From Lions to Legacy: How Stephen McGee’s ‘Resurgo’ Reflects Detroit’s Rise and Eyes the Oscars
Detroit. A city synonymous with grit, resilience, and rebirth.
For two decades, Detroiter Stephen McGee has been capturing that very essence, shaping his hometown’s comeback story. Now, his documentary, “Resurgo Detroit,” is making waves. And not just any waves—it’s in the running for an Oscar.
Yep, the Oscars.
Fueled by Lions and Legacy
McGee wasn’t just inspired by the Motor City itself—he credits a surprising motivator for pushing him to complete the film.
“Honestly, the Detroit Lions winning this year was a massive motivator,” McGee said in an interview with ABC 7 WXYZ-TV Detroit. “Every time they won, I’m like, ‘I gotta get this thing done, I gotta get this thing done, I gotta get this thing done.’”
Why? Because for McGee, the Lions’ success was a metaphor for Detroit’s changing story—a story no longer defined by abandoned buildings, but by hope, progress, and possibility.
The title of the documentary itself, “Resurgo,” is a nod to its core message. Borrowed from Latin, it means “I rise again.” And that’s exactly what Detroit is doing.
Real Stories, Real Detroit
But this isn’t your typical documentary. No stiff interviews or endless lines of talking heads here.
Instead, McGee brings the city to life through the voices of its people. From the poetic brilliance of Detroit’s poet laureate, jessica Care moore—who also produced the film—to the unmistakable presence of Big Sean, Detroiters are the heartbeat of “Resurgo.”
“It’s not a linear kind of documentary,” moore explains. “It’s actually getting inside the city in a different kind of way and talking to real people.”
The Wait for Oscar Gold
December 18.
That’s the date McGee has circled on his calendar. It’s when he’ll find out if “Resurgo” cracks the top 15 contenders for the Best Documentary Feature category at the Oscars.
But whether it makes the cut or not, McGee knows what his film stands for. It’s about the spirit of Detroit.
“Well, if this is the greatest comeback story of the century,” McGee says, “it began in the people who never left.”
What’s Next?
While “Resurgo Detroit” isn’t set to release until 2025 (mark your calendars now), you can catch a sneak peek by watching the film’s trailer today.
Because Detroit’s story isn’t just worth telling—it demands to be heard.
And with storytellers like Stephen McGee, the world is finally listening.
