Obrero as Transmedia Documentary Project

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Obrero ('worker') is an independent multi-platform documentary project that explores the experiences of Filipino workers who migrated to Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand after the earthquake in 2011. Rather than functioning as a single linear film, the project expands the storytelling and social outreach by remaking the film into an interactive documentary (i-doc) and a Facebook-native documentary. The project also aims to contextualise labour migration in the Philippines by featuring Filipino workers in Christchurch as documentary participants and using the earthquake rebuild as a backdrop to its narrative. It stimulates social transformation by providing media platforms that explore the issues, struggles, and realities confronting our modern-day overseas workers. 

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Although focused on the Filipino migrants, Obrero represents a bigger global labour migration trend. Recent statistics shows that roughly 258 million people have migrated and taken residence outside their country of origin. The focus on the Philippines’ experience, however, is an important case study given the nation’s reputation as a “pioneer” in the “global enterprise” of labour. Therefore, while Obrero documentary explores the experience of a relatively small number of migrants working in New Zealand, the project is applicable elsewhere, as economic issues, migration policies, and social impact of migration transcend geographic boundaries.

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​Dedication

Obrero is dedicated to all Overseas Filipino Workers in New Zealand and worldwide.

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​Additional Credits

Eric del Rosario (poster designer)

Richard Aquino (Asst Cameraman, Auckland leg)

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Funding 

Obrero would not have been possible without the logistical, academic, and funding support of the University of Auckland.   

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