Ilo Ilo (; literally: "Mom and Dad Are Not Home") is a 2013 Singaporean drama film. The debut feature of director Anthony Chen, the film features an international cast, including Singaporean actor Chen Tianwen, Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, Filipino actress Angeli Bayani, and debut of child actor Koh Jia Ler.

Plot

In Singapore during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the Lim family welcomes their Filipina domestic helper, Teresa (colloquially Terry), who like many other Filipinas has come in search of a better life. The father, Teck, works in sales for a glass company; the pregnant mother, Hwee Leng, works as a secretary in a downsizing shipping company; and the ten-year-old son, Jiale, is a troubled delinquent. At first, Jiale and Terry exhibit a troubled relationship. Tensions between them rise, resulting in Jiale one day climbing over the school fence at dismissal time just to avoid his maid, who comes every day to fetch him.

Awards