OLAYA
How do you go on, when the one who made you strong is gone?
An animated musical short, where the fate of a village lies in the unlikely hands of an 8-year old orphan.
Young Olaya (Oh-Lie-Ya) is tasked with journeying far across the land to offer a torch to the Fire God. Succeed, and her village will reap nature’s bounty. Fail, and the community will be punished with drought, fire and famine.
With little faith from her village, Olaya is left with only the memories of her late mother to fuel her flame and keep her keeping on.
This nine-minute musical underscores our eponymous hero’s journey through flowing rhymes and heartwarming revelations.
Consider it Pocahontas meets Hamilton – a timeless, weaving wordplay with a Disney heart.
Please note: Music tracks are still in demo with placeholder vocals and instruments. All instrument tracks are using basic MIDI samples, but will be replaced with authentic players. The score has been arranged by the talented Nick Goulding, with lyrics still open to suggestion.
SYNOPSIS
Olaya is only eight-years old when chosen to carry the village flame as a tribute to the Fire God. By pure chance, this task, considered an honour by most, is bestowed upon an orphan – and Olaya must complete the journey alone.
Succeed, and the village will be rewarded with a plentiful harvest. Fail and the community will be punished with famine and floods. Although the villagers cast their doubts, Olaya believes she can succeed, fuelled by memories of her late mother.
From wild beasts to torrential rain and treacherous river crossings, Olaya encounters many obstacles on her journey. And one night, her flame is almost extinguished. Delving deep into memories of her mother's bravery through illness, Olaya finds the strength to keep the fire alive and continue with her journey.
With newly burning confidence, Olaya reaches the Fire God, setting him alight to bring bountiful seasons to her village. As an added reward, the radiant god reunites Olaya with her mother for a brief but powerful moment.
At only eight-years old, Olaya learns some of life’s most difficult lessons, developing courage of conviction and discovering the power of self-belief.
ABOUT
Olaya is the passion project of a Hamilton-obsessed, storytelling, music writing, momma’s boy who has just lost his mother.
I’m Louie Symmons, a 29-year-old video editor from Melbourne, and I’m making this animated musical as a tribute to my late mum and all of her enduring qualities: resilience, positivity, humour, playful singing, and a maternal love that never fades.
Olaya is about going through adversity while grieving the loss of someone important. I believe it’s a relatable story for anyone impacted by life’s unexpected challenges, and a gentle reminder to take each day one step at a time.
I hope you connect with the lyrics and that the songs get stuck in your head. But ultimately, I hope this makes you smile and helps you work through whatever you’re going through.
Whether it’s lyric suggestions, contacts or artwork, if you think you could contribute to this project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
lousymmons@gmail.com
0450875326
MOOD BOARD
