‘2073’ Director Asif Kapadia Wants to ‘Shock and Scare People to Act’ With Doc About Futuristic, Fascist America

by

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen, I must say that “2073” is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves one both terrified and inspired. This film, much like a rollercoaster ride, takes you on a journey through a dystopian future that feels eerily familiar yet disturbingly far-fetched.

In the most recent film by Asif Kapadia, titled “2073,” Ivanka Trump is depicted as ruling over a terrifying fascist police state that was once the United States, marking her 30th year in power. The docudrama combines interviews with journalists and authentic news footage from real life events, along with a fictional narrative featuring Samatha Morton, to portray a bleak future that seems ominously close to our reality.

The movie draws influence from Chris Marker’s 1962 short film “La Jetée,” which revolves around a time traveler attempting to alter history and preserve humanity’s future. Similar to Morton, the protagonist of “2073”, who is a survivor of a future disaster brought about by AI, climate change, autocratic rule, and widespread surveillance. Living in a dystopian America under a brutal fascist regime, Morton’s character navigates a terrifying reality.

Kapadia expressed curiosity about the movie genres people prefer at the cinema. He found out they enjoy horror flicks immensely. Consequently, he decided to create a horror movie for them.

The Trump family, the Murdoch family, Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Xi Jinping, Mohammed Bin Salman, Narendra Modi, the Koch brothers, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel and many more are featured throughout the docu. The past is pieced together using footage from approximately 60 different countries. In the opening sequence of the doc, clips of the recent devastation in Gaza are used to reveal an earth-shattering catastrophe.

According to Kapadia, the inspiration for this movie stemmed from his intuition and a sense of global events. What makes the film particularly chilling is that its most alarming aspects are based on actual occurrences. The startling statements within the film are spoken by individuals who currently hold power in this country.

Supported by Neon, Double Agent, and Film4, the film titled “2073” made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, and it’s scheduled to hit theaters on December 27th.

2016 Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary, Kapadia, had a chat with EbMaster about his upcoming movie “2073” before its premiere in cinemas.

In the movie, references to members of the Trump family appear, a production that took place prior to the 2024 presidential election. Hypothetically speaking, if Donald Trump hadn’t been elected, would you have removed all mentions of the Trumps from the film after its completion?

Most of the U.S. investors and executives involved in the film production at some point asked me to remove Trump from the movie, stating that he was outdated news. However, since the film serves as a time capsule reflecting our current times, I chose not to erase any references to Trump. The scene featuring Ivanka Trump celebrating her 30th year in power remains because I doubt the concept of a two-term American presidency will persist forever.

Was “2073” made into a science fiction horror documentary as a strategy to appeal to audience members who might not typically attend a documentary screening in a theater?

Indeed! With each of my films, especially documentaries such as “Senna” and “Amy,” I aim to transcend the typical documentary boundaries. My goal is for these movies to be cinematic experiences, enjoyed in a theater where phones are silenced, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully, discuss afterwards, and share that experience with others. In essence, I strive to make films that can stand alongside any other movie in terms of quality and impact. Being from the generation I am, every film I create is intended for the big screen.

Is the hope that audiences will watch “2073” and try to make a change?

If individuals remain content, no alterations occur. Change arises from fear, concern, and understanding that action is necessary. Some people might think, “It’s not our issue. It belongs to someone else. I’m alright.” The purpose of the movie is to alarm and frighten people into taking action. That’s the concept.

What actions would you recommend taking?

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by this film that explores our past, present, and future. It’s like watching a slow-boiling frog in a pot – we, as the audience, are that very frog. We’re immersed in a world growing hotter each day, encompassing climate change, democracy, journalism, surveillance, and technology. It’s all happening now, and it’s getting increasingly intense. That being said, we must take action. If you find yourself struggling to know where to start, let me emphasize that this film is more than just a reflection; it’s an anthem for journalism.

Initially, you embarked on your professional journey as a storyteller through narrative films. Instead of turning “2073” into a science fiction film, you opted for a blend of documentary style. Can you explain the reason behind this choice?

I’ve chosen to dive into the world of documentary filmmaking instead of sticking with fiction because I found the traditional process too slow and conservative for my taste. In fiction, events take place, get adapted into movies, and by the time they reach the screen, it’s often too late for me. This film is being released as the action unfolds, which is exhilarating. The reason is simple: fiction is a long, drawn-out process filled with endless notes, development, and rounds of discussions. It can take four years just to cast a movie.

Were you surprised, given the current docu market that Neon took on this film?

Many distributors prefer to steer clear of political matters entirely, as they aim to avoid any potential conflicts with global leaders. After all, their service availability could be impacted by such disputes. That’s why I assembled a talented team for the release of “2073”, as I desired it to have a cinematic experience. The individuals who joined me and shared my vision have been steadfast supporters throughout this journey.

Read More

2024-12-28 00:19