ZOMBIES AND US was inspired by one of my roommates, Rachel, who was extremely interested in the new zombie craze sweeping the nation in movies, graphic novels, and costume. She introduced me to a graphic novel called, "The Walking Dead." At the same time a group protesting the vapid nature of television programming today marched on the American Idol auditions in Austin dressed as zombies. The irony of the event was that most of them agreed to appear on television and American Idol even tried to get one zombie to try out for the show.
Later that year the same woman also celebrated her birthday with a “zombie party.” Everyone dressed up as zombies, danced to 80’s music, and drank late into the night. I began thinking about the current preoccupation with zombies and why it is becoming a more prevalent form of self expression for young adults.
While doing research, I discovered an amazing site discussing the psychological zombie. This site lead me to many academic papers written on how the idea of the zombie relates to our existence today and the social implications of zombies actually existing in the world as a separate, functioning species. Additionally, in my quest for current zombie media I discovered a wealth of independent zombie films, shorts, and radio shows. One of the most amusing included a British Mini Cooper Ad where zombies emerge out of a foggy night only to failed in their attempts to rip apart the car and eat the couple inside.
I originally embarked on the project as an interview with my roommate, the zombie lover, but more people became interested in the project and after a short improv session, it evolved into a sort mockumentary on Zombies. The movie explores the themes of viral infection and the existence of actual zombies in society, juxtaposing interview with still images and archival video of others' experimentations with zombie iconography.