Flophouse America

12-year-old Mikal grows up in poverty with parents struggling with drug addiction. In a home marked by disorder and chaos, but also love and care, he fights for a better life.

The documentary Flophouse America is a heartbreaking and honest story from the shadows of the United States, offering a rare, intimate look at childhood in vulnerable circumstances.

Director Monica Strømdahl has a background as a still photographer, capturing the family’s life with precision and respect. For 15 years, she documented the everyday lives of people on the margins of American society before meeting Mikal and his parents, which led her to trade her still camera for a film camera. Three years of filming have resulted in an uncompromising and unforgettable work that, now that Mikal has turned 18 and given his approval, is dedicated to vulnerable children worldwide, with the hope of sparking discussion and creating change.

Flophouse America had its world premiere to a full house at CPH:DOX in March 2025, where it received an honorable mention in the DOX:AWARD competition. Since then, it has been screened and awarded at numerous international festivals. Now, it finally arrives on home turf at Oslo Pix.

Norwegian Premiere

The screening of FLOPHOUSE AMERICA at Klingenberg 1 on Wednesday 27.08 at 17.30 is the film’s Norwegian premiere.

Director’s Talk // Monica Strømdahl

Following the screening at Klingenberg 2 on Friday 29.08 at 20.30, there will be a conversation with the film’s director, Monica Strømdahl.