Chris Alan Evans' 'Hivemind Deluxe' Utilizes UFOs to Explore Propaganda

      Chris Alan Evans' short film “Hivemind Deluxe” is a sci-fi satire, but it conveys a very genuine and unsettling message:

      The film centers on a woman who is taken to a UFO cult gathering by her boyfriend. What begins as a light-hearted portrayal of quirky characters evolves into a deeper examination of free will. It also includes a terrifyingly well-crafted being—voiced by Evans himself—that adds to the film's sense of reality.

      Evans is an exceptionally productive actor and filmmaker who takes daring risks: he also co-wrote and starred in one of this year’s most bizarre and humorous films, Peeping Todd, where he plays a singing and dancing stalker.

      “Hivemind Deluxe” has found a perfect showcase at the Waco Indie Film Festival, a festival that values originality and bold choices.

      “I don’t think the Waco programmers ‘play it safe,’” Evans states. “They take significant risks with their selections, and I truly appreciate that,” he adds.

      We spoke with Evans about current events, Michael Jackson, and the creation of that impressive alien.

      MovieMaker: What inspired “Hivemind Deluxe”?

      Chris Alan Evans: I’ve been interested in UFOlogy for nearly 30 years, and the subject has gained more mainstream attention in the past decade. I wanted to create “something with aliens” for this short, but also to craft a satire relevant to contemporary issues. My journalism degree allows me to distinguish propaganda from credible reporting. I perceive a world where only a handful can do the same.

      Most people are merely influenced by propaganda and misinformation, lacking the ability to identify it. I wanted to create a character who can call it out; despite her anxiety and disillusionment, she recognizes the fallacies she's being sold. A shout-out to Fire in the Sky, which inspired our abduction scene.

      MovieMaker: “Hivemind Deluxe” features extensive world-building—political intrigue, a cult, an alien, and possibly a time loop, all within 10 minutes. Do you feel all the answers are present, or is this more of a proof of concept for a feature?

      Chris Alan Evans: It’s not a proof of concept for a feature; however, it served as a test for me as a writer/director/producer to determine if I could create an eerie supernatural atmosphere that remains entertaining and humorous while incorporating social commentary to spark discussions about propaganda, all without being one-sided. Regarding whether “all the answers” are present… no, I prefer this film to raise more questions than it answers. For me, it’s an art film. While it’s enjoyable and more accessible than typical “art films,” it’s more significant that the audience interprets what they derive from it rather than fully clarifying my intentions.

      MovieMaker: Do you believe in UFOs? Why do you think they are currently so prevalent in public discourse? (Aside from Disclosure Day.)

      Chris Alan Evans: I do believe that humans are not alone in the universe; that’s the simplest way I can express it. There is substantial evidence indicating that peculiar sightings in the skies and oceans have been reported for thousands of years—not just tens or hundreds. Many biblical accounts resemble UFO reports. I don’t think the current interest in UFOs is merely a fad; I think people are increasingly encountering unexplainable phenomena. The US government has recorded “non-human intelligences” in congressional records. The stigma surrounding UFOs has prevented serious discussions. I believe we’re not alone and that governments have misrepresented what they know. Someone can only deceive you for so long.

      MovieMaker: I noticed a character subtly says “shamone.” Michael Jackson used this phrase, which I learned he borrowed from Mavis Staples, who used it to mean “come on.” Why does the character say “shamone”?

      Chris Alan Evans: That’s interesting! I’m a big Michael Jackson fan, but I have to credit the actor, Courtland Thomas, for improvising that line. I guided my cult-member actors on how to act but encouraged their improvisation. Thanks to editor/producer Alexander Jeffery for including it in the final cut. While there’s no specific meaning behind it, I enjoy the vibe of that moment.

      MovieMaker: The creature effect is stunning—very convincing and creepy. I also noticed you provided the voice for the alien. How did you and your team create this extraterrestrial?

      Chris Alan Evans: We had a limited budget for the alien mask. CFX Masks in Baton Rouge produces incredible cinema-grade masks. Due to our budget constraints, we couldn’t afford a custom creation, but we chose from their existing unique masks.

      Our alien was designed without a mouth to enhance the telepathic impression of his dialogue. Actor Eric Gibson voiced the alien using the script’s lines, but Alexander Jeffery and I always planned for the hypnotization sequence aboard the alien spaceship to be adjusted in post-production,