EMBRACED | Synopsis
Having dedicated his life to mastering combat, Sensei Carter confronts his troubled past. Rejected in his youth by Sensei Ki Yong for being weak, Carter’s bitterness leads him to challenge the dojo as a teenager, resulting in a fiery clash that claims Ki Yong’s life.
Now, Sarah Yong seeks vengeance for her father’s death, tracking down Carter. Their intense battle reflects their shared history and differing martial arts philosophies. As Sarah gains the upper hand and contemplates letting go of her anger, Carter seizes the moment to land a low blow, embodying the ruthless spirit of Ki Yong and ensuring his victory at all costs.
Logline
After causing the death of Sensei Ki Yong in a tragic fire, Carter devoted his life to mastering martial arts. Now, he’s faced with his past when Sarah, the daughter of the fallen sensei, comes to honour her family's legacy by eliminating Carter.
Director's Statement
The inspiration for the story behind "Embraced" comes from the African proverb, "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." This idea, combined with my love for karate films, significantly shaped the narrative. Martial arts have always been a part of my life; I practiced karate as a child, Tai Kwon Do in my teenage years, and Wing Chun as an adult. This deep connection to martial arts naturally extended to my passion for watching related content, from films to animated shows, which I couldn't get enough of. Upon discovering LEGO Star Wars stop motions on YouTube, I created my first stop-motion film at age 7. This sparked a lasting passion for this unique animation style, and I realised that I needed to make a stop-motion karate film. "Embraced" reflects my journey of fighting against desolation and seeking a sense of belonging.
Taglines
“Nothing burns away clarity like unchecked rage.”
“Misguided honour.”
“In the ripples of vengeance, honour and history clash.”
“Honour can drown; violence always ripples.”
“Victory at all costs will always carry a price.”
Visual Identity
Primary Colours (2–3): Red (fire) and Black (destruction)
Font Style: Anton
Tone Keywords: Dark, brutal, vengeful, pride, cycled violence
Genre: Action
Target Audience: 15–25-year-olds
Crew / Credits
Cast
Carter: KaiseiEllisonVA
Sarah: Bianca Andreo Tuma
Ki Yong: Caleb Olckers
Sensi 1 (voice/visual): Jett van Geest
Sensi 2 (visual): Brendan Mattress
Sensi 3 (visual): Arron Lay
Sensi 4 (visual): Todd van Geest
Sensi 5 (visual): Tracey van Geest
Sensi 6 (visual): Ben Lee
Sensi 7 (visual): Marlowe Martensen
Crew
Director: Jett van Geest
Producer: Brendan Mattress
Technical Director: Arron Lay
Lead Script Writer: Jett van Geest
Script Writer: Joel Burgin
Lead Model Painter: Dominique de Casanove
Assistant Model Painter: Arron Lay
Assistant Model Painter: Tegan Jade Kelsey
Lead Character Modeller: Jack Thompson
Lead Prop Modeller: Daniel (BIGDAN) Lowe
Lead Fabricator: Brendan Mattress
Fabricator: S. Malherbe
Storyboarder: Ziyi (Angel) Wang
Concept Artist: Angelina, Beh
Rig Removalist: Ryan Shelley
Rig Removalist: Arron Lay
Visual editing: Jett van Geest
Audio Editing: Dominique de Casanove
Voice Cast
Carter – Layke Ellison
Sarah – Bianca Andreo Tuma
Ki-yong – Caleb Olckers
Key Creative Team
Director – Jett Van Geest
Producer – Brendan Mattress
Lead Animator – Jett Van Geest
Lead Writer – Jett Van Geest
Lead Fabricator – Brendan Mattress
Art & Animation Leads
Art/Technical Director – Arron Lay
Lead Environment Artist – Arron Lay
Concept Artist – Arron Lay
Assistant Painters – Arron Lay, Dominique de Casanove, and Tegan Kelsey
Concept Art Team
Character Concept Artist – Angelina Beh
Story & Pre-Production
Storyboard Artist – Angel Wang
Lead Writer – Jett Van Geest
Assistant Writer – Joel Burgin
Modelling Department
Assistant 3D Modellers – Jack Thompson and Daniel Lowe
Prop Designer – Daniel Lowe
Costume & Fabrication
Costume Fabricator – Sarah Malherbe
Music & Sound
Lead Composer – Dominique de Casanove
Shot & Editing Support
Shot List – Brett Curtis
Marketing & Event Planning
Marketing & Event Planning – A.R. Blackshaw, and Kyarah Keane
The QUT School of Creative Arts acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands. We pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research, and learning. QUT acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the QUT community.
