The Dreams of the Night Cleaners

199646 min 30 secFilm: Documentary

Direction: Leila Sujir

Production: Leila SujirJerry KrepakevichSara DiamondGraydon McCreaKathy Dodd

Script: Leila Sujir

Co-produced by LRS Productions Limited, the NFB and the Banff Centre for the Arts with the assistance of Studio D of the NFB.

Through a visually rich blend of drama, archival and documentary footage with video imagery, The Dreams of the Night Cleaners weaves together many stories that radiate from Usha and her night shift cleaner friend, Devika, a recent immigrant from India. Prevailing cultural mythologies have devastating effects not only on public policy and public attitudes, but on individual lives. From both a personal and historical perspective, this art video examines Asian immigration to Canada, racism, sexism and employment fears in an uncertain marketplace.

Subject categories

  • Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism > Asian OriginsImmigration Experience and Social AdjustmentWorking Life Since 1970
  • Social Issues > Cultural GroupsDiscrimination and Stereotyping
  • Work and Labour Relations > Cultural Groups
  • Women > Discrimination, Stereotyping and Equal RightsWorking Life

Credits

director
Leila Sujir
script
Leila Sujir
producer
Leila Sujir
Jerry Krepakevich
Sara Diamond
executive producer
Graydon McCrea
Sara Diamond
associate producer
Kathy Dodd
photography
James Jeffrey
sound
Per Asplund
editing
Sarah Peddie
Stuart M. Rankin
sound editing
Steven Cole
Steven Shelski
Sue Robertson
re-recording
Andy Koyama
animation
Catherine McGinnis
music
Kathryn Moses
cast
Balinder Johal
Veena Sood
Madhuri Bhatia
Micki Maunsell
Laura Parken
Mike Kassam
Michèle Fansett
Estel Latchman
Sarindar Dhaliwal
Pat Roome