Casting call - short film ‘Ampulex Compressa’

Short Film: Ampulex compressa
Graduation film – Master’s Programme
Netherlands Film Academy (Nederlandse Filmacademie)

Film logline
After witnessing the aftermath of another woman’s murder, Flo, a 34‑year‑old navigating the emotional fallout of a breakup, discovers a mysterious scar on her lower abdomen, blurring the lines between grief and the politics of owning a female body.

Synopsis
A woman runs frantically through a dark street as news of the murder of a young woman plays silently on a bar television. Elsewhere, Flo begins her day at home, only to be abruptly broken up with by her boyfriend over the phone. Confused and heartbroken, she moves through the following days suspended between isolation and a fragile sense of liberation, collapsing one night during a karaoke performance before drifting into a fleeting romantic encounter with her friend Toby that briefly restores her desire and independence. As Flo struggles to process these shifts, she becomes captivated by a documentary about the emerald cockroach wasp, Ampulex compressa, which paralyzes cockroaches and uses their bodies as living hosts for its larvae. Soon after, Flo discovers an unfamiliar scar carved into her lower abdomen, its origin unclear and deeply unsettling, raising questions of whether it is medical, imagined, or inherited.

Shoot details
* Location: Amsterdam, actors must be based in the Netherlands
* Shooting period: 4 days in the first 2 weeks of March 2026 (exact dates TBC)
* Payment: Paid (fee to be confirmed)
Language/Accent: English – British accent (native) is a plus

Type
studentenproductie

Lokatie
Amsterdam

Omschrijving
TOBY
* Male
* Acting age: 26–28
* Caucasian/pale complexion
* Tall, skinny build
* Dark hair
* Light eyes preferred (but not required)

Toby is understated and grounded. This role requires naturalistic performance and comfort with emotional restraint. British accent (native) is a plus.

Physical appearance is less important than experience and screen presence. Prior film experience is strongly valued. If the part resonates but physical appearance is not an exact match, we still recommend applying.

TO APPLY
Please send:
* A short introduction
* CV/acting experience
* Showreel (if available)
* Recent headshot and full body shot (if available)

Periode
- Rehearsals (February 2026)
- 1,5 days filming (Early March 2026)

Wat bieden wij?
- lowbudget fee
- meals and travel expenses (within the Netherlands)
- positive and healthy working environment
- showreel friendly material
- full screen credit

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