Moments that change our lives forever often arrive without preamble or warning.

In the compelling new sci-fi short film INSTANT by Roddenberry Entertainment, five strangers fellowshipping in a local bar suddenly find themselves taken as hostages at gunpoint by a desperate man.

However, one of the hostages possesses a startling secret that will forever alter the lives of everyone in the bar.

Written by Todd Beauchamp and directed by Alex Albrecht, the narrative of INSTANT is powered by its intimate setting, affecting script, and a remarkable cast comprised of Tyler Hilton, Manu Intiraymi, Emily Chang, Tony Janning, Tara Penny, and distinguished character/voice actor Phil Morris.

Executive produced by Rod Roddenberry, INSTANT shines because it places character relationships front and center in the story instead of garish CGI and overblown visual effects.

Through the characters' interactions, the short film comments on our current troubling times, while also championing faith in humanity's potential. It's a thematic philosophy Roddenberry shares with his late father, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

Watch INSTANT in its entirety here...