Editors note: The Flagmakers premiered for one showing in Milwaukee on Nov. 17th, at the Oriental Theater with a talkback featuring directors, Cynthia Wade and Sharon Liese and Milwaukee locals that were featured in the film. Look for a more in depth feature in Wisconsin Muslim Journal.
National Geographic’s latest documentary, “The Flagmakers”, is coming to Disney+ in the United States on Wednesday, 21st December 2022.
This is a short documentary from award-winning co-directors Cynthia Wade (“Freeheld”) and Sharon Liese (“Transhood”), and announced NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as executive producer.
“The Flagmakers”, poses one of today’s most pressing questions: who is the American flag for? Employee-owned Eder Flag in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, sews and ships five million American flags a year. The flagmakers — locals, immigrants and refugees — stitch stars and stripes as they wrestle with identity and belonging. Sewing manager Radica, a Serbian immigrant, believes every flag has a soul. Ali, a war survivor from Iraq, is learning how to use a sewing machine after arriving in the United States just 90 days prior. Midwestern-born Barb’s genuine friendships with her immigrant co-workers belie her staunchly conservative beliefs.
SugarRay, a Black man born and raised in Milwaukee, reflects on his complicated relationship with this country. Each considers: What does the American flag represent in a changing nation and world, and for whom? “The Flagmakers”, is an intimate glimpse into the people whose hands make America’s most recognizable icon.
