Bowers, Joanna

Bowers, Joanna – Critical Biography

HONG KONG-PHILIPPINES-MUSIC-SOCIAL-FILM-MAIDS

Joanna graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in Broadcast Journalism with the BBC. She began her directing career whilst working in Los Angeles with the narrative short film Inviolate Rose followed by other commercial, fashion and narrative short projects. She now lives in Hong Kong working as a writer and director creating original content filming throughout Asia with recent shoots for brands including Cathay Pacific, HSBC and The North Face. Her feature documentary debut The Helper chronicles diverse stories from Hong Kong’s migrant domestic workers, exploring the immense contribution they make to society in the face of heart-breaking separation from their loved ones. The Helper premiered in Hong Kong in May 2017, followed by an 11-week theatrical run in Hong Kong and international distribution. The film’s Thanks A Million social impact campaign has inspired thousands of public gestures of gratitude towards the migrant worker population, creating a marked shift in their perception within the community. Joanna is currently filming another feature documentary exploring sustainable innovation and pioneering entrepreneurs in Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry.