Watch The Washing Society

The Washing Society is a 2017 movie that follows the narrative of two women- a Chinese laundry worker and a Latina housekeeper- who form a bond and eventually decide to take on the laundry industry in New York City. The film is a poignant exploration of themes of migration, underpaid labor, and exploitation, and is inspired by the real-life experiences of the filmmakers, Lynne Sachs and Lizzie Olesker.

Jasmine Holloway stars as the protagonist, a Chinese laundry worker named Lutie. Her character is a composite of the stories of several Chinese immigrant laundry workers who work long hours for low pay, with little recognition or appreciation. Veraalba Santa plays an equally important role as a Latina housekeeper who encounters Lutie while doing laundry for her employer. The two women form a friendship and begin to explore ways they can challenge the harsh working conditions they face.

The Washing Society is a beautifully shot film, with the city of New York serving as a backdrop to the unfolding story. The directors make use of a mix of documentary and fiction filmmaking techniques, lending the film a raw and authentic feel. There are moments of humor interspersed throughout the movie, but for the most part, it is a somber and contemplative exploration of the lives of two women who have been marginalized and overlooked by society.

The film highlights how the vulnerable and voiceless members of society- immigrants, minorities, and women- are exploited and mistreated in ways that are often invisible to the rest of society. This is particularly evident in the case of Lutie, who is often disregarded by her employers and treated as a machine, with little thought given to her needs or well-being. The relationship that develops between Lutie and her Latina friend is a source of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.

One of the most significant aspects of The Washing Society is its willingness to tackle issues of race, class, and gender head-on. The film does not shy away from showing the power dynamics at play in the lives of its characters, and this is particularly evident in the scenes where Lutie and her colleagues are mistreated by their white employers. We see the complex web of power and privilege that often underpins relationships between employers and employees, and how this can lead to exploitation and abuse.

Despite the serious themes it explores, The Washing Society is ultimately a film about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of solidarity. Lutie and her friend might be exploited and underpaid, but they are determined to fight back and make a difference in their own small way. The film leaves the viewer with a sense of hope that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Overall, The Washing Society is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. Its exploration of themes of migration, labor, and solidarity is both timely and important, and its use of a fictional narrative to shed light on the lives of marginalized individuals is both innovative and effective. If you are looking for a film that will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled, then The Washing Society is definitely worth checking out.

The Washing Society is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 44 minutes.