Domestic helper documentary now on int’l distribution platforms

Joanna Bowers

The Helper, a feature- length documentary focusing on Hong Kong’s migrant domestic workers is now available for purchase on DVD and BluRay, and VOD and iVOD distribution platforms internationally.

It is also currently available to pre-order on iTunes, it stated in a statement.

The film was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign and went on to have a sold-out 11-week theatrical release in Hong Kong in 2017.

The Helper chronicles diverse stories from Hong Kong’s migrant domestic worker population, showing the contribution these women make to Hong Kong society and uncovering the inspiring combination of grit, pride and determination that drives them.

Choosing to leave their homeland and separated from their families, the film features the Unsung Heroes, a choir of Filipino domestic workers perform on stage at Clockenflap music festival.

“We wanted to shine a spotlight on an invisible sector of Hong Kong society,” says director Joanna Bowers, as cited in the statement.

“These women have made the impossible decision to migrate for work and leave their families behind. They deserve their strength and sacrifice to be acknowledged and respected,” she added.

Meanwhile, producer Tony Verb said, “almost every day we are contacted by someone who has watched it and wants to let us know how impactful they’ve found these incredible women’s stories.”

The film’s social impact campaign titled “Thanks A Million” has been launched on Facebook with the objective of collecting a million “thank yous” to show gratitude towards domestic helpers.