices
Explore the Complete Filmography
Discover Clayton Rye's complete body of work spanning five decades, from award-winning documentaries to feature dramas, music videos, and educational content.
View Complete Filmography →First Place, Documentary Feature - Made-in-Michigan Film Festival, 2010
Detroit Civil Rights Trilogy
2010
The Detroit Civil Rights Trilogy is a richly produced documentary that brings to light three pivotal stories from Michigan's civil rights history. Through meticulous research, intimate interviews, and powerful archival footage, the trilogy honors the courage of ordinary people who stood up against injustice.
Three Powerful Stories
Last Survivor of the Ford Hunger March
Dave Moore's Story
In 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, thousands of unemployed workers marched on Ford Motor Company's River Rouge plant, demanding jobs and fair treatment. The peaceful protest turned violent when Dearborn police and Ford security guards opened fire, killing five workers.
Dave Moore was the last living survivor of this tragic event. His firsthand account provides a rare window into a dark chapter of American labor history and the struggle for workers' rights.
Rosa Parks of the Boblo Boat
Sara Elizabeth Haskell
In 1945—a full decade before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus—Sara Elizabeth Haskell challenged segregation in Detroit. When she was denied access to the dance floor on the Boblo Island ferry because of her race, she fought back, taking her case all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Her courage paved the way for future civil rights victories and demonstrated that the fight for equality was not confined to the American South.
Mr. Interlocutor of Mount Clemens
Duane Gerlach
This segment explores the painful history of blackface minstrel shows through the story of Duane Gerlach, who performed as "Mr. Interlocutor" in Mount Clemens. The film examines how these racist performances shaped American culture and the long road toward understanding and reconciliation.
Through Gerlach's reflections and historical context, the documentary confronts uncomfortable truths about America's racist past.
Jim Crow's Museum
2004 • In collaboration with Dr. David Pilgrim
The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University houses one of the world's largest collections of racist artifacts. But this is not a museum that celebrates hatred—it's a museum that confronts it.
Clayton Rye's documentary explores Dr. David Pilgrim's mission to use objects of oppression as teaching tools. Through interviews and archival footage, the film examines how racist imagery shaped American culture and why it's crucial to preserve these painful artifacts for educational purposes.
"Jim Crow's Museum" challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past and consider how the legacy of racism continues to impact society today.
Additional Works
Ten Vietnam Vets
Documentary
Shot, edited, produced and directed by Clayton Rye. A powerful documentary featuring firsthand accounts from ten Vietnam War veterans.
🏆 1st Place, Northwest Film Studies Center Festival
🏆 Special Jury Award, San Francisco International Film Festival
🏆 Honorable Mention, American Film Festival, New York
🏆 Honorable Mention, Corporation for Public Broadcasting Local Program Awards
🏆 Idaho State Broadcasters Association Award for Best Public Affairs Program
Selected for the Texas Tech University and LaSalle University Vietnam Archives
Drawing Flies
Feature Drama • 2002
Feature length drama written, produced, shot and edited by Clayton Rye. Edited during sabbatical leave. Partly funded by ArtServe Michigan.
🏆 Broadcast Education Association Award in Narrative Category
Frontiers
16mm Music Video
Produced, shot and edited by Clayton Rye. Time-lapse cinematography. 16mm Music Video with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Partially funded by Center for New TV in Chicago and Ferris State University.
🏆 Broadcast Education Association Award
Yard Sale: A How To Video
Instructional Video
This instructional video is designed for libraries and the home rental market. Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications. Currently selling in small numbers nationwide.
Clayton's body of work demonstrates remarkable versatility—from award-winning documentaries to narrative features, music videos, and educational content. His work has earned over twenty state, regional, national, and international awards.
Watch VideosAwards & Recognition
First Place, Documentary Feature
Made-in-Michigan Film Festival, 2010
Detroit Civil Rights Trilogy
Ten Vietnam Vets
• 1st Place, Northwest Film Studies Center Festival
• Special Jury Award, San Francisco International Film Festival
• Honorable Mention, American Film Festival, New York
• Honorable Mention, Corporation for Public Broadcasting Local Program Awards
• Idaho State Broadcasters Association Award for Best Public Affairs Program
Jim Crow's Museum
• Best Documentary Award, Flint Film Festival
• Audience Choice Award, Stoney Brook Digital Video Festival
• Best Documentary, Grand Rapids Arts Festival
• Golden Cassette Award, MCA-I, Detroit Chapter
Appearing on PBS stations nationwide
Additional Recognition
• Drawing Flies: Broadcast Education Association Award in Narrative Category (2002)
• Frontiers: Broadcast Education Association Award
Clayton's work has earned over twenty state, regional, national, and international awards throughout his distinguished career.