Why We Still Need Your Help:

We still need your help to get this project over the finish line.

After everyone showed up and showed out in our first round of crowdfunding, we were able to raise $15,000. That money went toward paying our crew fairly for their time, securing equipment rentals, covering crafty, and everything in between. And as you can see in the teaser—everything looks incredible. That’s because of YOU. So first and foremost, thank you. This project wouldn’t exist without your support.

Now our eyes are set on film festivals. We want to share this film with the world—and we truly mean the world. From Cleveland (shout out 216) all the way to Ireland, we plan to submit to festivals across the globe.

But for those who know, festival fees add up fast. Submissions can range from $20 on the low end to $90 on the high end. And with the number of festivals we’re targeting, those costs can stack up quickly.

With your help, we’ll be able to bring this film to audiences around the world—and hopefully to a festival (and theater) near you. Your support here directly helps us take this story beyond our set and onto the international stage.

Why tell this story now?:

This story feels more relevant than ever, especially in today’s modern dating landscape—nobody wants to commit! I blame dating apps and social media for creating the illusion of limitless options, especially for my generation. Why settle for someone you sort of like when your perfect person might be just one date away? Or two? Or three? You get the point.

That mindset is exactly where this film was born—from watching countless friends make the same mistake my main character, James, makes. At his core, James is terrified of commitment. And in this near-future, sci-fi world, the ultimate form of commitment isn’t just saying “I do” or settling down—it’s integrating into the Hivemind, merging body and mind with the collective.

I wanted this act of integration to serve as an allegory for commitment—the fear of losing yourself, of giving yourself fully to someone else. And while that idea can be terrifying—much like an alien with black, all-consuming eyes—sometimes, surrendering to that fear isn’t a loss. It’s growth. It’s connection.

With this film, I hope to inspire those who are scared to take that leap, to embrace vulnerability, and to dare to truly commit—because, in the end, it might just be worth it.

like to think of this story as a character-driven drama with a sci-fi backdrop—where the genre elements aren’t just for spectacle but serve to elevate the themes at its core. Tonally, it sits somewhere between films like Perks of Being a Wallflower and shows like Insecure, with naturalistic, conversational dialogue that feels raw and authentic. At the same time, it embraces the surrealist elements I love from projects like Sorry to Bother You or Atlanta.

The goal is to create a world that feels so grounded and lived-in that when the surreal sci-fi elements appear, they don’t feel out of place—they feel like an organic extension of that reality.

Writer/Director:

Nathan Bouie is the writer and director of Intergalactic Ingénue. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he has spent the past year in Los Angeles working in the scripted side of Hollywood, both in production and the office. Now, he’s ready to bring that experience to his first directorial short film.

Nathan’s biggest creative inspirations range from the sci-fi adventures of Doctor Who to the heartfelt romantic comedies of Rye Lane and About Time. His creative mission is to tell stories that allow Black characters to explore and inhabit settings rarely seen on screen, expanding the boundaries of representation in genre storytelling.

DP:

a cinematographer known for his naturalistic visual style and grounded, authentic storytelling. With a deep passion for capturing real moments, his work emphasizes true-to-life imagery that draws viewers in without distraction. Whether shooting narrative, documentary, or commercial projects, Paul brings a thoughtful, immersive approach to each frame—always chasing honesty through the lens.

Production Designer:

Callan Low is the Production Designer of Intergalactic Ingénue. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, he is now based in Los Angeles. 

A graduate from Sewanee, University of the South, he has spent the past years working in set design, prop making, and set construction. Known for his ability to bring the environments and settings of the script to life on the screen.

Producer:

Jayla Hodge (she/her) is a multi-hyphenate creative and emerging filmmaker from Denver, Colorado, whose dynamic career bridges the worlds of storytelling, production, and social impact. A 2023 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab Fellow (Los Angeles) and Mezcal Media Collective ASCENT directing alumnus (Chicago), Jayla is carving out a space for herself in the media industry with her unique blend of humor, creativity, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.

Currently a producer at Ramfis Productions, Jayla brings her distinctive voice and meticulous attention to detail to every project she undertakes. Her creative portfolio spans a wide range of work, including commercials, short films, and her comedic web series TT Club, which she directed, produced, and wrote. Her multifaceted talents as a filmmaker have allowed her to seamlessly navigate various roles, from writer and actor to producer and director, showcasing her versatility and passion for storytelling.

Jayla has honed her craft through extensive on-set experience, with a particular emphasis on Assistant Director roles. Her notable credits include working as 1st and 2nd Assistant Director on productions with Paramount, National Lampoon and Sony. These roles have allowed her to cultivate a deep understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking, ensuring that productions run smoothly and creatively while staying on schedule.

Producer:

Born in Bamako, Mali, and hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, Ami Coulibaly has a unique perspective deeply shaped by her multicultural experiences. She graduated from Brown University with a degree in English, which laid the academic foundation for her career. Her passion for travel, storytelling, and her involvement in an arts preservation project in Mali have all contributed to her creative ventures.

Over the years, she has held various roles in the industry, including production coordinator, project manager, team lead, writer, producer, and director. With an extensive and diverse background, she has worked on both scripted and unscripted projects for major studios and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, Disney, HBO, Paramount+, Game Show Network, MTV, and more.

Now, Ami is embarking on a new journey into independent filmmaking and television, continuing to bring her creativity and colorful perspective to the world of entertainment.

Producer:

Quinn Murphy is the Producer of Intergalactic Ingenue. Born and raised in Champaign Illinois, he graduated from Southern Illinois University and moved to Los Angeles soon after to pursue his career in the film and television world, working in scripted and unscripted doing set and office work. 

Working alongside Nate to help him bring his vision to life has been a dream, and he can’t wait for you all to see what Nate’s got cooked up. 

Associate Producer:

Monét Bouie (she/her) is an unconventional Black woman with a deep love for all things weird, fantastical, and boundary-pushing. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she has always been passionate about storytelling, especially the intersection of representation and entertainment. After earning a B.F.A. in Film and a minor in African American Studies from Ohio University, Monét moved to Los Angeles, where she has spent over a year honing her craft in both independent and large-scale productions.

Monét has written and directed two short films, Big Momma and Horny Shorty, as well as Buffalo Dip, which screened at the Athens International Film and Video Festival (AIFVF) and won Best Sound & Music at the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival. Her production credits span a wide range of roles, including experience with major companies such as 20th Century Studios, Setter Studios, and Busboys Productions, to name a few.

Monét is driven to be one of the essential creative forces in Hollywood, and she is thrilled to collaborate with her brother on Intergalactic Ingénue.

2nd AD:

Jordon Turner is a creative out of California who is a writer, assistant director, and looking to be a filmmaker in the near future. He is currently a freelance creator working with the (Juda Network) with roles as a 1st Ad, 2nd Ad, assistant writer and acting. He has also 1st aded for the short film “Super Latina” an Afro Latina short film that has been showed at multiple film festivals. He has been apart of projects under (Sony and National Lampoon) notably - “All I Stole For Christmas and Bernie The Dragon.” 

His passion for storytelling and his perseverance has allowed him to learn and be mentored by many in the filmmaking industry. His continues efforts will one day help many with his stories he has to tell.

Excerpt from my sister: I’d say your a very social and outgoing person you can be loud sometimes I’d say you always have pure intentions you can be a good listener most times lol