Back to Work

"Back To Work" is a film that delves into the complexities of modern womanhood and the often-overlooked stories of foreign migrant workers. As the director of this project, my creative motivation is to explore the lives of contemporary Asian wives, shedding light on the challenges they face when they aspire to pursue personal career ambitions while attempting to balance their family and work responsibilities. Often, this paradoxical situation comes at the cost of exploiting another, more vulnerable woman.

The story follows Lifen, a determined housewife, as she decides to return to work after a long absence from the workforce. However, her plans are disrupted when her housemaid, Adi, runs away. In her pursuit to find Adi, Lifen is confronted with unexpected truths about herself and the exploitation that can exist within the relationships between women.

Through Lifen's character, I aim to address the ever-present issue of the uneven distribution of household chores in modern Asian families. I wanted to challenge the notion that outsourcing housework alone can free women from the constraints of their familial roles. Lifen's journey reflects the struggles many women face today who yearn for personal fulfillment and independence while navigating societal expectations.

On the other hand, Adi, in essence, serves as a mirror image of Lifen. I sought to provide a glimpse into the lives of foreign migrant workers in Taiwan through Adi's character, highlighting their dreams, passions, and challenges beyond the typical narratives of victimhood or exceptionalism. Adi's participation in beauty pageants symbolizes her search for identity and connection in a foreign land.

"Back To Work" utilizes comedy as a guise to address the tragic theme of the potential exploitation of one woman's rights for the empowerment of another. Through the absurdity of a modern wife manhunting her maid, I aim to engage audiences in a heartfelt dialogue about women's sacrifices and choices in their pursuit of autonomy and fulfillment.

The film also sheds light on the vibrant beauty pageant culture within migrant worker communities, precisely that of Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan. These events are often grand and elaborate yet remain largely unknown to the broader Taiwanese society. I wanted to bring attention to the parallel worlds that coexist within the same time and space, inviting viewers to see the beauty and complexity in these seemingly separate lives.

"Back To Work" is not just a story; it reflects the invisible struggles that many women and migrant workers face daily. It is an invitation to empathize with the predicaments of contemporary Asian women and to recognize the shared humanity that transcends cultural and social boundaries.