The Empty Center

The Empty Center documents the socio-economic transformations in Berlin as transnational companies make their presence known in the city. With a runtime of 62 minutes, the film highlights the contrast between the past and present, particularly through the lens of the 1990 socialist republic established by squatters in a now-changed urban landscape.

Hito Steyerl employs slow super-impositions to illustrate the shifting architectural and cultural landscapes of Berlin. The documentary gives voice to those affected by the changes, emphasizing the experiences of individuals pushed to the city's outer edges as their neighborhoods transform. This film is notable for its critical examination of urban space and the implications of globalization on local communities.