Virginia Film Festival

Hamtramck, Michigan is a city built by immigrants. Once a town that was 90% Polish, Hamtramck became the first Muslim majority city in America. Now, this new wave of immigrants seeks to gain representation in city hall. Focusing on three individuals’ campaigns during one election season, this documentary highlights the ability of candidates to build support, coalitions, and partnerships across ethnic and religious lines while highlighting the lives, celebrations, and cultures of those calling Hamtramck home. By exploring the city’s rich history and a heated election, this politically fueled documentary wrestles with identity politics, power dynamics, and the immigrant experience in America. Discussion with directors Justin Feltman and Razi Jafri, moderated by Shilpa Davé (UVA) to follow.