“We Don't Dance for Nothing” is a photo-montage love letter to the Filipina domestic workers of Hong Kong. Hundreds of thousands of Filipina domestic workers are currently employed as nannies and maids in Hong Kong. Stefanos Tai's film follows a young domestic worker who wants to break free and follow her dreams of independence, love and motherhood. Captured on Super 16 during the Hong Kong protests of 2019, the film's imagery is a blend of stills and live-action footage. Tai touches upon LGBTQ+ themes, issues of workers' rights, and Hong Kong's changing political landscape, capturing moments of joy amidst struggle. By vividly expressing the entrapment felt by Filipina domestic workers and the freedom they find in dance, Tai's film moves beyond media (mis)representations of their community and shows them as people full of talent, joy and grace.
The World Premiere for “We Don't Dance for Nothing” is scheduled for May 10, 2022 in Vancouver, BC at the 21st edition of the DOXA Documentary Film Festival (May 5 to May 15, 2022), Western Canada's largest documentary film festival.
Showings – select to order tickets:
Tue, May 10th, 8:15 PM @ The Cinematheque
Sat, May 14th, 3:45 PM @ The Cinematheque
In addition, the film will feature in the Premieres lineup for the 32nd annual Inside Out Toronto 2S (two spirit) LGBTQ+ Film Festival (May 26 to June 5, 2022).
Showtimes – select to order tickets:
Sun, May 29 2022 6:45pm EST (Virtual)
Sun, May 29 2022 6:45pm TBLB 1 (In-person at TIFF Bell Lightbox)
