The Limits of Work

Journalist Saša Uhlová spent six months exploring working conditions in the worst-paid jobs in the Czech Republic; in a hospital washroom, at a poultry plant, behind a cash register and at a waste sorting facility. Her experience formed the basis of a very personal series of reports about people doing invisible jobs under shocking conditions, published on the A2larm.cz website. Apolena Rychlíková has turned these articles into a documentary film consisting of scenes shot at Uhlová’s home and of video footage taken at her places of work, accompanied by her commentary. Winner of the Best Documentary Film of the Year and Audience Award at the Jihlava International Documentary Festival in 2017.

Apolena Rychlíková; Czech Republic; 2017, 70 min, English subtitles

Followed by a discussion with director Apolena Rychlíková (CZ), journalist Saša Uhlová (CZ) and Will Strong (UK), co-director of Autonomy, the leading, independent UK think-tank focusing on issues relating to the future of work. Chaired by Caroline Heron (UK), managing AQNB Productions, and producer of Slides.

“I spent several months close to my protagonist, who never once placed herself above those whose lives she has tried to show us. Perhaps this film of our era will, with time, reach even those whom it affects.”
A. Rychlíková