'Photographer.DH', a documentary by Howie Severino, on 'I-Witness'

 

“PHOTOGRAPHER.DH”

Dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino

October 11, 2014

 

Howie Severino and his documentary team arrive in Hong Kong at the height of the pro-democracy protests which rocked that city to the core. Among those taking photos of the action was a shy, young Filipina who has quickly made a name for herself in the world of photography. 

 

After prowling the streets with her camera in the evenings, 27-year-old Xyza Bacani goes home to her job as a domestic helper and yaya. 

 

One of over 150,000 Pinay DHs toiling in Hong Kong, Xyza leads a double life — a hard-working maid who is also a rising street photographer whose work conveys an edginess and spirit liberated only by her camera. 

 

She is not the only one. Howie and his team meet other domestic helpers in HK who break out of the monotonous routines of their lives by shooting, and expressing a vision that would otherwise remain hidden. 

 

Among those who have championed their work is Rick Rocamora, an internationally known documentary photographer who discovered Xyza online and brought her to the attention of the New York Times and other global outlets. 

 

Rick has his own world that he prowls with his camera — Quiapo with all of its colorful characters. On the Internet, his world and Xyza's are connected. Through Rick, Howie becomes aware of Xyza's extraordinary work and goes to HK to meet her, just in time to witness and document with her the umbrella revolution.

Watch "Photgrapher.DH," a documentary by Howie G. Severino this Saturday, Oct. 11 on I-Witness, 10:30 PM, after Celebrity Bluff on GMA.