Private Project

The Insect & The Alien

An amateur entomologist follows a self-proclaimed "alien" on a mountain expedition, desperate to immortalise his dead wife through the discovery of a new insect species.

  • Jason Fitzgerald
    Director
    Shakes, Respite
  • Jason Fitzgerald
    Writer
    Shakes, Respite
  • Jason Fitzgerald
    Producer
    Shakes, Respite
  • Laura Falkner
    Producer
  • Christopher Sommers
    Key Cast
    Predestination, The Water Diviner, The Horseman, Bullets for the Dead
  • Will Kelly
    Key Cast
    Shakes, Respite, Season, Doing Time
  • Jack Henry
    Key Cast
    The Horseman, Rain, Ouroboros
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 10, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    7,500 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri Alexa
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.40:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Sci-On Science Fiction Film Festival
    Reno, Nevada
    United States
    June 3, 2016
    Global Premiere
    Director's Award
Director Biography - Jason Fitzgerald

Jason originally hails from a musical background. While pursuing his Bachelor of Music, he minored in theatre studies and nurtured a growing passion for film. By the time he graduated Jason had decided to pursue film full-time. Jason has made numerous short films across various genres. His latest effort, "A Picture of Other People", has just hit the festival circuit.

Jason’s earlier films have been selected to screen at festivals all over the world and have taken home several awards. "The Insect & The Alien" received the Director’s Award at the Sci-On Film Festival in Nevada, as well as Best Casting and Best Cinematography at the Sanctuary Cove Film Festival. This film was also an Official Selection at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, America’s oldest genre festival. More recently "Shakes" was screened at the renowned Heart of Gold International Film Festival. "Shakes" also took home the Audience Choice award at Brisbane’s West End Film Festival and then went on to win Best Picture and Best Actress at the Screen It Film Festival on the Gold Coast.

Jason is currently developing his first feature project "The Lost Doll", a touching drama about regret and atonement, imbued with Jason’s distinct sense of humour and heart. When not writing, directing and producing his own projects, Jason works extensively as an assistant director, immersing himself in practical experience, and relishing the opportunity to work closely with all departments in order to influence and broaden his own palette of skills.

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Director Statement

There is real tragedy in delusion, but there can also be a kind of personal peace for the individual, as it may offer solace, from pain, fear or trauma. The Insect & The Alien developed through exploring this paradox, and focussing on the all-consuming pain of grief. The film is a comic tragedy with a sci-fi twist. It is a cautionary tale, a fairy-tale trek into delusion. It’s about denial and acceptance, about letting go and not letting go.