51 Degrees North: Fact or fiction? The scary facts turns out to be a lot nearer than you think.
Directed By Grigorij Richters
Genre: Drama/Mystery/Sci-Fi
When film maker Grigorij Richters watched a documentary on Channel 4, in 2010, about Asteroids, or, what is also known as, ‘Near- Earth-Objects, ( NEO’s), it made a very strong impression on him. So much so that it set off a train of thought, which led to the making of, 51 Degress North, his low budget, debut feature. 51 Degrees North is a very modern feature about the frightening prospects of asteroids, (or anything else for that matter), which could hit Earth, with more than disastrous effects, with special emphasis on how woefully inadequately prepared we are. With this log line one might think it was a documentary, but what is really original about this piece of work, is that the director chose to interweave all the information he could find into an unusual ‘thrilleresque’ count-down drama. Featuring one man, it follows him as he discovers that an asteroid is about to end his life and wipe out most life on Earth, and we see through his eyes, what happens to him, and the world he tries to warn.
There’s no doubt that, 51 Degrees North is a very interesting, thought provoking piece of film making. Whether it’s an appealing enough hybrid between documentary and drama, to attract a wide audience will be interesting to see. The film is clearly shot on a budget, and although has a very interesting, intelligent style of editing, it does jump about a bit, which can be irritating to watch. Story purists will also find that if they’re expecting a zero budget version of a Roland Emmerich disaster movie, they will be disappointed. Here is no emotional ride, just a bleak and shocking viewpoint.
However, for stun value, sheer individuality, and the sort of provocation that resulted in many scientists and socially aware people and scientists actually doing something about the threat of Asteroids crashing into Earth, the future of, 51 Degrees North, is set to be nothing short of phenomenal. Asteroid day, which is now set as a beacon for all those now intent on exploring this subject in more depth, has been set for 30th June, and so has the film’s premiere. Taking place at the Science Museum in London, on the IMAX screen, it promises to be night of highly interesting fact, relevant to all of us. There maybe even a few ‘virtual tickets’ left, on sale on the Asteroid Day website. The soundtrack has also been composed by rock band Queen member, and astrophysicist, Brian May, who has supported the film. 51 Degrees North, will then be released in the UK on 3rd July. Make your own mind up about the film, but be aware, this is information we all need to know…. The truth is out there and about to land.
For more information on Asteroid Day and 51° NORTH, visit, www.asteroidday.org
Jane Foster
