Feature Film
BOUGAINVILLEA - Pre-casting
Details
Union:
Union or Non union
Area of media:
Feature Film
Network:
Hollywood Suite
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
Union Standard
Deadline:
Jan 12, 2024
Shooting locations:
Laurentians, Quebec (Dates TBC)
Cities for response:
Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Sudbury, Kelowna
Comments
Please list the Country Citizenship, Canadian Province Permanent Residency, Age, Ethnicity and Languages Spoken.
Storyline
After fleeing her own wedding and the oppressive expectations of her Salvadoran family, a young Latina woman named Marisol finds herself on an enlightening yet bewildering journey of self-discovery when she reconnects with her long-lost childhood best friend and first love Celeste, who seems to transcend time and space.
Roles
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadMARISOLFemale 18 - 29 Years old
Description
MARISOL (21 years old) Salvadorean, Central American, Latina. Speaks English, Spanish (French a must). She has olive skin, dark brown eyes, and long black hair that she often wears down in loose curls. Marisol has a slender yet curvy figure. Through her eyes, you can read her soul. This is a leading role for an actress of depth, gravitas and spunk.

Despite her youth, Marisol carries an air of quiet intelligence and introspection. She observes more than she speaks, concealing complex inner thoughts behind a calm facade.

Beneath the surface, Marisol struggles with uncertainty and rebellion against her traditional upbringing. She feels torn between honoring her family's expectations and pursuing her own path.

Marisol possesses a creative, artistic spirit she rarely expresses due to her father's disapproval. She finds solace in nature, music, and her deep connection to Celeste as a child.

While dutiful and hard-working, Marisol yearns for independence, adventure and self-discovery beyond what her community deems acceptable for women. She questions the constraints of marriage and motherhood.

Marisol maintains a cheerful public persona but battles private doubts, especially regarding her relationship with Ramy. She feels unready to commit to the life he and her parents envision.

As tensions rise, cracks emerge in Marisol's calm veneer. She asserts herself more, challenging authority and embracing her sexuality. An awakening occurs yet also unleashes turmoil within.

Beneath the confusion, Marisol possesses resilience, compassion and fierce loyalty to those close to her. She strives to honor these qualities in herself above all else during this climactic period of change.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadCELESTEFemale 18 - 33 Years old
Description
Marisol's Childhood Best Friend: Celeste is a free-spirited caucasian young woman of ambiguous origins. She has pale skin, piercing green eyes, and long wavy hair the color of honey that she often wears down.

Celeste's beauty is ethereal and otherworldly. She carries herself with a graceful, fluid movement like a dancer. While seemingly youthful, her eyes hold an ancient wisdom beyond her years.

As a child, Celeste was Marisol's best friend and the one who encouraged her to embrace life and follow her passions without restraint. She introduced Marisol to the natural world through adventures in the forest.

Now living alone in the cottage by the lake, Celeste remains deeply connected to nature. She has a calming, nurturing presence and sees life's beauty in simple things. Celeste believes in following one's intuition and living freely between worlds.

Beneath her calm exterior, Celeste experiences intense emotions. She feels things on a profound level and understands the mysteries of the soul in a way that both attracts and unsettles others. Celeste's bond with Marisol goes beyond explanation, as if they share one spirit.

With her free-flowing mannerisms and ability to transcend reality, Celeste represents the untamed, mystical side of femininity. She helps Marisol rediscover her true self and embrace her destiny despite the constraints of society. Celeste sees life's endless possibilities and helps Marisol do the same.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarCESARMale 50 - 65 Years old
Description
Marisol's Father: Cesar is a stern, imposing man in his late 50s of Salvadoran descent. He has dark eyes that glare intensely and thick black hair. His muscular physique still conveys strength, though his body is starting to show signs of age. His face feels like bark and shows signs of physical abuse (scars).

As patriarch of the family, Cesar demands absolute obedience and control. He expects his wife and daughter to fulfill traditional gender roles without question. Cesar works hard but believes a man should be respected as head of the household.

Beneath his harsh exterior lies deep-seated insecurity and vulnerability. Cesar never received love or approval as a child, so he finds worth through dominating his family. His love is conditional on them meeting his rigid standards.

