Interview: Director Jefferson Moneo talks UFO Cult Thriller "Cosmic Dawn"

Cosmic Dawn/ Cranked up

After witnessing the abduction of her mother as a child, Aurora joins the UFO cult The Cosmic Dawn. Aurora experiences many revelations at the cult's compound, but the leader is not who she seems.

Emmanuelle Chriqui and Camille Rowe star in the new UFO Cult Thriller COSMIC DAWN by Cranked Up films. The science-fiction mystery and thriller is written and directed by filmmaker Jefferson Moneo. Otakus and Geeks got to watch an early screener and got the scoop from the director Jefferson himself, as he discusses the making of this cult film. The movie features a soundtrack by the band MGMT which perfectly fits the psychedelic vibe of this independent film.

Debuts Theatrically + On Demand February 11th

Cosmic dawn/ cranked up

Synopsis: After witnessing an alien abduction as a child (and subsequently being told she’s crazy for most of her life) Aurora, now a young woman, joins the UFO cult The Cosmic Dawn after discovering a book written by the group’s leader, Elyse. Aurora’s time at the cult’sremote island compound is marked by miraculous revelations, consciousness expandingflowers, and a burgeoning friendship with Tom, the resident cook. When a fellow cult member starts to display increasingly bizarre behaviour, Aurora begins to question Elyse’s sanity (and her own) and starts looking for a way out. Years later, after the dissolution of the cult, Aurora has moved on with her life. She leads a quiet and seemingly normal life. But when Elyse resurfaces in a mysterious video, Aurora is forced to confront her past. Together with Tom, she pursues the ultimate truth about The Cosmic Dawn. Does Elyse really have access to another dimension? Or do her prophesies truly point to mass suicide amongst the surviving cult members?

Interview: Jefferson Moneo (writer/ director)

1. Can you tell us about your inspiration for the film, you mentioned having an extraterrestrial encounter as a child?

When I was 12 years old, I was at my grandmother's ranch in southern Saskatchewan. I woke up at night to brilliant light pouring into the windows. I came downstairs and found my grandmother out in the yard, staring at the sky. There was crazy, colourful light coming from above and then all of a sudden, it disappeared. Just vanished. The really strange thing was that I remember looking at the clock beside my bed when I woke up. It read 11:32. After going outside and then returning to bed, the clock read 11:24. Naturally, nobody ever believes this story -- but it happened. 

2. You directed numerous short films, such as “Big Muddy” and “Going South.” With “Cosmic Dawn” being your second feature film, do you see yourself working on more long-form storytelling, or do you want to continue making both short films and feature films? Do you have a favorite?

I've made around 18 short films and 2 features. I prefer features, but I'm a filmmaker, so as long as I'm creating, I'm happy. Features are much more complicated. Shorts are more fun, if less rewarding, mostly because there are no stakes involved. 

3. What was challenging about bringing this script to life?

Every feature film that gets made is a miracle, so it's always a challenge. This one was especially difficult. The script was originally optioned by another company, who I don't think had any intention of really trying to get it made. I became frustrated, lawyers got involved, and I eventually got the rights back. Then I went out and got it made on my own. Of course, I couldn't have made it without Patrick Hackett, my production partner, who always believed in the project. The other producers, Mark Raso, Joseph Raso, and Mauro Mueller, were also instrumental in finally getting into production, but Pat was the guy who truly made it happen. 

4. What will the audience be thinking about after watching this film?

If they were stoned when they saw it, "good idea I got stoned before I saw this. It was super trippy". If they didn't, "man, I should have gotten stoned". 

5. How is this production bringing something new to this story?

Most cult films involve male cult leader, along with a lot of abuse and rape. This film has a female cult leader and most definitely doesn't involve rape or abuse. Brainwashing, maybe, but it's very subtle and seductive. It's not threatening. 

6. What’s going to surprise people about this movie?

The ending.  

7. What has been your most touching or amazing moment you've experienced as a filmmaker?

Watching your films with an audience is always fun. I've worked with some really amazing people over the years, so I'd probably say my collaborators are the people I'm most amazed by. Endless creativity and passion. 

8. Were any other filmmakers an inspiration to you on this project?

I'm actually more influenced by music, art, and books than other filmmakers, to be honest. James Turrell and Dan Flavin are two artists that influenced the design of the film. And the music of MGMT, who generously allowed us to use a bunch of their music. Andrew Vanwyngarden (from MGMT) also provided some bizarro original tracks for the film too. 

9. Anything else you'd like to mention about the making of “Cosmic Dawn?”

Aliens are real! Whether you believe in them or not is the central question of the film. 

Directed and Written by: Jefferson Moneo
Produced by: Mark Raso, Joseph Raso, Brian Robertson, Jefferson Moneo
Executive Producers: Patrick Hackett, Mauro Mueller, Luisa Law, Daniel Futa, David Hand, and Catherine Cartwright-Hand
Composer: Alan Howarth
Additional Music By: Andrew Vanwyngarden
Featuring Music By: MGMT
Starring: Camille Rowe, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Antonia Zegers, Joshua Burge, Phil Granger
Run Time: 98min