Loading Docs 2024 - Out There

Zoologist turned filmmaker Alexis Smith sets out to find her place in the universe with the help of an eclectic group of New Zealanders dedicated to making contact with extraterrestrial life. In this short documentary, Smith meets members of CE-5 Aotearoa (Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind) as they gather at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve near Lake Pukaki to attempt communication with cosmic intelligence. Treading the line between scepticism and belief, the film follows Smith as her scientific world view is challenged and she considers the possibility of life beyond Earth. 

In my line of work, I'm hardwired to question everything. If this is real, I need evidence...

– Presenter Alexis Smith searches for evidence of extraterrestrials

Key Cast & Crew

Thomas Asche

Editor, Visual Effects

Julia Parnell

Executive Producer

Harry Wynn

Producer

Mark Lapwood

Cinematographer

Alexis Smith

Director, Presenter

Nia Phipps

Producer