Asif Kapadia warns about the rise of techno-authoritarianism in new film
- Asif Kapadia, an acclaimed film director, is working on a film titled 2073, set to release in December 2024.
- The film examines issues of surveillance, populist politics, and how they contribute to societal fears and distrust.
- Kapadia's narrative suggests that the dystopian elements portrayed in his film are already present in various global contexts.
In early 2024, Asif Kapadia, a renowned film director, shared insights into his latest project, a film titled 2073, which is set to open in cinemas in the US and UK. The film explores the themes of techno-authoritarianism and the surveillance state, drawing from his personal experiences of feeling marginalized and monitored as a person of color after the September 11 attacks in the early 2000s. While working on his acclaimed documentary about Amy Winehouse, Kapadia often faced challenges while entering the United States, leading him to reflect on societal fears and the sense of being watched. He aimed to highlight and critique the dangers posed by populist leaders utilizing surveillance technology in contemporary politics. Kapadia observed a concerning trend in political landscapes worldwide, noting how countries like India and the Philippines have witnessed democracies being undermined very shortly after the rise of authoritarian figures to power. These events fueled his motivation to create a narrative exploring how his envisioned dystopian future has already manifested in various parts of the world. As he embarks on showcasing 2073 to various audiences, Kapadia emphasizes the importance of emotional responses to film, signalling a deeper connection with viewer experiences. His film seeks to provoke thought and discussion about the implications of authoritarianism and the effects of surveillance on societies in an age where technology intersects dangerously with governance.