Deep Dive: Nemesis (2020)
Film Lens

Nemesis is a Swiss documentary directed by Thomas Imbach, focusing on the destruction of a historic train station in Zurich and its replacement by a new prison and police center. The film is shot exclusively from the filmmaker's window, capturing the transformation of the landscape over time. Imbach records the demolition of the freight station and the construction of the new facility, creating a personal chronicle of this significant change in the urban environment.
The documentary includes testimonies from prisoners awaiting deportation, providing insight into the human impact of this urban development. It raises questions about how society deals with the loss of historical sites and the prioritization of security over history. The film's cinematography, awarded at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, juxtaposing the physical destruction with personal stories from the filmmaker's past.
Why Watch
- •See Zurich's historic train station's demolition.
- •Meet prisoners sharing their stories of uncertainty.
- •Find out how urban development impacts history.
Did You Know
•Nemesis premiered in April 2020 at Nyon Visions du Réel.
•The film won the Best Cinematography prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam 2020.
•It was filmed exclusively from Thomas Imbach's window.
•The film has a duration of 132 minutes.
Perfect For
Urban developmentPrison reformSwiss history