A Celebration of Community at a Time of Division in Flag Day Doc

The documentary ‘Flag Day’ highlights the largest Flag Day celebration in the U.S., which takes place in the small city of Three Oaks, Michigan. Every July 14, the town, with a population of 1,370, hosts a massive parade to celebrate the holiday. This film, which opens at Violet Crown Cinema this weekend, is a project by Andrew and Melissa Shea, a husband-and-wife filmmaking duo. Their connection to Three Oaks began when they visited the area, as Andrew was once considered for a job at Notre Dame. Although he declined the offer, the couple frequently vacationed in Michigan and eventually learned about the local Flag Day parade.

They became captivated by the event and decided that their experiences would be the foundation for their next film, aiming to showcase community and unity amidst societal divides. The documentary features a diverse array of participants in the 2024 parade, from veterans to local organizations, curated to represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

Melissa Shea makes her feature directorial debut, co-directing with Andrew. With their children transitioning to college, she found the opportunity to return to directing. The film’s production involved a significant crew of 11 splinter teams to capture the parade’s various narratives. Their collaboration was supported by filmmaker Kyle Henry, who introduced them to experienced documentary professionals.

The project continues with a planned spin-off focusing on Lyn Isbell, a key figure in the community. The Sheas, now producing that work, are excited about the direction it will take under Eric Seals, a promising documentarian.

‘Flag Day’ will be screened at Violet Crown Cinema from September 24-26, with tickets available online.