Cesar struggles with a volatile temper that flares at any perceived challenge to his authority. He doles out physical punishment without remorse, seeing it as his right and duty. Alcohol lowers Cesar's inhibitions and unleashes his fury.

Over time, cracks emerge in Cesar's façade as his family asserts their independence. He clings desperately to traditions fading in a modern world. Still, beneath the bluster lies a man who wants what's best for his daughter, in his own misguided way. Redemption may be possible if Cesar faces his demons. He is a covert narcissist with a heart for what he believes is the well-being of his family.

Must speak English and Spanish (French a must).
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarALBAFemale 40 - 52 Years old
Description
Marisol's Mother: Alba is a Salvadoran woman in her 40's of petite stature but strong will. Though aging and having gained a few undesirable pounds, she maintains her appearance with care and pride in her appearance. Alba has soft features, doe-like brown eyes, and mid-shoulder black hair streaked with golden highlights.

Beneath her cheerful, hospitable demeanor lies a lifetime of hardship. Alba became pregnant as a teenager and had to abandon her dreams to appease Cesar and raise a family. She finds purpose through caring for others.

Alba acts as the family's nurturing matriarch but walks on eggshells around Cesar's temper. Years of abuse have left her anxious to keep the peace at all costs. She enforces traditions but also empathizes with Marisol's plight.

While putting on a brave face, Alba battles her own demons. Loneliness and regret over lost opportunities fester inside. Alba pours her unfulfilled dreams into Marisol yet fears she'll repeat the same mistakes.

Beneath the surface, Alba possesses an independent, passionate spirit she rarely shows. Faced with Marisol's rebellion, Alba's protective instincts emerge alongside a willingness to defy Cesar. She wants Marisol to experience the freedom denied to her.

Alba's greatest hope is that Marisol can break the cycle and live freely, even if it means losing control over her daughter's life. Her unconditional love forms the bedrock of the family.

Must speak English and Spanish (French a must).
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarTHEOMale 21 - 29 Years old
Description
Marisol's Best Friend: Theo is a 20-something free spirit. He is slim, tall and well-built. He has some tattooes and an indie-musician vibe. He plays Shoegaze music. His has mid-long hair and huge charisma. He has a tendency to be a party animal and sometimes it gets him in trouble.

While attractive in an unconventional way, Theo is sexually fluid and embraces his fluid identity. He experiments with makeup, nail polish, and feminine clothing but remains proudly masculine.

Theo brings levity, humor and fun wherever he goes. As Marisol's best friend, he provides comic relief and encourages her to loosen up. However, beneath the jokes lies emotional intelligence and loyalty.

Theo understands people in a way that allows him to navigate any social situation. He sees beyond surface labels and accepts all for who they are inside. This open-mindedness forms a strong bond with Marisol as she questions her path.

Theo believes in following one's bliss without regard for what others think. He helps Marisol embrace her true desires rather than live for others' expectations. Theo's carefree spirit inspires Marisol to break free.

While Theo comes across as careless, he feels things deeply and wants the best for those he loves. His unique perspective and unconditional friendship prove invaluable to Marisol.

Must speak English (French a must).
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarRAMYMale 21 - 29 Years old
Description
Marisol's Fiancé: Ramy is a 20-something year-old Coptic Egyptian man of medium height with olive skin, thick black hair and dark, soulful eyes. He keeps his hair neatly trimmed and often dresses stylishly in button-down shirts and slacks.

On the surface, Ramy appears put together and ambitious. He studies business and hopes to provide for a family through hard work. Ramy treats Marisol with kindness and respect, cherishing the stability she brings.

However, beneath the polished exterior, Ramy struggles with insecurity. He feels pressure as the eldest son to fulfill expectations. Ramy relies on his relationship with Marisol for acceptance and a path to citizenship in Canada.

Must speak Egyptian Arabic and English.

Ramy and Marisol come from similar upbringing, traditional families and values, yet he finds Marisol's free-spirit unpredictable and irresistible.

While caring for Marisol, Ramy also clings tightly to control. He fears losing face or being seen as weak - traits drummed into him by her father Cesar. This causes Ramy to become possessive, insecure and jealous.

