Tunisian Director Kamel Laaridhi Debuts Sci-Fi Feature in Venice

Tunisian filmmaker Kamel Laaridhi has presented his dystopian science fiction feature, The H@llow Man, at the 2026 Venice International Film Critics’ Week. The title stands as the sole African cinematic entry selected to compete in the independent parallel section of the Venice International Film Festival.

Set in Tunisia in the year 2059, the plot envisions a future where biochips are used to govern human memories and suppress emotional responses. Within this society, hypnotherapy is strictly forbidden under state law. Mohammed Grayaa stars as Taha, a man who defies legal prohibitions to undergo clandestine hypnosis in search of his suppressed recollections.

Technological Shifts and Cultural Resonance

Through the process of uncovering his past, Taha encounters an unsettling history marked by violent extremism, decaying infrastructure, and broad environmental damage. Commenting on the thematic direction of the film, Laaridhi expressed apprehension regarding the trajectory of modern technology, observing that rapid shifts could strip away fundamental aspects of human nature and displace vulnerable populations in the coming decades.

For African creatives and independent production ecosystems, the selection of The H@llow Man on a prestigious European platform emphasizes the viability of speculative and science fiction genres from the continent. Such productions highlight how North African filmmakers can leverage high-concept worldbuilding to reflect localized sociopolitical anxieties while competing on international festival circuits.

Source: Afrocritik