Synopsis

Wena, a domestic helper who works in a middle-class family in Hong Kong, takes care of a child Natalie who lives in the shadow of her parents’ tense marriage. Natalie builds a strong bond with Wena in spite of the constant sowing of discord from her demanding mother. On the other hand, Wena is backstabbed by her avaricious husband in the Philippines who threatened Wena with their daughter.

Curator’s Note

The characterization and plot are reminiscent of Anthony Chen's Ilo Ilo. The position of the Filipino maid reflects theirrole of ambiguity and awkwardness in a Hong Kong middle-class family, but at the same time, it is also possible to understand the liminal space formed by the Filipino maid community: They are at the periphery of Hong Kong and maintain a psychological distance from their homeland. (Zhaoyu Zhu)

Director’s bio

Natalie Kung, born and raised in Hong Kong. Graduated from Beijing Film Academy with an MFA degree in Directing; She received her bachelor’s degree in Film & Media from the University of California, Berkeley.

Director’s Note

A portion of this film is inspired by real events from my childhood. The protaganist Wena was a domestic helper in my household, who took care of me from birth till my teenage years, when she left without notice. Only recently did I found out she has moved to work in Italy. Many Filipino domestic helpers marry and give birth young, and migrates to Hong Kong for work in their twenties. Given their circumstances, they leave behind their children to take care of children of others. Regardless of such harsh reality, they look after their employers’ children just like their own. Growing up, many Hongkongers with upbringings similar to mine are influenced by them. Be it my dietary preference, my English accent at one point, or even a part of my worldview and things that move me, I can always find a sliver her in me. To me, Wena is a beautiful, strong and gentle human being, and I am forever grateful to have a woman like her by my side growing up.

Festival & Awards

Casts

Katrina Dalino TOOMALATAI

Credits

Director: Natalie Kung

DP: Don NG

Editing: Kimber JIANG

Sound: ZHU Sijia

Production Design: CHAN Miu Ling