My documentary series focuses on a significant modern issue: burnout, particularly among highly educated professionals in Romania. Through personal storytelling and interviews, I explored the physical, emotional, and mental toll of workaholism, which is underrepresented in Romanian mainstream media. By anchoring the narrative in a family context and using a first-person perspective, I presented the issue through the lens of a young person reflecting on the long-term consequences of a parent’s work-induced burnout. This angle represents the often overlooked voice of children in high-performance households.
The mise-en-scène plays a central role in constructing this representation. For example, the setting of Citadel Park in Alba Iulia is symbolic of recovery and serenity, contrasting the earlier chaotic life in Bucharest. My mother, as a subject, also represents strong, educated Romanian women who often bear the dual burden of career and caregiving roles. Through wardrobe choices (e.g., casual at-home wear, minimal makeup), camera intimacy, and soft lighting in the interview scenes, I emphasized vulnerability and authenticity rather than corporate strength, challenging the stereotype of the “cold, successful executive.”
Moreover, the minor tasks the Instagram page and magazine article extend these representations. The social media account features behind-the-scenes images and motivational posts that humanize both me and my mother, while the magazine article positions her as a case study of resilience, thus offering hope and relatability for similar individuals facing burnout.
