Covering 300 years of history, Regional Roots uses the immigrant experience as an introduction to the diverse landscape of Detroit. From the earliest French and German settlers to today's growing communities, immigrants continue to shape the region in pursuit of the American Dream. While briefly skimming politics and industry to provide context, the film centers around the regions roots of cultural and ethnic communities, including the range of African-American, Arab, and Asian-American, to name a few. Likewise, historical footage, as of Diego Rivera painting his mural, Detroit Industry, and early Jewish parades captured on Detroit News reels make an appearance. Film subjects include transitions of the urban core, industrialization, immigration, ribbon farms of early French settlers, segregated housing patterns, reconstruction from the 1805 Detroit fire, Diego Rivera's mural, racial tensions, musical roots, and others.
