Sci-Fi Short Film: "Kepler X-47" | DUST

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ม.ค. 2025
  • A woman struggles to adjust to her new life in a human zoo exhibit on an alien planet.
    Connect with the Filmmakers:
    www.erinli.com/
    / mserinli
    / byallisonlee
    / belladayne
    "Kepler X-47" Credits:
    Directed by Erin Li
    Written by Allison Lee & Erin Li
    Produced by Kaz Kipp, Gregory Chou, and Erin Li
    Co-Producer - Stephen Paratore
    Executive Producer - Michael C. Tung
    Director of Photography - Kristin Fieldhouse
    Production Designer - Niko Vilaivongs
    Costume Designer - Elena Flores
    Assistant Costume Designer - Megan Knowles
    Key Makeup Artist - Alexandria Storm
    Special Effects Make-up Artist - Cat Elrod
    Casting Directors - Shana Landsburg and Patrick Baca
    Editor - Susumu Kimura
    VFX Supervisor - Eric McAvoy
    Original Music - Robert Allaire
    Sound Design - Nathan Ruyle
    Line Producer - Andrew Cummings
    Associate Producers - Alex Andre, Ian Cuizon, Taylor Massey, and Stephanie Ng
    CAST
    KRYSTAL Bella Dayne
    MARCUS Leith Burke
    DAWN Eva La Dare
    RAY Ricardo Mamood-Vega
    THE INTERCOM Elisa Gabrielli
    LUCY Katherine Pawlak
    BILLY Tyler Parks
    ALIEN TOUR GUIDE Unati Mangaliso
    ALIEN SENTINELS - Henning Fischer and Folake Olowofoyeku
    ALIEN TOURISTS Jemal Draco, Elaine Mani Lee, and Elena-Cristina Marchisano
    EXTRAS
    Gabriel Alvarez
    Skeye Brühwiler
    Adam Choit
    Jennifer Kwon Chou
    Justin Forcier
    Steven Gallardo
    Jimmy Hang
    Madoka Kimura
    Alex Levine
    Kasia Middleton
    Jesseal Pacubas
    Emily Pumm
    Kenny Savoca
    Troy Schmidt
    Joshua Steffes
    CREW
    Unit Production Manager Kenny Savoca
    Production Coordinator Alex Levine
    1st Assistant Director Eric Leja
    2nd Assistant Director / Director’s Assistant Joshua Steffes
    2nd Assistant Director David Buchwald
    Camera Operators Aashish Ghandi
    Timothy Kang
    1st Assistant Camera Loie Russell-Templeton
    Sten Olson
    2nd Assistant Camera Lauren Wood
    Camera Utility / DIT / B Camera Mathew Wozniak
    DIT Glen Silva
    Sound Mixer / Boom Operator Canaan Triplett
    Gaffer Colin Oh
    Best Boy Electric Sam McConville
    Electricians Douglas E. Cook III
    Jason Cowan
    Sarah E. Fox
    Sam Klein
    Chaz Moore
    Austin Wood
    Key Grip Guy Pooles
    Best Boy Grip John Guberud
    Dolly Grip Andrew Harless
    Grips Nicholas Brightwell
    John Richard
    Art Directors - Warren Hickman and Kyle Caraher
    Art PA Skeye Brühwiler
    Makeup Artists Glen Griffin and Chelsea Reda
    Location Manager Jimmy Hang
    Script Supervisor Antoinette Luzano
    Craft Service Madoka Kimura
    Caterer Crafty Caterer
    Still Photographers Ryan Gayatinea, Randy Blohm, and Harrison Ciancuillo
    Key Production Assistant Liz Rutzky
    Production Assistants - Justin Forcier, Matt Ohlson, Charlie Schildt, Emily Pumm, Steven Gallardo,
    and Jesseal Pacubas
    Production Intern Matthew Snouffer
    Matte Painter Rei Sparks
    Title Designer William J. Meyer
    Compositor Lauren Coogan
    Rotoscope Artist Jean Jardeleza
    Additional VFX Viktor Metelev
    VFX Previsualization Consultants - Gabriel Chui and Neshant Kandakatla
    Audio Post Production Services This is Sound Design
    Supervising Sound Editor / Re-recording Mixer Nathan Ruyle
    Sound Effects Editor Aaron Bartscht
    Foley Artist Aidan Reynolds
    Vocalist (Aliens) Paul Matthis
    Cello Aniela Perry
    Additional Cello Derek Stein
    Digital Intermediate by Prehistoric Digital, Santa Monica, CA
    Colorist Chris Hall
    DI Producer William Adashek
    Online Editor Josef Sipkins
    Marketing Strategist Rachel Paturi
    Social Media Street Team Leader Marianne Auza
    A Project of the Directing Workshop for Women at AFI
    About DUST:
    DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.
    DUST is also available on Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, AppleTV, Fubo, IMDBTV, iOS, Peacock, Roku, Redbox, Samsung TV, Sling, STIRR, Tivo, Vizio, Xumo and 7Plus. On our OTT platforms, we offer cutting-edge and classic feature films, series, podcasts, and our entire shorts library. #TheFutureAwaits
    "
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    Website: www.watchdust.com
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ความคิดเห็น • 762

  • @ErinLi
    @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +809

    Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by! I'm a huge fan of DUST and honored to screen Kepler X-47 here. This film was inspired by my experience of chasing what I believed to be the American Dream. I'm forever grateful to the cast, crew, and backers who funded the film. Hope you enjoy!

    • @JakTheRipper-01
      @JakTheRipper-01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      Very interesting Short. I would enjoy more in this vein. I am curious, however, as to the choice of the French aristocratic style as opposed to a more contemporary setting. With that said, kudos for a well crafted film.

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

      Some fun behind the scenes facts: We shot this in 4 days. Locations: a basement underneath a laundromat (every time someone flushed the toilet, we'd hear water trickling through the pipes), under the 6th street bridge in downtown LA, and on a green screen stage donated by Gnomon School of VFX. Because we had such limited time, and Bella was so prepared and immersed in her character, I often moved on after only one or two takes. She nailed the performances so quickly that I called her the one take wonder. You can catch Bella as The Red Spear on CURSED (Netflix), Astric on HUMANS (AMC), Helen of Troy in TROY (BBC/Netflix), and Delphine on PLEBS (ITV2).

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      Thanks for watching, Greg. Great question! Both costume designer, Elena Flores, and production designer Niko Vilaivongs used references from the Rococo and Baroque periods to shine a light on the materialistic, frivolous side of the American Dream and the objects and things that we covet and accumulate.

    • @JakTheRipper-01
      @JakTheRipper-01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@ErinLi Full credit to the both of them, it was very successful done. And again I am very keen to see more of the work of you and your talented team.

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@JakTheRipper-01 Thanks so much, Greg!! It's a tough road so your support means a lot. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch!

  • @zethraelofteldrassil3149
    @zethraelofteldrassil3149 3 ปีที่แล้ว +393

    When Crystal realizes that living in a gilded cage is preferable than the freedom of nothingness, my human brain started spinning. Would I have turned around knowing what awaited me, or kept on running into the unknown? Great job to everyone!

    • @malirabbit6228
      @malirabbit6228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Remember, Crystal volunteered to leave earth. She volunteered to return to her cage.

    • @fd_unger
      @fd_unger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@markbigelow2608 I'd join you Mark!

    • @Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove
      @Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

      We have two kinds of people today. Those that would accept the warm embrace of authoritarianism, and those that will not. One group is afraid, the other fears nothing.

    • @zethraelofteldrassil3149
      @zethraelofteldrassil3149 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove A wonderful response!

    • @neptunianman
      @neptunianman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      @@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove But when you're deserted in the abyss of space, your protest quickly thins out into silence.

  • @riza4086
    @riza4086 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    That's a nice view I would have kept walking. It's not cold or windy with an abundance of breathable air. That blinking light in the distance really intrigued me.

    • @AMOKIAN
      @AMOKIAN 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Right? He said run toward the light.

    • @johncunningham4820
      @johncunningham4820 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@AMOKIAN. In that scenario it would be BETTER , no matter how it ended up .

    • @BelindaShort
      @BelindaShort 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      It's clearly very cold

    • @Divide_et_lmpera
      @Divide_et_lmpera 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That blinking light could be a very slow spinning pulsar?

  • @Sonofspam64
    @Sonofspam64 3 ปีที่แล้ว +121

    The painting at the end coupled with the sound of gently blowing wind really gave me the feeling of what it would be like to stand on another world, hopelessly far from home. Really well done film.

    • @Djjoeyd1167
      @Djjoeyd1167 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me too! I love the stars, the universe ect And I absolutely believe there is life on many different planets, solar systems, all that good stuff and one day in another life,I hope to see them ❤I actually know that I have already in past lives..Yes I am very spiritual… not not religious, not by any means, and without a doubt, I know the world we live in,is nothing like what we’ve been taught or told it is! And yes, glitches they do exist. I have experienced a couple of them that no matter how hard I try to rationalize them I can’t! This was an awesome!

    • @CooManTunes
      @CooManTunes ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Painting? Huh? What painting??? Speak English.

