Talents Needed for "ABIKU" - Short Film

Paul is the eldest and most burdened of the siblings. He struggles between supporting his siblings and mother while also seeing his father as the man of the house. His girlfriend, Estelle, opens his mind to the possibility of the truth. Some physical/action sequences involved Must be comfortable with eye makeup Character references: Chris (Get Out), Steve (Stranger Things)

Estelle is a hardworking nursing student and Paul’s girlfriend. After being taken by the Abiku, she recognizes the danger it poses to the family and helps stop it. Stunt work included Must be comfortable with eye makeup Character references: Emerald (Nope) and final-girl characters in horror films

We are looking for approximately 4–5 performers. The uncles are chatty, masculine, and always think they know better. They are the brothers of the family. Must be comfortable with eye makeup

We are looking for approximately 4–5 performers. The aunties are gossipy and proper—or at least they try to be—and are always keeping Rayana and her mother “in line.” Must be comfortable with eye makeup

Mom is trying her best to hold everything together while managing the family and the increasingly strange events surrounding Rayana. Must be comfortable with eye makeup Character references: Kitty (The Piano Lesson), Rose (Fences)

Must be comfortable with eye makeup

A soul overtaken by darkness, serving as a host for the Abiku. He is Grandma’s favorite—charming, affectionate, and seemingly harmless at first. There is an almost warm, approachable quality to him that makes the eventual reveal even more haunting. But beneath that warmth lies something parasitic. The Abiku is a leech deep within his soul, and he will continue to take until there is nothing left. References: Uncle Charlie (The Gift), Frank (Speak No Evil), Uncle Payne (House of Payne).

The loving matriarch of the family, Grandmother is deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren. Blinded by her love for them, she struggles to see the secrets and darkness that exist within her own family. Warm, nurturing, and strong, she is the emotional center of the family while unknowingly standing at the heart of its many hidden secrets. Special Note: Must be comfortable wearing eye makeup.

Grandma’s younger sister—spirited, stylish, and full of personality. She knows how to make an entrance and loves a good wig. A memorable family member who brings her own flair and energy to the household. Special Note: Must be comfortable wearing wigs.

The eldest sister of Mom, she is a strong presence within the family. As one of the older siblings, she brings a sense of experience, authority, and family history to the household.

Looks like he smokes Newport and judges everyone in the room. Mom’s eldest brother, he’s irresponsible, opinionated, and has no problem letting everyone know exactly what he thinks. A character with a strong, lived-in presence and plenty of attitude.