April 27, 2023
The automotive and mobility industry typically comes to mind when thinking of Detroit. As the Motor City, Detroit has made a name for itself with the Big Three and other top automotive employers, such as Magna International, Bosch, and Cooper Standard. Recently, this city expanded beyond automobiles to include aerial vehicle concepts, such as GM’s Autonomous Flying Cadillac, showcasing drone market expansion. By having The Detroit Drone Film Festival, we are able to recognize the work of talented drone pilots, explore the ever-evolving field of drones, and build a supportive community.
When used to capture photography, a drone is called an aerial tripod. The angles, heights, and views captured by drones can be absolutely stunning. Capturing these unique perspectives allows one to see the world from different angles, allowing viewers to appreciate various environments’ subtlety.
As drone pilots, our work often goes unrecognized. Due to being a hired service, business names are often highlighted in the photographs and videos taken by pilots. For example, when realtors hire drone pilots, their names are listed on the images used to sell a property rather than the pilot. Our goal in creating the Detroit Drone Film Festival is to provide drone pilots with recognition from a supportive community for their outstanding work in sports, urban, and nature categories.
Preceding the award show, guests can interact with industry leaders and brand booths and walk through an aerial photography gallery featuring photographs of Michigan and areas around the world. During the award ceremony, industry leaders will recognize the work of drone pilots and determine the winners of various image and video categories. And lastly, the event will have many opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow drone enthusiasts.
Drone pilots are constantly capturing breathtaking images and videos that impact viewers in a positive way. We hope to recognize the amazing work within the community and inspire people to participate in seeing the world from different angles. So let’s expand upon Michigan’sheritage as the country’s innovation engine and bring an aerial perspective to the Motor City.
Mario Swaidan is a metro Detroit-based drone pilot and founder of Drone Capital. Swaidan was the first person to take and pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s 14 CFR Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot’s License Exam at the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology. He is also known for his aerial photography series “Michigan’s Natural Landscapes Gallery Exhibition,” sponsored by Michigan State University’s Federal Credit Union and officially recognized by Pure Michigan, and for teaching Drone Days classes at museums and science centers across the state. In 2023, Swaidan founded The Detroit Drone Film Festival, Detroit’s first drone film festival.
