Synopsis:

James, a man with deep-seated commitment issues, is set to integrate with his Hive-mind alien girlfriend—a decision that would bind his thoughts and emotions to the collective consciousness forever. On the night of the ceremony, he makes a startling discovery: his ex, Toni, has begun dating the very same Hive-mind. Overwhelmed by the implications of losing his individuality, James begins to second-guess his commitment. As the night unfolds, he wrestles with his fears of losing control and being consumed by the collective. Desperate to escape, James must confront his unresolved feelings for both Toni and his own reluctance to take the ultimate leap into a shared existence. The story explores the themes of fear, intimacy, and the overwhelming pressure of commitment, all set against a sci-fi backdrop.

INTERGALACTIC INGÉNUE, with its themes of commitment and taking the leap into the unknown, is a deeply personal story for me. Who would’ve thought, right? The writer and director relating to their own story—shocker. Lol.

But in all seriousness, my creative journey in filmmaking has been shaped by this very fear of taking the leap. Both in writing and directing, I would delay and delay—paralyzed by the thought of failing spectacularly. “What if you write something and it’s horrible?” “What if you try to direct and no one trusts your creative vision?” These thoughts consumed me. And honestly, they still creep in.

But as I’ve gotten older (Mom, if you’re reading this—yes, I know 27 isn’t old), the fear of never trying at all, of my parents never seeing one of my films, overtook everything else. And well… here we are. Regret—it’s a hell of a motivator.

So if you’re reading this and you’ve been putting off a passion out of fear—fear of failure, ridicule, or not feeling “good enough”—just do it. Give yourself the chance. Take the leap.



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.

In order to secure the funds, we must reach at least 80% of our goal, meaning we need to raise a minimum of $11,100 to be Greenlit. Your pledges will directly support Camera, Grip, and Electric rentals, securing locations, and—ideally—compensating our mainly POC cast and crew for their commitment to bringing this project to life.

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.

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:

Harold Leon Davis Jr. serves as the President of Production for StoryBridge Entertainment, overseeing all projects and giving final approval on what gets produced. His role is integral to ensuring the company’s output meets the highest standards. Harold’s journey in the film industry began at DiamondBFilms, where he started as the main Assistant Director and quickly worked his way into a producing role. Over the years, he has produced a variety of content, from skits to music videos and short films, collaborating with prominent figures such as Damien Wayans, Tristin Mays, Kway Rogers, Amanda Cerny, King Bach, and B. Simone, whose combined followings exceed 50 million people.

Harold began his career in 2020 with Diamond Batiste at DiamondBFilms, and his success with various projects led to his current role at StoryBridge Entertainment. He has already been involved in productions featuring major celebrities, including Cedric the Entertainer and Keke Palmer, solidifying his place as a key player in the entertainment industry.

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.

Associate Producer:

Quincy Smith is an independent director and writer from Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Southern University A&M College with a degree in Business Management. As a child actor, he appeared in projects such as All American: Homecoming, Disney ads, and the TV show Chocolate. Now, he is pursuing his creative passion as a director and writer. His work explores real-life themes that resonate with people from all walks of life.

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

Cinematographer: