District 9 Presentation

Olga's film presentation

Science Fiction, Drama, Dystopia

Neill Blomkamp

District 9

Plot summary

In 1982, an alien ship appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. The aliens, nicknamed "prawns," were found in dire conditions and were placed in a camp called District 9. Nearly three decades later, this camp has turned into a slum, and humans are protesting against the aliens' presence. The story follows bureaucrat Wikus van de Merwe, who is accidentally exposed to an alien substance and begins transforming into one of the "prawns." Forced to hide in District 9, Wikus begins to understand the struggles faced by the alien inhabitants.

• Racism and xenophobia
• Social injustice
• Humanity in inhumane conditions

Key Themes

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Born: September 17, 1979, in Johannesburg, South Africa Early Life: Fascinated by visual effects from a young age. Moved to Canada at 18 to study design and visualization. As a teenager, Blomkamp experimented with drawing and computer-generated imagery, teaching himself 3D animation. Career: Started as a visual effects artist, working on commercials and music videos before transitioning to directing short films. Early Work: Blomkamp began his career as a visual effects artist, working on TV shows like Stargate SG-1 and various commercials. His work gained recognition for its realism and technical expertise. Transition to Directing: Blomkamp directed several short films to showcase his skills. These included Tetra Vaal (2004), a mock commercial for a robotic police force, and Alive in Joburg (2005), which became the foundation for District 9. с

other films

Elysium (2013)

The Escape (2016)

Demonic (2021)

Chappie (2015)

Alive in Joburg (2005)

How District 9 Was Made Directorial Techniques and Film Style

Origins: Originally conceived as an adaptation of the video game Halo, the project was canceled due to funding issues. Blomkamp then reworked the idea, inspired by his short film Alive in Joburg. Filming Locations: Shot in real slums of Johannesburg. Budget: Around $30 million — modest for a blockbuster. Despite this, the film grossed over $210 million worldwide. Visual Effects: The aliens (CGI) were created by Weta Digital, renowned for their work on The Lord of the Rings.

Mockumentary Style: Use of interviews and documentary-like footage adds realism. Social Commentary: The story of the aliens parallels South Africa's apartheid history. Genre Fusion: Combines science fiction with hard-hitting social drama. Handheld Camera: Creates an immersive, on-the-ground perspective for viewers.

Fun Facts About District 9

The main character’s name, Wikus, was taken from one of Blomkamp’s school friends. Sharlto Copley (Wikus) was Blomkamp’s friend and had never played a lead role before. The aliens (or "prawns") were inspired by real insects that Blomkamp found repulsive. The title "District 9" references District Six—a real area in Cape Town where forced removals occurred during apartheid. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

final scene

Wikus’s transformation and the aliens were created by Weta Digital, blending CGI and live-action footage. The exoskeleton used motion capture for realistic movements. A documentary-style shaky camera immerses viewers in the chaos. Real slums were used to enhance authenticity. The scrap flower symbolizes Wikus’s emotional connection to his past. Explosions and weapons dominate the action, while the ship’s departure is accompanied by a somber score, shifting to silence in the final scene.

Legacy and Impact of the Film

District 9 is more than just a sci-fi movie. It’s a story about the importance of retaining humanity, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

District 9 became a cult classic, inspiring other filmmakers to create dystopian works with strong social messages. Its success proved that science fiction could be intellectually engaging and deeply address societal issues.

Blomkamp caught the attention of producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings) through his innovative short films. Jackson initially hired Blomkamp to direct a live-action adaptation of the video game Halo, but after the project fell through, Jackson supported Blomkamp’s vision for District 9. The film became a massive success, earning $210 million at the global box office and receiving four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

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