Slamdance Film Festival 2009

Emily Hagins is making a zombie movie. It’s feature-length, it’s bloody, and the zombies don’t run; just like it should be. But there’s just one difference between her film and other zombie movies: Emily is twelve. With the help of her mother as agent, crew, and biggest fan, Emily launches an epic adventure in genre filmmaking, battling everything from budget shortfalls to self-doubt, all while coming of age as a teenager. Emily has the vision, and her mom has the driver’s license. Together, their journey is an enlightening look at a growing world of young moviemakers and the bloodiest mother/daughter story you’ve ever seen.

It’s rare that a film can capture both the passions of our youth and the passions of our adult lives. But this heartwarming and nerve racking documentary captures all of the stress of low-budget indie filmmaking and all of the wonder of childhood ambition and excitement.

- Sam Roberts, Director of Film Competitions