(IN)VISIBLE

(IN)VISIBLE is a psychological short debut film by Sam Joseph, who wrote, directed, and produced it. The film delves into the psychological impact of domestic abuse and society’s role in trials and judgments that silence women's truths. Using a unique style of sustainable filmmaking, the story follows a young wife, tightly controlled by her older husband, who is perceived as cold while he charms his friends. When he abruptly leaves during a tense pre-dinner gathering in an unfinished art exhibition setting, she becomes the focus of an uncomfortable trial by those who only know his side of the story.

The film's emotional strength is found in what remains unspoken, avoiding gratuitous violence. It challenges the typical portrayal of violence against women on screen, instead revealing the subtle nature of abuse, gaslighting, and coercive control, and how easily a perpetrator can craft a narrative that leaves the survivor facing societal judgment. The trial takes place around a contemporary table setting, reminiscent of iconic scenes from art history, highlighting the recurring and persistent patterns of how women are perceived, silenced, and judged.

Sam Joseph is an emerging visionary female filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist whose work is at the intersection of socio-spatial narratives and social justice. With a Master’s in Print and Interior/Spatial Design from the Royal College of Art (RCA) and a background in Fashion and Communication from Central Saint Martins, Sam uses her diverse expertise to critically examine societal structures, focusing on themes like gender-based violence, sustainability, and the value systems shaping our world. She supports other female filmmakers by sharing her ideas, concepts, and methodologies to inspire the female voice in film.

With over 20 years of professional experience in education, research, fashion, film, photography, and spatial design, Sam creates immersive works that challenge societal perceptions and foster deep emotional connections. Her current studies in RCA’s Print MA program further enhance her practice, with her latest projects exploring the "visible and (in)visible" in addressing urgent social issues.

In 2024, Sam’s dedication to filmmaking led to a groundbreaking opportunity—a six-month residency with RCA’s Reframe Alumni Residency program, which supported the creation of her film (IN)VISIBLE. This deeply personal and socially relevant work exemplifies her commitment to exploring unspoken narratives within our collective experiences.

Sam’s work has been exhibited throughout the UK and Milan, featured experimental pieces on the Big Screen at the BBC, and highlighted in publications like Dezeen. Her practice is fundamentally driven by relentless curiosity and a commitment to using art and film to provoke meaningful dialogue and inspire change.