Casting Call for a Thriler Short Film “Break Of Dawn”
ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. Seeking cast to portray roles in a short film “Break Of Dawn”. See the details below. About the project: Break of Dawn follows Dawn, a young woman trapped in a strict and disturbing religious household, as she witnesses the initiation of a teenage girl into the same violent system that once stole her own freedom. As memories of her past resurface, Dawn must decide whether to remain silent or finally escape the life that has controlled her for years. Rate: Actors must be NON-UNION. Payment in form of crafty and free lunch, and of course the experience of being on a professional film set. Additional information: Production takes place from May 14th - 16th, 2026. Location: Vancouver, BC. Callbacks will be held on Saturday April 11th in the Gastown area. When applying, please submit your self-tape by Thursday April 9th at 11am.
6 role s
Lead. Dawn is a 20 year old woman who has spent the entirety of her life stuck within a small religion-based cult that they call a "family". She is a very guarded and observant individual. Dawn is aware of the things happening around her, where she realizes that she has to hide her true thoughts and feelings in order to avoid suspicion from the other family members. On the outside, she appears to be a very obedient member of the family, going through the necessary ritual of initiation.
Supporting. Twila, a 14 year old girl is bright, naive, and eager to belong. In order to become a true member of her religious "family", she must be initiated through a ritual, binding herself to her "father." She views this initiation as an exciting step towards her development as a human being. Her innocence blinds her from the true darker reality behind the ritual.
Supporting. Kathleen is the motherly figure of the "family." A devoted member of the cult who is very gentle, warm, and maternal. She has fully accepted the rituals that define the group she has become a part of. She knows to fight against them would be a losing battle, choosing comfortability over freedom. Even though she has accepted the system, Kathleen understands why Dawn cannot.
Supporting. John is the unquestioned leader/father figure of the "family." He is fully devoted to the groups traditions and leads the rituals that in his head, bring the family closer together. John is intimidating, authoritative, and controlling. He does not come off as a warm and loving figure and is much more colder towards the other members of the "family." He believes the rituals/traditions are sacred and mandatory. These practices are what define him.
Supporting. Denver is the cold, older brotherly figure within the "family." He is essentially the extension of John's authority. Like John, Denver believes in the sacred rituals that the "family" obliges by. Denver is the emerging successor of John, a representation that these practices are passed down from generation to generation.
Supporting. Father Jonah is the religious authority figure who runs the family's rituals. He is an emotionless individual who enforces the cult's practices and harmful beliefs. He believes there is nothing wrong with the rituals as he is very immersed in the belief system that has been built within the cult.
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