Casting Call For "Ramadan America"

Producers for "Ramadan America" — the first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims — are holding an open call for auditions in New York and Los Angeles. Anyone, regardless of their acting pedigree, is welcome to audition.

The film anthology features five stories about Ramadan and Eid. Shooting will commence in November 2023 and wrap up in December. The film is set for release in March of 2024.

Casting is being conducted by MA Casting. Below are the roles that are currently open. To audition, please apply via Actors Access by searching for the specific film name below.

Film: Nani's Biryani
Shoots: November 11-12, 2023
Location: New York City
Deadline: October 16, 2023

Storyline: Zubair Khan will do anything to stand out, especially if it means fitting in. A film about self-love and embracing our differences.

ZUBAIR - 12 to 16 years old, South Asian boy. A little geeky, yet confident and charming. Zubair will do anything to stand out from everything that makes him South Asian American in order to fit in with his friends. When he sets his mind to something, he is determined and isn't afraid of doing things a little differently. LEAD (Accepting Non-Union submissions also)
NOTE FOR MINORS: There is no mature content in the project. A parent or guardian is allowed within sight and sound of the minor at all times while they are working. Monitor/on-set tutor will be provided. This production is in compliance with all state child entertainment laws.

SAMIR - 30 to 40 years old, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian man. Likes to joke and make light of things. Really proud of Zubair and ready to help when he needs it. Ultimately, he knows Zubair will figure things out because he is raising a good son. SUPPORTING (Accepting Non-Union submissions also)

AYESHA - 30 to 40 years old, South Asian woman. The counterbalance to Samir, she takes things a little more seriously. She is equally proud of Zubair and also ready to help, but Zubair rarely asks, which makes her a little sad. SUPPORTING (Accepting Non-Union submissions also)

NANI - 60 to 75 years old, South Asian woman. Ayesha's mom. Nani has seen it all. Having raised children and now seeing her grandchildren grow, she is not worried about anything — especially not biryani. Nani is always in Zubair's corner and will show up whenever he calls because that's what Nanis are for! LEAD (Accepting Non-Union submissions also)

Film: The Eid Gift
Shoots: November 4-6, 2023
Location: Los Angeles
Deadline: October 27, 2023

Storyline: A husband and father, struggles to find the perfect way to celebrate Eid for his wife and daughter.

KHALID AHMED - 30 to 40 years old, East Asian, Middle Eastern, North African man. A successful small business owner. He is dealing with the grief of losing his wife a year ago, and this grief is manifesting as a crisis of faith. His memories of his wife are closely tied to memories of Eid and going to the Masjid. He strives to hide this emotional baggage from his daughter and is struggling with being a single father. He’s just barely keeping it all together. Can drive and has a valid driver’s license. Can play piano at an intermediate level; ability to read sheet music is a plus but not a necessity. LEAD

FATIMA - 30 to 40 years old, Black woman. Late wife to Khalid and mother of Amira. She died a year ago. She speaks and interacts with Khalid as someone in between a ghost and a memory of the peak of their romantic relationship. In her own way, she’s also trying to push Khalid to move on. Must have intermediate singing ability and at least beginner dance training. Ability to read sheet music is a plus but not a necessity. SUPPORTING

AMIRA - 7 to 12 years old, Black, Mixed Ethnicity girl. A daddy’s girl. Her grief over the death of her mother is buried deep. This project does not contain any mature content. SUPPORTING

RAHEEM MUHAMMED - 30 to 40 years old, all ethnicities man. Khalid’s employee and best friend. Laid back, friendly, emotionally intelligent. Is encouraging Khalid to return to the Masjid community while giving him the space to do so on his own time. SUPPORTING

SOFIA MUSTAFA - 30 to 40 years old, all ethnicities woman. Sympathetic. Was not very close to Fatima when she was alive, but their children were part of the same group in the Masjid. SUPPORTING

MALIK MUSTAFA - 30 to 40 years old, all ethnicities man. Sofia’s husband. A bit stoic. Friend of Khalid, but is not quite sure how to deal with Khalid’s grief. SUPPORTING

TARIQ SHAHEED - 18 to 25 years old, all ethnicities man. A young member of the Masjid’s youth group, who is happy to volunteer during Eid to make sure everything goes smoothly. Does not know Khalid. SUPPORTING

This page will be updated as more films release casting calls. Last updated: October 2, 2023.