Details
Union:
Non union
Area of media:
Short Film
Network:
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
$300/day
Deadline:
Nov 9, 2026
Callbacks:
Nov 18, 2026 virtual
Shooting starts:
Dec 19, 2026
Shooting finishes:
Dec 20, 2026
Shooting locations:
Toronto & GTA
Cities for response:
Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal
Comments
Language and heritage are important for these roles. We are seeking fluent Khmer speakers.
Set in the early 2000s, Roothold is a dramatic short film that seeks talent who can deliver natural, intimate, and grounded performances. The film explores heavy themes of lost childhood innocence, family, immigration, and the dangers of being ignorant to how legal systems work for vulnerable populations.
Set in the early 2000s, Roothold is a dramatic short film that seeks talent who can deliver natural, intimate, and grounded performances. The film explores heavy themes of lost childhood innocence, family, immigration, and the dangers of being ignorant to how legal systems work for vulnerable populations.
Storyline
Seven-year-old Dara, home alone, survives a home invasion. When he and his parents are hauled in and questioned by social services, he quickly learns that in this space, the only thing that matters is indicting his hardworking refugee parents, not the violation of his home and the men who stole a piece of his childhood. In a split second, Dara must decide whether honesty or protecting his parents is the right thing to do.
Roles
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | DARA'S MOM | Female 30 - 49 Years old |
Description (30s-40s, Female, Cambodian) This is a Khmer speaking role.A working mother who shoulders the mental load of taking care of her young family and their home. She resents having to choose between stability and being physically present for her son. Buckling under the weight of her family’s future and wellbeing, she comes off as defensive when questioned by social services, but her concern for her son is genuine. Seeking a grounded performer who can balance the character’s defensiveness, exhaustion, frustration and genuine love for her child. Rate: $300/day PRINCIPAL | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | DARA'S DAD | Male 30 - 49 Years old |
Description (30s-40s, Male, Cambodian) This is a Khmer speaking role.A husband and father who is confronted with the state of his family. He struggles to get on a sound financial footing and is frequently absent from home. When he is home, Dara's father is emotionally distant. Now he’s also grappling with the guilt of leaving his son unprotected. Seeking a performer who can portray a flawed, complicated father without making him one-dimensional. $300/day PRINCIPAL | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | TRANSLATOR | Male 40 - 79 Years old |
Description (40s–70s, Male, Cambodian). Performers must be fluent in both Khmer and English.A calm, experienced Khmer-speaking translator who is familiar with the legal system and how families can be affected when their culture is misunderstood. He facilitates communication between Dara's parents and the social workers from a trauma-informed lens and attempts to keep the conversation from escalating. $300/day PRINCIPAL | ||