Many Moons by Ross Sneddon: a glimpse of hope amidst desolation (short scifi film: in full).
Picture this: The year is 2045, and NOBLE, a leading space exploration corporation, has dreams grander than most can fathom. It’s a future where humanity, driven by ambition and necessity, looks towards the moons of Jupiter, Collisto and Europa, for a new place to call home. Ross Sneddon’s latest sci-fi short, Many Moons, transports viewers to this ambitious future.
Over two decades, NOBLE has poured resources into building a solid infrastructure on these moons, with an eventual goal that’s hard to wrap one’s head around: terraforming, or turning a celestial body into a livable space for humans. The idea? Use the vast oceans underneath Europa, a moon encased in ice, to power an enormous terraformer. If successful, this would create an atmosphere quickly and set the stage for a second Earth.
However, like many grand undertakings, this one has its share of setbacks. Two decades in, the hopeful results remain elusive. With dwindling resources and waning funding, the number of workers on Europa has dwindled. The once-bustling manned structure now seems more like a relic of a bygone era of optimism.
Yet, amidst the stark backdrop of Europa’s challenging terrain, replete with extreme weather and frequent earthquakes, a team persists. Europa 1, one of the last active teams on the moon, carries on. Their mission is simple yet profound: survey the area around the terraformer and hope to find positive results. They represent the final ember of NOBLE’s once roaring fire of ambition.
John Peake stands at the center of this narrative, one of the four crew members of Europa 1. Although thrust into leadership somewhat reluctantly, John epitomizes resilience and determination as he spearheads the last efforts to make Europa a viable home for humanity.
The talent behind Many Moons is commendable. Ross Sneddon wears multiple hats as the director, animator, FUI designer, and sound designer/editor. Alongside him, the artistic prowess of Craig Simmers and Gordon Howie adds depth to the visual narrative. Pedro Ramos collaborates with Sneddon to create a futuristic user interface that’s both compelling and believable. Bringing the characters to life are the voice talents of Sean Antony and Nicole Boland.
In an age where sci-fi narratives often lean heavily on dystopian tropes, Many Moons offers a fresh narrative of hope, ambition, and human resilience. The story, beautifully animated and well-conceptualized, provides viewers with a glimpse into a future where humanity’s drive to explore and inhabit is front and center. And while the journey is fraught with challenges, the spirit of endurance shines through. For those seeking a visual treat and a thoughtful narrative, Many Moons is now available for viewing on YouTube. The dedication of its creators and the story it weaves make it a worthy addition to the list of sci-fi shorts that spark reflection on humanity’s place in the cosmos.
