Documentary on Hamtramck to air on PBS, May 25

By Charles Sercombe
Hamtramck is no stranger when it comes to movie-making and documentaries.
The city has played either a starring role or as a background for many Hollywood movies, as well as those folks on their way up the career ladder.
Back in 2017, two documentary filmmakers, Justin Feltman and Razi Jafri, set out to explore an upcoming city election, as well as the many co-existing cultures represented here.
That documentary is now ready for screening, and you can watch it this Tuesday (May 25) at 8 p.m. on your local PBS television channel.
“Hamtramck, USA,” according to a press release, says the city  was “Once known as a Polish Catholic town, … (it) is now home to America’s first Muslim-majority city. As election season approaches, candidates set out to win hearts, minds and votes in this rapidly changing city. Going behind the scenes of small-town politics, Hamtramck, USA explores the beauty and challenges that come with multiculturalism.”

The documentary features dozens of residents and elected officials, including Mayor Karen Majewski, Mohammed Hassan, and Kamal Rahman, among other candidates running for office.
Also included are scenes from a number of major social events, such as the Hamtramck Labor Day weekend, religious celebrations, and the rat rod car show at Kelly’s.
Can’t get to a television on Tuesday?
You can watch the film here:
https://worldchannel.org/episode/america-reframed-hamtramck-usa/

Posted May 23, 2021