We are looking for talented actors for "Al Millennium: Day Zero", an intense psychological sci-fi thriller short film. playing in a the "Al millennium" universe, this is the origin story of Zaheer, a desperate son who makes a deal with darkness to save his dying mother, only to discover that wielding power over human will comes at a terrible price.

SYNOPSIS:
When Detective Mikah Abner investigates a brutal kidnapping, he discovers the perpetrator is Zaheer, a man driven to desperation by his mother's terminal illness. But this is no ordinary crime. Zaheer's possesses the supernatural Veritas ring, granting him the terrifying ability to manipulate minds and memories. Trapped in psychological loops of guilt and regret, both men must confront the weight of their choices as reality itself becomes malleable.

"The weight of regret can be a more formidable prison than any cage."

Why this project?
I've been working on the Al Millennium universe for years, and this short(think Love, death and robots storytelling) was created to be watched twice. There are multiple layers of storytelling happening simultaneously, complex characters crashing into each other while a bigger supernatural power is doing its work in the background.

This isn't just another short film. I want to win awards with this, and honestly, this short isn't made for testing or passion projects (even though it was born from passion). I want to achieve a standard where we could hopefully get this funded into a feature film. I can't promise anything, but I can let you be the judge of the script.
We're tired of simple stories where you know who to root for in the first five minutes. In Day Zero, the detective and the "criminal" both have blood on their hands. The victim becomes the monster. The hero makes the worst choice. It features complex moral ambiguity and shocking revelations that actually make sense when you look back.
The power aspect isn't just cool supernatural effects, it's a metaphor for how guilt and regret can trap you in endless loops. When Zaheer forces Mikah to relive his failures over and over, that's what trauma actually feels like. The supernatural elements make the psychological horror visual and they make it an entire experience: this short film.

Through moral complexity and reveals that reward careful attention. Every twist in Day Zero is planted early, but you won't see it coming the first time. This has everything festivals love: the combined strong performances(by you guys), psychological depth, innovative storytelling, and a concept that sticks with you. Everyone understands desperate love for family, but telling it through supernatural manipulation and time loops? That's fresh.

This isn't just the foundation of an entire universe, it's a story that asks: How far would you go to save someone you love, and what would that choice turn you into?

That's a story worth telling, and worth telling right.

Here is the teaser we shot for Al millennium: experiment which is the feature film after this short film:
https://vaurelion.com/film-al-millennium-experiment/

It's written and directed by me, Hakim Amir. Learn more about my style and vision here: https://vaurelion.com/film-production/hakim-amir/

Crew call will be done later but if you are hyped to work with us please do contact, always good to have professional connections.

What do we offer?
Working with us to potentially get this to be an award winning short and to get it funded for a feature film.
There might be a budget funding, in which case there will be a lowbudget pay but this is not secure and you should only do this if you would do this project without the pay

Type
professionele productie / lowbudget

Location
Eindhoven

Description
All the bellow roles are for caucasian looking and preferably good english speaking actors, most of the roles have a small stunt so most have to be willing to take stunt and fight training

JACK (M, 25-40):

War veteran turned reluctant criminal with moral conscience
Military bearing and physicality required(looking muscular)
Must convey both strength and vulnerability
Height minimum 185 cm
Comfortable with action sequences and emotional depth
willing to take stunt and fight training

DETECTIVE MIKA ABNER (M, 30-45 looking) Extremely difficult role:

Guilt-ridden detective haunted by past failures (loss of sister Fenna)
Must portray psychological breakdown and repetitive loop sequences convincingly
Weathered face showing years of guilt and responsibility
Experience with police procedural/thriller roles advantageous
Comfortable with psychological manipulation sequences

AMICIA (F, 18- 30 looking) Extremely difficult role:

Pre: green eyes(otherwise you will be given green lenses)
Character arc: Idealistic politician → torture victim → vengeful survivor → tragic end
Must convincingly portray political extra, victim, and supernatural awakening
Comfortable with intense torture scenes and special effects (glowing eyes)
Strong emotional range from vulnerability to rage
Aristocratic bearing and inner strength required

JASON (M, 25-35 looking) Extremely difficult role:

Complex sadistic torturer with hidden psychological depth
Must portray cruelty yet make character understandable despite horrific actions
Comfortable with disturbing psychological material and simulated violence
Character seeking meaning through inflicting pain
Experience with complex villain roles preferred

FEMKE (F, 25-35) Complex emotions but mediocore difficulty:

Childhood friend turned bitter kidnapper with remaining humanity
Must portray someone twisted by past trauma yet retaining conscience
Comfortable with violence and emotional manipulation scenes
Must convince as both victim and perpetrator
Key childhood connection with Amicia

SUPPORTING CAST:
FENNA (Child, F, preferably 8-10 but open for 6-15 looking) - SUPPORTING:

Young Mikah's sister, appears in flashbacks and supernatural sequences
No dialogue but significant emotional impact
Must work well with special effects and ethereal scenes
Comfortable with supernatural/ghostly appearances

ZAHEER'S MOTHER (F, 45-70 looking) - SUPPORTING:

Dying woman in hospital, catalyst for Hakim's desperation
Frail but dignified presence
Comfortable with medical equipment and emotional scenes
Key to Hakim's motivation throughout story

DOCTOR (M/F, 40-60) - SUPPORTING:

Hospital physician delivering terminal diagnosis
Professional demeanor with underlying compassion
Delivers crucial exposition about treatment costs

LUCIAN & DEMIAN (M, 25-40) - SUPPORTING:

Supporting criminal/kidnapper
Minimal dialogue but important for action sequences(must following training)
Comfortable with crime thriller material

Language requirements
English

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