IndieFlix has found an original way to bring together and package independent short films in way that the audience can afford and will enjoy. In this review we are looking at the Zombie edition of their Film Festival in a Box range. The simple, naked cardboard contains 1 DVD with 4 short zombies movies, instructions and a sticker. Priced at around $14.99 it's a pretty sweet deal, especially when you see the quality of the movies. The 4 movies on this zombie DVD are :

• How I Survived the Zombie Apocalypse (2009): Written and directed by Christian Cantamessa.
• Plague (2009): Directed by Joseph Avery and Matt Simpson.  Written by Simpson.
• I Love Sarah Jane (2008): Directed by Spencer Susser.  Written by Susser and David Michôd.
• Zombie-American (2005): Directed by Nick Poppy.  Written by Poppy and Ed Helms.
  

Calling this a game is a little bit of a stretch. You sit down with a group of friends, grab some popcorn and beer or wine and watch them together. You then discuss the movies, log into the nearest computer, net book etc and vote in the 3 catorgies.

1.  Best Picture
   
2.  Best Performance
3.  Best Story

That's it, game over. I think calling it a "Movie Night in a Box" would of been a closer description.

Let talk about the films.
Firstly they are all good, some very good. They are of course all zombie movies, but each of them has a different look and emotion. One thing they all have in common is they are well written, directed and edited. We can find separate movie reviews for the 4 films in the zombiesdrule short film section,


"How I Survived the Zombie Apocalypse"

A story set in a small apartment, about a mother and son who have been fighting to survive the undead. Even though it's only 10 minutes long we get attached to the characters, we see their coping mechanisms and we feel their pain.


"Plague"

Plague is is very well written and has beautiful cinematography. An immigrant from Latvia moves to the UK to start a new life. Things don't go according to plan and a zombie out break turns his new life
upside down. I would say this film is the most artist and stylized of the 4 films.


"I Love Sarah Jane"

The best of the bunch, easily.
I Love Sarah Jane was filmed in Australia and had a gritty real feel to it.  From the very first scene of a boy ridding his bicycle down a post zombie killing street, to the final close up the short was amazing.
I would go as far to say Film Festavial in a Box - Zombie Edition is worth buying to support this short alone. Sarah Jane is played by Mia Wasikowska, yes Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Mia made this just before going on to get her "big" break in Alice in Wonderland and The Kids Are Alright.


"Zombie - American"

This was my least favorite of the 4 films. I personally always have a problem with zombies talking as i feel they should be mindless creatures. However this short is a pure comedy, done in an interview style, not unlike "The Office" Infact it's was even co-written by, and stars Ed Helms from the American version of "The Office". Made me smile, but it was no Undead Ted.

To Sum up.
Indiflix is doing something unique which benefits independent film makers and the audience. They give the film makers a chance to get their work out to people, and they give people a chance to see the work at a price that's not crazy. Lets not forget the fact that the film makers get feed back via the "game" element.