Skip to main content

Deep Dive: The Flagmakers (2022)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

The Flagmakers
The Flagmakers is a 2022 documentary that focuses on the Eder Flag factory in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the largest manufacturer of American flags in the United States. The film features a diverse workforce, primarily composed of refugees and immigrants from various regions including Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America. It follows individual employees, such as Radica, who immigrated from Serbia, and Ali, a war survivor from Iraq, as they share their personal stories and the significance of the American flag in their lives. The documentary also addresses contemporary social issues, with production manager SugarRay reflecting on recent tragedies like the murder of George Floyd. The film captures the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the factory workers and shows the relationships between long-time employees, such as Barb, who is retiring due to health issues, and her immigrant co-workers. Co-director Cynthia Wade describes the factory as a visual tapestry, emphasizing the richness of the sewing process and the diversity of the workforce.

Why Watch

  • •Meet diverse workers at Eder Flag factory
  • •Find out how COVID-19 affected flag production
  • •See personal stories of immigrants like Radica and Ali

Did You Know

•Eder Flag is the largest manufacturer of American flags in the nation.
•Filming began in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic started.
•The film premiered at the Camden International Film Festival on September 16, 2022.
•NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo produced the film.

Perfect For

American flag historyImmigrant storiesSocial justice themes