Eyes of the Machine

China’s dystopian reality—a laboratory of the future where post-apocalyptic visions of total control are becoming a reality. 

Contemporary China has, before our very eyes, become a laboratory of the future, where post-apocalyptic visions of total control straight out of science fiction are coming to life. In her latest film, Dutch visual artist Daya Cahen combines grainy footage shot covertly with cell phones and images captured by street surveillance cameras. By depicting the dystopian reality of northeastern China, home to the Uyghur minority, she draws attention to the dark side of technology, which can all too easily become a tool of total repression. 

Behind the images, digitally manipulated in every conceivable way, lie the stories of specific individuals—those who have gone missing, been abducted, or are being held in camps. Their only hope lies in our attention and our memory. 

Konrad Wirkowski

Age rating: 15+