Fantasies on how to Strike (2019, 17′) is a short film on precarious labour that closely observes museum attendants in a Dutch museum. The film is based on extensive conversations with museum attendants in The Netherlands and straddles the boundary between documentary and fiction.
Museum attendants are in a constant double bind. On the one hand they have to be apparent to those who might be a risk, on the other hand no one should notice their presence. The attendants meet secretly in the hallways between rooms or talk in whispers when visitors’ attentions are on the artworks. It is a way of letting of steam after hours of solitude. It is also a means of sharing sensitive information like a sudden dismissal of a colleague. Everyone hopes to secure a fixed contract that may bring stability to their private lives, but chances are few. Still, most accept the unwritten rule of being available 24/7 and no one dares to call in sick.
Insecure work makes the attendants more and more vulnerable. The need to break out of the strangle hold of flexible contracts is growing stronger. Although they know they are easily replaced, they unite and launch a strike.
Fantasies on how to Strike was originally exhibited as a 2-screen installation at Zeeuws Museum (Middelburg, NL) in 2019.

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