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Hitchhiking To Mars

Two sisters pursue their sublime mission--returning home to a distant galaxy. But getting to the other side is fraught with danger, as these aliens must free themselves from the shackles of earthbound violence and the vigilantes pursuing them. Hitchhiking To Mars is both a throwback to the Silent Film Era and a timeless story of yearning for home, and the quest to reach it. As this surreal drama plays out in the seemingly endless deserts of New Mexico, the film examines the allegorical nature of aliens and borders and the challenge of crossing the threshold.

  • Paul L Carr
    Director
    Busted City, Empire, American Barbarian, Interlude, Casual Criminals
  • Paul L Carr
    Writer
    listed above
  • Paul L Carr
    Producer
    liisted above
  • Ali Pike
    Key Cast
    "sister"
  • Zoe Pike
    Key Cast
    "sister"
    American Barbarian, Casual Criminals
  • Paul W Brennan
    Director of Photography
  • Paul W Brennan
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.0
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paul L Carr

Paul L. Carr is a Chicago-based Director, Producer, Writer & Actor and the owner of Busted City Productions, LLC. His feature films are as follows: Busted City, portraying the intense racial politics surrounding the election of Chicago's first Black Mayor, Harold Washington. American Barbarian, a dark comedy/psychological horror film dealing with the aftermath of Donald Trump's election. Empire, a sci-fi fantasy dealing with ecological Armageddon. Casual Criminals, a zany slapstick comedy in the style of Mel Brooks. His short films include: Interlude, an evocative fantasy set to opera and inspired by Alice In Wonderland. And most recently, Hitchhiking To Mars, a surreal and silent film set in the deserts of New Mexico.

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Director Statement

Hitchhiking To Mars achieved the aesthetic I wished for, and I thank my DP/Editor, Paul W. Brennan, for embracing my vision of the film and enhancing it with his boundless creativity. Our collaboration delivered a film I find hypnotically beautiful, but beyond the stunning scenery I hope the film conjures thoughts about different kinds of aliens and different kinds of borders, on Planet Earth and beyond.