Seeking Cast for "Nhang (Incense)" Short Film
Casting Call for "Nhang (Incense)" Short Film, please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. About the project: Nhang (Incense) follows Tien, a devoted but emotionally reserved parent whose grief takes her on a physical journey through past memories during a family đám giỗ (memorial ceremony). This film relies heavily on silent, internal storytelling, micro-expressions, and physical presence. Additional info: Project Type: Non-Union, Paid Short Film Shooting Dates: 2–3 Days between July 31st – August 3rd, 2026 Location: Garden Grove, CA (Must be local to OC/LA area) When applying, please include: Subject Line: [Character Name] - [Your Name] - Casting Submission Current Headshot and Resume. Demo Reel / Video Clip: Directors are specifically looking for an emotive, physical reel that prioritizes non-verbal storytelling, grounded dramatic range, and body language over simple dialogue. No reel? No worries, send a 40-60 sec self tape and show a transition from a mundane, everyday state (like typing on a laptop or cooking) into a sudden wave of heavy, quiet grief or memory or looking at a photo and longing for that person that is gone. A brief note detailing your fluency level in English and Vietnamese
2 roles
Lead Role | Vietnamese-American Language: Fluent English required; conversational Vietnamese preferred. Description: Modern, busy, work-focused parent carrying suppressed grief. Requires a powerhouse dramatic actor capable of carrying the film through subtle, internal, and heavily non-verbal/physical performance. Range: Quiet grief, deep nostalgia, maternal warmth, sudden vulnerability.
Supporting | Female | Vietnamese-American | Playing 65+ Language: Vietnamese dialogue required (short phrases); English helpful but not mandatory. Description: The warm, witty, and traditional family matriarch. Expresses love through small physical actions rather than words. Needs a commanding, gentle screen presence capable of conveying deep ancestral wisdom with minimal dialogue.
RELATED CASTING CALLS
