RISEN

CHALLENGE -- Create a grounded 'indie sci-fi epic' capable of exploring transhumanism, AI, networked consciousness, disability, spirituality, and global social collapse...without losing emotional accessibility.

NARRATIVE PROBLEM -- Most stories about tech singularities become:

- cold intellectual exercises
- dystopian cautionary tales
- one-note cartoonish power fantasies

CREATIVE SOLUTION: The story anchors big technological and philosophical ideas inside an intensely PERSONAL journey. Jacob's transformation becomes both a miracle and a threat, allowing global stakes to emerge naturally from character rather than exposition.

RESULTS: received winning screenplay grants from both TELEFILM Canada and SaskFilm. Optioned by HULO FILMS.