As part of a campaign kickstarted by the International Organization for Immigration (IOM) to promote understanding and better
relationships between employers and domestic workers, three films are done to
spread the message in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Open Doors: Singapore is a film to tell a story within the
local context. The eight minute short follows the tale of Serene, a Singaporean
employer hiring Lisa, a domestic worker from the Philippines. Confiscating her
passport, work permit and not giving her a day off, Serene goes about being
unreasonable and demanding. As time passes, Serene’s own daughter begins to
mimic her behaviour to spark a shocking realisation.
The film is directed by Daniel Yam, and he was tasked to do
this by Fran Borgia of Akanga film raise awareness on the mistreatment of
maids. “I have read the treatment of the script (and) I believed in the message
of the story. I thought this is a story that needed to be told. I like stories
that end with a strong message about humanity,” Yam shared with SINdie.
What we found particularly impactful is that the perspective
taken is of the employer and not the maid. This choice challenges the viewers
to take a more active role in questioning themselves and whether the choices
made in the film are right or wrong. Also, what would we actually do if we know
someone doing this to their helper?
Yam gives an example: “Suppose a Singaporean goes on a job
interview, and be told that - there will not be any off days. The job requires
long hours from 6 am to 11 pm. He needs to be on standby at all times. I think
the interviewee will consider this as a ridiculous demand. But in fact this is
the working condition of our many local helpers”
Besides giving food for thought and to drive a conversation
forward on the rights of domestic workers, what else can viewers take away from
this film?
“All people are equal. When we treat others with respect and
love, respect and love come back to us.”
Watch the film here (from Viddsee):
Written by Dawn Teo