Flophouse America
Intimate documentary about Mikal, a smart and sensitive boy who grows up in a hotel room with his alcoholic parents.
Due to the severe housing crisis in the U.S., many families are forced to live in rundown, low-cost hotels known as flophouses. Director Monica Strømdahl has spent years documenting this reality, capturing both the struggles and resilience of those who call these temporary shelters home.
Four years ago, she met Mikal – one of many children growing up in these precarious conditions. By sharing his story, Mikal hopes to shed light on a hidden crisis and support others in similar situations.
Flophouse America follows Mikal as he navigates a childhood marked by poverty and substance abuse. He is bright and articulate, but his parents’ struggles prevent them from providing the stability he needs. Through Mikal’s perspective, the film paints an intimate portrait of resilience, hope, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. (source: Movies that Matter)