A 14-year-old girl, Chinua, must try to save her village from a man’s illegal poaching activities, while at the same time preparing her beloved golden eagle for the Eagle Festival in the Mongolian mountains.
By Jane L. Fitzpatrick – A few years ago, I met a beautiful sister, Monique Wijngaarde. I did not know her background until she wrote her powerful story for the Warrior Woman Spirit blog about her multi-racial family from Suriname and the Netherlands. Since then, I discovered I had relatives from the Netherlands, and some had traveled to Brazil and Suriname. Who would have thought our paths would cross in the way they have… with such meaningful and dynamic purpose. The Universe shows us things, and we are just in awe!
As we planned the episodes for Moon Drake, we decided to build a story around Suriname, South American Continent, in honor of this shared purpose. Today I finished the script “Rakesh & the Rain Dancer,” Episode 2.4 – that tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy who courageously reaches for his dream, which leads to a harrowing adventure of illegal gillnets, a dangerous experience and the judgment of others.
I sent the script to fellow producer and writer, Martin Manuel Nuza, and I was moved to tears by his words, because I respect him so deeply. This is what he said:
“Jane, it’s a great story full of hope and making right, especially at the end when Konrad confesses to his son that he shouldn’t have judged him and allowed him to follow his dream without judgement. The tension when the children race against all odds to save the stricken dolphin from the gillnet… the suspense of the capsized boat. The story has a powerful message – Follow your dreams and believe in what is right, regardless of the consequences that may follow by your actions. I loved it.”
All the Moon Drake stories address the relevant topics and issues (environmental, human, spiritual) we face in our current world and couple them with the answers through Indigenous cultural and traditional wisdom many have forgotten. We believe these action-packed stories will make sense to young hearts in a gentle and sensitive way. We believe children, and even adults, will learn something they truly long to hear.
I want to thank my sister Monique for her invaluable cultural advice on this episode, and my brother, Martin, for his continued inspiration as we work to write these stories and bring Moon Drake Anime Series to the world! Thank you, also, to our other two writers, Mark Rickerby and Jack Comeau! What a writing TEAM!!
WE ARE REACHING FOR THE MOON!!
Jane
Rakesh, a 12-year-old boy, believes he can achieve his dream to be a scuba diver. His grandmother agrees to pay for his lessons and promises him a trip to Venezuela to scuba dive since Suriname’s waters are polluted and dangerous. At his birthday celebration, Rakesh encounters a “friendly” dolphin until he realizes the creature is actually in distress… So, with his scuba gear, inexperienced Rakesh, his irresponsible brother, Soraido, and his friend, Petronella, embark on a harrowing rescue mission through stormy winds, choppy waves and the dead of night to save endangered dolphins trapped in a gillnet.
By Jane L. Fitzpatrick – The Moon Drake story, Waya & Two Wolves, has been an evolution… As a screenwriter novice back in 2013, living just outside the bright lights of Los Angeles, palm trees and movie stars, I had an idea. Yes, I was there to somehow get my film about Sacajawea produced, but I was writing other stories, too, developing concepts and learning the Industry.
One of those ideas was Moon Drake Series. I knew I had to have a story written as an example to pitch. That’s when Waya & Two Wolves was born. I wrote the beginning and the ending of the story… but it wasn’t the right timing yet to bring it to the world, for I didn’t know the middle.
Then Sacajawea began to take off a bit, and I put the Moon Drake project description and screenplay in a box. I pursued opportunities in New Mexico then back home to Washington State. In 2021, partially due to Covid and avoiding a film set, the idea of Moon Drake and animation began to stir again…
Last week I finally finished the story of Waya & Two Wolves, from the N. American Continent, episode 1 for Season ONE. Our Native American consultant, Delwin Fiddler, is reviewing the Cherokee elements to bring credibility to the story, as well.
This is a story about the importance of the choices we make. It is a story about protecting endangered animals of the earth. And it is about being open to the answers of life, through Indigenous Wisdom.
WE ARE REACHING FOR THE MOON!!
The Moon Drake anime series will take children on a worldwide journey, introducing them to powerful characters, cultures and traditions and the many environmental, human and spiritual conflicts and challenges the Earth faces.
Our purpose for Moon Drake is to bring awareness to our “living world,” so that these beautiful stories will be able to teach children and help them apply the wisdom they learn to their lives.
The first episode of the series highlights Kenya, Africa, where the poaching conflict is very real and detrimental to wildlife. It was important for us to bring light to this part of the world, and the challenges it faces, as we have a daughter living in Kenya, who we have supported since she was three years old. We felt it was fitting that the first episode be focused on the world where she lives.
Here is an introduction to the story, Lesadi & Her Star, Episode 1.2:
After the death of her father, Obasi, Lesadi is pulled from her mother and little sister by a greedy uncle, Boipelo. Her uncle’s quest is to steal wildlife for profit, specifically cheetah cubs for sale as exotic pets to the Middle East. The backdrop of this story is the African bush, the savanna, wild animals and unpredictable conditions. When Lesadi loses heart, her father comes to her in a dream to help her remember something she has long forgotten. Then, Lesadi is faced with a dangerous choice and discovers an unexpected hero.
After the death of her father, a 12-year-old girl, Lesadi, is pulled from her mother and little sister by a greedy uncle, Boipelo. Her uncle’s quest is to steal wild cats for profit, specifically cheetah cubs for sale as exotic pets to the Middle East. When Lesadi loses heart, her father comes to her in a vision to help her remember something she has long forgotten. Then, Lesadi is faced with a dangerous choice and discovers an unexpected hero.
Children's Anime Series 