Animated Feature · 85 min · English

The New World

The last adventure on Earth.

A film by Aryasb Feiz

Logline

In a post-apocalyptic world, teenage Mara arrives in Aurora — the last place on Earth with natural resources — only to discover that its future is in danger because Kass, the corrupt leader, uses those resources for his own profit.

Synopsis
Floating Aurora villageSteampunk engine concept

After the entire world has flooded with poisonous dark waters, MARA (15), her father, and her small robot/best friend, BIBI, fly their ship to Aurora — the only surviving village, located on the highest mountain still above water.

However, they soon learn that Aurora is in danger as well, because the poisonous ocean, made of water, fossil fuels, and toxic chemicals, continues to rise. To save the 1,000 people who live there, KASS, the head of government, orders everyone to collect levitating stones and to build a giant flying ship to carry them to safety.

But a darker truth lies beneath: Kass is planning to take the ship for himself and his family only, leaving everyone else behind. Things become even worse when Kass kidnaps Mara’s father — a skilled naval engineer — to build the ship faster.

Mara is heartbroken when she also finds out that Leo — her crush and co-worker — is part of Kass’s Secret Police and has been spying on the villagers. Later, Leo decides to stand on the right side.

With the help of her loyal robot, Bibi, and a few trusted villagers, Mara must execute a clever plan to stop Kass and the Secret Police, rescue her father and save Aurora.

Comedy · 50%Action · 30%Drama · 20%
Setting

A retro-futurist epic with the soul of a fable.

Genre

Teen Adventure, Sci-Fi Epic

Style

Retro-Futurism Steampunk

Themes

Standing up to abuse of power, immigration, hope in hard times

Audience

15–30 y/o — streaming & theatrical crossover

Moodboard
Aurora bridge between green cliff towers with a ship in the clouds
White cliff city with suspended bridges above the clouds
Mountain pass with steep stairways and hidden homes in mist
Harbor ledge with a moored ship at the edge of a cloud sea
Painted flying ship with a pale sail and red insignia
Narrow green ridge settlement between towering cliffs
Tall pastel towers linked by bridges above bright clouds
Characters

Those who drive the story.

Mara — portrait
Mara — at the engine
Mara — at the wheel
Protagonist · 15

Mara

She’s often intimidated by the unknown, but still brave enough to find the courage and explore it. Initially too naive and sometimes impulsive, she grows into a strong, smart leader. Her mother died when she was little, but Mara carries her mysterious necklace everywhere.

Kass — portrait
Kass — full body
Antagonist · 45

Kass

De facto head of government. On paper, he’s Aurora’s number 2, but he’s taking advantage of the sick and elderly President to govern the village in his own way. Kass makes demagogic speeches claiming the enemy is at the doors and that everyone should work harder and faster to build the massive floating ship RADA to save the people of Aurora from the upcoming flood. However, he plans to leave everyone behind and escape with his family and close ones, so they can have more resources to survive.

Leo — portrait
Leo — full body
Love Interest · 15

Leo

A fairly shy guy, easily intimidated. He’s secretly the 21st member of the Secret Police and Kass’s orphan nephew. Kass gave him a life, and he’s now morally compelled to spy on the villagers and signal if any rebellion plans arise. Even when Kass’s plan is revealed, he’s promised a seat on the ship’s board if he helps defeat the rebellion — but Leo changes, choosing the light over the darkness, and supports Mara in her mission to save her father and Aurora.

Bibi
Best Friend · robot

Bibi

A small, multi-handed robot with a hammer and an extending grabbing hand. He doesn’t speak, but makes small communicative noises understood only by his best friend, Mara. Bibi is not as advanced as other robots in Aurora, but he’s loyal and, even though he has minimal fights with Mara, he’d sacrifice his life for her.

Father · 45

Vincent

Mara’s father. A hyper-idealistic, optimistic, gentle man. He likes to see only the good in people and things, which often causes him trouble, and by the end of the story he becomes more pragmatic. After losing his wife, he became more protective of Mara. Vincent is primarily a super-skilled carpenter and naval engineer who, together with Mara, built his own flying caravel-style ship.

Secret Police · Head · 30

Milo

Head of the Secret Police, reporting directly to Kass. Milo isn’t really a bad guy, but he’s been promised a career and a place on RADA for licking Kass’s butt. He’s the “paperwork person” who runs the government’s operations. In the end, he commits a small act of justice — but he won’t escape the people’s “punishment” of having to clean the ship for the rest of his life.

President · 99

Astley

The de jure President of Aurora. He and Aurora’s best scientist discovered long ago that the village was also at risk of flooding, which led to the planning of RADA. However, he grew old and sick, and Kass took advantage of him — not knowing that, though Astley was unable to speak, he had heard everything. In Act III he becomes Mara’s strategic mentor, helping her defeat Kass.

References

Our benchmark.

Treasure Planet
Treasure Planet
For the rebellious teenage protagonist and the retro-futurism.
2002
The Road to El Dorado
The Road to El Dorado
For creating an emblematic fictional world — and for its humor.
2000
The Creators
Aryasb Feiz
Director · Co-writer

Aryasb Feiz

Aryasb Feiz is an Oscar-longlisted, Austrian-based, award-winning film director and animator. His animated short films TOMORROW and MR. INDIFFERENT have been viewed 300 million times combined. They were screened and won awards at the Brooklyn Film Festival, Foyle Film Festival, New York International Film Awards, London Independent Film Awards, Los Angeles CineFest, etc.

“Feiz’s short (film) is beautifully constructed due to its balanced tone of comedy and drama.” — Film Threat

“Feiz, known for his viral hit MR. INDIFFERENT brings his unique storytelling vision to life through stunning animation.” — Film Business

“Aryasb Feiz, the visionary behind TOMORROW, orchestrates a visual symphony of emotions.” — Mail News Group

Co-writer

Alion Çaçi

Austria-based Albanian screenwriter. After writing over 100 hours of comedy TV Shows in his home country, he moved to Austria and graduated from Theater, Film, and Media. He was granted funding by the Austrian Film Institute to write a feature film and created a romantic-comedy streaming series (currently in development), which was picked up by a Canadian distributor.

Alion Çaçi
Bonus · Up to 35% Cash Back in Austria

Now seeking
(co)producers
and distributors.

Reach out — the flood is rising!