Berlin Shorts: Mothers & Clickworkers

The article discusses three films that explore bleak social and political landscapes. The first, "I, Daniel Blake," portrays the dehumanizing experience of navigating the UK's welfare system after an injury leaves a carpenter unable to work. It highlights the bureaucratic obstacles and indignities faced by those reliant on social assistance, exposing the erosion of the welfare state. The second film, "Snowden," recounts the true story of Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who leaked classified information revealing the extent of global surveillance programs conducted by the US government. It delves into the ethical dilemmas Snowden faced, highlighting the intrusion of government surveillance on individual privacy and civil liberties. Finally, "Sorry We Missed You" examines the gig economy and its impact on working-class families. Focusing on a delivery driver and his family, the film depicts the relentless pressures and exploitation inherent in this new form of employment. It explores themes of precarious work, long hours, and the erosion of worker rights, illustrating a modern form of wage slavery where individuals are treated as disposable assets within a globalized economy. The films, as discussed in the article, offer a critical perspective on contemporary social issues, including the dismantling of social safety nets, the rise of government surveillance, and the exploitation of workers in the gig economy. They share common themes of social injustice and the struggles faced by ordinary individuals in a rapidly changing world. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/11/cvyb-m11.html