Atlanta-Based Producer Haoran Chen Unveils “Things Greater Than Us,” a Thriller-Infused Sci-Fi Feature Film Out 2026

Haoran Chen, a film producer in Atlanta known for his crafting compelling narratives, is set to release his first feature-length film, “Things Greater Than Us,” in 2026. This profound sci-fi thriller promises to explore the fragility of human connection in the face of the unknown, showcasing Chen’s sharp creative outlet and strong logistical command.

Chen, who holds an MFA in Film Production from the Savannah College of Art and Design, has already carved a successful niche in the industry, particularly in the realm of vertical mini TV series. His work has garnered significant traction on emerging platforms, with “Gigolo Alpha” amassing over 1.7 million viewers on Playlet and “Mated to My Lycan King” attracting 1.4 million views on Snackshort. He also produced the music video “Passenger,” which has amassed 550,000 views on YouTube, further showcasing his instinct for emotionally resonant content that relates with audiences.

Beyond narratives, Chen has also produced branded films and documentaries for major international clients such as Midea and Heli America, making a name for himself by finishing projects on time and under budget, even in high-pressure environments. His expertise in budgeting, scheduling, cross-departmental coordination, and post-production workflow makes him a sought-after producer. Chen’s dedication to his craft has been recognized at numerous international film festivals, including IndieX, Bridge Fest, and the London Director Awards. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, he is also adept at bridging together cultures and markets with content that reflects deeply with diverse audiences.

Now, Chen is investing his experience and passion into “Things Greater Than Us,” a project he describes as a way to “convey both atmosphere and impact.” The film’s premise is intriguing: a group of long-time friends reunite at a secluded cabin at the invitation of an eccentric millionaire, only to discover he possesses proof of intelligent life beyond Earth.

“At its center, the film isn’t just about the discovery of alien existence,” Chen explains. “It’s about how that particular knowledge can affect human relationships, belief systems, and our sense of purpose. It’s a story about awe, fear, and the complex ways we respond to the unknown. We wanted to explore what happens not when the world finds out, but when only a few people do. What do they do with that knowledge? How do they carry the weight of truth? That emotional tension, layered over the speculative concept, is what drives the narrative.”

For Chen, the film presented an opportunity to experiment with tone, pacing, and visual subtext while maintaining a strong human emotional core. “I’ve always believed that genre films—especially thrillers—can be a poignant way to explore big existential questions, and this story gave me the chance to do exactly that, without relying on large-scale spectacle,” he says.

“Things Greater Than Us” boasts a talented ensemble cast, including KateLynn E. Newberry, an award-winning actress with over 100 film credits including Lady Krampus, Isolated and Widow’s Point, Joey Heyworth, who has starred in TV Shows such as Hulu’s Bite Sizes Halloween, INSP’s Wild West Chronicles and Investigation Discovery’s Betrayed, and Yakov Kolontarov, a two-time natural bodybuilding champion, proficient in movie stunts, and has refined his craft at prestigious institutions like Stella Adler’s Theater School and Brent Harvey’s Acting Master School.

He is also the founder of Midnight Pictures and Kolontarov Brothers Production. The film also stars Jenny Heaton, who starred in episode four of The Penguin on HBO Max, and Jacob Lynn, who has acted in “George & Tammy” (Showtime), where he worked opposite Michael Shannon, and has been directed by Raven-Symoné in “The Ms. Pat Show” (BET+), and appeared in “All is Calm” (dir. Brittany Goodwin).

“Each actor brought remarkable depth and overtone to their roles, helping to ground the film’s speculative concept in raw, emotional realism,” Chen shares. “Because the story relies heavily on character dynamics and subtle tension, it was vital to cast actors who could convey that emotional complexity—and they exceeded every expectation.”

