Several months ago, the world was fascinated by the controversial Mars One Project - a supposed one-way, manned mission to the red planet planned for 2022.

Inspired by the project, filmmakers Elias Campbell and Maxim Gertler-Jaffe created the six-part web series World Away.

World Away stars Bea Santos as Quinn, a gifted, though emotionally troubled, young woman who has been selected to embark on a one-way mission to Mars. 

There’s just one problem - she decides to tell her family and loved ones she was selected for the Mars mission just days before she is scheduled to depart!

While World Away doesn't have ray guns, aliens, sleek space ships, or other overt futuristic technology on display, it is a piercing character study set against a premise that is science fiction now, but may move into the realm of science fact sooner than we think.

As Quinn breaks the news of her impending departure, it becomes apparent the vast distance to Mars is symbolic of the emotional distance between her and those she cares for.

As Quinn says her goodbyes, she is forced to reflect on her motivations for making such an irrevocable choice - as well as the impact it will have on her and those she will leave behind.

World Away is brief even by most web series standards - each of the six episodes is only between 5-6 minutes in length - but the writing and performances leave a lasting emotional impact. They read as honest, acutely observant, and extremely prescient.

Though small and introspective, this well-done series leaves a colossal impression as it explores the significant emotional cost of human space exploration.

You may watch the complete series on Vimeo: World Away.

To find out more about this exceptional production, visit the official web site World Away Series.

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