Casting Call for Elderly Arab Woman in Thesis Film
Casting director Nadine Foty is in need of an elderly Arab woman (age 70-80) to play the role of Samia in a short film called Il Mahal. The film is being produced for a Master’s thesis program by students. There is no compensation, but the film can help young Arab Americans invoke thought and discussion about Arab culture among peers. The deadline to apply is JUNE 24, 2016.
Film Synopsis
“Il Mahal is a film about a high school student Jamal and his longing for his missing father. Jamal is trapped in a family convenience store forced to work for no pay by his overbearing uncle. On Jamal’s 18th birthday, which would mark his adulthood and offer him freedom to leave, he must choose whether to stay in the store or leave? Please note that this is a student film for a Master’s thesis at Howard University and is being shot under the SAG-Aftra Student Film Agreement.
Film Information
TENTATIVE SHOOTING DATES: July 15-18th
LOCATION: Washington, DC/Northern Virginia
Character Bio
NAME: Samia
GENDER: Female
ETHNICITY: Arab
AGE: 70-80
Samia is the family matriarch and Jamal’s grandmother. She is very traditional and adheres to the customs of old Palestine. She is resilient and believes in her methods as it is what has sustained her and her family since they immigrated from Palestine. Her main goal is to quell the growing tension between Jamal (her grandson) and Soheil (her son).
Application
Please submit professional headshots, resume, and audition tape of the indicated scenes (the script excerpts are listed below each character description) by June 24, 2016. If there are any questions or concerns please contact the casting director Nadine Foty at ilmahal2016@gmail.com.
SCRIPT EXCERPT