The Event (typographically stylized THE EVƎNT) is an American television series containing elements of science fiction, action/adventure and political allegory. The show was created by Nick Wauters and premiered on NBC on September 20, 2010. The plot centers on a group of extraterrestrials, some of whom have been detained by the United States government for sixty-six years since their ship crashed in Alaska, while others have secretly assimilated among the general populace. The series was picked up for a full first season of 22 episodes on October 18, 2010. NBC canceled the series on May 13, 2011.
Near the end of World War II, a craft of undetermined origin crashed in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska. It carried passengers who appeared outwardly human, but were eventually determined to be of extraterrestrial origin. Their DNA is slightly less than one percent different from humans, and they age at a much slower rate. Since ninety-seven captured survivors refused to disclose information to the US, they were held in a nearby government facility, located on fictional Mount Inostranka. The remaining survivors, also known as the Sleepers, were able to escape the crash scene, as they, unlike those who were captured, sustained only minor injuries. Those who escaped ended up hiding among the regular populace.
The Event may refer to:
The Event is a 2003 drama film directed by Thom Fitzgerald. It tells the story of Matt Shapiro (Don McKellar) who has died in Manhattan, resulting in an aborted 9-1-1 call. Attorney Nick DeVivo (Parker Posey) interviews Matt's friends and family to piece together a portrait of Matt's life and finally his death.
The ultra-low-budget film stars an ensemble of respected actors including Olympia Dukakis, Brent Carver, Sarah Polley, Dick Latessa, Joanna P. Adler, Jane Leeves, Rejean Cournoyer, Joan Orenstein, McKellar and Posey. It was written by Steven Hillyer, Tim Marback with director Fitzgerald, and produced by Bryan Hofbauer, Vicki McCarty (exec), Robert Flutie (exec).
The Event premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it received three standing ovations. It was distributed by ThinkFilm in the USA.