Content

Project Synopsis
ねずみの嫁入り (Nezumi no Yomeiri) — The Espousal of the Rat’s Daughter — is a short-film adaptation of the traditional Japanese folktale. The story follows a rat father who is determined to find the most powerful possible husband for his daughter. His search leads him from the Sun, to the Cloud, to the Wind, to the Wall, as each reveals that there is always something more powerful than themselves. Ultimately, the journey brings him back to his own kind and to a different understanding of strength, suitability and belonging.
Additional Information & Safety Protocols:
Throughline Film Foundation is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and safe working environment throughout rehearsals and production.

Any physical performance, movement work, mask work or other specialized performance requirements will be discussed with actors in advance and appropriately rehearsed before filming. Performers will not be expected to undertake physical work outside their stated abilities or training.

Where costumes, masks, wigs, prosthetics or specialized makeup are required, appropriate fitting and preparation time will be provided. Actors should advise production in advance of any allergies, sensitivities, accessibility requirements or other considerations relevant to their work on set.

Any scenes involving staged physical contact, choreographed action or similar performance requirements will be planned and communicated in advance. Consent and professional boundaries will be respected throughout the production process.

Actors will receive appropriate breaks, access to drinking water and on-set refreshments, and production will follow applicable British Columbia workplace and production-safety requirements.

The project is being developed in consultation with Japanese cultural advisors, and performers are encouraged to raise cultural, linguistic or historical concerns with the production team. We want actors to be active collaborators in maintaining the integrity of both the Japanese- and English-language versions of the film.

Specific safety requirements, shooting conditions and any specialized performance elements will be communicated to selected actors before contracts are finalized and again before the relevant rehearsal or filming day.



DEMO REEL
If you have a demo reel, please include a link to it in your submission. Vimeo, YouTube, casting-profile or personal website links are preferred rather than large video attachments.

ACTOR REQUIREMENTS
For the roles being cast, we are seeking actors of Japanese background/heritage.
Actors must be able to perform in both Japanese and English, as the film will be shot in both languages and performances will be recorded in Japanese and English.
Please clearly state your level of fluency in both languages in your submission.

MAJOR ASSETS
Training or professional experience in the following is a significant asset:
Kabuki theatre
Mask performance / mask work
Traditional or highly physical forms of Japanese performance
Movement-based performance
If you have Kabuki, mask, movement or related performance training, please describe it briefly and include it on your résumé.

Dates

Shoot / Performance Date(s) - mid 2027
Submission DeadlineSaturday, October 3, 2026

Roles

Roles Details

Title

HIS MAJESTY THE SUN

Content

Male-presenting | Adult | Japanese heritage | Japanese & English required Regal, magnificent and treated with enormous ceremony. Mr. Rat initially believes the Sun must be the most powerful being in the world. The Sun receives the marriage proposal graciously but explains that the Cloud can cover his face and prevent his light from reaching the world. He therefore directs the family toward someone he considers more powerful than himself. This is a heightened, highly visual role requiring presence, vocal command and controlled physical performance. Kabuki, mask work, dance, movement training or other stylized theatrical experience is a major asset.

Salary

Paid production. Compensation will be discussed directly with selected actors based on the role, production requirements. All rates will be agreed upon before contracts are finalized.

Ethnicities

Asian - Other

Gender

Male Only

Age

20 - 30