First Contact: An Alien Encounter

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at 8 p.m.

“First Contact” offers up an awe-inspiring and, at times, troubling exploration of just what might happen in this unprecedented scenario.

Using a collage of fictional podcasts, media feeds and international news programs, this 21st century “War of the Worlds” tells the dramatic story of an encounter with an extraterrestrial artifact traveling through our solar system over the course of 12 days and explores how the world responds.

Mixing a deeply researched fictional narrative with real documentary interviews, it features some of the world’s foremost scientists and thinkers – including Dr. Jill Tarter, pioneer in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Dr. Mazlan Othman, former director of the United Nations office for Outer Space affairs.

Together, these experts and others explore the scientific, social, and philosophical implications of first contact, as well as investigating the multitude of responses that may result. This isn’t just about what might be out there in the universe – it offers up a fascinating new perspective on humanity here on earth.