    • @ingwiafraujaz3126
      @ingwiafraujaz3126 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@Djjoeyd1167Dream and cope on, boy. There is no life after death and past lives don't exist. Better invest in biological rejuvenation (SENS org) and become like elves or die after a short, meaningless lifetime.

  • @ricrandmfx
    @ricrandmfx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +228

    This short reminded me of a old Outer Limits (or maybe Twilight Zone) where humans were basically kept in a zoo by aliens to observe. This was quite interesting & curious too. Great job!

    • @malirabbit6228
      @malirabbit6228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Twilight Zone. Roddy Macdowell stared.

    • @heedmywarning2792
      @heedmywarning2792 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@malirabbit6228 Yes, we all know. No need to go ape about it.

    • @malirabbit6228
      @malirabbit6228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@heedmywarning2792 I beg your pardon? Did I some how offend you by telling the actors name?

    • @Bryndeamer
      @Bryndeamer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@malirabbit6228 I did not know about it so thanks for telling us - and ignore the troll @Heed My Warning.

    • @KarelBata
      @KarelBata 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      There's also an episode of Star Trek TOS - Menagerie. And Slaughterhouse 5, book then film. But this short gives it a few interesting twists.

  • @HaraldinChina
    @HaraldinChina 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    impressive how you can take so much time for some shots in such a short movie, yet have a full fledged story with deep philosophical meaning. What an anti-Hollywood masterpiece. Not necessarily fun to watch, but absolutely food for thought.

  • @jond1536
    @jond1536 3 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    I would like to thank Erin Li, not often does the creator or person responsible for the video come on to the comments. So this is a great insight into the "why behind the what". Thank you Erin

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Jon, thank you for taking the time to watch and really appreciate your kind note! Happy to help provide more insight into the process.

    • @zenokarlsbach4292
      @zenokarlsbach4292 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@blaisebaileyfinnegan8202 hahahahaha!

    • @Cosmic-Quill
      @Cosmic-Quill 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@ErinLiid like some more insights. Sometimes there is more truth than fiction in films.

  • @bryantcolby4038
    @bryantcolby4038 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    The last scene where she turned around , reminded me of how people will give up their freedom for security.

    • @orange11squares
      @orange11squares 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      false security, not even real...people give up on freedom and privacy and become modern slaves..it's all about the propaganda.

    • @kathyt55
      @kathyt55 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      More than likely, the freedom was a lie. She was on an alien planet with no guarantee she would ever see Earth again. There was no guarantee that the light would provide her a way home, or that home would be there when she arrived. She wasn’t the adventurous type.

    • @ionutpopesc1289
      @ionutpopesc1289 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Me too. Moreover, the fear of being free. The turning around moment is a proof of our weakness. Or a confusion between what you are - a spirit vs of what you think you are - a body. As a body you need nutrients, so you decide to comeback to what you know that provides security. As a spirit?

    • @ionutpopesc1289
      @ionutpopesc1289 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@orange11squares Yes, the propaganda that you are just a body, not a spirit incorporated in a body. And they choose the slavery for nutrients.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      *orange11squares*
      Propaganda is only effective on the susceptible.
      Even knowing they are being subjected to it, most still succumb.

  • @ismayilarifoglu6226
    @ismayilarifoglu6226 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    this movie looks like personal Facebook page to me. You are watched, monitored and controlled.

  • @tbearrails9983
    @tbearrails9983 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Reality! What a concept. Guess we are not in Kansas anymore.

  • @FlynnShade
    @FlynnShade 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Everyone is led to believe there are only two options in this short film; run or submit. There is a third option, what if you could somehow gain the aliens' trust and learn what they know to become kind of like an equal? that would be cool.

    • @user2C47
      @user2C47 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Also, what makes everyone think they are aliens? What if they are just "ascended" humans made out of machine parts?

    • @FlynnShade
      @FlynnShade 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@user2C47 That is a good point

    • @MysticRealmsYT
      @MysticRealmsYT 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not all aliens are bad. I think humans suffer from fear of the unknown and are unwilling to explore, non mainstream narratives, except for the enlightened.

    • @AssetH8ut2
      @AssetH8ut2 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You would have to sacrifice your humanity; is it worth it?

    • @FlynnShade
      @FlynnShade 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@AssetH8ut2 In this situation, there is not much of a choice. It's like when Britain invaded the Americas. The Native Americans had to adapt or be destroyed.

  • @MrBassbump
    @MrBassbump 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Very deep. Understanding why people go back to abusers even when they see the light that takes them from the abusers.

