Short Film
TFS - The Return Ticket
Details
Union:
Union or Non union
Area of media:
Short Film
Network:
Paid?:
No
Rates:
Honorarium. $100 / day *for Lead and Large Principal only*
Deadline:
Apr 17, 2026
Callbacks:
In person callbacks, one day b/w Apr 30 and May 6
Shooting starts:
May 16, 2026 
Shooting finishes:
May 17, 2026 
Shooting locations:
Brampton (Transportation to be provided)
Cities for response:
Toronto
Comments
We are seeking performers who can embody subtle emotional transitions and realism.
Storyline
After years of chasing permanent residency in Canada, a young immigrant watches his dream slip away, and must decide whether going back home means defeat—or a new beginning.
Roles
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadJERRYMale 20 - 30 Years old
Description
Late 20s. South Indian (Malayali). Malayalam-speaking actors are strongly preferred for authenticity.

Jerry is an international student navigating the harsh realities of immigration in Canada. Once hopeful and determined, he is now
emotionally exhausted, financially strained, and as a result, he internalizes his pain rather than expressing it outwardly. He carries the weight of expectations from back home, while struggling with a deep sense of failure.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadARJUNMale 20 - 30 Years old
Description
Late 20s. South Indian (Malayali). Malayalam-speaking actors are strongly preferred for authenticity.

Arjun is Jerry’s close friend and housemate who has successfully secured permanent residency. Confident and social, he
represents someone who "made it”, but beneath that he understands the system's flaws and the role of luck in his success. Empathetic but practical, he carries a subtle sense of survivor's guilt.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
PrincipalDANIELMale 30 - 50 Years old
Description
South Asian. Fluent in English.

Daniel is a composed and professional immigration lawyer. He operates within the system and understands its limitations, but
remains emotionally detached from clients' struggles. To him, it’s business efficient, structured, and transactional. Polished and professional.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalNoahMale 18 - 25 Years old
Description
White. Early 20s. Noah is a Canadian-born individual who has never experienced immigration struggles. Curious and naiive, he often asks questions that highlight his lack of exposure to the system.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalElissaAll 18 - 30 Years old
Description
Black Any gender. 20s. Elissa is lively, outgoing, and the social glue of the group. Carefree, and slightly oblivious to
emotional undercurrents.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalMUMTAFemale 18 - 30 Years old
Description
South Asian. 20s. English speaking.

Mumta is grounded and realistic. She has seen the struggles of immigration closely and speaks with quiet authority. Honest, composed and emotionally aware.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalJERRY'S MOMFemale 30 - 60 Years old
Description
VOICE OVER. South Asian (Malayali). Must speak Malayalam

A caring and emotionally strong mother calling her son from back home. She provides comfort, perspective, and emotional grounding for Jerry during his lowest moment.