“Sorry, where’s my bag?”
The timestamp is just 0:09 and already we’re sympathising with Lucy, one of the characters in our brand-new micro-drama series, On Contiki. Why? Because at one point or another, we’ve all been there: stepping off a coach and scrabbling to find your luggage buried in its belly or scanning the airport baggage carousel and wondering if you’ll be the unfortunate one panic-shopping at duty-free while the airline promises to do its best to find your missing case.
On Contiki is a first for us: a micro-drama series directed by Gracie Otto (she of Heartbreak High fame) to usher in our new era. More on that later.
Across five episodes, the series brings the very essence of a Contiki trip to the small screen (that’s your phone, by the way): the locations, the people, the cultures, the experiences and all the unexpected moments in between.
For the uninitiated, On Contiki encapsulates what we’ve set out to do all the way back in 1962: get young people out exploring the world and making connections along the way.
Want to know everything about the series? You’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
Hang on, what’s a micro-drama?
Great question. You’ve very likely encountered one on your social feeds. A micro-drama – also known as a mini-drama or microseries – is a short-form, vertical video series designed to be watched on your phone.
And when I say short-form, I mean it. Episodes tend to run for around 1–3 minutes with each one usually ending on a cliffhanger to keep you hooked (and scrolling straight into the next).
Yes, there’s plenty of questionable content out there, as anyone who’s watched the frankly bizarre AI fruit videos can attest to. However, it’s not all brainrot. Big studios are sitting up and taking notice, too. The Issa Rae-created micro-drama Screen Time, for example, was lauded for raising the bar on production quality and bringing some much-needed cultural representation to the format.
And then there’s On Contiki. Yes, we may be a little biased, but we reckon it might just be one of the best examples of what this format can do.
OK, so what’s On Contiki about?
On Contiki brings together four strangers – Lucy, Joe, Claudia and Samir – alongside Contiki Trip Leader Nico, in Costa Rica, where a “lost” suitcase is the unlikely catalyst for bringing the group together.
Over the course of the trip, the group takes on hikes, heights, heartbreak and, in one case, a missed connection.
And then there’s the burning question on everyone’s lips: what the hell is in Lucy’s bag?
We’ll say no more (for now).
So, why a micro-drama series then?
If you’re already familiar with Contiki, you might have noticed things are looking a little different on our site and across our socials.
Contiki has always been for the curious, the open-minded and those ready to discover what’s next. This new era is a return to our roots as the original explorer company with a few changes along the way. We’re evolving our brand and offering to meet the needs of today’s young traveller while staying true to what we’ve always been about.
On Contiki is one expression of this exciting new chapter, celebrating the people, places and experiences that make a Contiki trip what it is.
Who directed On Contiki?
Drumroll, please… Gracie Otto!
An Australian filmmaker from a family of creatives, Gracie is the daughter of Barry Otto (Strictly Ballroom, The Dressmaker) and sister of Miranda Otto, of The Lord of the Rings and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina fame.
Gracie made waves in 2013 with her feature-length directorial debut, The Last Impresario. Since then, she’s gone on to direct a range of projects, including the Netflix revival of Heartbreak High.
With On Contiki, she brings her big-screen expertise to the vertical format. We’re very excited to have collaborated with her on this.
Who stars in On Contiki?
Mia Parsonage plays Lucy
Australian-based actor Mia Parsonage is one to watch, with credits across acting, writing and directing. Here, she plays Lucy, On Contiki‘s main gal.
Things don’t exactly get off to a great start for Lucy. She’s just arrived in Costa Rica when she has a (completely justified) meltdown over her missing suitcase. But there’s more to Lucy’s “baggage” than meets the eye.
You can keep up with Mia on her Instagram.
Kairavi Desai plays Claudia
Claudia is the character we can almost all relate to in On Contiki: post-situationship and on a trip to prove to herself she’s over it. She’s also the type of person you’d immediately gravitate towards and befriend on a Contiki trip.
She’s played by Indian-Australian actor, producer and director Kairavi Desai.
Keep an eye out for her in the upcoming film adaptation of the popular video game Street Fighter, alongside Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa and, er, 50 Cent. You can also follow along via her Instagram.
Kristian Leonard plays Joe
Toronto-based Irish actor Kristian Leonard plays Joe, who, we reckon, provides the comic relief in On Contiki. Sure, he’s got some questionable Google searches, but Joe’s the kind of person everyone gets along with. He knows how to defuse a tense situation and – despite his occasional memory lapses – he’s open-minded, curious and affable. Basically, all the hallmarks of a classic Contiki traveller.
Kristian is an up-and-coming actor who’s appeared in a range of short films and TV series. Keep up with his latest on Instagram.
Image source: Contiki
Arcadius Fimone plays Samir
Brisbane-born Arcadius Fimone plays Samir, a heights-averse but endearing footballer with major big-brother energy.
Samir and Joe have crossed paths before, but Joe’s having a bit of trouble remembering the details. You’ll just have to watch to the end to find out how they know each other.
Arcadius himself is a bit of a multi-hyphenate: model, actor and creator. Growing up, he balanced his love of surfing with a passion for the silver screen, spending days at his local cinema soaking up every film screening of the day. Follow Arcadius on Instagram.
Shanice Wilson plays Nico
Anyone who’s been on a Contiki knows how integral the Trip Leader is to the experience. Nico is the mother of the group – the one who looks out for everyone, particularly Lucy, whom she takes under her wing.
She’s also the type to casually dish out the kind of advice that – not to be dramatic or anything – might just change your life.
Nico is played by Shanice Wilson, a model, self-proclaimed “Lioness Queen” and very talented dancer. A triple threat, if ever there was one. Follow her movements on Instagram.
Where was On Contiki shot?
The micro-drama was filmed in Costa Rica, with locations including San José, Monteverde (for some serious ziplining through the Cloud Forest), the paradisiacal white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park and more.
The best part? You can experience the very same trip for yourself on Contiki’s Best of Costa Rica trip.
Yes, we’re talking ziplining across lush jungle canopies, hikes along hanging bridges and surfing lessons. Bum rashes and mysterious bum bags? Not guaranteed, thankfully.
Wait, I can actually book the same trip featured in On Contiki?
Yes, you can! Contiki’s Best of Costa Rica trip lets you follow in Lucy, Joe, Samir and Claudia’s footsteps. Think all the real-life locations and experiences of On Contiki, packed into one epic itinerary.
And if Costa Rica has sparked your wanderlust but you’re after something a little different, there’s a whole bunch of other Contiki trips across Latin America to explore.
How many episodes are there and where can I watch?
There are five episodes in total, so you’ve got a little binge-watching to do.
As for where to watch, you’ve got options depending on your feed of choice. On Contiki is available on YouTube and TikTok – or just hit play below to get started.
Will there be a second series of On Contiki?
Ahhh. We can’t reveal that just yet, so you’ll have to watch this space.
But if you really want a second series, get watching – and get your friends and family watching, too.
