Once a city that was 90% Polish, Hamtramck became the first Muslim majority city in America. Now, this new wave of immigrants aim to gain representation in city hall.

Hamtramck, USA follows Kamal Rahman, a Bangladeshi candidate for Mayor, Fadel al-Marsoumi, a 23-year old Iraqi immigrant running for City Council, and the current mayor, Karen Majewski, Hamtramck’s first female mayor in the city’s 100 year lineage of Polish mayors. Throughout the election, candidates look to build support, coalitions, and partnerships across ethnic and religious lines.

Woven into the election season, the film showcases the vibrant life, celebrations, and culture of those who call this city home.

I had never heard of the city of Hamtramck, and I found this film to be totally engaging. Especially so in an election year. All Michiganers will appreciate even more. So, as I said, I had never heard of this city, and then after selecting it for FLIFF, one evening going to bed, and reading an Elmore Leonard novel, a major scene was set in Hamtramck...having seen the film, I had a much greater perception of the city...GvH