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 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 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 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 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.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The world of Onwards was carefully crafted with visuals that are reminiscent of the Indiana Jones adventure film era with a mix of modern sci-fi movies such as Alex Garland’s Annihilation (2018), Predator (1987), Predators (2010), and Arrival (2016).
tEAM

Director/Producer/Writer/Jane
Debora Tamay is a lawyer turned filmmaker. She has directed a wide variety of short films. Onwards is her feature film directorial debut.
Debora’s work as a director is often characterized by unexpected endings, psychological elements, and dark mysterious undertones. She takes inspiration from the works of David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, M. Night Shyamalan, Mike Flanagan, and Tim Burton.

Producer/Writer/James
Jaz Sebastian is an accomplished actor with a strong foundation in musical theatre, where he has earned awards and consistently taken on leading roles in major productions since childhood. Transitioning to screen, Jaz has recently starred alongside frequent collaborator Debora Tamay in Boy on the Radio (2023), Halo: Monolith (2023), and Relic #25 (2023), showcasing his versatility and depth as a performer.
As the lead writer for the upcoming feature film Onwards, Jaz is bringing a fresh and compelling vision to the screen. His dedication to crafting unique stories reflects his passion for creating meaningful and immersive experiences for audiences.

Director of Photography
In his third collaboration with Director Debora Tamay, Conrad will help bring the story to life with strong and bold visuals. Born and raised in Australia and currently based on the Gold Coast QLD, Conrad Petzsch-Kunze is a Director of Photography. A passion for visual storytelling and a keen eye for detail. Conrad is a DOP and Cinematographer dedicated to bringing stories to life through the art of cinematography.
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. Conrad remains steadfast in a mission to craft visually stunning stories that resonate with audiences.
SPECIFICATIONS
For Audiences that love: Hunger Games, Lost, the Maze Runner, FROM, Jumanji
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
Shooting Format: R3D, 2.35:1, Color
Camera Gear:
- RED KOMODO X & RED KOMODO
- Shooting Format: R3D 6K RAW
Lenses:
- DZO Vespid Cine Prime EF/PL 100mm F2.1
- DZO Vespid Cine Prime EF/PL 75mm F2.1
- DZO Vespid Cine Prime EF/PL 50mm F2.1
- DZO Vespid Cine Prime EF/PL 35mm F2.1
- DZO Vespid Cine Prime EF/PL 21mm F2.1
Audio Equipment:
- Zoom F8 Sennheiser MKH 416
- Sennheiser MKH 816T
- Sennheiser G3 Tx and Rx
- Tentacle Sync MK 2
- Beyerdynamic 700DT Pro


