Kamel Laaridhi Premieres Sci-Fi Drama at Venice Critics’ Week

Tunisian filmmaker Kamel Laaridhi has showcased his futuristic feature, The H@llow Man, at the 2026 Venice International Film Critics’ Week. Running as an independent and parallel competitive section of the Venice International Film Festival, the program featured the sci-fi project as its sole African contender.

Set against the backdrop of Tunisia in the year 2059, the film presents a dystopian society where biological microchips are utilized to supervise emotions and manage human recollection. Within this state, hypnotherapy is strictly forbidden by law, prompting the protagonist, Taha—portrayed by actor Mohammed Grayaa—to undergo the therapy covertly in an effort to reconstruct his erased past.

Taha’s psychological journey through forbidden hypnosis ultimately unearths a grim history. Rather than finding solace, the character discovers an apocalyptic past defined by environmental collapse, neglected public infrastructure, and the historical fallout of violent extremism, tying futuristic governance directly to systemic decay.

Technology, Memory, and African Speculative Art

Speaking in an interview alongside the Venice screening, Laaridhi outlined his concerns regarding the fast-accelerating trajectory of modern digital systems. The director warned that ongoing technological shifts act as a disruptive wave that risks diminishing human empathy and leaving broad demographics without a viable place in future societies.

The showcase of The H@llow Man highlights the presence of North African cinema and speculative fiction on the global festival circuit. For the wider African creative industries, including composers and screen creators, representation in competitive European showcases emphasizes an international interest in narrative work confronting the social and ethical consequences of technological transformation.

Source: Afrocritik