Five FrightFest Facts with Brian Hanson of ‘The Bunker’

As Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 is now well underway, legions of horror film fanatics are eagerly anticipating the premieres on offer, and today one such premiere is The Bunker, a sci-fi horror film directed by Brian Hanson. Known for his previous work on The Black String, Hanson brings his unique vision to the alien invasion genre, blending psychological horror with a claustrophobic setting and a star-studded cast that includes Tobin Bell, Tony Todd, and Chelsea Edmundson.

In The Bunker, mysterious extraterrestrial ships suddenly appear in the sky, sparking global panic. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, government scientist Dr. Michelle Reilly, portrayed by Edmundson, is thrust into a high-stakes mission.

In this exclusive interview, Hanson shares insights into the making of The Bunker, his journey into filmmaking, and what he’s most excited about at this year’s FrightFest.

Brian Hanson, writer/director

1. Tell us about your film

The Bunker is a sci-fi horror film inspired by classics like Event Horizon and The Twilight Zone. It stars Chelsea Edmundson, Tobin Bell, and Tony Todd, and tells the story of Dr. Michelle Riley and five other scientists who are isolated in bunkers after alien ships mysteriously appear in the sky. Their mission is to create a bio-weapon, but as paranoia and terrifying hallucinations set in, Michelle struggles to maintain her sanity while racing against time to complete the weapon before the aliens—or their own madness—destroy them.

This film is a 92-minute psychological thriller that explores the question: would aliens come to Earth for war or peace, and how would humans react? We made The Bunker with a small, passionate crew who embraced the DIY filmmaking ethos, building sci-fi sets, graphics, and VFX on a humble budget while navigating the challenges of COVID restrictions. Our goal is to take audiences on a 90-minute thrill ride that keeps them guessing until the end and sparks conversations long after they leave the theater.

2. How did you get into making movies?

I grew up as a big movie and Twilight Zone fan, thanks to my dad’s influence. Watching 2001: A Space Odyssey when I was 10 made a serious impact on me. In high school, my friends and I made short war films with plastic guns and camcorders, editing them on VCRs. A field trip to Los Angeles showed me that making movies was a normal career—something I could actually do for a living. This led me to study film at California State University Northridge, where I wrote, directed, and edited a lot of short films while also interning at bigger production companies.

Wanting a broader perspective, I left L.A. and joined the US Army, serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment and deploying to Afghanistan. After four years of service, I returned to L.A. with renewed motivation, earned a Master’s Degree in Film Production from Mount St. Mary’s University, and worked full-time for a film distribution company. Less than a year after graduation, I teamed up with classmates to raise money and turn my thesis project into a feature film. This was The Black String (starring Frankie Muniz), which premiered at FrightFest in 2019, marking a long but rewarding journey into directing movies.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

There are two films I hope to see at this year’s FrightFest. First, The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee. I’m currently directing a documentary on Cosmic Horror, so I’m eager to study how John Spira put together this highly regarded doc on horror legend Christopher Lee. The second film I’d like to watch is Shelby Oaks, but unfortunately, it’s playing at the exact same time as The Bunker on Friday. What twists the knife is that we co-produced The Bunker with Aaron Koontz and Paper Street Pictures, who also made Shelby Oaks. Oh, the timing!

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

I would create an award for the filmgoer who spends the most time in a seat watching FrightFest movies. They can sit in different seats in different theaters, but they must have the most cumulative minutes watching films while seated. That is a marathon-level accomplishment, showcasing unwavering dedication to the FrightFest cause. This person should be recognized for their endurance and enthusiasm. Maybe by FrightFest 2030, we’ll have the technology to track viewing minutes and give this award!

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

Sleep Paralysis in Southern California—starring Jake Gyllenhaal or John C. Reilly, depending on who’s less expensive to cast.

The Bunker made its international premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on Friday, 23 August, at 6:15 PM on the Discovery Screen 1. With a gripping story and a talented cast, it’s a must-see for fans of sci-fi horror.