Beneath Hong Kong’s glittering facade, Filipinos working as domestic helpers work in relative anonymity and for near slave wages. In a beauty pageant like no other in the world, five helpers give themselves makeovers for a day and gleefully reclaim their dignity.
The Philippines has an estimated 12 to 15 million overseas foreign workers (OFWs) or migrant workers deployed abroad working in different parts of the world, from cleaners to professional workers.
The OFWs are key drivers in the Philippine economy with their average annual contribution of over US$20 billion. They have helped prop up the economy and cushion the country from recession and economic crises.
Yet, these modern day heroes are vulnerable to dangers and threats like abusive employers, illegal recruiters, racial discrimination, getting trapped in war-torn countries and the like. All that, on top of their personal struggles amplified by the pain of being away from their loved ones.
The film focuses on the lives of OFWs working as maids in Hong Kong, one of the top three destinations of land-based Filipino migrant workers.
The film hopes to bring cinema viewers into the hidden lives and journey of these women as they struggle to find independence and self-worth, in very tight spaces.
Impact
The film aims for both Philippine and Hong Kong governments to prioritize policies to protect migrant workers coming from Southeast Asia. There is a need for political will and muscle to renegotiate policies like the Hong Kong 14-day rule deportation of foreign domestic workers, a trap to endure more abuses.
Read more updates about this film here.
