Zombie Girl: The Movie

Zombie Girl: The Movie is an intriguing 2009 documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Emily Hagins, a very young and exceptionally talented filmmaker. At the tender age of 12, Emily sets out to write, direct, and produce her first feature-length film: a zombie movie titled "Pathogen." Prepared with a torso-full of determination, a head full of zombie ideas, and surrounded by supportive friends and family, Emily steers her movie-making boat towards the treacherous waters of independent cinema.

The documentary exposes various aspects of Emily's filmmaking process. The viewer witnesses trials and tribulations, the many ups and downs, and the incredible passion and resilience that goes into the creation of a low-budget movie by a zealous tween girl. This film is not just about making a movie. It is a profound exploration of the power of dreams sprinkled with youthful naivety, valor, and undying spirit.

In the world of Hollywood blockbusters and big-budget productions, one might question the potential success of a zombie film made by a preteen. However, with a mother facilitating the production and a father dealing with special effects, Emily proves that age and budget constraints do not matter when you have a compelling story to tell and the ardor to bring it alive.

Emily's mother, Megan Hagins, plays a crucial role in this entire process. She not only partakes in various production tasks such as scheduling, keeping track of props, and managing the other young actors but also embodies emotional support for Emily. Jerry Hagins, Emily’s father, helps Emily's vision take form by dealing with the film's special effects and zombie make-up.

The supporting casts are another gem in this documentary. We see a plethora of Emily's friends acting in her film. They not only provide hilarious and endearing moments throughout the documentary but are also examples of community support and the friendship that serves as Emily's pillar.

But this movie is not without its struggles. Despite the support, Zombie Girl paints a real picture of the hardships faced in low-budget independent filmmaking. From wrangling actors to reshooting scenes, from limited financial resources to squeezing shoots in-between school and homework, these hurdles form the crux of the documentary, providing an honest insight into a form of filmmaking that is frequently overlooked.

There's a running thread that showcases Emily's evolving maturity and artistic growth as a filmmaker. It's a delightful experience for viewers to see Emily meet her filmmaking idol, Peter Jackson, breaking through her shell in interviews, and ultimately, premiering her movie to a crowded theater.

In essence, Zombie Girl: The Movie presents Emily Hagins, an inspiring young girl who isn't scared to embrace her geeky love for zombies. It is about a girl's ambition that transcends societal norms and expectations about age and gender, as Emily barrels through the challenges to create her vision.

By shedding light on Emily’s dedication, perseverance, and above all, her passion for storytelling, this film not just illuminates the behind-the-scenes grind of independent filmmaking, but also drives home the power of dreams and the deep-seated desire to create.

It is undoubtedly an uplifting, and at times amusing, testament to childhood ambition, parental support, and the sheer force of will in the face of considerable obstacles. It is a heartwarming film likely to resonate with viewers who have ever tried to chase their dreams, regardless of the odds stacked against them.

Filmmakers, Justin Johnson, Aaron Marshall, and Erik Mauck handle Emily's story with great sensitivity while delivering a fascinating and entertaining insight into a new generation of filmmakers. It's not just a must-watch for cinephiles or aspiring filmmakers, it's a documentary that every dreamer would resonate with. Regardless of whether you're a fan of zombie fiction, this film will leave you inspired and cheering for this talented young girl.

Zombie Girl: The Movie is not just an exploration of filmmaking. It is a homage to creativity, passion, and the indomitable human spirit.