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The History of Future Folk

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With the launch of The Otaku’s Study Film section just in time for this years Gold Coast Film Festival, I have decided to over the next couple of days review some of the more interesting independent and unique films that I have had the pleasure of watching over the past year. One of these was The History of Future Folk which served as the opening night film for last years GCFF. I was in attendance at the screening and enjoyed it immensely… but embarrassingly enough I only saw half of it.

With two exams and two days of eight till four practical experiences that week, I was completely buggered and the moment the film started I was out like a light. However while the film has not received the physical release it deserves over here in Australia, thanks to the power of digital distribution I finally managed to watch the other half of the film that to an extent helped foster a love of indie films. This is my review of the film that describes how a cheesy shop jingle saved us humans from an invasion of the Hondorians, and the events that follow.

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The History of Future Folk is described as probably the only “Alien, Folk Duo, Sci-Fi, Action, Romance, Comedy” movie that has ever been produced, and while by default it wins “Best Film” of its category it is one that stands out for most of those genres. The film features General Trius (Nils d’Aulaire), an inhabitant of the planet Hondo who travelled around the universe looking for a new world to colonize, with his soon to be destroyed by a giant comet. He eventually crash lands upon Earth, but before he can use a “Magic Potion” that would “Cause everyone to fall asleep”, he enters a store and becomes entranced in a jingle playing over the loudspeaker. With music being an appealing concept to him, he decides to reside on Earth – now in a happy relationship with his wife (Julie Ann Emery) and young daughter (Onata Aprile).

With time running out for Hondo, the planet sends in “Kevin” (Jay Klaitz) to purportedly assassinate Trius and take over his mission. But with a few blunders on his part, he too becomes entranced in the joy of music. But this series of events lead to bigger issues, and a quest to save both worlds.

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The History of Future Folk could have benefited with a bit more time to flesh out the specifics and feel less rushed. However whether it is the relationship between Trius and his family being tested as new revelations about his double life are revealed, the stand-comedy / folk duo performances or Kevin’s profound attempts to woo female cop Carmen (April L. Hernandez), there wasn’t any notable dull moments from start to finish. It was a fun and upbeat film, but never crossed that border between “fun” and sacrificing the plot just to deliver laughs.

The History of Future Folk epitomizes many aspects that I love about independent films… that there is no need for special effects, celebrity appearances or any other frills, but instead delivers a unique viewing experience with an appealing idea, distinct storyline and passionate cast members. The History of Future Folk ticks all three boxes. It is a movie I would personally be more than satisfied watching on a quiet Saturday night with a big bucket of popcorn!

While the film doesn’t really loan itself to a sequel, I look forward to seeing more releases like this from directors John Mitchell and Jeremy Kipp Walker. Now the question is…. will we see anyone cosplaying as a Hondonian during this years Supanova: Pop Culture Expo?

Sam
Sam
Founder of The Otaku's Study. I have been exploring this labyrinth of fandom these last fifteen years, and still nowhere close to the exit yet. Probably searching for a long time to come.

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