    • @bibibinafnaf1638
      @bibibinafnaf1638 ปีที่แล้ว

      Why why they still go back when they see the light plz tell me

    • @robashton8606
      @robashton8606 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Because many people find change frightening, even when they understand on an intellectual level that it's going to improve their lives.
      It's a similar mental process for prisoners who become institutionalised and can no longer cops with the outside world.

    • @robashton8606
      @robashton8606 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Cope, that should say cope. F***ing predictive text!

    • @AlexV6
      @AlexV6 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@bibibinafnaf1638
      "Some of them wants to abuse you"
      "Some of them wants..."

  • @DadBooom
    @DadBooom 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Choosing the safety of captivity over the bleak outlook of surviving on an alien world. Helluva ending. Well done.

  • @NeonLightsMedia
    @NeonLightsMedia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +131

    This is a perfect example of a sci-fi short done right! Many big budget sci-fi movies don't manage to capture the suspension seen and felt in this one.

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Wow, thanks for the compliment! Appreciate you taking the time to watch.

    • @Bildgesmythe
      @Bildgesmythe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes! I am so tired of movies and TV rehashing the same old stories, Star Trek, Star Wars, comic books from the past. Nice to see new plots!

    • @JT-cf5ol
      @JT-cf5ol 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Bildgesmythe someone mentioned above this resembled an old Rod Serling twighlight zone episode. either way, it made a valid point, will we choose peaceful slavery or dangerous freedom?

  • @ssshhhjjj192
    @ssshhhjjj192 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you DUST!

  • @TimeHunter2305
    @TimeHunter2305 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Such a wonderful film. My interpretation is that the zoo keepers were conducting an experiment on her to test if they can break her spirit. They let her escape to see if she will come back voluntary.
    Perhaps they were comparing humans with other species taken from Earth. An eagle would venture into the unknown never looking back. What is freedom? Is it something that can be achieved or we live in a deterministic universe where free will is an illusion?

    • @williamkinsey4979
      @williamkinsey4979 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This is exactly what I think
      I think it is a test.

    • @kurtrich27
      @kurtrich27 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I believe “free will” isn’t as free as we want to believe it is. The fact that we are the only species on Earth that rationalizes our behavior should be an indication of how our own intelligence places restrictions on our freedom. When we start doing things with the goal of helping everyone have appropriate freedoms, we will stop living in the zoo we have created for ourselves.

  • @kimkeam2094
    @kimkeam2094 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Although she appeared defeated and resigned in the closing scene, the inherent drive in the homo sapien species will constantly push any individual to amend the environment to their choosing whether it is an exercise in futility or success. Great movie, well done!

    • @josephkramer932
      @josephkramer932 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It is not Homo Sapiens that does that. It is God's grace and a few heroes.

    • @rpscorp9457
      @rpscorp9457 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The inherent drive in homo sapiens, is to survive.

    • @tomdavies9662
      @tomdavies9662 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ... and gather pills. Perhaps make wheels. Share information and thoughts.
      Regards from a Tom :)

  • @ashokwwf
    @ashokwwf 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Now I am crying. Thanks.

  • @kingwillie206
    @kingwillie206 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Light years away from the love of her life and no possibility of procreation caused her to turn away from the flashing beacon and return to a life of torture. She wanted to leave because the solitude was unbearable, however, the possibility of even more solitude in worse conditions wasn’t a chance she was willing to take. I also believe she returned to have her memory wiped so she could start fresh instead of dealing with the pain of her past while attempting to communicate with a bunch of humans existing as shells of their former selves.

  • @junglejon74
    @junglejon74 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    This is stunning. I love the quandry at the end - what is best, the cage or the vast emptiness...I'm not sure what I would choose.

    • @Oleksiy777
      @Oleksiy777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Emptyness (freedom), provided you can survive there, but cage, if you cannot, as in this case.

    • @SeaJay_Oceans
      @SeaJay_Oceans 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The lights were blinking in the distance - run / walk in that direction.

    • @Oleksiy777
      @Oleksiy777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@SeaJay_Oceans and if that is another blinking cage? but, yea, at least to check.

    • @SeaJay_Oceans
      @SeaJay_Oceans 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Oleksiy777 Hope for her sake, the other location is not the alien's, 'Jurassic Park' zoo !

    • @Divide_et_lmpera
      @Divide_et_lmpera 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      It could be a slow spinning pulsar, so good luck running toward deadly X-rays 😂

  • @christofferjohn2055
    @christofferjohn2055 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    this is symbolic to the lives of so many of us.. slaves to a system, trapped by our minds, limiting ourselves to serve

    • @BelindaShort
      @BelindaShort 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Don't forget the drugs.