As cracks emerge in his relationship with Marisol, Ramy grapples with uncertainty. Letting go of the life he envisioned brings anxiety but also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery alongside Marisol.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarMARISOL (13 years old)Female 10 - 15 Years old
Description
Marisol as a teenager, 13 years old, Salvadorian girl (Central America, Latina). Must speak English and Spanish.

Marisol is a curious, adventurous teenager exploring her independence. She has olive skin, long dark hair often worn in braids or a ponytail, and lively brown eyes full of wonder.

At 13, Marisol questions rules and traditions, finding solace in nature and her bond with Celeste. She enjoys swimming, climbing trees, and imagining a life of freedom beyond her family's constraints.

Beneath her rebellious exterior, Marisol feels deep emotions. She forms her first romantic feelings for Celeste while navigating puberty and her evolving identity.

Marisol strives to understand her place in the world through surreptitious readings and late-night conversations. She forms strong opinions but remains unsure how to assert herself.

With Celeste's support, 13-year-old Marisol embraces self-discovery, clinging to hope that one day she can break free and fulfill her dreams.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarCELESTE (13-years old)Female 10 - 15 Years old
Description
Celeste, 13-years old, has become a curious teenager embracing her independence. She has pale skin, long golden hair often worn loose, and intense green eyes full of passion and wisdom beyond her years.

At 13, Celeste questions rules and traditions, finding solace in nature. She enjoys swimming, climbing trees, and imagining life's possibilities with Marisol.

Beneath her free-spirited exterior, Celeste feels deep emotions awakening within her. She navigates budding romance with Marisol while supporting their own self-discovery.

Celeste strives to understand spirituality outside conventions. She forms opinions but remains unsure how to assert herself against the disapproval of others.

With Marisol's friendship, 13-year-old Celeste embraces her emerging identity, clinging to hope of fulfilling dreams together when older.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingENRICOMale 45 - 60 Years old
Description
Marisol's Wedding Facilitator: Enrico is a charming, gregarious man of ambiguous age and sexual identity. He is a charming and charismatic and sometimes over-the-top Latino man. He has olive skin, a muscular build, thick hair, and lively brown eyes that radiate warmth.

As the Wedding Facilitator, Enrico acts as a gracious host who goes out of his way to ensure all guests feel welcomed and cared for. He takes pride in his work, work ethic and sense of detail, and enjoys bringing people together.

Beneath the hospitality, Enrico possesses a zest for life and passion for all it has to offer. He embraces spontaneity and living in the moment. Enrico believes in following one's heart above all else.

Enrico displays flirtatious behavior but remains respectful. He lights up any room with humor, stories, and enthusiasm. Music flows through Enrico's soul; he often breaks into song and dance.

While some see Enrico as frivolous, he understands human nature and emotions on a profound level. His carefree spirit provides levity to tense situations and brings out the best in others.

Enrico acts as a stabilizing, calming presence who wants everyone to enjoy themselves. He forms a strong bond with Marisol through their shared free-thinking ideals.

This character must be a phenomenal salsa dancer.

Must speak English, Spanish (French a must).
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingBÉATRICEFemale 21 - 25 Years old
Description
Marisol's Bridesmaid: Beatrice is a 20-something year-old bubbly university student studying art and fashion. He has a bohemian artsy vibe.

As one of Marisol's closest friends, Beatrice brings levity and enthusiasm. She adores get-togethers, dancing, drinking and capturing fun memories through photography on her iPhone.

Beneath the party girl persona, Beatrice possesses a creative spirit and loves to do makeup. Beatrice finds joy in expression through bold fashion choices and colorful makeup application.

While sociable, Beatrice also values sisterhood. She provides unwavering support and encouragement for Marisol, helping boost her confidence during turbulent times.

Beatrice embraces life with optimism but also understands darkness. She recognizes Marisol's inner conflicts and acts as a stabilizing force, helping ground her during moments of crisis.

With her fun-loving energy and compassion, Beatrice forms a crucial support system for Marisol. She wants her friend to follow her heart's desires above all else.

Speaks in English but French is a must.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingMARTAFemale 18 - 20 Years old
Description
Marisol's Cousin: Marta is a teenager nursing student with Salvadorian (central American, LatinX) roots. She has tan skin, long curly black hair, and deep brown eyes that radiate warmth and wisdom beyond her years. Marta carries herself with a quiet grace and calm presence.

