The Alien franchise turned 40 this year and to mark its anniversary it partnered with Tongal, a production company. 20th Century Fox is releasing 6 new Alien-universe fan-made short films in the lead-up to Alien Day on April 26th. In other words, free movies made by people who love the Alien franchise just as much as you. Surprisingly, there were over 500 submissions entered for consideration. And even more exciting was the fact there was $246,000 in prize money up for grabs.
The Franchise & The Franchise Universe
Alien Universe even posted some example Alien story starters to stir up some inspiration. See the ideas taken from the submissions webpage at tongal.com
Alien Day
If you’ve never heard of Alien Day, the website boasts it as an annual celebration of the Alien franchise and is a 24-hour fan-centric holiday. More importantly each year 20th Century Fox has a bunch of offers, apps, exclusive movies, and competitions.
This article includes the full series of short films as they were released with all the details to go with it.
Another franchise about Alien lifeforms that have been around for a while is Critters, Read about that here.
Containment Short Film Trailer
1. Containment
‘Containment’ released at Emerald City Comicon, Seattle March 15, 2019. Chris Reading wrote and directed the film.
Its internet release was on March 29th.
Survivors strike out as they make their way toward safety in deep space. Lost and adrift aboard a tiny escape pod, passengers need to figure out why their ship was blown to smithereens. But is there an infection on board? And if so who has it?
Watch Short Film From the Alien Franchise, Specimen 2019
2. Specimen
At night no one can hear you scream, especially in a greenhouse at the colony. Can Julie find out how to contain her soil samples? Her lab dog is usually the best thing about this assignment, but now her furry friend has caused a massive lockdown sitewide. Now she knows something inside her lab is trying to get her. But where did it come from and can she survive?
Written and directed by Kelsey Taylor, the film was released on the internet on April 5th, 2019.
3. Night Shift
Written and directed by Aiden Breznick, ‘Night Shift’ was released on March 15th, 2019. This title’s internet release has been set for April 12th.
There’s nothing like a drink after work, but who is this mysterious trucker that’s joined them? He looked downright terrible when they offered him shelter within the depot, but now, could what’s wrong with him affect everyone else?
Anniversary Shorts for the Alien Franchise
4. Ore
Produced by Sizzle Snap Productions.
The internet release is April 19th and that is not too far away.
Written and directed by Kaley and Same Spear. ‘Ore’ was released at WonderCon Anaheim on March 30, 2019.
Watch an Alien Franchise Short Film, Ore 2019.
5. Harvest
The internet release for the short film Harvest was released on April 26th.
This film was released on March 15, 2019, at Emerald City Comic Con and is directed by Benjamin Howdeshell.
The harvesting machine is damaged and the deep space is unforgiving. Trying to reach the safety of the evac ship with only a motion sensor was never going to be easy. What are those shadows creeping upon them?
Watch Harvest Short Film
Alone
Finally, last but not least, ‘Alone.’ A short film to set your teeth on edge.
Otranto is a chemical hauler and Hope is the only crew member left aboard it. A year goes by and she is all alone. Will she risk everything to find other survivors?
Written and directed by Noah Miller.
Alone, 2019 Short Film
