Director's Statement:

I felt driven to document the global housing crisis for a long time as I had problems with housing when I was young living in England and also later in life, while living in Barcelona. This issue impacted my circle of friends too. Most of us were creative individuals with no fixed income and we all struggled to pay the rent and make it to the end of the month. Berlin, once renowned for its subversive spirit and affordable rents, allowed people to take risks and live creatively. However, as the city transforms into the opposite, it felt like the ideal setting to explore the housing crisis and the perfect backdrop for this documentary.
My aim was to delve into the unsustainable housing situation by interviewing affected Berliners and policy makers while trying to find possible sustainable solutions. However, discovering the Silverfish building by a stroke of luck, or maybe by destiny, changed the direction of the film. In that moment, I saw not just a forgotten building, but also a potential solution for future emergency shelter. What began as a planned six-month project to film the reasons behind Berlin’s housing crisis turned into an eight-year journey, weaving the Silverfish story into Berlin's past, present and future.
Throughout the process of filming, I was fortunate enough to meet the Silverfish inventor before he passed away and gain valuable insights and archival footage never seen before. This encounter inspired me to not only tell its story but also to reimagine the building for contemporary and emergency housing needs. Regarding the style, I allowed the narrative to unfold through a variety of voices, keeping music and my presence to a minimum to bring the audience’s attention to the individuals I interviewed and to the Silverfish itself.
When making this film, my goal was to stimulate reflection, ignite action, and offer solutions rather than placing blame. Ultimately, I aimed to create a film that inspires hope by highlighting the potential of overlooked spaces like the Silverfish to address a global challenge. I wanted to create a film that draws lessons from the past, merging existing ideas with modern technology to tackle urgent issues, and thereby forging a brighter future for humanity. This has been a personal journey, fueled by my curiosity and perseverance. I truly hope it inspires audiences to pursue their own passions and make a difference in the world.