While soft-spoken, Marta is a keen observer who notices details others miss. She provides perspective and guidance and has a nurturing bedside manner.

Having grown up in a traditional household, Marta understands the complexities of Marisol's situation. She acts as a sounding board without judgment and helps her friend gain clarity.

Marta's compassionate nature, cultural roots and insight prove invaluable to Marisol during her time of turmoil, acting as a calming influence. She forms a profound bond with Marisol through their shared experiences.

Must speak English and Spanish (French a must).
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingGISELFemale 40 - 55 Years old
Description
Marisol's Godmother from El Salvador: Gisel is a middle-aged woman with olive skin, dark hair peppered with reddish highlights, and sharp brown eyes that seem to miss little. She maintains a fit, curvaceous figure and often dresses stylishly with intentional coquetry.

As Marisol's godmother and Cesar's interest, Gisel walks a delicate line. She acts as a motherly confidante for Marisol but also remains loyal to Cesar out of affection and obligation.

Beneath her polished exterior, Gisel possesses a fiery spirit and rebellious streak. She defied expectations in her youth and understands Marisol's plight on a deep level.

However, years of keeping secrets and walking on eggshells around Cesar's temper have also made Gisel pragmatic. She believes in preserving stability above all else.

Gisel forms a unique bond with both Marisol and Alba through their shared experiences. While advocating for Marisol, she must also consider larger dynamics at play.

Beneath her pragmatic facade, Gisel cares deeply for both women. She strives to help them find happiness within the constraints of their community and culture. She is the one who stands up confidently to Cesar's toxic masculinity and machismo.

Speaks in Spanish. English a must.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingMOMale 21 - 25 Years old
Description
Ramy's Best Friend & Room Mate: Mo is a 23-year-old man of Middle Easter or Arab descent. He has tan skin, a lean yet muscular physique, short black hair in a modern cut, and kind brown eyes often seen smiling.

As Ramy's Man of Honor, Mo brings levity and order to situations. He enjoys playful banter but also provides heartfelt support during difficult times.

Beneath the serious facade, Mo possesses a caring soul. He wants the best for both Ramy and Marisol, acting as a voice of reason and helping them communicate.

While sociable, Mo also values male friendship and brotherhood. He forms a bond with Ramy through their shared cultural background in a new country.

Mo embraces life fully yet understands constraints, having immigrated with Ramy for education. He strives to make the most of each moment.

With his compassionate nature and ability to diffuse tension, Mo plays a crucial role in Ramy's wedding party. His good humor and insight prove invaluable during times of turmoil.

Speaks English and Arabic.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingFATHER HERNANDEZMale 60 - 70 Years old
Description
Father Hernandez is a 60-year-old Catholic priest with wrinkled tan skin, graying black hair, and kind eyes behind thin-rimmed glasses. He carries himself with quiet dignity and grace.

As the parish priest from the Hispanic Church in Laval, Father Hernandez has served the local Salvadoran community for decades. He knows the families well and understands their traditions, beliefs and conflicts on a deep level.

Beneath his clerical collar, Father Hernandez possesses a wise soul. He acts as a counselor and stabilizing presence, helping parishioners through difficult passages with empathy, patience and spiritual guidance.

While upholding the church's teachings, Father Hernandez believes in meeting people where they are. He strives to help them find their own truths through compassion instead of condemnation.

Father Hernandez forms profound bonds through his decades of service, weddings, funerals and other sacraments. He wants all people to find peace and acceptance, especially the marginalized.

With his calming demeanor, vast experience and non-judgmental nature, Father Hernandez proves a crucial anchor for Marisol during her climactic moment of uncertainty at the altar. His quiet support makes a profound impact.

Speaks Spanish. English and French a must.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
ActorMARISOL (8 years old)Female 6 - 10 Years old
Description
Marisol at 8 years old.

Little Marisol is a curious child with a wild imagination. She has smooth brown skin, long dark hair usually in pigtails or braids, and bright eyes taking in every detail.

At 8, Marisol feels most free when singing at the Church choir. She questions rules and traditions but remains unsure of her place in the world.

Beneath her playful exterior, Marisol experiences deep emotions.

Marisol strives to understand spirituality through her own lens. She forms strong opinions but remains unable to assert herself against her father's will.