"'Detropia' is awarded the Special Jury Prize for applying high aesthetic standards of cinema craft in service to its socially relevant and insightful subject matter. "Detropia" is a cinematic "Howl," a beautiful poem-like documentary that tells a troubling tale of the desperate condition of Michigan's First City. But hope lives in the city and it is communicated in the beauty of the cinematography, the use of music and by capturing the grit and creativity of Detroit's people. "Detropia" reflects the tenacious spirit of this once great city; the city that fostered the automobile industry, served as the "Arsenal of Democracy," created the Motown sound, generated the most important technology and business innovations of early 20th century and, most importantly, invented and established a viable middle class. "Detropia" for high artistic achievement is the Special Jury Prize for US Films at the 8th Traverse City Film Festival.