Film School

Family Values

SAG-AFTRA Members, please login to your Membership Benefits deals and discounts page to activate your Casting Workbook membership.

Details

Union:

Union or Non union

Area of media:

Film School

Network:

Paid?:

Rates:

Non-Paid Student Film

Deadline:

Oct 10, 2024

Auditions:

Self Tapes by request

Callbacks:

Oct 20, 2024 Via Zoom

Shooting starts:

Nov 8, 2024 INT

Shooting finishes:

Nov 10, 2024 EXT

Shooting locations:

Toronto, ON, GTA

Cities for response:

Toronto

Comments

We can accept union and non-union actors through our student agreement with ACTRA. This
is a non-paying student film and no permit is required. Actors will receive a copy of the
finished film for their demo reel.

-Meals and Transportation will be provided on shoot dates
-Actors will be invited to the Premier in Downtown Toronto 2025

Important Notes:
Isha will be involved in intimate flashback scenes with Diana. While these scenes are tasteful and emotionally significant, applicants must be comfortable portraying intimacy on screen.

Storyline

In this comedy-drama, a Non-binary, trans-South Asian person visits their family for Rakhi, a Hindu religious ceremony that symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters. Celebrating a ceremony that is so centred around gender, this non-binary character must reconcile their gender identity with their deeply rooted Family Values.

Roles

Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Isha	Non-binary 20 - 25 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Isha is a young adult navigating the tension between their true self and their family’s expectations. Having recently come out as non-binary they are balancing the desire for their family's acceptance with the pressure to conform. Isha is quick-witted, introverted and vulnerable. Their relationship with their mother, Seema, is central to the story, as it reflects both the love and challenges that come with being part of a traditional Indian family. Requirements: Seeking actors who identify as non-binary, LGBTQ+, or are comfortable authentically portraying a non-binary character. Must be open to exploring complex family dynamics, including scenes with subtle tension and introspective moments. Isha will be involved in intimate flashback scenes with Diana. While these scenes are tasteful and emotionally significant, applicants must be comfortable portraying intimacy on screen.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Seema	Female 45 - 60 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Seema is Isha and Preeti’s mother. A loving but strict traditionalist, she struggles to fully accept Isha’s identity as trans/Non-Binary, although she tries to remain supportive. Seema is caught between societal and family expectations and her love for her child. Her interactions with Isha are filled with subtle tension as she navigates her feelings of acceptance and discomfort. Requirements: Seeking actors with a strong emotional range who can portray a character with conflicting emotions—loving yet resistant, supportive yet bound by tradition. Must be comfortable with scenes involving emotional confrontation and reconciliation.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Preeti	Female 15 - 20 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Preeti is Isha’s younger sister. She is confident, funny, and protective of her sibling. Though younger, she often acts as a bridge between Isha and their mother, standing up for Isha when necessary. Preeti has a playful attitude, lightening the mood in tense family situations, but she is also fiercely loyal to her sibling. Requirements: Seeking actors who can bring energy and humour to the role while balancing moments of tenderness. Must be comfortable with quick, comedic dialogue and scenes where family dynamics are in focus. First-time Actors are welcome to audition!
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Raj	Male 45 - 65 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Raj is Isha’s father and the most supportive member of the family. He is light-hearted, humorous, and full of love for his children. While he doesn’t fully understand Isha’s identity, he offers quiet acceptance and affection, acting as a buffer between Isha and Seema’s stricter approach. Raj is often the calm in the storm of family drama, balancing tradition with a more relaxed attitude.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Sanjay	Male 45 - 65 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Sanjay is the confident, often overbearing uncle. He believes strongly in traditional values and tends to assert his views on others, especially when it comes to family matters. He is obsessed with his fitness and diets, often to a comical level. A bit oblivious and unintentionally humorous, he doesn’t understand the nuances of modern identity struggles but means well, even if his opinions are outdated. First-time Actors are welcome to audition!
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	Neeta	Female 45 - 60 Years old
Description Ethnicity: South Asian (Indian) Languages Spoken: English, Hindi Description: Neeta is Isha’s aunt, a gossipy woman who takes pride in her appearance and her status. She loves being the center of attention and never misses a chance to showcase her luxury items. She is somewhat traditional and judgmental but is mainly focused on maintaining her image. Neeta is nosy and loves spreading family gossip, which puts her at odds with Isha’s more progressive lifestyle.

Submit to this breakdown