Red-Barracuda This documentary focuses on a somewhat unique scenario. Emily Hagens is a young girl who is something of a film fanatic. Nothing so strange about this, quite a few kids her age are but where Emily differs from the crowd is that she managed to direct a feature length zombie film called 'Pathogen' to completion when she was twelve years old. This film documents her as she achieves this impressive feat. It's partially a family portrait because Emily's mother is fully behind her daughter in her endeavour and is an ever present on set carrying out all manner of tasks such as sound woman, special effects artist and producer. It's a pretty heart-warming story just in this regard, as it shows a family unit working together really well, with parents supporting their daughter to the hilt. Emily's mother is clearly a very patient woman, as she had to put up with a group of young teens hanging around making a zombie epic for two years, which is even more impressive when you realise that she had to do this after working a full time job in the daytime. It must have driven her nuts.The documentary ends not long after the premiere of the film. It was a pity we never saw the audience reactions to it but, even though I have never seen it myself, it's safe to say that it looks like it is a seriously ropey affair. But this isn't the point, as what can honestly be expected of such a micro-budgeted affair made mainly by kids? Film-making is a complex process, with even low budget b-movies costing many thousands of pounds to make. This was made with really next to no money and we bear witness to typical issues that are part of the cinematic creative process such as having to depend on actors, trying to achieve decent results with little money, technical nightmares with audio and of course trying to make a film when the director has to attend school by day. It's a pretty inspiring little tale and it is good to see that Emily has gone on to make several other films since this. The film ultimately shows how difficult it is to make movies on tiny budgets but it also shows it can be done with perseverance and dedication. Young Emily has given a good example to many that you just need to get out and do it and be prepared to work hard enough to ensure you finish it. Good on her.

Slowblivion What strikes me is that despite the age and experience difference, the problems encountered during filmmaking are all the same ones you find on small indie sets on up the line to the big boy pictures. issues with actors schedules, budgets, loosing light, prop mishaps, sound issues, the wear and tear a director, 1st AD, or producer feels etc. Heck, even the relationship between the mother and daughter is like relationships i've been witness to between producers and directors. Despite the love that they have for each other there is of course tension and sometimes that tension comes to a head which is captured in this documentary.Having help from local film critics and of course Harry Knowles, it's also interesting to see the local community help out and show their support for someone who has no experience but only the want and drive to finish a movie. Many people may not realize or just choose to ignore the fact that making a film (short or feature) is hard work. The amount of planning is staggering sometimes even to seasoned professionals. To see them come and help a 12 year old who simply has a love for the craft is something special. I'm not going to say this is the most inspirational piece in the world and it's not like the final product was Citizen Kane but this still merits a watch in my book. I can't really put my thumb on who this documentary may appeal to but i'll venture a guess. If you're interested in the film making process (in a general sense) and like a film about passion and conviction then I think this may be something worth watching. I'm giving this a 7 for showing me that age has no bearing on passion and that doing what you set out to do can be it's own reward.

gavin6942 "Zombie Girl" is not really a movie about zombies, but about a young girl who is directing a zombie film. The focus is a little bit on how the film was made, but the underlying theme seems to be about family bonding. Parents who want to encourage their child's dreams, this is a film for you.I came into the film with moderate expectations. I love horror and the film-making process, but was not sure if this would really be up my alley. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The directors took what is more or less an average family and really made them interesting, and made a fine case that Emily Hagins isn't just a girl with too much free time -- she cares about her craft and knows her stuff.The film also gives a glimpse into the Austin film community, though this is not the focus. We meet an area critic, a film society, Harry Knowles (of Ain't It Cool News) and the Butt-Numb-a-Thon. If you live in or around Austin, this film isn't just about the Hagins family, but about your community and its promotion of independent film. I wish my community had a similar flavor, but I have to drive three hours for that.The DVD makes a great documentary even better. There are extra interviews and outtakes, but most importantly the Emily Hagins film "Pathogen", so you get two for one (rather than buying it from her website separately). Sure, "Pathogen" is not great, but coupled with "Zombie Girl", you can see why it's not great, where mistakes were made, and use this as a teaching tool for yourself or others when you try to make your own film.I endorse "Zombie Girl" for both horror fans, and families in general. I think even those who have no interest in horror or film could take something from this: a precocious young girl following her passion, and a family helping her to do just that. Emily Hagins is certainly a young visionary, but she would not be able to realize it without parents to drive her to set.

Mauricio Silva Barrios This is a great documentary. It's complete, from the beginning of Emily's project until its premiere. The final product, the "Pathogen" movie, is very poorly produced, clearly an amateur work. This documentary, on the other hand, makes is pretty clear why that is so. It displays Emily's will to turn her idea into something real. But as a 12 years old girl, she lacks planning, knowledge and looking ahead. She acts much like any average adolescent: that "let's just do it now" attitude, that takes her into troubled times.The documentary also shows the driving force behind the cameras, Emily's mother, always pushing the idea forward. Her adult vision on organization and planning brings mother and daughter into many conflicts, as the girl believes her mother is trying to make things "her way", but she can't afford losing her support.Zombie Girl's directors themselves also show their share of persistence, as they keep making the documentary even with the risk of the "Pathogen" project's death, being put aside indefinitely, untouched for some months.This is a must-see for all paranoid parents who think their children may become disturbed citizens when they grow up if they watch horror movies when they're young. The important thing to keep in mind is not the subject of the child's attention, but the parent's attitude towards it. In this movie, Megan treats a Zombie movie as just what it is: a movie, a project to be executed, a career opportunity, and above all, a learning opportunity. Even if you don't like zombie movies, and don't want to watch "Pathogen", you should see this movie. It's not about zombies, it's about making your ideas happen, through perseverance and support.