Filmmaker Ben Hosler transforms Area 51 into the setting for a heartfelt sci-fi mockumentary about ambition, courage and finding laughter during difficult times
By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/15/26 – Independent filmmaker Ben Hosler takes audiences inside a very different kind of workplace in Job 51, a science-fiction mockumentary screening in the PA Narrative Shorts category at the River Valley Film Festival.
Set inside Area 51, the short serves as a pilot for a larger television series Hosler has been developing since 2018. It follows Chris Jonas, an alibi agent responsible for writing the cover stories used to conceal UFO crashes and extraterrestrial encounters from the public.
Chris, however, does not want to remain behind a desk. He dreams of becoming a field agent who responds directly to alien incidents and finally earns recognition as the action hero he believes himself to be.
“He wants to be the agent that goes out into the field and deals with all the extraterrestrials and all the crashes,” Hosler told The Hollywood Times. The pilot gives Chris one more opportunity to prove that he can rise to the challenge, even when those around him doubt his abilities.
Click below for our exclusive interview:
Hosler first conceived the project during his sophomore year of high school after watching The Office for the first time.
Because the series is set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Hosler felt a special connection to its setting and style. After finishing the show, he found himself wanting to create his own workplace mockumentary, only with an added science-fiction twist.
“I’m someone who likes extra elements,” he said. “Combining mockumentary with sci-fi and my love of extraterrestrials, that’s how Job 51 came to be.”
The familiar documentary-style format gives the film an accessible comic rhythm, while its secret government setting opens the door to unusual characters, alien emergencies and absurd workplace complications.
Hosler served as the sole director, writer and producer of the film, which began as his senior thesis project.
“You know how indie film is, you’ve got to wear multiple hats,” he said.
The experience also taught him the importance of sharing major production responsibilities. Hosler said he hopes to work with a producing partner on future large-scale projects.
Many members of the cast and crew were friends from film school. Hosler matched them with roles and production positions based on their individual strengths.
“We all came together and used the best of our abilities to pull this film off,” he said.
One of the production’s greatest challenges was coordinating the actors’ schedules. Hosler’s lead performer was simultaneously rehearsing for Shakespeare’s As You Like It and sometimes arrived on set around 9:30 or 10 at night before filming continued until approximately 2 a.m.
Despite the exhausting schedule, Hosler said the actor consistently arrived prepared and fully memorized.
Although Job 51 is primarily a comedy, Hosler is especially proud of a dramatic scene in which Chris experiences what the filmmaker described as his “dark night of the soul.”
The sequence gave Hosler an opportunity to move beyond his usual comic approach and guide his lead actor through a quieter, more vulnerable performance.
“Typically, I’m someone who loves to direct comedy,” he said. “That was a fun creative challenge.”
The emotional moment helps ground the film’s outrageous premise in a relatable story about ambition, disappointment and the desire to prove oneself.
Hosler hopes the film will ultimately provide audiences with something simple but meaningful: laughter.
“My main goal in life as a creative is just to spread light and laughter,” he said.
He envisions Job 51 becoming the kind of comfort-watch television series audiences can turn to after a stressful or difficult day.
“That’s the heart behind Job 51,” Hosler said. “It’s wanting to bring laughter to people, wanting to spread light and let them know that there is hope.”
The River Valley Film Festival selection carries personal significance for Hosler, who is originally from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
During high school, he participated in the Ray of Light Awards in Williamsport through his theater program. Returning to the city with a film of his own feels like a continuation of that creative journey.
“Getting to represent my hometown again in Williamsport, and this time doing it in a passion that is pretty much my life, is a really cool honor,” he said.
Hosler is also looking forward to sharing the screening with friends and family and connecting with other regional filmmakers.
Beyond Job 51, he is completing his MFA and writing a comedy feature for his thesis project. Production is expected to begin next June, with the story incorporating science and what he describes as several “wacky elements.”
Audiences can follow Job 51 through Instagram and Facebook, visit job-51.com, and follow Hosler’s future work through BLH Productions.
With its imaginative premise, relatable underdog hero and commitment to spreading laughter, Job 51 offers an entertaining glimpse into a workplace where UFO cover-ups are simply another part of the job.