  • @lds9312
    @lds9312 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This was awesome. She knew there was nothing else but go back. Beautiful sky of night, would love to see it in the day. This really would be a horrible reality never to see Earth again. Honestly, who can say it haven’t happened, we will never know. A very good job all around guys. 😊👍

  • @joeangelcruzlll818
    @joeangelcruzlll818 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    No where's to go,Dang crazy 😦😧 Awesome..

  • @clockztickin
    @clockztickin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    All the sacrifice means nothing to those who have everything

  • @alexbaran1167
    @alexbaran1167 3 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Congratulations to the whole team for this excellent short movie. However, special congrats to Erin Li, for directing, co-writing and co-producing the movie, to Kristin Fieldhouse for its great cinematography and to Bella Dayne for her marvelous interpretation of the main character, who cannot precisely decide which alternative is worse. What a great team and a great movie!!!

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks for watching and the kind words, Alex!

  • @slimbim77
    @slimbim77 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Viva Dust!

  • @coldawson8486
    @coldawson8486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Have always loved Dust
    Just could not find it again for a long time
    Darn good job to all
    Love from Australia

  • @TJ-fg3vs
    @TJ-fg3vs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Really interesting (absolutely horrifying) film. Excellently filmed with a fab cast! Loved this and wish it could have been longer...I would love to see more! 😊

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thanks!! I'm working on it!

    • @markpotter2485
      @markpotter2485 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Being a prisoner in a zoo is not a life. Into the great unknown and freedom!!!

  • @jayhansen9705
    @jayhansen9705 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    She is heavenly.

  • @ragnargreystoke3271
    @ragnargreystoke3271 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Enjoyed this very much. Echos of the 1960s Twilight Zone episode “To Serve Man”- Aliens want to serve humankind and off everyone goes, then those waiting to leave realize the book “To Serve Man” the aliens brought was a cook book.

    • @savedone9636
      @savedone9636 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly. Reminded me of the same episode!

    • @RonLarhz
      @RonLarhz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hahahahahahahha

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      An invitation to dinner, not as a guest, but an ingredient.

    • @DistracticusPrime
      @DistracticusPrime 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh no, spoilers! 😉

    • @TheSignOfZeta
      @TheSignOfZeta 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Didn't The Simpsons make a Halloween episode based on "To Serve Man" many years ago?

  • @Damian-nt1id
    @Damian-nt1id 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Absolutely clever, a really great metaphor. One of by favorite short ever

  • @peterhynes102
    @peterhynes102 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Simply spectacular darling…

  • @andrelaveau8510
    @andrelaveau8510 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Truly well developed and nurtured ..we all are in a cage and our conscious part truly free thank you ..thank you..london uk

  • @watchdust
    @watchdust  3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Kepler X-47 was created by the amazing Erin Li and her talented team at the Directing Workshop for Women at AFI. Be sure to keep up with Erin's work by checking out her website and following her on Instagram:
    www.erinli.com/
    instagram.com/mserinli/

    • @briandonaldson612stringgui8
      @briandonaldson612stringgui8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Wonderful. However, like all your (DUST) videos, you shrink the ending so we cannot see the credits. Wish we can see everything.

    • @krishelfferich3487
      @krishelfferich3487 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I still don't get the "food" they served ???

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *Kris Helfferich*
      Cinematic shorthand.
      The genre is called science _fiction,_ rather than fact, remember?

    • @krishelfferich3487
      @krishelfferich3487 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@billyandrew hmmm.

    • @penoymovierecap8783
      @penoymovierecap8783 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@krishelfferich3487 it's medicine food that has all nutrients

  • @Groovegandalf
    @Groovegandalf 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Best promo I've seen in a long time. More Danhausen and let him just go nuts creatively. He's gold.

  • @forestsky7064
    @forestsky7064 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    May be, the #1 BEST Sci Fi I've EVER SEEN.
    Super concept, story line, and everything makes this
    film, #1🎶🌻

  • @thetalkingshrimp5683
    @thetalkingshrimp5683 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    So she traded her life of poverty for one of comfort in an alien human zoo, and when confronted with the choice of freedom or continued captivity she chose the latter. Great story.

    • @ChessMasterNate
      @ChessMasterNate 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Freedom to die. No shelter, no food. Everyone would make the same choice. If you did choose to die, it would probably not be by starvation, on an old lava flow. Star Trek is simply wrong.
      People lived far worse than this on Earth for thousands of years. Most of humanity had to labor 16 hours a day, so 0.01% did not have to do anything, but wage war on each other.

    • @SeaJay_Oceans
      @SeaJay_Oceans 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      She was conned, like the millions of triple injected humans, now they need a 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th injection, Slaves under the Slave system, and with each injection, a little less freedom, a little more dependency. ESCAPE NOW !

