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.