Turning into a zombie as a result of getting the H1N1 flu shot may be a little far-fetched, but it was the reason for the brain-hunters being out on Edmonton streets yesterday.
The makers of a new short social commentary about the pandemic, called H1Z1, gathered an army of zombies to wreak havoc on the city, much like the media has done with the issue.
“There was such a hype machine behind the H1N1,” said Shane Carr, co-director and star of H1Z1.
The film is about a couple of documentary film-makers who are investigating the H1N1 shots when everyone who gets the shot begins to turn into zombies.
“None of our zombies (extras) have actually gotten the shot, which is hilarious,” said Kris Krol, co-director and co-writer of H1Z1.
Carr and Krol have both spent the last nine years working in independent filmmaking and had always aspired to make a zombie film, but they struggled to find the relevance in doing so without a believable cause.
“With all the H1N1 stuff that was going on, we were thinking, ‘That’s topical, how can we combine those?’” said Krol.
Doing some independent research on the shots, both through mass media and other independent sources, Krol and Carr felt the need to make a statement on the matter.
“You don’t know what you are putting into your body,” said Carr. “Don’t be a sheep.”
About 15 zombie extras bled their fake zombie blood out on the alley of 102 Street and 100 Avenue yesterday for the final scene of the film.
“This is my first time doing any type of movie thing, so it’s kind of cool,” said Stephanie Chan.
The duo wrapped up filming the 15-minute short yesterday and plans on submitting it to plenty of film festivals in the new year.