    • @MuantanamoMobile
      @MuantanamoMobile 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@SeaJay_Oceans lol. You have a right to do what you want to your body, but when your insanity tries to infringe on other's rights ... it's best you receive an immediate slap to your face.

    • @SeaJay_Oceans
      @SeaJay_Oceans 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MuantanamoMobile good luck in Texas Buddy

    • @meoff7602
      @meoff7602 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@SeaJay_Oceans So getting a vaccine in your world is the same as bring locked in a zoo. LoL, Whatever your on. Please share.

  • @EyeInTheSky982
    @EyeInTheSky982 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Reminds me of that classic Twilight Zone episode, "People Are Alike All Over", except more detailed. Well done. 🙂🙂

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Wow, that is a huge compliment. Thanks so much 🙏

    • @corneldiaconu66
      @corneldiaconu66 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      More likely like some out-of-this world episode of Westworld... I even wanted to ask where are the ancient Greek world, or that adventurous cowboy world with the space Yul Brynner...

    • @TheLucianoDeodato
      @TheLucianoDeodato 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very good reference as well.

    • @shykitten55
      @shykitten55 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I too was about to say that. (re: the Twilight Zone reference.)

    • @EyeInTheSky982
      @EyeInTheSky982 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@shykitten55 Great minds think alike. 🙂🙂

  • @TheLucianoDeodato
    @TheLucianoDeodato 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Black mirror final style and I already saw a similar ending like that in the movie Signal with Lawrence Fishburne. Very good short

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks so much for watching and the kind words, Luciano!

  • @loughkb
    @loughkb 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Now that, was well done! Excellent scifi horror. I felt each emotion, couldn't look away. And whomever did the sound design absolutely nailed it! That damned music! It's going to be awhile before I can enjoy a good string quartet now. Ha!

    • @bobroberts6155
      @bobroberts6155 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed, that unsettlingly banal score drained all the joy and life out of the baroque music leaving it just as barren as the physical cage.

  • @grammybear4226
    @grammybear4226 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Big Panda Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old Grammy from Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼

  • @mysmirandam.6618
    @mysmirandam.6618 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BRILLIANT!!!

  • @TheKevKiev
    @TheKevKiev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    What a great short sci-fi film. The visuals are stunning, especially the last shot with the main character. The lack of exposition is wonderful. Kudos to the team.

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, Kevin!!

  • @jonibaroque8788
    @jonibaroque8788 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Abolish ALL non human animal prisons .Great short ....loved the Rocco theme of the human primate enclosure

  • @vca718
    @vca718 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    truly amazing and outstanding

  • @RealDavidN
    @RealDavidN 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This story deserves to be an opera.

  • @marymagmartha7453
    @marymagmartha7453 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    _That’s right Crystal: One step at a time, “Look for the lights”. I got a little leery when she did a “Lot’s wife turn”, but she turn forward and never looked back_

  • @ssshhhjjj192
    @ssshhhjjj192 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really love this!

  • @leahhammond410
    @leahhammond410 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant... 😎❤

  • @candicem9651
    @candicem9651 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Amazing! I really appreciated the amount of nuance packed into these ~12 minutes. Also the diversity of the cast, the vision of the setting, and the way the primary actress conveyed the desperation and agony of being trapped in the exhibition. Well done!

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you, Candice!! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch and the kind words. 🙏

    • @NietzscheanMan
      @NietzscheanMan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      To see "diversity" of skin colour as a determinant of value is super racist!

  • @xw591
    @xw591 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This one was fantastic

  • @axis19752
    @axis19752 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Her: Oh well..may as well turn around.
    Observer 1: Yes! I told you they'll do that. Now pay up!
    Well done this short 🇳🇿👊👍

  • @LeenaStark
    @LeenaStark 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oftentimes, the *Hell* one is familiar with --- is more preferable than an unknown *Paradise.*
    _"When you're going through Hell ---- just keep on walking!"_ ✌

  • @jasonsadliberty1503
    @jasonsadliberty1503 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Orwell meets one flew over the cuckoo's nest, meets the matrix...love the sim glitches in the background....good little piece here‼️🏁🏁🏁🏆

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Matrix?
      I don't see the connection.

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You just made my day. I love all of those films!

  • @RobersonPhoto
    @RobersonPhoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Well done, Erin. Beautifully shot and realized. Some great Twilight Zone/Black Mirror vibes. I'm a big believer in the "zoo" concept of alien monitoring of humans. Needs a whole movie about it! You should write it!

