“Stretches”
Written & Directed by: Ansh Pathapadu

Brief Synopsis:
After a devastating tennis tournament loss, fifteen-year-old Sam endures a strained journey back home with his father, Jack.

Filming Dates:
March 21-22, 2026 (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.”

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

Here is a short film written and directed by Ansh Pathapadu for reference:
https://youtu.be/oPLuS04Lvro

***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 company.***