UTABFeature FilmACTRA - Open to union and non-union performers
Producer: Clark Donnelly, Steve SolomosCreative Producer: Bre VaderDirector: Mary DarlingCasting Director: Jesse GriffithsCasting Assistants: Shaunie Frontin, Leah GallowayCallback Date(s): TBDShoot Dates: Monday, September 30, 2024 Friday - October 25, 2024 4 Weeks (20-Day Shoot)
Rate of Pay: ACTRA IPA 25% buyout - weekly rates will apply (Travel, Accommodation and Per Diem will be provided)
Location: Athens, Greece
The performer must have a valid Passport. Travel, Accommodation and Per Diem will be provided.
We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prohibited by law.
ROLES
[UTAB KHOSRAVI] Female, mid-20s, Persian. Striking looking. She is a devout and resilient Persian Baha'i, the only remaining child in her family after the tragic loss of her younger brother at the age of 8. Her unwavering love for Iran persists despite the persecution she faces due to her faith, which also bars her from pursuing higher education. The Iranian government, in its refusal to recognize her rights as a Baha'i, subjects her to further hardships. Utab is a character marked by her devotion to her faith as a Persian Baha'i, her enduring love for her homeland, and her passion for literature and culture. She carries the weight of her family's past, including the loss of her little brother, as she finds the strength to persevere in the face of adversity, even in a society where her rights are not recognized. LEAD.
[SASAN NADERI] Male, early to mid-30s, Persian. Sasan is a charismatic and good-looking neurologist with a sharp mind. While he enjoys the finer things in life and can be somewhat materialistic, he balances this with a strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit and thrives in his medical career thanks to his empathy and compassion, especially for his patients. He grapples with the complexities of his family’s beliefs, the prejudices he faces while pursuing a relationship with a Baha'i, his personal aspirations, and a growing understanding of the persecution faced by the Baha'is in Iran. All the while, he deepens his appreciation for the beauty of his homeland. PRINCIPAL.
[MINA NADERI] Female, early to mid-'30s, Persian. Mina is a modern thinker living in a conservative household in Tehran. Deeply committed to the "women, life, freedom" movement, she harbors high hopes for societal change before her daughter grows old enough to understand the challenges faced by women in Iran. Despite the constraints of her environment, Mina remains a determined advocate for progress and equality. As the confident and slightly younger sister of Sasan, Mina is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by minorities in Iran, especially the Baha'i community. PRINCIPAL. Approx 5 days of shooting
[REZA NADERI] Male, 50s to early 60's, Persian. Reza, Sasan's uncle, is a conservative Muslim with traditional views on gender roles. While he is kind to his wife, he holds a patriarchal perspective, viewing her as being beneath him in terms of authority and decision-making within the household. His role in the family changed when he stepped in to support his sister-in-law after the passing of his younger brother, Ali. Unlike Ali, who had a more open and liberal mindset, Reza confidently expressed his conservative views, expecting others to follow suit. He firmly believes in the importance of upholding traditional values and customs. While Reza hasn't previously found a reason to articulate his stance on the Baha'is in Iran, he now recommends that his nephew, Sasan, distance himself from Utab due to her relationship with Sasan. PRINCIPAL. Approx 5 days of shooting.
[FARHAD KHOSRAVI] Male, 50's, Persian. Farhad is a loving father deeply devoted to his family. As a bookstore owner, Farhad's passion for words and Persian culture is evident in his life. He loves language and shares this enthusiasm with his family and the community. He also plays a crucial role in encouraging Utab's love of language, forming a deep and special bond with her. Farhad is aware of Utab's struggles as a Baha'i in Iran, including her exclusion from higher education. He supports her resilience with love and encouragement. Beyond being a devoted father, Farhad is a loving husband. Farhad embodies the qualities of a good husband and father, showing resilience, love, and a sense of humour in adversity, all while fostering a deep appreciation for words, culture, and family bonds. PRINCIPAL. Approx 10 days of shooting
[VIDA KHOSRAVI] Female, 50 to 59 years old, Persian. Vida, Utab's mother, is a woman who sees immense potential in her daughter. Having experienced the loss of one child at a young age, she recognizes the value of her remaining daughter and is determined to ensure that Utab makes the best possible choices in life, particularly when it comes to selecting a husband. While her meddling tendencies occasionally surface, it's always driven by her profound love and concern for her daughter's well-being. By profession, Vida is a counselor, and her nurturing nature doesn't stop at her workplace. PRINCIPAL. Approx 10 days of shooting
[MR. SHAHIN AHMADI] Male, 50 to 59 years old, Persian. Mr. Ahmadi is a tall, strong, and vibrant man with a hearty, boisterous laugh that echoes his youthful spirit. He exudes enthusiasm and unwavering belief in his students, seeing each of them as the best he has ever had. As a devoted teacher at the BIHE, an underground university for Baha'i students who are denied access to higher education elsewhere, he plays a crucial role in their academic journey. His roots trace back to a Sangesar, a village with a rich Baha'i heritage, a place where its resilient inhabitants have endured persecution since the early days of the Baha'i Faith. In the face of adversity, Mr. Ahmadi stands as a steadfast and devout Baha'i. PRINCIPAL.
STORYLINE: Utab is a touching and poetic love story that explores the power of love, faith, and resilience. Set in the vibrant city of Tehran, the film follows the journey of Utab, a young Bahá'í woman, and Sasan, a compassionate Muslim doctor, as they navigate the complexities of love and faith in a world often divided by religious prejudice
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