    • @coldawson8486
      @coldawson8486 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      We are and have been watched for over 6 thousand years
      That's why I enjoyed the concept
      1 watching will give you life
      The other watching gives you death. Sad to say
      The majority have chosen death.

  • @danielhanawalt4998
    @danielhanawalt4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nothing outside. Fake inside. I'd still choose freedom. I wonder if zoo animals feel the same way. Maybe not. Strange film and story. Well done.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's obvious the air is breathable, but I'm not so sure 'freedom' is the right word.
      Escape from the confines imposed by the pod, yes, but it's barren outside.
      The light in the distance might indicate another pod with more humans or other species held in a pod or it could be living quarters for their anthropological scientists studying the humans.
      I guess we'll never know.

    • @danielhanawalt4998
      @danielhanawalt4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@billyandrew Right, freedom may not be the right word. The only true freedom may be death. Are we ever truly free? We live in a type of prison in our own minds as well as the confines of society. I agree, we may never know. I tend to believe there's something beyond our understanding. A higher power, God or whatever. Maybe there's a plan and we will know. Maybe death is not the end. If it is we surly will never know. I do like how you put it. Pods of scientists studying the species of the universe?

  • @innanatanel9708
    @innanatanel9708 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Really deep and beautifully made short. Love your description about making it in all kinds of random places like a basement. Definitely not something you think about when you watch a movie (or a short).

    • @ErinLi
      @ErinLi 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much, Inna! Yes - the trials and tribulations of independent filmmaking, haha.

  • @raphlvlogs271
    @raphlvlogs271 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    a really thought provoking topic.

  • @chrisf8097
    @chrisf8097 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bravo!! 👏🏽

  • @dhcwoodcarving.channaamara7226
    @dhcwoodcarving.channaamara7226 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very beautiful story

  • @Ingothnia
    @Ingothnia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great film. What a beautiful sky that planet had. I would have ran to the hills.

  • @dawickedpissah9071
    @dawickedpissah9071 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Definitely the stuff of nightmares

  • @lerkkweed
    @lerkkweed 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Incredibly beautiful visuals of her escape on the alien world.

  • @PaulDaveyJsy
    @PaulDaveyJsy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautifull absolutly beautifull film , Nothing else to say.

  • @rtpoe
    @rtpoe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies!"
    (Couldn't resist.....)

  • @hawkmoon4459
    @hawkmoon4459 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thoroughly enjoyable

  • @judithwalker3600
    @judithwalker3600 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Grabs you and keeps you right to the end!
    Music was perfect as well!

  • @jeromewilliams8708
    @jeromewilliams8708 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really enjoyed this movie

  • @GDeNofa
    @GDeNofa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    This was really good. The acting and cinematography were well done as well. The only dislike i have is the ending. I think Crystal going towards the unknown small beacon would have been much better than just turning around. An ambiguous ending is better than a hopeless one.

    • @PropagandaFacts
      @PropagandaFacts 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      yeah and that one cat said something about the light when they were takin im out

    • @GDeNofa
      @GDeNofa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@PropagandaFacts exactly, she just totally ignored that possibility of freedom. Chances were slim but hell, still a chance.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      *Bri*
      He told her to look for the light, but when she realised they weren't on earth she just gave up, even though the light was flashing on the horizon...maybe a beacon set up by other escapees?

    • @GDeNofa
      @GDeNofa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@billyandrew that’s just it. We don’t know what it could’ve been or what the guy meant. But it still was a chance for her. I’m sure she knew she was not on earth with those creepy non humans staring at her 24/7.

    • @kingwillie206
      @kingwillie206 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PropagandaFacts - She didn’t go because she figured the love of her life wouldn’t be there and there was no hope for procreation and a family.

  • @3rdScribe155
    @3rdScribe155 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    interesting short --- this is not so far from the truth, because earth is a prison planet, one could say ... but returning to that zoo cage is unthinkable in my mind.. i'd rather die escaping, out in the open land, to die on my own terms.

  • @jmeyer7102
    @jmeyer7102 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved it. Nothing else needs to be said..👍👍

  • @anandaurora
    @anandaurora 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent! Haunting.. I see a parallel to this theme already in the matrix we are living in already

  • @docwil2541
    @docwil2541 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the use of dissonance in the score. It communicates the uneasy feelings the actors are going through. Well shot, well acted, well finished in post.

  • @karimbennett5651
    @karimbennett5651 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Powerful!

  • @JOHNWALLACE.
    @JOHNWALLACE. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!!!!!!!😀👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯💯💥💥💥💥💥💥. AMAZING. WELL DONE 👏 ✔ 👍 👌

  • @TheEtbetween
    @TheEtbetween 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    They was chosen to go on to a strange planet and thought they was going to have a fabulous life

  • @KFRogers263
    @KFRogers263 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Just amazing. Always appreciate a story that makes you think on multiple levels and this does just that!

