Pillarboxed Studios

Open casting for YOUNG PERSIAN GIRL for our newest short film, FIREWALL, written and directed by Bita Ghassemi /
Please share with anyone you think might be a fit. No prior acting experience is required.

Title: FIREWALL
Project Type: Short Film
Writer/Director: Bita Ghassemi
Filming Location: Austin, TX + surrounding areas.
Shoot Dates: Week of 08/07/2024 - 08/11/2024

PAID role. Travel and accommodations provided for distant hires.
Advanced or intermediate Farsi-speakers preferred.

LOGLINE: “Firewall” follows 12-year-old Ani, an Iranian-Texan girl grappling with the absence of her father who is unreachable due to an internet firewall in politically turbulent Iran. When Ani’s father mysteriously returns, ancient Persian mythology merges with her reality forcing her to confront the demons that have kept her from finding peace.

[ANI]
8 to 15 years old, young Iranian-American girl in Texas. She's navigating her life amongst her father's absence. Her introverted nature makes her highly observant and empathetic to her mother's struggles. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her father's return, Ani remains curious and optimistic, especially about her Persian heritage. She immerses herself in stories from the Shahnameh and finds solace in the cultural rituals her mother performs. Her resilience keeps her going. LEAD

TO SUBMIT please email [email protected] with the role name in the subject line and include:
- Name
- Age (if under 18)
- City of residence
- If you speak Farsi, tell us about your level of fluency
- Two recent photos (one close up and one head to toe)
- Acting resume and/or brief explanation of background

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS JUNE 16TH
About the Director:
Bita Ghassemi is an award-winning Iranian-Texan writer, director, and photographer. Her socially conscious films explore themes such as censorship, loss of innocence, and the duality of her cultural existence.
Read more at bitaghassemi.com

Happy Nowruz everyone! 🌷🌸💕🧿❤️🥰 It is the beginning of Spring and the Persian New Year!

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent me such beautiful words of encouragement & has pledged & believed in me so far as I raise funds to make my most ambitious Persian-Texan short film yet!

We’re in the last stretch of crowdfunding (one week left!) & I am almost to my “green light” goal of 80% ✅, any pledges, social media shares, or shares with friends or family (especially if they're Iranian) who would like to see Persian Mythology on the big screen would be very helpful in this time!\

FIREWALL - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark The world has yet to see Persian Mythology on the big screen, and we want to change that. This project is not just a film; it's a bridge between ancient Persian lore and the ongoing struggles of Iranians fighting for their fundamental human rights.

We are one of the only women-led production companies in Austin, TX and we are nominated for Best Music Video of 2022 by the Austin Chronicle for the Indoor Creature "American Dream" video and we need votes!

It takes 1 minute and it's gonna be a tight race every vote counts!

The 2022-2023 Austin Music Awards Music Poll Vote for your favorite bands, venues, and music

THIS FRIDAY.
A NIGHT WITH FRIENDS VOLUME 5.
"BRING FRIENDS, SEE OLD ONES, MAKE NEW ONES"