Bebelplatz, Berlin · 9–10 September 2006
Welcome back to the Table.
On September 9, 2026, the Table of Free Voices reopens to the world — bringing the 11,151 responses recorded in 2006, including yours, into conversation with the questions people are asking today.
Before that happens, we want you to see it first. Read, watch and listen to everything gathered over those two days, including your own contribution.
This site is for the participants of the 2006 Table of Free Voices. If you're interested in TOFV, visit tofv.org
While you're here
- Tell us whether you're still comfortable having your responses shared publicly.
- Update anything we have wrong about you — your work, your title, your story.
- Answer again, if twenty years have changed what you'd say. Any of the questions, in writing, in your voice, or on camera.
A glimpse of what's inside
A few of the voices, as they were filmed that day.
“Truth is far further from our grasp than we like to imagine.”
Pico Iyer
Journalist and author
“Every human being wants to be accepted.”
Sima Wali
Refugee Women in Development
“We are creators.”
Benjamin Fahrer
Farmer, permaculture designer
“What is happening to the soul of a person when they wish this to happen?”
Pauline Tangiora
Māori elder, indigenous rights activist
“Are there actions that governments take that will create a terrorist act?”
Bianca Jagger
Human rights activist
“What is important is who that global government is, and how competent they are.”
Neela Marikkar
Peace activist, Sri Lanka First
An early draft, still being builtThe film is here: every answer plays as the footage shot that day. Some translations are machine-made and awaiting a native reading, and a few counts are still being checked. Tell us what's wrong.