In 2018, Cape Town, South Africa was headed for a catastrophic water crisis. The area is known as one of the driest in the world and had no rainfall in over three years.

The city was facing running out of water. However, Cape Town averted disaster due to the cooperative efforts of residents to conserve water and drastic restrictions enacted by the municipal government.

Still, the crisis was so impactful that a group of Cape Town filmmakers decided to produce a sci-fi short film to speak to the city’s experience.

The result is the stunning and compelling short film OASIS.

OASIS is set on world with a vast desert. A loner out in the desert uses the technology in his staff to attempt to locate the most precious treasure on the planet: water.

Soon fate steps in when he encounters another who is on a similar, desperate quest.

How these two parties interact will determine if they survive - or not.

Watch OASIS in its entirety here…

OASIS was written, directed and produced by David Wayne Smith, who led a band of filmmakers instrumental in bringing this remarkable sci-fi short film to the screen.

From the grand opening scene to the pivotal climax, the short film captivates with its glorious cinematography and stellar performances - sans any dialogue.

The story is conveyed solely by the body language and reactions of the actors as they play out the drama against a landscape both majestic and deadly in its beauty.

OASIS is further proof sci-fi narratives can be engaging and impactful on the strength of story, dynamic direction, and skilled performances without blockbuster-level visual effects.

But don’t take my word for it, experience OASIS for yourself.

Experience our official podcast Eye On Sci-Fi. Join host and The 7th Matrix founder Rod T. Faulkner as he spotlights terrific indie SFF short films and web series.

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