Clayton Rye
Filmmaker • Educator • Storyteller • Veteran
Award-winning documentary filmmaker dedicated to preserving untold stories of civil rights, social justice, and American history.
A Life Dedicated to Storytelling
For over four decades, Clayton Rye has been a passionate advocate for giving voice to the voiceless. As a documentary filmmaker, professor, author, and Vietnam veteran, his work bridges the worlds of art, education, and social justice.
From the classrooms of Ferris State University to the editing rooms where award-winning documentaries took shape, Clayton's career has been defined by a commitment to truth, dignity, and the power of visual storytelling.
Featured Documentary
First Place, Documentary Feature - Made-in-Michigan Film Festival, 2010
Detroit Civil Rights Trilogy
2010
A powerful three-part documentary exploring pivotal moments in Michigan's civil rights history. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, the trilogy brings to light the stories of:
- Dave Moore - Last Survivor of the Ford Hunger March
- Sara Elizabeth Haskell - The Rosa Parks of the Boblo Boat
- Duane Gerlach - Mr. Interlocutor of Mount Clemens
This award-winning work stands as a testament to the courage of ordinary people who fought for justice and equality.