The film, which premiered at the 2024 South by Southwest Film Festival, explores themes of grief, survival, and human connection in a world devastated by a giant alien spike. Featuring a small cast and a lean production team, Mlambo utilized a double Canon camera body package with Zeiss Lightweight Zoom and CP.3 lenses, enhancing select sequences with a ZEISS diopter to emphasize the film’s intimate human moments.

Film’s Theme and Plot

“We’re All Gonna Die” is a humorous yet sensitive portrayal of modern anxieties, where the threat of global catastrophe looms large. In the film, a giant alien spike causes unpredictable disasters worldwide. Main characters, paramedic Kai (Jordan Rodrigues) and beekeeper Thalia (Ashly Burch), embark on a road trip across the American West to reclaim their belongings teleported across several states by the spike.

Cinematographer Selection and Creative Vision

Executive Producer Ashim Ahuja noticed Mlambo through Film Independent’s Project Involve. Directors Wong and Arnold sought a cinematographer who could balance practical limitations with creative vision. Mlambo’s willingness to embrace a nimble production approach and his understanding of the creative goals impressed the directors. They decided to use two cameras: an A-Camera body Canon 300 Mark III and a B-Camera body Canon C70, with ZEISS Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3 21-100mm and ZEISS CP.3 lenses.

Production Challenges and Solutions

The film was shot primarily in unincorporated areas of Utah, presenting challenges such as dramatic temperature changes and lack of reliable power sources. Mlambo highlighted the importance of durable equipment, noting that the LWZ.3 lens and the lightweight camera setup were crucial for maintaining consistency in natural light. The combination of Glimmer Glass and Black Diffusion FX filters helped achieve the film’s distinctive coloration.

Use of ZEISS Diopter for Key Scenes

Mlambo used a ZEISS diopter for emotionally charged scenes, such as Thalia with her bees and the third act climax inside the alien spike. The diopter enhanced the macro-closeness of Thalia’s bees and created a distorted visual effect during scenes inside the spike, reflecting the alien environment’s impact on the characters.

Audience Reception and Reflections

“We’re All Gonna Die” was well-received at the South by Southwest Film Festival, resonating with audiences through its exploration of grief and humor. Mlambo expressed satisfaction with the film’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of realistic considerations for the crew and equipment in independent filmmaking.

Bongani Mlambo’s work on “We’re All Gonna Die” showcases his ability to navigate practical challenges while maintaining a strong creative vision, contributing to the film’s success at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival.