GFF 2013: The History of Future Folk

Arriving on our planet to evaluate it for invasion and resettlement, General Trius (d’Aulaire), later called Bill, is seduced by the sounds of music, a concept previously unknown to him. Smitten, he abandons his plans and eventually starts a family. Years later, fellow Hondonian Kevin (Klaitz) is sent to set Bill straight, but the pair end up forming a bluegrass duo instead, as you do, leaving both to deal with another threat sent by their home.

A lo-fi sci-fi, The History of Future Folk is an aliens on Earth tale that has more in common with Flight of the Conchords and the films of Aaron Katz, though there is a bit of The Man Who Fell to Earth in there. A unique merger of musical comedy, sci-fi and drama, directors Walker and Mitchell substitute an epic scope with relatable small-scale issues and inventive production design. Though made with a light touch, the entertaining Future Folk potently explores both the power of music and connection with people, achieving a surprisingly sweet sincerity with its high concept. [Josh Slater-Williams]