Flophouse America
7.3
“What does it truly take for someone to change?”
Because of the big housing problem in the US many people move into cheap, run down hotels, the so-called Flophouse hotels. Twelve-year-old Mikal was born and raised in a hotel room he shares with his parents, who struggle with substance abuse. Driven by love and a desire for a better life, his greatest wish is for his mother to stop drinking. 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.
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Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Monica Strømdahl Director · Siv Lamark Editor
United States release November 16, 2025 · Produced in United States, Norway, Netherlands · Production Basalt Film, RBB
Production
Fri Film
Production
Basalt Film
Production
RBB
Production
ARTE
Production
United States · Norway · Netherlands
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
Denmark · March 24, 2025
Premiere · Copenhagen International Documentary Festival
Netherlands · June 19, 2025
Theatrical
United States · November 16, 2025
DOC NYC
Australia
February 7, 2026 · Premiere · Antenna Documentary Film Festival
Brazil
October 16, 2025 · Premiere · São Paulo International Film Festival
Estonia
November 9, 2025 · Premiere · Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
France
June 23, 2026 · Digital · Arte•tv
June 23, 2026 · TV · Arte
June 24, 2026 · TV · ARTE
Germany
October 29, 2025 · Premiere · DOK Leipzig
June 23, 2026 · Digital · Arte•tv
June 23, 2026 · TV · Arte
Norway
January 30, 2026 · Theatrical
Switzerland
April 4, 2025 · Premiere · Visions du Réel
Taiwan
May 2, 2026 · Premiere · Taiwan International Documentary Festival
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