“Maid in America” is a fascinating look at the Latina domestic workers in Los Angeles. By focusing on three of the 100,000 in the city, this film gives us a glimpse of what it’s like for them all. Judith, Telma, and Eva work as nannies and housekeepers, looking after the homes and children of those with far more money than they have. Judith longs to return to Guatemala, where her children miss her terribly. Telma has looked after Mickey since shortly after he was born, and is saddened by the realization that after he’s older she will probably lose her job. Eva is college educated but has a terrible time finding work as an accountant, so she cleans houses to make ends meet while taking night courses and doing temp work in her field.
We are also given a look at a co-op for illegal immigrants which lets them establish themselves as contributing members of society even though they are undocumented, and the Domestic Workers Association, which offers support and advocacy for nannies and maids. “Maid in America” is an emotional look at an all-too-often faceless group of women: the Latinas who are trusted with the homes and children of the wealthy but live on subsistence wages and are often maltreated.
Screens 3/5, 2:30 pm (University Theater) and 3/6, 2:15pm (University Theater)