Sunday Beauty Queen

Baby Ruth Villarama's 2016 documentary follows Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong. They have one day off a week. On that day a beauty pageant is held. The documentary does not make light of it; the narrative shows the women's working conditions, their relationships with employers and the risk of deportation alongside the preparations. The filming ran over a long period and entered the households. The tone is warm while the conditions are stated plainly. Who it's for: viewers interested in migrant labour and documentary cinema. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a celebratory pageant film; the documentary is mainly about the work.