Educational Media Reviews Online

This 73-minute documentary is a searing commentary on the plight of female migrant domestic workers in present-day Lebanon, and the Kafala (sponsorship) System. The Kafala System in Lebanon denies migrant domestic workers the most basic rights and creates a culture where workers suffer exploitation with no remedy for their situation. Room Without A View explores issues of Labor Laws, Human Rights, Human Trafficking, Immigration, and Women’s Rights.

Director Roser Corella takes an interesting approach with this film by focusing on the varied perspectives of women experiencing this situation. While Lebanese women feel pressure to conform to their cultural expectations by keeping spotless homes and having successful careers, the film also highlights women that have left their home countries with dreams of earning money to help their families, only to live in what can best be described as modern-day slavery.

The families who employ migrant domestic workers have complete control of their lives owing to the Kafala System. The film attempts to leave the viewer with a sense of hope as migrant domestic workers have begun to organize within their communities. These groups offer support to workers experiencing abuse and demand reform within the Kafala System so that they are afforded rights as employees and as human beings.

Awards:
Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2021, Winner CICFF Award; DMZ International Documentary Film Festival 2021, Winner Special Mention Jury Prize; DocsBarcelona, ES 2021, Winner International Amnesty Catalunya Award; Best Documentary Feature, Brights Future Independent Film Festival Gothenburg, Sweden; Award Human Rights Documentary, Festival del Cinema dei Diritti Umani di Napoli, Italy

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