Flophouse America

Monica Strømdahl – Norway, The Netherlands 2025 – 80 minutes – spoken language: English, with English subtitles

Due to the severe housing crisis in the U.S., many families are forced to live in rundown, low-cost hotels known as Flophouse hotels. Director, Monica Strømdahl, has spent years documenting this reality, capturing 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 help others in similar situations.

Flophouse America follows Mikal as he navigates a childhood marked by poverty, substance abuse, and instability. Mikal is bright and articulate, but his parents’ struggles prevent them from giving him the stability he needs. Through Mikal’s perspective, the film paints an intimate portrait of resilience, hope, and the harsh realities of life on society’s margins.

This feature film in the Movies that Matter on Tour series will be introduced and followed by a discussion. Subtitles and discussion in English.
With the On Tour program, Movies that Matter organizes screenings with in-depth programmes in The Netherlands and online. They do this in collaboration with a diverse array of organizations and companies. Among other things, they also organise the annual Movies that Matter festival in The Hague.