Sales agency Lightdox has acquired Monica Strømdahl’s Flophouse America, which will have its world premiere on Wednesday at the CPH:DOX documentary festival in Copenhagen’s main competition section.
The film follows 12-year-old Mikal, who lives with his parents and their cat, Smokey, in a cramped room at a budget hotel, often referred to as a “flophouse.” Despite the chaos of alcohol abuse and poverty, the family shares a bond of love and hope for a better life.
Strømdahl spent years traveling across the U.S., documenting the lives of families living in these motels. Her journey led her to meet Mikal eight years ago, one of many children growing up in such environments. The documentary captures three years of his life, highlighting the pain of a fractured childhood while showcasing the warmth and complexity of his family.
Lightdox’s Anna Berthollet commented, “This powerful film reveals the raw and heartbreaking reality of a young boy’s struggle for hope amid poverty and addiction. Monica Strømdahl’s compassionate yet unflinching approach provides a poignant view of life on the margins, shedding light on the challenges often ignored.”
The film is co-written and edited by Siv Lamark. It is produced by Beathe Hofseth and Siri Natvik of Fri Film, with Eline van Wees of Basalt Film as a co-producer. Executive producers include David Sutherland, Joshua Seftel, and Eric Nicols at Smartypants.
Flophouse America is being distributed in Norway by Norsk Filmdistribusjon and in the Netherlands by Cinema Delicatessen. Broadcasters involved include RBB/Arte.
Related topics:
