THE GATE (CUTDOWN VERSION) from Joyrider Films on Vimeo.If you’re a fan of sci-fi films, or if you know anyone who is, then you’ve probably had the conversation about whether Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel/sequel/pre-sequel Prometheus is a) an outrage on the franchise or b) a welcome addition to the canon, exploring philosophical ideas of immortality, technology, and our creation. It’s a tough call, but whatever side you fall on, you’ll probably agree that Fassbender’s performance was pretty cool.While that debate continues at bars and forums across the world (and will no doubt be repeated when the Blade Runner sequel comes out), at least Prometheus has brought sci-fi back into the mainstream. And while big budget sci-fi flicks battle it out at the cinema with Madagascar 3, the more low-budget fare can be found online. A great example of what can be accomplished without a Hollywood budget is this troubling short, The Gate, directed by Matt Westrup.It has lots of freaky creatures and a plot line about unregulated chemicals that will have you thinking twice about purchasing cognitive-enhancing drugs. And, as a ray of light to budding filmmakers, the short’s been picked up by Wayfare Entertainment , who have acquired the rights to produce and finance a feature-length version of it.@stewart23rd