Doha Film Institute
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In a society where emotions are controlled, a dying factory worker discovers a place untouched by surveillance—confronting not just the system, but the deeper cost of feeling, freedom, and being human.
In a dystopian society where emotions are monitored and suppressed, Amir, a weary Rank B factory worker, struggles to maintain his composure under a regime designed to erase humanity’s most basic instincts. Suffering from a terminal illness treatable only in Rank A, Amir walks a tightrope between emotional regulation and survival. He relies on Saber, a seemingly supportive AI companion, to stay within the system’s limits. With a life-changing promotion and access to treatment just two hours away, Amir is closer than ever to salvation. But when a sudden power outage traps him in an elevator, panic overtakes him—and the emotional spike costs him everything. He’s demoted to Rank C and assigned the most demeaning task imaginable: cleaning the underground archives. There, amid layers of dust and despair, Amir hears laughter echoing through the corridors and discovers the No Signal Room—a secret haven where emotional gauges fail and true expression becomes possible. Within this hidden rebellion, led by the enigmatic Hussain, Amir experiences connection, joy, and emotional freedom for the first time. But liberation comes at a price. When ambition and survival collide, Amir must choose: remain loyal or save himself. ‘The Last Laugh’ explores the power of emotions, the cost of freedom, and what it means to preserve one’s humanity in an unforgiving world.

Credits

Director
Nour Al Khadra
Screenwriter
Nour Al Khadra
Producer
Sahar Yousefi, Amal Alsenan
Production Company
Nava Projects

About the Director

Nour Al Khadra
Nour Al Khadra is an award-winning Saudi Arabian actress, writer, and filmmaker, named Rising Star of 2023 by Chopard. With a background in tech and video game design, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. Nour has starred in four feature films, including 'The Matchmaker' (Saudi's first Netflix Original), the box office hit 'HWJN, Saify, and Ahlam Al Asor'. Her work spans genres