Embedded Files
Welcome to the official website for "The Return," a visionary project that blends speculative fiction with practical green technology to create a compelling narrative set in Ghana. Discover how this story aims to inspire real-world change and join us on this journey towards a sustainable future.
Project Details:
Project Details:
Title: The Return
Genre: Coming of Age, Sci-Fi, Afrofuturism
Sub-Genre: Solar Punk
Format: A Short Film - 1st 15 mins of the show
Nutshell: An episodic coming-of-age story about a black girl from Seattle named Octavia whose family wins a trip to Ghana, Africa, that not only changes their lives but the lives of everyone on the entire planet.
Logline: During a transformative trip to Accra, Ghana, Seattle native Octavia stumbles upon Sol University A&M, an extraordinary HBCU where students master the cutting-edge realms of sustainability and future technologies. Accepted into this revolutionary institution, she is thrust into an epic journey of self-discovery and innovation that promises to reshape her future and humanity's future in ways never imagined.
Tag Line: "From the Motherland to the Tomorrowland "
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
Octavia Johnson, an ambitious young woman from Seattle, embarks on a family trip to Ghana that changes her life forever. Upon arrival, she stumbles upon Sol University A&M, a remarkable HBCU known for its revolutionary blend of sustainability and technology education. The university trains students to become world citizens, equipped with a diverse skill set to tackle global challenges.
Intrigued by the innovative approach and the vibrant community, Octavia applies and is accepted into Sol University. As she begins her educational journey, she is immersed in a dynamic environment dedicated to environmental justice and groundbreaking technological advancements. The university's project-based learning and hands-on training inspire Octavia to push the boundaries of her potential.
Throughout her time at Sol University, Octavia forms deep bonds with her peers, all driven by a shared commitment to making a difference in the world. Together, they face unprecedented challenges, from developing sustainable solutions to navigating complex social issues. Their journey is filled with moments of triumph and struggle, each experience shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow.
As Octavia and her classmates grow and evolve, they embark on adventures that take them beyond the classroom, from urban farms in Seattle to remote villages in Ghana. These experiences solidify their skills and ignite a passion for creating a better future. They engage in climate disaster relief, fire rescue missions, and community rebuilding efforts, unaware of the greater challenges awaiting them.
Their transformative journey takes a dramatic turn when a major solar flare hits the planet, causing widespread chaos and destruction. The students of Sol University are called upon to step up and use their expertise to help save and restore the world. Octavia emerges as a leader among leaders, guiding her peers in rebuilding society and ultimately leading to the creation of a New Earth. This new world order, forged in the crucible of disaster, stands as a testament to their resilience and ingenuity, promising to reshape the future in ways they never imagined.
Tone:
Tone:
A Different World: "The Return" shares the warm, educational, and culturally rich tone of "A Different World," emphasizing personal growth, community, and the importance of heritage in a vibrant, engaging setting. And both take place at an HBCU.
Grown-ish: The tone of "The Return" mirrors the contemporary, relatable, and often humorous vibe of "Grown-ish," addressing the challenges and triumphs of young adulthood with a blend of wit and authenticity.
Star Trek: Discovery: "The Return" adopts the adventurous, inclusive, and forward-thinking tone of "Star Trek: Discovery," exploring complex themes of identity, diversity, and innovation in a dynamic and futuristic narrative.
Style:
Style:
Tomorrowland: "The Return" captures the same sense of futuristic wonder and optimism as "Tomorrowland," where advanced technology and utopian ideals create a world brimming with possibilities.
Lost in Space: Similar to "Lost in Space," "The Return" incorporates the themes of exploration and survival in an unknown world, blending familial bonds with thrilling adventures.
The Martian: "The Return" echoes the resourcefulness and resilience seen in "The Martian," as characters utilize innovative technology and problem-solving skills to thrive in challenging environments.
Characters:
Characters:
Octavia Johnson
Octavia Johnson
Octavia is an 18-year-old African-American girl from Seattle. She has a natural hairstyle, often styled in a way that highlights her vibrant personality. Her attire is practical yet stylish, reflecting her active lifestyle and interest in innovation and sustainability. She has a determined and curious expression, embodying her intelligence and openness to new experiences. The background of the image hints at elements of her journey, including the Ghanaian landscape, advanced technologies, and the futuristic environment of Sol University.
Kofi Mensah
Kofi Mensah
A charming and skilled young Ghanaian-American man. He has a natural hairstyle, often styled in short twists or a fade. Kofi is passionate about sustainability and innovation, which is reflected in his practical yet fashionable clothing. He has a warm, confident smile and a look of determination. The background includes elements of the resort, green technologies, and the Sol University campus, symbolizing his connection to these places.
Tyler Johnson
Tyler Johnson
Octavia’s playful and teasing younger brother. He has a natural hairstyle, often styled in short curls or a mini afro. Tyler's expression is mischievous and full of energy, capturing his playful nature. He is dressed in casual, youthful clothing. The background features elements of the family trip and hints at his humorous and warm presence.
