With an unemployment rate of 10.5 percent and a dwindling population of 713,777, Detroit isn’t looking its healthiest. But in the ashes of a city that was once known as the “Paris of the Midwest,” director Philip Lauri presents a film that shows how innovative people can rise to save the day.

But this isn’t your typical documentary promising change.

In “After the Factory” Lauri doesn’t just show how Detroit is moving in a smarter, healthier and more inventive direction. He also tells to story of Lodz, Poland, a city that was stricken by communist rule, and like Detroit, fought to survive in a post-industrial era.

With amazing introspection, Lauri tells the history of the two cities while also spotlighting the artistic youth that refuse to give up. He captures the words and thoughts of pacesetters like Slow’s Barbecue owner Phil Cooley and civil activist Grace Lee Boggs, who both fight to keep the growing trend of change alive.

In Poland, he interviews the ever-growing pioneers who’ve geared their lives to changing abandoned buildings and empty spaces into art centers and coffee shops.

The documentary tells how people are turning vacant spots and abandoned homes, into vegetable gardens and studios for artists.

The commentary among the film’s many spokespeople will leave you asking, “What can I do to make my city better?” Lauri, a contributor for the Detroit Lives! series, interviews people across these two cities to ignite a fire that will allow Detroit to be the blueprint for other cities in turmoil.

Through his wide lenses and calming local faces, Lauri opens the doors to an uprising that many other people don’t seem to be aware of. The director has dream to see all fallen cities to rise above their plight.