“Auroras” is a seven minute long science fiction short film with an overarching feature storyline. The short was originally written in 2010 and is comprised of a basic storyline executed in a complex technological way. Development has been extremely slow because the film is primarily made by one independent filmmaker, Niles Heckman (TRON: Legacy), with limited resources. It’s been a very slow but steady side project, and is nearing completion. Due to its limited budget combined with high quality computer graphics using only two computers, it’s been over three years in production.
The film is a dual production venture between Heckman’s AURORA-LAB, a small independent film collective based out of Los Angeles (named after this project) and Marauder Film, a San Francisco production company founded by Bastiaan Koch.
Science fiction is not about the future, it’s about the present. Marriage equality and equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, has come a long way in recent years but still has a long way to go. The film has a feminine theme and an unconventional storyline that would likely not be risked in a large budget Hollywood film. Set in a technologically advanced future, the overarching feature storyline is an embrace of the divine feminine over male dominance.
The project has a Japanese theme and influence. From a visual standpoint, the film is live action and would ideally be classified as “live action anime.” Primarily influenced by the work of Japanese Anime director Makoto Shinkai, whose style of detailed art direction, extensive textured skies, bloomy optics, and very saturated colors give a stunning aesthetic.
In a 22nd Century metropolis at the north pole on planet Earth, a female cyborg (“The Occupant”) is called on a mandatory long term mission to travel along a space elevator through the Aurora Borealis to serve aboard Space Gate Auroras. Forced to leave her pregnant partner, another female cyborg (“The Loved One”), they say goodbye for an extended period. Two women, human or not, in love, are forced to separate and say goodbye for an extended period of time as one departs on a life changing journey to a place that redefines imagination.
This unique film is directed by Niles Heckman, it gives added meaning to the art of live-action/anime sci-fi creation as he tells his story of love, separation, and having to say goodbye.
Niles wanted this to be a grassroots production and give everyone, not just the studio heads, a chance a being a part of this grand journey into filmmaking. If you would like to take part in helping to defray some of the costs of the production of “Auroras” go to the film’s Kickstarter Page.
Enjoy this short trailer:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/81456841