Chen accentuates the importance of emotional truth in cinematic storytelling. “For me, the best kind of cinematic storytelling is one that captures the emotional truth of each character while using visual language to elevate that experience,” he states. He notes the film’s ensemble nature, highlighting the focus on giving each character their own narrative formation. “We wanted the audience to feel like they truly knew each of them—not just as part of a group, but as individuals shaped by fear, wonder, and belief.”

Chen also points to the premeditated use of cinematography to enhance the emotional landscape of the film. “I paid close attention to how lighting could shift with an emotional tone—how the atmosphere of a scene could subtly evolve with the characters’ internal states. We designed a lot of artistically driven shots that reflect those emotional rhythms, and that process was incredibly exciting for me.”

When asked about what sets his work apart, Chen emphasizes the unique approach to ensemble storytelling and the creative use of visual techniques within a limited budget. “I believe what sets our work apart—especially in Things Greater Than Us—is our approach to ensemble storytelling and how we visually support it within a limited budget. In the space of low- to mid-budget genre films, it’s easy to fall into familiar visual formulas. Instead, we chose to take creative risks that help the film stand out stylistically.”

He explicates on the specific visual choices made to create a distinct atmosphere. “We leaned heavily towards low-key lighting and deliberate camera movement, using shadows and space to build tension and guide emotion. These visual decisions weren’t just simply aesthetic—they were character-driven, reflecting internal conflicts and group dynamics. Because it’s an ensemble piece, we meticulously focused on giving each character’s presence visual weight through framing, light shifts, and rhythm in editing.”

Maintaining a high level of quality is paramount for Chen. He explains his collaborative approach, especially when working with new team members. “On Things Greater Than Us, most of the department heads were people I was working with for the first time, which was both exciting and a real challenge. When you don’t have the comfort of an established shorthand, communication becomes even more crucial.”

“To maintain the standard I hold myself to, I focused heavily on early and consistent collaboration. I spent time with the director discussing his thought process and visual priorities, so I could align the production plan with his creative vision,” Chen continues. “For me, maintaining quality is about preparation and coherency. It’s making sure everyone on the team not only understands the vision but also has the tools and structure to execute it under real-world constraints.”

The emotional depth of “Things Greater Than Us” is a direct result of intentionality. “For me, emotional depth begins with intention,” Chen explains. “Whether it’s a character beat, a line of dialogue, or a lighting choice, everything has to serve a deeper emotional truth. In Things Greater Than Us, we were working with an ensemble cast, so creating space for each character’s emotional arc was essential. We didn’t want just anyone to feel like a background figure—each person’s perspective mattered, and that layering added richness to the story.”

He also strongly emphasizes the crucial role of the production environment in shaping the emotional impact. “From a production standpoint, I pay close attention to how the environment interacts with performance. Lighting shifts, camera distance, and movement are all calibrated to mirror the characters’ internal states. I also work closely with the director and cast to ensure the pacing allows key moments to breathe—so we’re not just rushing to hit plot points but allowing emotion to completely resonate.”

Reflecting on the experience of making his first feature film, Chen acknowledges both the challenges and the rewards. “Making my first feature film was both the most challenging and most rewarding experience of my career so far,” he says. “With short-form projects, I’m used to tight deadlines and high-pressure environments—but a feature adds layers of complexity in scale, structure, and emotional continuity that demand a different kind of endurance.”

He concludes, “On the other hand, the most rewarding part was seeing how far we could push past the boundaries of what’s possible with a well-composed team and a shared focused vision. There’s nothing quite like watching a fully formed scene unfold on set, knowing how many moving pieces can come together to make things happen. That feeling of building something meaningful from scratch—it’s why I do this.”

“Things Greater Than Us” is currently slated for a 2026 release, with plans for a film festival premiere. Chen and his team are in the development process of a strategic festival approach to ensure the film reaches its target audience and secures the right platform. This project promises to be a captivating cinematic experience, showcasing Chen’s talent for crafting emotionally resonant narratives and pushing further past the boundaries of independent filmmaking.

Follow Haoran Chen on Instagram @filmakerdanch.