In the vast loneliness of space, Captain Jonah Marcus pilots humanity’s first solar sail spaceship on a mission to the edge of the solar system. As he faces the psychological and physical challenges of deep space, he uncovers a mystery that threatens not only his mission but his very identity.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Julie Sheppard
Leah (F): Hannah Ehman
Captain Jonah Marcus: Sean Ballantyne

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

"In the vast loneliness of space, Captain Jonah Marcus pilots humanity's first solar sail spaceship on a mission to the edge of the solar system. As he faces the psychological and physical challenges of deep space, he uncovers a mystery that threatens not only his mission but his very identity"

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

"Science fiction with elements of adventure and drama."

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

"It offers a fresh take on space exploration, with rich character dynamics and a visually stunning setting. The tension between human ingenuity, the internal conflict of isolation and the vast unknown creates an emotionally compelling narrative that would resonate with audiences."

How would you describe this script in two words?

"Cosmic exploration."

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

"Possibly 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's a film that captures the beauty and mystery of space, and it has influenced my approach to writing stories set in the cosmos."

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

"I've been developing Solar Sailor for a couple of years. The idea evolved as I explored different themes of human resilience and cosmic discovery."

How many stories have you written?

"I've written over 20 screenplays. Each one is an exploration of new worlds, different characters, and unique challenges."

What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

High Hopes - Pink Floyd

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

"Balancing the technical aspects of space exploration with the human emotional core of the story was a challenge. I wanted to ensure the science felt grounded while keeping the characters' personal journeys at the forefront."

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

"I'm passionate about exploring philosophical questions, particularly about the nature of humanity and the universe. I also enjoy fitness and staying active, as it helps clear my mind for creativity."

You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experience working with the submission platform site?

"FilmFreeway has been a great resource for getting my work out there. The platform is easy to use, and it's given me access to festivals and competitions that I wouldn't have discovered otherwise."

What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

"I entered the festival because it aligned with the genre of Solar Sailor, and I was eager to get feedback from a sci-fi-focused community. The initial feedback was encouraging, which gave me confidence in the story's potential."