This documentary focuses on a somewhat unique scenario. Emily Hagens is a young girl who is something of a film fanatic. Nothing so strange about this, quite a few kids her age are but where Emily differs from the crowd is that she managed to direct a feature length zombie film called 'Pathogen' to completion when she was twelve years old. This film documents her as she achieves this impressive feat. It's partially a family portrait because Emily's mother is fully behind her daughter in her endeavour and is an ever present on set carrying out all manner of tasks such as sound woman, special effects artist and producer. It's a pretty heart-warming story just in this regard, as it shows a family unit working together really well, with parents supporting their daughter to the hilt. Emily's mother is clearly a very patient woman, as she had to put up with a group of young teens hanging around making a zombie epic for two years, which is even more impressive when you realise that she had to do this after working a full time job in the daytime. It must have driven her nuts.
The documentary ends not long after the premiere of the film. It was a pity we never saw the audience reactions to it but, even though I have never seen it myself, it's safe to say that it looks like it is a seriously ropey affair. But this isn't the point, as what can honestly be expected of such a micro-budgeted affair made mainly by kids? Film-making is a complex process, with even low budget b-movies costing many thousands of pounds to make. This was made with really next to no money and we bear witness to typical issues that are part of the cinematic creative process such as having to depend on actors, trying to achieve decent results with little money, technical nightmares with audio and of course trying to make a film when the director has to attend school by day. It's a pretty inspiring little tale and it is good to see that Emily has gone on to make several other films since this. The film ultimately shows how difficult it is to make movies on tiny budgets but it also shows it can be done with perseverance and dedication. Young Emily has given a good example to many that you just need to get out and do it and be prepared to work hard enough to ensure you finish it. Good on her.
