Enter the World of Onwards

LOGLINE

Strangers wake up in a dense and mysterious jungle to discover that they must collect 6 relics to escape. But survival is tough as each relic permanently changes them physically or mentally. Now, they must survive not only the jungle and others vying for the relics, but also their own individual transformations.

THE WORLD

In a realm of uncertainty—limbo, purgatory, or perhaps an elaborate experiment—lies a great mystery. For years, people of all backgrounds have come and gone, their tenure unknown. Many have died.

THE CHARACTERS

Our film will explore the transformative power of collaboration and resilience. As our characters navigate the challenges of the jungle and the changes wrought by the relics, they learn that by trusting one another, finding creative coping mechanisms, and maintaining focus, they can transcend any limitation, whether physical or mental. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit when united in purpose and solidarity

JAMES

James is the enigmatic protagonist who awakens in the jungle, devoid of memories and dressed in sharp corporate attire. Charismatic yet manipulative, he has a history of exploiting others for his own gain, possessing the slick persuasiveness of a seasoned car salesman. His initial demeanor mirrors that of a sly snake, using charm to navigate his surroundings. However, the harsh realities of the jungle quickly humble him. Upon encountering Jane, James initially sees her as his ticket out of the wilderness. Throughout their ordeal, he is forced to evolve, learning the hard truths about responsibility and integrity. As challenges arise, he must grapple with learning what it truly means to lead and earn trust.

JANE

Jane finds herself in the mysterious jungle with her memories fragmented. One urgent truth clear: she must return to her dying sister. This single-minded resolve drives her to believe the relics are key to escaping. Relentless in her pursuit, Jane combines physical prowess with tactical acumen. However, her strengths are countered by her wariness to trust and difficulty in opening up to those who offer help. Over the course of the film, Jane’s journey is not just about survival, but about learning to trust and collaborate with others to achieve her goals.

REAM

Ream is a seasoned survivor, haunted by years spent in the jungle witnessing the demise of others—events that left him overwhelmed with guilt for not being able to save them. Driven by a desperate need to redeem himself, Ream has dedicated himself to “saving” as many lost souls as he encounters. His encounters with some of the relics have led him to meticulously document their effects, using this knowledge to aid others. Throughout his journey, Ream is challenged to confront his past, learning to accept that his perceived limitations are mental barriers he must overcome by facing and fighting through them.

Director/Producer/Writer

Debora Tamay

Debora Tamay is a lawyer turned filmmaker. She has directed a wide variety of short films and has also recently been exploring AI Filmmaking with titles such as “Webbed”, “Swept”, and “Our Time”. Debora’s latest short film “Devour’d” is currently being submitted to festivals.

Producer/Writer

Jaz Sebastian

Jaz Sebastian is an actor with a long history in musical theatre, winning awards and playing leading characters in major musical productions since he was a child. Jaz has recently starred alongside frequent collaborator Debora Tamay in Boy on the Radio (2023), Halo: Monolith (2023), and Relic #25 (2023).

Director of Photography

Conrad Petzsch-Kunze

In his third collaboration with Director Debora Tamay, Conrad will help bring the story to life with strong and bold visuals. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Conrad has collaborated on a diverse range of projects, spanning from independent films and documentaries and commercials.

Cast

Jaz Sebastian

James

Debora Tamay

Jane

Dominic Thwaite

Ream

Remi Broadway

Talok