Our Place is Here… untold stories of exploited Filipino migrant workers in London

London film-maker Tracy Kiryango is working on a documentary that will share the untold stories of Filipino migrant workers who have been exploited by their London employers.

Our Place is Here was inspired by the campaigning efforts of non-profit organisations such as Filipino Domestic Workers Association (FWDA), Kanlungan and Kalayaan, who have been calling for South Londoners to sign the Charter of Rights to ensure improved rights for overseas workers.

Ms Kiryango said: “Our Place is Here is a film about family, and how to cultivate hope and community in a time of need.

“As someone with immigrant parents who worked in a similar sector, I was keen on documenting these courageous Filipino women who were willing to sacrifice themselves to financially help their families. Domestic workers don’t receive the praise and adoration that they should.

“It’s horrifying to think that the same women these employers entrust their children and elderly family members with are the same people they so openly mistreat and disregard.

“This film is a reminder that these women are mothers, daughters, siblings, and friends of people who love them, and are doing their best to provide them with the bright future that they deserve.”

The documentary includes footage of their experiences in London and their families’ experiences in Manila, highlighting the hardships that these women face but also the sense of empowerment that they experienced after finding a supportive network.

Phoebe Dimacali, founder of the Hackney-based non-profit organisation FDWA said: “The film goes beyond the dark and shows there is hope and unity among domestic migrant workers.”

Picture: Our Place is Here Picture: Tracy Kiryango, Director/Cinematographer ASE Productions