In the short film “Sounds of Caring: New York,” 20 Northwell Health frontline professionals share deeply personal feelings and reflections about how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forever changed their lives. Created by artist Yoko Sen, the film begins with the song Amazing Grace and weaves only their voices throughout its entirety.
At the height of the pandemic in New York last spring, Ms. Sen asked healthcare professionals representing clinical and non-clinical disciplines throughout the health system to tape themselves answering two questions: How are you feeling right now? What do you want the world to know about what you’re going through?
The 20 Northwell contributors sent their audio recordings to Ms. Sen who had never met any of them. The result is a 16-minute-long powerful and moving testament to what these health care workers have endured during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The audiovisual time capsule includes stories from physicians, nurses, chaplains, environmental service workers, patient experience leaders, social workers, chefs, respiratory therapists and others. Ms. Sen edited their stories together with video images of Manhattan and health care workers.
“It’s humbling for me to be a part of a project that amplifies the voices of health care workers,” said Ms. Sen. “These voices speak about their personal experiences, yet they represent the millions of health care workers around the globe. Through this creative journey I’ve witnessed the depth of human compassion.”
“Sounds of Caring: New York” was a finalist for Best Documentary Short at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. It won the Bronze Award for Best Documentary Short at the 2020 Independent Shorts Awards and was a finalist for Best Documentary Short and Best Sound Editing at the IndieX Film Fest. It was an official selection at both the Indie Short Festival and The Big Apple Film Festival this year.
“‘Sounds of Caring: New York’ has been a healing and cathartic experience for our Northwell team members yet it’s a message that truly reaches the rest of the world,” said Sven Gierlinger, senior vice president chief experience officer, Northwell Health. “Ms. Sen’s artistic ability to capture raw and candid insights is a gift that honors what those on the front lines have bravely experienced, while understanding the importance of connection and support as we face the future.”
Submitted by Northwell Health