    • @kelleyjensen8559
      @kelleyjensen8559 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      story? i thought it was a reality show.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *Kelley Jensen*
      👏👏👏👏
      Interviewed, in order to take part, it crossed my mind as well.
      BB, but the 'studio' placed on another, remote planet, maybe even a moon, so the volunteers can't just climb the wall to escape back to their normal lives, be that what it may, to warn other potential 'contestants' of the consequences of taking part.
      The beacon light she saw in the distance might have been another zoo pod and I wish she'd at least went there to investigate.
      I got the initial impression, with the intro talking of homo sapiens and their potential for violent reactions in the past tense that these four were the only ones the aliens allowed to live, but I could be wrong.

  • @mx_lei
    @mx_lei 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I liked this. It's arty and challenging. Also the soundtrack

  • @bgsound2721
    @bgsound2721 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Earth is a rare paradise that should be cherished, protected and enjoyed. There's quite a few subtle concepts presented here... domination, quality of life, and dealing with the outcomes of our decisions. Are they displaying the couples or saving humans?

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Saving a species by eradicating all but four of it and sending them into psychosis, as witnessed by three of the four?
      I don't think that washes, somehow.

  • @1antti
    @1antti 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Vivaldi rules!

  • @tanrose8645
    @tanrose8645 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done❣️👏👏👏🌹
    PLEASE Stay 'safe', everyone❣️ Blessed be🌛🌹🌜

  • @NightBazaar
    @NightBazaar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Trapped on a barren planet with no where else to go but back to the house and the pill food and another day to be on display at the human zoo.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      A defeatist attitude and possibly why they selected her for their zoo.

    • @tomdavies9662
      @tomdavies9662 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      To gather resources for the next attempt?
      Regards from a Tom :)

  • @rightlyso8507
    @rightlyso8507 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Insidiously, and genteelly, horrific! Awesome.

  • @mk1st
    @mk1st 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Excellent short! Nice detail having the video screen show crumbling ice sheets as some misguided way to make a more "natural habitat".

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Initially, I thought it was projected to convince the humans the atmosphere outside their zoo was hostile, ergo discouraging the idea of escape, until I saw the geese being projected, but I like your concept, as it fits in with them supplying her with two mannequins, imitating their view of what comprises a 'happy family.'
      I guess they'd have supplied a female mannequin, if she'd been gay, but would they have given her a baby mannequin, too?
      Just how my mind works, sorry. 😂

    • @zarasbazaar
      @zarasbazaar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's their misguided attempt at a human habitat. Makes you wonder how much we get wrong in zoo habitats.

    • @kimberlygolden7095
      @kimberlygolden7095 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good spot!

  • @dojeedave
    @dojeedave 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    At least there's wine.

  • @adrianjabonski5486
    @adrianjabonski5486 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    09:15 Hey, does anyone know the name of the song playing in the background? I love classical/instrumental music, thanks!

  • @enzavonmetatronics3109
    @enzavonmetatronics3109 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    it mirrors the timespirit. great done.

  • @raziel3726
    @raziel3726 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another Great video 👍👍

  • @MissMarinaCapri
    @MissMarinaCapri 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If that were me I would find a way out. Harry Houdini once said, “ there’s always a way out”, or something like that.

  • @MarkSteven-yt5zn
    @MarkSteven-yt5zn 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Very eerie landscape. Excellent short.

  • @mickberick8575
    @mickberick8575 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nothing like a crust of DUST !

  • @Caroline.123
    @Caroline.123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was amazing I was enthralled from start to finish.

  • @matthewdenckla6567
    @matthewdenckla6567 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Creepy and Intense! Well done!

  • @tonybrantley
    @tonybrantley 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have been binge watching your videos since I found your channel !!
    Absolutely FANTASTIC !!!

  • @dnshet5998
    @dnshet5998 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This made me realise how much I want to chew my food.

  • @believeinpeace
    @believeinpeace 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent!

  • @mitchelkvedar674
    @mitchelkvedar674 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This would be great a show. Dont tell the auidence its aliens until like season two. Make it seem supernatural for a while, ppl trapped, maybe a simulation vibe but then bam its this senario. They try and free earth later. Lots of potential.

  • @drgeoffangel5422
    @drgeoffangel5422 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic Sci Fi, thank you!

  • @TerryTerryTerry
    @TerryTerryTerry 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Scenic echoes of Arthur C Clarke

  • @koshar44
    @koshar44 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pure Art.