Mrs. Johnson
Mrs. Johnson
Octavia’s supportive African-American mother. She has a warm, welcoming expression and a natural hairstyle, often styled in braids or a low bun. Her attire is comfortable and casual, suitable for travel and exploration. The background features family-oriented elements and scenic views of Ghana, highlighting her excitement for the trip and her supportive
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson
Octavia’s enthusiastic African-American father. He has a cheerful and energetic demeanor, with a close-cropped haircut. His clothing is casual and comfortable, suitable for family adventures. The background includes elements of the family’s journey in Ghana, reflecting his excitement and supportive role in the family.
Short Film Script:
Short Film Script:
The Return 2.pdfShort Film - Story Board:
Short Film - Story Board:
"Departure from Seattle"
"Layover in New York"
"Arrival in Ghana"
"Meeting Kofi"
Octavia on the Plane - Octavia and her family are on a plane leaving Seattle for Ghana. Octavia looks out the window, feeling apprehensive about the trip.
Layover in New York - The plane lands briefly in New York. Octavia is starstruck by the city and expresses sadness about leaving for Ghana. Her mother says something powerful about letting go and seeing the world outside of the movie screen. Octavia is hard-headed and assumes it will be just huts and dirt.
The family lands in Accra and is greeted by a vibrant celebration. Octavia is immediately captivated by the modern and welcoming atmosphere. They are astounded by the futuristic transportation system when the bus they board transforms to connect to the light rail, seamlessly traveling on the tracks. This scenic route takes them to Black Star City, reminiscent of the O-Bahn Busway in Adelaide, South Australia.
Meeting Kofi - At the luxurious Black Star City resort, Octavia meets Kofi, who will be helping them during their stay. She is immediately impressed by him.
"Hotel Room Mishaps"
"Electrical Fix"
"Paragliding Tour Introduction"
"Paragliding Tour Begins"
Hotel Room Mishaps - While singing in the bathroom, Octavia breaks the showerhead in her hotel room and calls the front desk for help. Kofi arrives to fix it, and she is embarrassed but grateful.
When she blows out an electrical circuit, she calls the front desk and when she opens the door, she is surprised that it is Kofi who came to fix the issue. She asks if he is the plumber, electrician, and bag boy. He says yes and explains that he is also part-owner of the resort and a student at Sol University HBCU, where they learn to be world citizens who can do it all. He flirts with her and gets another call, so he leaves.
Paragliding Tour Introduction - The next day, the family rides up to the mountain on e-trikes and is surprised to find that Kofi is their flight instructor for the paragliding tour.
Paragliding Tour Begins - The family takes flight on the e-trike paragliders. Kofi narrates the tour through their headsets, pointing out various attractions in Black Star City.
"Free to Fly Speech"
"Emotional Reaction"
"Flight Maneuver"
"Tour Conclusion"
Freedom and Flight Speech - While flying, Kofi gives an inspiring speech about black people being free and meant to fly, not be held down by gravity or oppression. Octavia feels a profound sense of freedom.
Emotional Reaction - Octavia tears up, feeling truly free for the first time. The whole family is emotional, but Octavia feels at peace and blissful in the sky and as the tears run down her eyes, she starts to drift with a gust of wind that puts her on a path to Kofi.
Octavia Runs into Kofi and Causes Kofi to have to pull an advanced maneuver that protects Octavia. Before their wings of their paragliding e-trikes can get tangled up, Kofi pulls his emergency line to separate his paragliding wings so that his wings don’t get tangled and float off. Octavia is able to recover and re-stabilize her unit. Kofi falls and the whole family worries, but he unclicks his emergency seat and activates his parachutes. As he separates, we see the e-bike fall for 100 more feet then its emergency parachute and hover gear activate to bring the e-trike back down to the ground. Tyler says, "Wait a minute, these are hover bikes???" Kofi OV through the microphone says, "Yes, but it takes up a lot of juice so we only use it for the emergency land system."
Tour Conclusion - The family lands after the tour, and Octavia feels a mix of emotions, overwhelmed by the experience and feeling worried about Kofi and ashamed at herself for getting lost in emotions and not paying attention. The wait for Kofi to come back
"Invitation to Black Star Awards"
"Black Star Awards Ceremony"
"Solar Punk Festival"
Invitation to Black Star Awards - Kofi makes a clever joke about her having him falling for her so soon. Then Kofi invites the family to the Black Star Awards ceremony. Octavia is still emotionally unsure, but Kofi lets her know he’s gotten knocked out of the air many times, just not from someone as beautiful as her. He asks Octavia to be his date for the awards. She agrees, excited and nervous.
Black Star Awards Ceremony - At the awards ceremony, Octavia and Kofi enjoy the event together. Tyler is called up to receive an award. He’s nervous, so he signals to his big sister, and she comes up on stage. When he gets overwhelmed, she steps up to the mike and invites him. She gives a powerful speech about how this trip and the return home have changed her and her family’s life, and she now knows that she can fly.
Solar Punk Festival - After the awards ceremony, Kofi invites Octavia to the Solar Punk Festival. They share a magical evening, dancing and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, symbolizing new beginnings and freedom.
Series AI Teaser Trailer:
Series AI Teaser Trailer:
The Full Series Storyboard:
The Full Series Storyboard:
Story Map for the Full Series
Story Map for the Full Series
FAQ:
FAQ:
Product & Merchandise
Product & Merchandise
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