A44: This Brilliant Zombie Apocalypse Movie Will Make You Scream… and Think!

Chris Cooney’s A44: The Vegan Zombie Movie is a 5-star scream fest with a message

Los Angeles, January 26th, 2025 โ What happens when you addย a vegan twist to a zombie apocalypse? You get A44, the brainchild of Chris Cooney, better known as โThe Vegan Zombie.โ This groundbreaking film revolves around a small town succumbing to a zombie apocalypse and manages to sneak in an animal rights message while maintaining the squirm-in-your-seat horror and the frequent laughs. Set for release in 2025, A44 has already captured attention with its intriguing premise and an official trailer that promises humor, heart, and a whole lot of zombies. Featuring vegan advocates and celebrities like Dr. Michael Greger and UnchainedTVโs Jane Velez-Mitchell, alongside Cooney himself, A44 delivers its message through a captivating fictional narrative packed with action and comedy. Jane had a conversation with the director, which you can watch here:
A44 Director/Star Chris Cooney Reveals How He Did It!
A Vegan Zombie Film with a Purpose

Chris Cooney, a writer and filmmaker from Syracuse, NY, developed a passion for storytelling early in life, inspired by watching his father capture memories on a Super 8 movie camera.
Cooneyโs journey to create and produce A44 spanned 16 years and became the central focus of his life. Inspired by his love for filmmaking, horror, and veganism, Cooney developed a storyline where a casual lunch with friends devolves into a zombie apocalypse. The result is a film packed with head-spinning twists, wild character arcs, and a subtle commentary on dietary habits.

The movie’s production was as groundbreaking as its story: 100% vegan, from the catered meals to the props used on set. Cooney ensured every detail aligned with his ethical principles. Even the “cheeseburgers” and “milkshakes” seen on screen were vegan replicas, making A44 a trailblazer in ethical filmmaking.
At its core, A44 tells the story of survival in a world overrun by zombies. Cooney explains that the movie is โa tale of compassion, told through the unexpected lens of a zombie narrative.โ What makes A44 stand out is its ability to weave a pro-vegan message into a genre typically known for its gritty violence and survivalist themes.
Central to the plot is the bond between the lead character and his loyal German Shepherd, a relationship that serves as a metaphor for the larger theme: the need to extend empathy beyond one’s pets to all sentient beings.
โBy infusing elements of comedy and not taking ourselves too seriously, weโve created a film that invites viewers to laugh, reflect, and perhaps see the world a bit differently.โ โ ย Chris Cooney, director
You can watch the A44 trailer here
A Star-Studded Cast of Vegan Advocates

In addition to writing, producing, and directing the film, Cooney is also the star and hero. Joining the cast is Dr. Michael Greger, a well-known physician and founder of NutritionFacts.org, who plays a college professor in the movie. UnchainedTVโs Jane Velez-Mitchell also brings her talents to the cast by playing a reporter.
Funding the project through Kickstarter, Cooney raised over $80,000 from nearly 1,100 backers. Despite the challenges of limited resources and a pandemic delaying production, he persisted, handling multiple roles in pre-production, filming, and post-production. โI put everything into this movie,โ Cooney shared, reflecting on the emotional and technical hurdles he overcame to complete the project.
The crew, though not entirely vegan, embraced the productionโs ethical framework, contributing to an environment that Cooney hopes will inspire viewers and participants alike to rethink their choices.
The plan is to premiere the film in Syracuse and do screenings in other cities with a percentage of ticket sales benefiting animal sanctuaries. Cooney envisions screenings that raise awareness and support for vegan causes while offering audiences a thrilling cinematic experience.
Check out this show and more at UnchainedTV.
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Jordi Casmitjana is a vegan zoologist and author.