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Synopsis

Maid in Hell offers a glimpse into the commonplace reality of harassment, abuse, rape and 18-hour work days that many migrant domestic workers across the Middle East face. Trapped by the Kafala or “sponsorship” system, their passports are confiscated binding them to their employer. Attempts to flee can incur harsh punishment or detention. Maid in Hell gives unprecedented access to this frightening and brutal form abuse. Following employment agents who vividly describe the trade, as well as maids who struggle to find a way home after harrowing, and sometimes, deadly experiences, we learn the grotesque reality faced by thousands of women each day. 

Credits

Søren Klovborg

Director

Søren Klovborg has more than 20 years of experience as a producer, editor, scriptwriter and consultant. He has one of the strongest profiles in Denmark when it comes to investigative journalism and has been the driving force behind a number of award winning documentaries––uncovering issues like the trade of human organs, the surrogate industry, piracy in Somalia, Mugabe’s hunt on white farmers and many others. Søren Klovborg also has substantial editorial experience: commissioning editor of DR Documentaries for a number of years, head of the Department of Foreign Affairs at DR, head of a weekly strand of foreign affairs documentaries. Søren also works as a scriptwriter and consultant on documentaries supported by the Danish Film Institute. He is a teacher for journalists in Denmark and in the Middle East focusing on investigative journalism, ethics and visual storytelling.

Mette Heide

Producer

Mette Heide is an award-winning executive producer and owner of +plus pictures ApS, a Danish independent production company producing films and high quality factual television programs for the domestic and international market. She has worked as an executive producer for the past 20 years and has produced more than 50 films. Recent titles include Leslee Udwin’s Peabody winning documentary “India’s Daughter,” Jehane Noujaim’s “Solar Mamas,” part of the Peabody Award-winning series WHY POVERTY?, and Lauren Greenfield’s Sundance-winning “Queen of Versailles.” She is a three-time winner of a Danish Academy Award for best documentary.