It’s free to watch and really messed up!
It’s often said that the sci-fi and horror genres are fertile areas for filmmakers to address contemporary issues but District 9 was a film unlike any other.
In case you haven’t seen the Oscar-nominated feature then you’re in luck.
The film revolves around an extraterrestrial race that’s forced to live in slum-like conditions in Johannesburg. Suddenly, they find an unlikely ally in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology.
Yes, the film is a clever take on apartheid and class politics in South Africa, but above all else, it’s a bloody masterpiece of sci-fi and action – it was even nominated for four Oscars.
trust us, you’ll be shouting ‘Prawns!’ for days!
Since this breakthrough, Neill Blomkamp has gone on to make Elysium and Chappie, but he’s still looking to push the sci-fi boundaries. Rather than face the restrictions and financial issues that are associated with making a Hollywood film, he has done the next best thing.
As you may know, Blomkamp’s attempts to make the highly-anticipated Alien 5 haven’t taken off just yet, but rather than give into this frustration, he has channeled his creative energy into another venture.
The Oscar-nominated filmmaker has created his own studio, Oats Studios, and they’re making some superb short films.
Following up from the Sigourney Weaver-starring Rakka, Blomkamp is back with his latest feature, Firebase, and it’s an absolute doozy.
Set during the Vietnam war, Firebase follows American soldier Hines through an ever deepening web of science fiction madness. The fabric of space-time is literally beginning to bend around him.
It’s worth noting that District 9 also began as a short film, Alive in Joburg, so we wouldn’t rule out one of Blomkamp ‘s latest features being given the feature length treatment.
Take a look.
