By Jeanly Danozo
Recently, Sounddelivery Media organised a special screening of the poignant film Raging Grace for participants of the Future Voices programme and other members of the Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW), an event that left a lasting impact on all who attended. This powerful film deeply resonates with the lived experiences of migrant domestic workers, shedding light on our struggles, resilience, and unwavering strength. Directed by Paris Zarcilla, Raging Grace tells the harrowing story of Joy, an undocumented Filipina caregiver in the U.K., and her young daughter, Grace.
At its core, Raging Grace is a tale of survival and sacrifice. Joy’s journey is one that many migrant domestic workers can relate to—juggling the weight of precarious immigration status with the deep love and responsibility she feels toward her daughter. The film deftly blends elements of horror with sharp social commentary, pulling viewers into the tense and often terrifying dynamics of a domestic worker’s life. It uncovers not only the dark secrets lurking within the home of her employer but also the systemic issues that disproportionately affect migrant workers, from exploitation and social marginalisation to the constant struggle for dignity in a world that too often overlooks our contributions.
Watching the film as migrant domestic workers ourselves, Raging Grace struck a profoundly personal chord. The film’s portrayal of Joy’s experiences mirrors the daily realities many of us face—working tirelessly in silence, enduring heavy responsibilities, and often sacrificing our own well-being for the promise of a better future for our families. The constant fear of being undocumented, the anxiety over potential deportation, and the precariousness of our existence are emotions we live with every day.
More than just a film about an individual’s journey, Raging Grace reflects the challenges migrant domestic workers face worldwide. It highlights the relentless emotional and psychological toll of working in an exploitative system, where our voices are often silenced, and our rights are unrecognised. Through Joy’s story, the film captures the strength and resilience that so many of us must summon just to survive in an environment that is rarely kind or forgiving.
The screening also provided an opportunity for a thought-provoking interview and Q&A session with the director, Paris Zarcilla. His personal connection to the story made the film even more powerful. Zarcilla shared that his inspiration for Raging Grace came from his own experiences growing up, particularly the influence of his mother, who worked as a domestic worker.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was when we discussed the impact that visual storytelling can have on communities like ours. Seeing our own stories on screen is an act of empowerment—one that affirms the validity of our experiences and the importance of our struggles. The film isn't just entertaining; it challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about immigration, exploitation, and the systemic barriers that keep marginalised groups from being seen or heard.
For Marissa Begonia, Director of VODW, Raging Grace felt especially personal. She shared, “The film resonated deeply with my own experiences. It felt as though the filmmaker truly understood or thoroughly researched the lives of domestic workers, accurately portraying the hidden reality of violence and exploitation we often face. The movie also maintained its Filipino identity and showcased the bravery needed to demand respect and dignity.”
This powerful reflection highlights what many of us already know: our stories are not just stories—they are the foundation of a larger movement. By sharing the struggles of characters like Joy, Raging Grace honors the experiences of countless domestic workers who have come before us, and continues to fuel the fight for justice, dignity, and recognition for domestic workers everywhere.
At the heart of this event was a reminder of the strength we possess collectively, and the importance of raising our voices in advocacy. As members of the Voice of Domestic Workers, we are committed to standing together and fighting for the rights of domestic workers across the globe. Our stories are not just a way to remember the past—they are tools to inspire change, build solidarity, and create a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
While the path toward equality is often fraught with obstacles, Raging Grace is a reminder that our voices, our stories, and our struggles matter. Through the power of storytelling, we can continue to challenge the systems that keep us marginalised, and inspire others to join us in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
About the Author:
About Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW)The Voice of Domestic Workers is an education and support group calling for justice and rights for Britain's sixteen thousand migrant domestic workers. Their work seeks to end discrimination and protect migrant domestic workers living in the UK by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare and legal advice.
For more information, visit The Voice of Domestic Workers here.
About the author
Jean grew up as the fourth of six sisters in the Philippines, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Accounting. She left home to work in Cyprus in 2020, and her employer brought her to the UK in 2023. Fortunately, she was able to escape the abusive situation with the help of the Voice of Domestic Workers, where she is now an active member, specifically involved in the education group.
Jean is part of the Future Voices programme, a unique leadership and training programme run in partnership between the Voice of Domestic Workers and Sounddelivery Media equipping a new network of migrant domestic workers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to share their stories, influence public opinion and advocate for change.
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