New Documentary About Michigan Railroad History to Premiere on PBS

Bending River Films in Canton Township is currently producing “All Aboard! The Great Lakes Train History,” a documentary examining nearly two centuries of Michigan railroad history. The film will premiere on Detroit PBS in late 2026.

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmakers Keith Famie and Mark Salloum, the documentary will chronicle Michigan’s railroad industry from its pre-statehood origins in 1832 through its transformative impact on commerce, manufacturing, and passenger travel.

“Railroads are woven into the fabric of Michigan’s history,” says Salloum. “This film captures not just the mechanics of the industry, but the romance, innovation, and human stories that made trains central to Michigan’s growth.”

The documentary will explore:

• Historic train stations repurposed as restaurants, venues, and community spaces
• Train hobbyists and the National Model Railroad Association members whose displays showcase serious craftsmanship
• Industrialization of freight and the railway system and its impact on commerce
• The impact of commuter transportation in the early years with Amtrak and other lines
• Unique railroad stories revealing the human side of rail heritage
• The enduring romance and cultural significance of train travel

“Trains have been essential to Michigan’s identity for nearly two centuries,” says Famie.

“From moving manufacturing materials to connecting communities, railroads built modern Michigan.”

For more information and to view the trailer, visit here.

In Related News, Bending River Films is currently producing “Laid to Rest,” a documentary exploring Michigan’s most unique cemeteries and the diverse cultural traditions surrounding  death and remembrance. The film is scheduled to premiere on Detroit PBS in late 2026.

“Laid  to Rest” takes viewers through Michigan’s rich cemetery heritage, with particular focus on metro Detroit’s historic burial grounds and gravesites. The documentary also examines how different cultures and communities mourn, celebrate, and honor those who have passed.

The film features gravesites of Michigan’s most influential founders and developers, while tracing the evolution of burial practices from the state’s earliest days to contemporary  customs.

“Michigan has over 3,000 cemeteries, some dating back to the 17^th century,” says Famie. “Each one tells stories about the people who built our communities and the traditions that define how we remember them.”

For more information and to view the trailer, visit here.