Description

CASTING CALL – “COUP” (Student Short Film)

Looking for Manchester-based actors for lead roles in a dystopian drama short.

This is an unpaid student film opportunity, but food and transport will be covered.

About the Film

“COUP” follows Sami, a refugee hiding in a fascist future during a brutal government crackdown. His situation becomes complicated when his guide allows a stranger to take shelter with them, creating tension and conflict within the group.

Roles

SARA
Female
Playing Age: Early 20s – 30s
Ethnicity: Black

Sara was born ‘illegally’ in a refugee camp and grew up in a world that denied her identity, which pushed her into political activism. She is part of an Underground movement fighting for migrant rights and is driven by a strong need to help others.

She has a protective “big sister” energy from growing up with many younger siblings. Though compassionate, she can be irritable and sometimes naïve in believing the good in people.

She is helping smuggle Sami out of the country, but when Mike begs to be let into their safehouse, she feels compelled to help him, putting her at odds with Sami.

Note: Graphic injury makeup involved.

MIKE
Male
Playing Age: Mid-20s and above
Ethnicity: White

A hardworking married man with a smart professional appearance. Mike usually keeps his head down and treats political crises and wars as none of his business.

When confronted with the consequences of the world around him, he struggles to separate his learned prejudices from his humanity.

He connects easily with people on a surface level but becomes uncomfortable with deeper emotional situations. He cares deeply for his family and has an individualistic outlook shaped by a world where the next catastrophe always feels imminent.

SAMI
Male
Playing Age: Early 20s
Ethnicity: Arab / MENA

Looking for an Arabic-speaking actor, preferably with a natural accent or able to emulate one.

Sami fled his country after most of his family was killed. He is focused on survival and finding the remaining members of his family.

Educated and intelligent, he is practical and determined despite carrying deep grief. His journey has hardened him, but he remains sociable and friendly, though sometimes confrontational when pushed.

After escaping a migrant detention camp with the help of the Underground, Sara is assigned as his guide to smuggle him into a neighbouring country. When she lets Mike into their safehouse, Sami views it as a dangerous mistake, creating conflict between them.

Shooting Details

Dates: 28th, 29th & 30th April
Location: Manchester