Introspective narratives and social action: Participatory videos from Hong Kong's domestic workers, asylum-seekers and ethnic minorities

Abstract

This presentation discusses some of the questions that emerged through the Visualizing the Voices of Migrant Women Workers participatory video workshop series conducted in Hong Kong (February-April 2017). Over 40 domestic workers, asylum seekers and ethnic minority participants were trained in video production, including storyboarding, scripting, assembling crews, shooting, art direction, location scouting, sound production, and editing. Each participant scripted and directed their own short video, in addition to working as crew members on other participants’ videos as producers, art directors, gaffers, sound technicians, location scouts, camera persons, and actors. One of the main objectives of this workshop series was to create an inclusive space for participants to script and produce the narratives that they wanted to share. The 43 short videos that were produced reflect diverse foci, methods and tones but we were struck by the introspective and reflective nature of many of the videos. The videos offered a thoughtful glimpse into the lives and perspectives of participants. Many emphasized the textures of everyday life, and featured hard-won moments of peace and calm amidst demanding work and busy lives in Hong Kong. As co-organizers who have both worked in academia and international NGOs, we were cognizant of the contrast between the reflective and introspective narratives that emerged in this project and the migrant narratives typically valued by NGOs that favour strong, assertive, urgent voices. As we now consider this project’s potential for social impact or social action, we grapple with questions about how these videos might support or challenge common NGO narratives of empowerment and voice. In so doing, we hope to foster dialogue on the social action potential of migrant whispers, as a complement to migrant voices.