District 9 is science fiction like nothing you've ever seen

July 3, 11:39 AMSan Diego Film Industry ExaminerBrent Hannify

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          Propaganda from District 9's fictional MNU.

District 9 is an upcoming science-fiction film written and directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame. The feature-length film is based on Alive in Joburg, a 2005 short film directed by Blomkamp and three other collaborators which features a race of alien beings landing in 1990 South Africa who are met with human hostility and oppression.

View the short film Alive in Joburg.

Set for an August 14 release date, District 9 is filmed in a documentary style that blends photo-realistic digital effects seamlessly with live-action footage.

View the District 9 trailer here.

The Non-Humans, as they are called by the South Africans in District 9 as well as the short film from which it is based, are humanoid, bipedal aliens with insectoid features and tentacled faces. They are overseen by Multi-National United, or MNU, a company which apparently uses their alien technology and keeps them in check, confining them to a certain area and restricting their spaceship from leaving the planet. It is a powerful commentary on many society’s rejection of that which is different. That Blomkamp has chosen to set the story in his native South Africa, with its troubled history of apartheid and racial oppression, is a fascinating move. It is a unique and thoughtful take on the common cinematic theme of alien visitors to Earth.

Advertising for the film is just as unique. Mysterious warning posters featuring silhouettes of the aliens and typically found at bus stops in metropolitan areas direct people to D-9.com. The website features propaganda from the fictional MNU that advises citizens to report “Non-Human activity” such as gathering in groups of two or more, crossing the border of District 9, or demonstrating aggressive or suspicious behavior. Visitors to the website are given a phone number to call, and I was surprised to discover that when dialed, the number actually connects to a “Multi-National hotline” where you can press 1 to report non-human activity, or press 2 to explore careers with the MNU. When I pressed 0 to “speak with an MNU representative”, an electronic voice interrupted the friendly assistant, having just “hacked” the phone line. The voice said his name was Christopher and directed me to his website, a social justice blog called MNUspreadslies.com. Visiting the blog, it appeared that one alien has yet to be silenced by the MNU.

The viral marketing campaign seems to be sparking interest all over the internet. The film seems like it will feature mature themes unlike any science-fiction film ever made. It has received an R-rating for bloody violence and pervasive language. Visit the fascinating links in this article to learn more, and check out District 9 on August 14th.