HAMTRAMCK USA
HAMTRAMCK, USA is a documentary exploring life and democracy in America's first Muslim-majority city. Hamtramck, Michigan was established by German immigrants and thrived in the 20th century with an influx of Polish Catholic arrivees drawn to the industrial boom of America. In recent years, Bangladeshi and Yemeni Muslim immigrants have revitalized Hamtramck, making it the first Muslim-majority city in the United States. The city prides itself on this diversity. However, as the election season begins, Hamtramck splits into factions, as each community jockey for representation in city hall.
The film follows Fadel al-Marsoumi, a young Iraqi immigrant and first-time candidate for city council, and Karen Majewski, Hamtramck’s first female mayor in the city’s 100-year lineage of Polish mayors. As election day approaches, candidates face various challenges and opportunities within the city’s numerous communities and work to build coalitions across religious and ethnic lines.
THE TEAM
Justin Feltman | Director
Justin Feltman is a documentary filmmaker and producer whose work explores community, identity, and American life. A graduate of Pacific Union College, where he studied film and business administration, he co-directed and produced Hamtramck, USA, a feature documentary about life and democracy in America’s first Muslim-majority city. In addition to documentary filmmaking, Justin creates video content for nonprofits and small businesses in the Washington, D.C. area and is a member of The Video Consortium.
Razi Jafri | Director
Razi Jafri is a Detroit-based documentary filmmaker and Senior Editor of Visual Features at NPR. His work explores democracy, identity, faith, and political power through intimate, character-driven storytelling. He directed Hamtramck, USA and produced the Independent Lens documentary Three Chaplains, and produced Seasons of Glory: The Story of River Rouge Basketball. His films have screened at major festivals including SXSW, Hot Docs, . Jafri is currently completing his feature documentary Uncommitted and developing projects through his production company, People First Productions.
SUPPORTED BY:
The Yip Harburg Foundation