“Stretches”
Written & Directed by: Ansh Pathapadu

Brief Synopsis:
After a devastating tennis tournament loss, fifteen-year-old Sam endures a silent and strained car ride home with his father, Jack. The journey unravels suppressed emotions, unmet expectations, and the complicated bonds of family, forcing both father and son to confront truths they’ve long avoided.

Filming Dates: May 5–6, 2025 (Charlottesville, VA)

Casting Call:

SAM (male, 14–17, any race): A talented but emotionally burdened young tennis player. Quiet, introspective, and carrying the heavy weight of his father’s expectations.

JACK (male, 35–50, any race): Sam’s father, driven yet flawed, desperately invested in his son’s tennis success. Struggles to balance encouragement and pressure. Must embody intensity, complex emotional range, and subtle vulnerability.

SUSAN (female, 35–50, any race): Sam’s mother, warm-hearted and empathetic, caught between her son’s struggles and her husband’s ambitions. Brief appearance and voice-over scenes requiring gentle warmth and authenticity.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid student/independent short film. Travel, lodging, or transportation will not be provided. Meals will be provided on set.

Reels:
Actors will receive a digital copy of the completed film for their personal reels.

Submission Instructions:
Please send headshots, resumes, and reels (if available) to [email protected] with the subject line “Stretches – [ROLE NAME] Submission.”

Submission Deadline:
April 30, 2025

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to reviewing your submissions and bringing this impactful story to life.

Website: anshpathfilms

***The Virginia Film Office is not affiliated with this project and it is up to the participants interested in this opportunity to vet the project and get more details directly from the filmmaker.***