Flophouse America
Flophouse America tells the story of Mikal, 12, who is growing up in a home characterised by substance abuse, disorder, and chaos, but also love and a dream of a better life. Mikal is articulate and does well in school. However, poverty and his parents’ substance abuse prevent them from providing what he needs. Mikal’s greatest wish is for his mother to stop drinking. But what does it really take for someone to truly change?
Monica Strømdahl’s first film as a director, shot over three years within the small motel room that Mikal’s family call home, is outstanding in many ways. It’s a meaningful insight into a modern crisis (homelessness in rich countries); a maelstrom of emotions that beg to express themselves and dominate each other, never hiding from a filmmaker whose non-judgemental and empathetic approach granted her full access; the caring observation of a child’s survival instincts as he is exposed to the mad contradictions of the adult world, which often feel like a million-piece puzzle that can’t form a whole.
Complete the viewing of Flophouse America with our interview of director Monica Strømdahl as part of DOC DAY Online.
This film is eligible for the Best Documentary Award/Gradam na Féile do Scannáin Faisnéise, Audentia Award and Lookout Award.
This screening is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Cork International Film Festival is delighted to return to its Principal Venue, The Arc Cinema on North Main St, Cork, for its 70th Festival edition, Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November 2025.
The Arc Cinema Cork is home to The GATE Screen — a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the beloved former Gate Cinema — and an ideal spot for meeting fellow festival goers in between screenings. The GATE Screen features luxurious double sofa seats and tables, creating an intimate and sophisticated viewing experience. It is dedicated to showcasing arthouse films, including independent and local productions, foreign and Irish language titles throughout the year.
