Ep 13. The Feeling of Being Watched
- October 14, 2019
In POV season 32 episode 13, "The Feeling of Being Watched," filmmaker Assia Boundaoui delves into her own experiences growing up in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood in the suburb of Bridgeview, Illinois. She recalls a pervasive feeling of being watched and monitored by the FBI and other government agencies, which eventually prompted her to launch an investigation into the surveillance and harassment of Arab-Americans in her community.
Through interviews with her family, neighbors, and community leaders, Boundaoui uncovers a long history of surveillance that dates back decades, revealing a web of secret government operations that have affected countless innocent citizens. She also uncovers evidence of a mysterious project called "Operation Vulgar Betrayal," which was apparently designed to target Arab-Americans in the Chicago area.
Boundaoui's investigation is a profound and emotional journey, as she grapples with the weight of her own experiences and seeks to bring to light the truth about the government's surveillance of her community. Through her work, she challenges us to confront the racism and mistrust that have fueled this kind of targeting and to demand greater accountability from our government. The result is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about civil liberties, discrimination, and the role of law enforcement in our society.
Overall, "The Feeling of Being Watched" is a poignant and timely exploration of a little-known chapter in American history and a call to action for all those who believe in freedom and justice for all. With Boundaoui's expert storytelling and her personal investment in the subject matter, this episode of POV is sure to leave a lasting impression.
