Casting Actors for "The Biggest Day" Short Film
Casting actors for "The Biggest Day" short film. Please find the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. About the project: A short dramatic film set during an intimate South Asian / East Indian wedding at a private family residence. On the afternoon of her wedding, Asha is surrounded by music, family, flowers, ritual, and celebration. When her long-lost Aunt Sylvia arrives with old photographs and family records, Asha discovers a hidden truth about her late father's childhood and his connection to residential school. The film explores family silence, inherited pain, cultural identity, and the moment a daughter realizes that the story she carried about her father was incomplete. Rate: $150-$250 honorarium. Additional info: Non-union Shoot dates: November 14-15 Location: North Vancouver Submission deadline: Saturday, October 24, 2026 The roles include emotionally sensitive subject matter, including residential school history, intergenerational trauma, family silence, alcoholism and anger in the family, childhood fear and self-blame, grief, and cultural identity. Actors will not be asked to disclose personal trauma, family history, or cultural background beyond what they feel comfortable sharing. No intimate scenes or stunts are currently planned. Health and safety protocols will be communicated before production. Selected actors will receive sides and self-tape instructions. When applying, please send the following: Headshot or recent photo Acting résumé or short experience summary Demo reel or self-tape sample (if available) Current city Union status Availability for the proposed shoot dates Subject: "ASHA - [Your Name]"
5 roles
ASHA is a Canadian-raised South Asian / East Indian bride. Mixed-heritage actors are encouraged to submit, but this is not required. Asha is warm, intelligent, emotionally guarded, and quietly funny. She has built a life around composure and control, but underneath the beauty and joy of her wedding day, she carries unresolved pain about her late father. Canadian/natural English accent. No Indian accent required. Actor must be comfortable wearing South Asian bridal wardrobe and mehndi
MOTHER / PARSO is Asha’s mother. She is loving, proud, emotional, and protective, helping Asha get ready for her wedding and sharing a warm, teasing mother-daughter moment before the ceremony. She wears a soft green sari and carries the emotional weight of family history and silence. This role requires warmth, restraint, emotional depth, and the ability to hold both love and guilt. South Asian / Indian accent is welcome if authentic to the actor, but not required.
AUNT SYLVIA is Asha’s late father’s sister. Indigenous / First Nations actors are encouraged to submit, and Mohawk / Haudenosaunee actors are especially encouraged. Aunt Sylvia arrives at the wedding after many years away, carrying a large brown envelope with old photographs and family records. This role requires stillness, maturity, emotional depth, and cultural sensitivity. Actors are not required to disclose personal or family history in order to submit.
UNCLE SARGE is a South Asian / East Indian man in his 40s to 60s and a warm family presence at the wedding. He sees Asha dressed as a bride and tells her that her father would be proud, unintentionally opening the emotional wound around Asha’s late father. He is loving, protective, and emotional, but unsure what to say when Asha’s pain surfaces. This role requires warmth, restraint, and natural family energy. South Asian / Indian accent is welcome if authentic to the actor, but not required.
Additional roles may include South Asian / East Indian wedding guests and family members. Background performers should be comfortable with natural family/wedding atmosphere, seated reactions, and quiet emotional listening during the final scene.
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