IMvisible SHORT FILM

CASTING CALL

Seeking various non-union actors for a paid short film being produced in Fredericton, NB. Production is slated for early November. Actors of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. 

Led by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) this short film aims to ignite systemic change by emphasizing the critical role of culturally integrative understanding in domestic and intimate partner violence prevention (DIPV) services.

DIRECTED BY: Shadwa Ramadan | NBMC, Manager of Women and Gender Initiatives

SYNOPSIS: Two newcomer women in New Brunswick — Rahel and Camilia — both impacted by different forms of gender-based violence from different family members, navigate life, healing, and resistance.

CONTENT WARNING: This film addresses themes of emotional and implied-physical abuse.

ROLES:

  • RAHEL'S MOTHER

    Description: Aged 50+, of MENA background, the mother of Rahel. She is portrayed as offering normalized generational *abuse, including criticism to her daughter for being unmarried.

    Languages: English, Arabic

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $350


  • RAHEL (YOUNG VERSION)

    Description: Aged 6-10, of MENA background, a young version of Rahel for a flashback scene. This scene does not deal with violence, but rather depicts her positive relationship with her grandfather. This role is non-speaking. A parent or guardian is encouraged to apply on the actor’s behalf. 

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $200

  • RAHEL'S PARTNER

    Description: Aged 25-45, (face not shown) man who portrays implied physical *violence. This is a non-speaking role.

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $200

  • RAHEL'S GRANDFATHER

    Description: Aged 60+, of MENA background, a member of Rahel’s family who appears in flashbacks as a voice of positivity for young Rahel.

    Languages: English, Arabic

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $200


  • CAMILIA'S HUSBAND

    Description: Aged 35-45 (face not shown) man who portrays implied physical *violence and emotional violence. This is a non-speaking role.

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $200


  • SUPPORT GROUP BACKGROUND ACTORS

    Description: Female-identifying actors, aged 20+,  for a scene in a community centre during a support group for newcomer women. These roles are non-speaking.

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $150/each


  • BOARDROOM BACKGROUND ACTORS

    Description: All actors, aged 20+, for a boardroom scene where a presentation is being given. These roles are non-speaking.

    Commitment: 1 half day early November

    Flat rate: $150/each


*In order to ensure a safe and healthy set for our actors and our crew, there will be a certified coordinator on set to choreograph scenes pertaining to any emotional or implied-physical abuse.

SUBMISSION INFO:

APPLY TO: film@strikepictures.ca

NOTE: Only successful applicants will be notified / contacted for callbacks.

PLEASE INCLUDE:

  • Name

  • Age

  • Location

  • Spoken language(s) / dialect(s)

  • Role(s) of interest

  • Recent acting experience (not required)

  • Recent headshot (selfies are fine)

NEW BRUNSWICK MULTICULTURAL COUNCIL

The New Brunswick Multicultural Council Inc (NBMC) is a bilingual, not-for-profit, umbrella, organization committed to supporting immigrantserving agencies, and multicultural and ethno-cultural associations in the province.

MORE INFO

IMvisible NB

Domestic/intimate partner violence (DIPV) does not discriminate. Abuse, mistreatment, or neglect by a domestic/intimate partner can occur in any relationship, with people of any orientation, culture, or socioeconomic background. And there are many systemic barriers that prevent those affected from accessing support.

Non-status, Refugee, and Immigrant (NSRI) women are likewise impacted by DIPV. But in addition to the regular obstacles, NSRI women face added challenges. Language barriers, cultural traditions, gender expectations, and a lack of social networks are just a few of the obstacles conspiring to keep this vulnerable population insulated and invisible,

To address these unique challenges, NBMC launched IMvisible NB, a new program designed to empower NSRI women experiencing DIPV. The first of its kind in our province, the IMvisible initiative began in 2015. Piloted by Ginette Gautreau before her tenure as NBMC’s Executive director, the project used an intercultural lens to collect stories of NSRI women experiencing DIPV. Armed with such powerful narratives, NBMC was able to rally diverse stakeholders, community organizations, and government departments to participate in conversations focused on giving visibility to an issue that remains largely in the shadows. IMvisible NB is the result of those conversations, and its mission is to increase New Brunswick’s capacity to support Non-Status, Refugee and Immigrant women impacted by domestic/intimate partner violence. IMvisible intends to be a collective and coordinated effort focused on multiple initiatives. 

The project’s goals include:

  • Conducting needs assessment to address intersectional barriers to equality for diverse women.

  • Developing and implementing prevention-focused strategies for supporting intersectional feminism and gender equality.

  • Collaborating across sectors to advance gender parity.

  • Developing in-depth staff training on cross-cultural communications and antiracism.

  • Developing appropriate resources and outreach strategies for improved contact and communications with immigrant women.

STRIKE IS COMMITTED TO INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE CASTING

WE ESPECIALLY INVITE THE APPLICATION OF ANY INDIGENOUS, RACIALIZED, DISABLED, QUEER, AND PLUS-SIZED PEOPLE WHO REMAIN UNDER-REPRESENTED IN FILM.