Filmmaker Asif Kapadia unveiled his latest project, 2073, at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday. His new film blends documentary footage and science fiction elements to depict a disturbing possible future. Set in the year 2073, the world has been devastated by climate change and is under authoritarian rule.
In the bleak landscape, Samantha Morton stars as a survivor who is haunted by memories of freedom from our current time. Kapadia, known for documentaries like Amy, intends 2073 as a “cry for help” and warning to audiences. He wants viewers to feel uncomfortable in order to understand the consequences of current events and decisions.
The director found inspiration after becoming disillusioned by political shifts like Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism globally. He draws connections between these events and sees them as threats to democracy. The film posits that climate disasters, authoritarian leaders, and powerful technology companies are interconnected issues.
Kapadia incorporates interviews with journalists who have examined how social media impacts elections and policymaking. Investigative reporters like Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa and Carole Cadwalladr are featured for their work holding leaders accountable. The director believes journalists now play a vital role in scrutinizing those in power.
By blending documentary interviews and fictional scenes, Kapadia aims to engage more viewers on these urgent topics. He describes 2073 as a hybrid of science fiction, dystopian horror, and political essay films.
Produced by companies including Neon and Film4, 2073 premiered out of competition at the Venice Film Festival. Kapadia hopes its chilling vision will prompt audiences to consider the real-world implications of ongoing crises around climate, democracy, and tech monopolies.
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