Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale
Feature documentary
For over 85 years, steamship Ste. Claire transported generations of Detroiters to Boblo Island, an amusement park nestled in the waters between the US and Canada. When the vessel comes under threat of ruin, a doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save their beloved steamship from the scrapyard. Interweaving local lore and mythology, "Boblo Boats" explores the whitewashed history of amusement parks and one crew's crusade to bring back the memories.
Writer/Director/Editor: Aaron Schillinger
Producers: Steve Bannatyne, Isabel Sandoval, and Aaron Schillinger
bobloboatsfilm.com
Winner, Hometown Talent Award & Opening Night Film — Freep Film Festival
Winner, Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature — Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Fest
Winner, Audience Choice Award for Best Michigan Film — Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Fest
Winner, Best Documentary Feature — Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival
Future of Work
A six-part docuseries chronicling six mid-career adults as they navigate the rapidly changing work landscape covering topics such as debt, the gig economy, remote working, career identity, and more.
Production Company: Spotzen
Producers/Directors: Katie Graham & Andrew Matthews
Editor: Aaron Schillinger
Executive Producer: Amanda Fox
PBS Digital Series
I'm Glad I Didn’t Go to College
We’ll Never Work at an Office Again
I Quit My 9 to 5 Job to Build Tiny Homes
Sarah E. Ray Project
Short documentary and research endeavor
Until now a Detroit civil rights pioneer named Sarah Elizabeth Ray has been largely forgotten. 75 years ago she was denied a seat on the segregated Boblo boat, SS Columbia. Ray refused to back down, taking her fight for integration all the way to the US Supreme Court.
Founded by Aaron Schillinger and Desiree Cooper in 2020, the Sarah E Ray Project’s mission is to shine a light on the forgotten story of this Detroit civil rights pioneer and preserve her legacy for future generations.
Writer/Director/Editor: Aaron Schillinger
Producers: Steve Bannatyne, Desiree Cooper and Aaron Schillinger
Abe Nover Found Out
Short documentary
Abe Nover is a 94 year old found object artist that refuses to let cold weather or old age slow him down. This short doc was commissioned by the Carter Burden Gallery.
Director/Producer/Editor: Aaron Schillinger
Hort Green Team
Short documentary
The Horticultural Society of New York and their GreenTeam provide vocational training in horticulture, transitional work, job search skills and job placement.
The men, women, and young adults who participate in the GreenTeam are learning more than just professional horticulture: they're receiving vital training in the life skills needed to turn their lives in a new, positive direction.
Director/Producer/Editor/Cameraperson: Aaron Schillinger