When we see the planes

Between 2021 and today, over 2,300 airstrikes on civilian targets have been documented in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. A brutal, deadly reality that receives little attention. 

“When we see the planes” is an awareness-raising exhibition that addresses the brutal and systematic use of air strikes by the military junta in Myanmar.

„For children, it is like a magic trick, an air bus that looks like a big bird appears and disappears in the clouds. For grown ups, it is something that can bring us to our loved ones, our new adventures, and new places that we want to visit.

But… 

Things are drastically different in our homeland, Myanmar. The planes flying above us do not carry hope, joy and dreams. They carry bombs to land on our bodies, our homes, and our schools. They carry death, tragedy and tears. (A New Burma*)“ 

In collaboration with the young artists' initiative A New Burma, German Solidarity Myanmar e.V. (GSM)** is bringing voices and perspectives from Myanmar to Berlin Freedom Week. The exhibition aims not only to document, but also to educate, confront, and encourage action.

In addition to focusing on Myanmar, it highlights which international actors contribute to strengthening the military junta. The exhibition thus also sheds light on the “axis of autocrats” that supports each other and suppresses democratic movements worldwide.

Venue:
Maria Regina Martyrum Memorial Church
Heckerdamm 230, 13627 Berlin

Daily from November 8 to 14 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Guided tours for groups can be booked on the website.

Opening reception on November 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. 

*A New Burma: A New Burma is an organization dedicated to empowering Burma's marginalized communities through creative resistance, advocacy, and public engagement. Founded with a vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future for Burma, ANB works to amplify the voices of those affected by military oppression, conflict, and systemic injustice. Their core mission is to challenge impunity, promote human rights, and foster community-led solutions that pave the way for long-term peace and reconciliation.

**German Solidarity Myanmar: German Solidarity Myanmar (GSM) is a young activist organisation that supports the Myanmar democracy movement through political education, public relations and advocacy. The organisation is committed to a more decisive stance and proactive Myanmar policy on the part of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union.