Documentaries • Storytelling • Impact Films
Stories That Inspire Change
At Bending River Films, we create impactful documentaries that illuminate diverse perspectives, foster connection, and create change.
Our Mission
The mission of filmmakers Keith Famie and Mark Salloum is to produce impactful documentaries that explore human stories, foster empathy, and drive social change. We focus on authentic storytelling to illuminate diverse perspectives and spark meaningful conversations, aiming to shape a more compassionate world.
Through every project, we strive to go beyond surface-level narratives, uncovering the stories that often remain untold. Our films are designed not only to inform but also to create emotional connections that lead to understanding and action. By collaborating with communities, subject matter experts, and partners who share our vision, we ensure that the voices in our films are represented with honesty and respect.
Exploring the human experience through film
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Cultural Explorations
Uncovering traditions, voices, and experiences that deepen understanding.
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Human Journeys
Stories of resilience, loss, and triumph that connect us all.
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History & Heritage
Documenting moments and movements that shaped generations.
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Social Issues
Tackling urgent challenges with empathy and clarity.
Current stories in production
Fork In The Road
The documentary will explore how one organization’s humble beginnings has transformed lives through sports, mentorship, and community engagement. Through interviews with former members, now working as teachers, business owners and civic leaders, the film traces the clubs’ impact across generations. Coaches and volunteers share their commitment to providing structure and being positive role models in neighborhoods where options are limited.
A Salute to our WWII Generation
Filmmakers Mark Salloum and Keith Famie are joining forces with their new studio, Bending River Films. This film will be one of their first projects together, as it pays tribute to the brave men and women who served our country during World War II. The film takes audiences on a journey starting from the youthful days of these veterans, whether they grew up on city streets or country farms. It follows their transition to the battlefields and communications rooms where they played crucial roles in the war effort. The narrative continues to explore the challenges and triumphs veterans faced upon returning home and adjusting to civilian life.
Laid To Rest
In 2026, award-winning filmmakers Keith Famie and Mark Salloum will work to tell the stories of some of Michigan’s 3,000 cemeteries through a series of episodes on Detroit PBS.”
Farm to Table
This PBS documentary will explore Michigan’s vast and diverse agricultural community by stepping into the day-to-day lives of the farmers who sustain it. Through intimate access and long-form storytelling, the film reveals the deep-rooted passion, resilience, and generational commitment that define Michigan farming.
All Aboard! The Great Lakes Train History
We are proud to announce All Aboard! The Great Lakes Train History, a film that captures the romance and wonder of train travel while celebrating the history of an irreplaceable artery that has carried Michigan’s people and powered its manufacturing for three centuries.
Detroit: The City of Chefs III
In the 2026 Detroit PBS film, Detroit: The City of Chefs III will explore the world of vegetarianism and veganism.
The vegetarian story will be driven by the rich agricultural bounty that Michigan has to offer the chef community. In the spirit of better understanding how in-depth our rich growing seasons are, we will feature chefs working closely with the farming community to better understand the significance of the term “farm to table”. We will learn why Detroit is one of the cities leading the way nationally with urban farming and how this has great benefits to the local communities.
Help us share untold stories
Your support makes it possible to produce films that inform, inspire, and initiate change.
Every contribution fuels our ability to reach new audiences and honor the stories that deserve to be heard.