Flophouse America

World premiere: CPH:DOX 2025 / DOX:AWARD International Competition

Because of the US housing problems, many people live in run-down hotels, the so-called flophouses. Mikal (12) lives in a cheap room in one of these flophouses together with his parents and their cat, Smokey. Their home is filled with chaos and alcohol abuse, but also love and the dream of a better life.  
 
Director Monica Strømdahl has been travelling the US documenting peoples life in such hotels, and six years ago she met Mikal, one of many children growing up in one. This coming-of-age story follows Mikal over three years, and captures the pain of a fractured childhood, as well as the complexity and warmth of family.
 
A FILM BY Monica Strømdahl | Norway/ Netherlands/ USA, 2025, 78’