Sousveillance means the opposite of surveillance and the associated technologies and methods of control. Sousveillance means ‘bringing the means of observation down to the human level, either physically or hierarchically’. 

Film curator and critic Senem Aytaç will present a film programme at The Watch inspired by the physical and conceptual space of the former GDR watchtower at Schlesischer Busch. 

Three essay films will be shown: ‘Forensickness’ by Chloé Galibert-Laîné', ’March 8, 2020: A Memoir and Ayhan’ by Fırat Yücel and Aylin Kuryel's (ImageActs) and ’Me’ by Belit Sağ. In the subsequent discussion with the directors and the audience, Senem Aytaç will explore the question: In today's world flooded with images, how do we process these images and look back at the systems that try to control us through their gaze?

A trace from the border apparatus during the division of the city, the former GDR watchtower on Schlesischer Busch has a long tradition of cultural and artistic production ever since Reunification. Under the care of Flutgraben e.V. since 2004, the building has hosted several exhibitions, talks, screenings, and residencies.

In recent years, the building has become a place for reflection rather than mere production: artists, writers, choreographers, and other thinkers have been invited to spend time within and around the tower to think about the building’s texture, its history, its future, as well as its present position within Berlin’s cultural and political landscape. 

The Watch invites producers to take time to watch, observe, inhabit and discuss around the tower, to adopt the building’s passivity, and watch - watch for, over, or out.

The Watch consists of a group of artists and cultural producers working on a voluntary basis. Every year this group decides on the thematic content, formats, and programming of the watchtower either through direct invitations or open calls.