In March 2020
life in Berlin suddenly came to a more or less standstill. There were hardly any cars on the streets anymore, the playgrounds were cordoned off with red tape, and a colleague from the documentary film scene said that it was important to record this as it would never happen again. An empty Berlin, the architecture, the generously laid out visual axes, would be perceived completely differently if they were so unexpectedly emptied. I thought similarly, I too was fascinated by how boldly thrown the Street of June 17th, which was far too wide, now seemed. However, at this point in time, catastrophe scenarios were running through my head. It was already apparent this spring that it would be another unusually hot summer - the pandemic was accompanied by the effects of climate change. I didn't have a drone at my disposal - without a doubt one of the most tempting cinematic means to show an empty Berlin. I was also not one of those who had access to the hospitals. Nevertheless, I started wandering around the city with the camera. I didn't really have a plan. Nobody knew how the whole thing would end, which was the real appeal for the documentary - and for me!
I quickly realized that the images of emptiness were not enough for me. Like most people, I only had contact with my closest friends, whose lives, like mine, had unintentionally slowed down, who didn't necessarily find it easy to stay at home, and for whom filmmaking was an enjoyable pastime promised. It just happened naturally that they became part of my project with an uncertain outcome.

After the pandemic ended, everyday life caught up with me very quickly. I didn't have the time or inclination to edit the footage I shot, and I admit I even forgot about the project. Time didn't belong in my fast-moving reality at all. It wasn't until the summer of 2023 that I got my hands on the hard drive with the corresponding files again. The result of this first sighting from back then is BERLIN 202-.

Perhaps the film will also awaken in you memories of the very special atmosphere of those days. You may have had similar experiences to some people, but many things are certainly completely different.
I definitely wish you an intense experience!
Susann Reck

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