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‘The Invisible Shift’ is a 15 minute experimental documentary by artist Caroline Mackenzie, centred around reflections of women’s work, rest and play.
More people are working night shifts than ever before. This has grown to over 7 million people during the pandemic and almost 3.9 million of those are women*. While most of us are sleeping, these women are conducting ‘invisible’ work and have done since time began. But with shift work deemed ‘probably carcinogenic’ by the World Health Organisation, what is the toll of working the graveyard shift? The film explores the hidden human side through the eyes of a Windrush generation nurse called Thelma, as she shares her life experience as a caregiver, a woman of colour, an immigrant, a mother and a grandmother. The film reveals through memories, narratives of adventure, duty, joy, shame, play and what constitutes rest. It shines a light on the unpaid work women carry out in their own families and how these roles ‘shift’ over time.
With Mackenzie’s ongoing interest in time sensitive work, as well as electronic light and its physiological and phenomenological effects, this project has allowed an exploration into circadian rhythms in response to the exposure of light and dark within the cinematic experience. With ongoing conversations with the ‘Sleep & Circadian Neuroscience Institute’ at Oxford University, the film’s projection plays with coloured light from a ‘sunrise alarm clock’ to support the wellbeing and circadian health of the viewer, in order to support their awakening journey.
Multidisciplinary artist who lives & works in Margate, Caroline Mackenzie, attended The Royal College of Art 2014-2016 and was nominated for the ‘Sculpture Town Award’ upon graduation. Mackenzie grew up with a mother conducting shift work, so has observed the effects first hand. Mackenzie also works in the Charity sector as a freelance Stories Manager, building up relationships with contributors and capturing their unique, and often challenging, stories to illustrate the need of charitable organisations. This is the first time Mackenzie has brought her experience of human storytelling in her artistic practice, having met Thelma through a community support programme at the beginning of the pandemic and struck up a friendship. Mackenzie has also explored a collaboration with local Margate community group, People Dem Collective who facilitate systemic change, promote healing and continue the work of their ancestors, to align missions.
Directed by Caroline Emma Mackenzie (UK)