'Zombie Girl' is a deadly interesting look at filmmaking process

On first hearing the name of the film, Zombie Girl: The Movie, one would think this is a movie about a Girl that is a Zombie. This film actually follows Emily Hagins, a 12-year-old  girl from Austin who decides to write and shoot a feature-length zombie movie. The film follows Hagins and her mother from the film’s conception to the film’s premier.

As with any film, there were many snags along the way. The three directors of Zombie Girl very concisely told the story, following Emily the entire length of production without getting in her way. As a fellow filmmaker, I know what it takes to watch someone making mistakes and not step in to offer advice.

The documentarians do a great job of not interfering with the filmmaking process. They also ask the right questions at the right times in production, without making suggestions. The directors of the documentary are only heard three or four times in the beginning and then they disappear, leaving Emily to direct.

The score of the film is also completely original and suits the pace of the film very well.  The transitional scenes are shot with dolls and bears bloodied and pinned to a wall. This was a great added touch. The credits to the end of the film, draw you in to find out if the film is ultimately going to be a train wreck or not.

The film doesn’t necessarily make me want to watch Emily’s feature-length film “Pathogen.” But is that really the intent of the film? If the intent is to make you want to make a film, they succeed.

ZOMBIE GIRL: THE MOVIE
Length: 91 Min.
Directed by: Aaron Marshall, Justin Johnson & Erik Mauck
Starring: Emily Hagins

WATCH IT!
WHEN: Saturday, Sep 12 4:15 pm
WHERE: TSTC Cultural Arts Center, Harlingen