The calm before the storm

Short fiction film | Philosophical / sociological drama | Mosaic / ensemble film

Logline

Amidst uncertain times, the population of a castle is thrown into turmoil by the sudden arrival of a messenger.

The film

1297, IJsselstein.

Rumors spread among the castle inhabitants. Whispering, haste, people rush through the corridors in search of information. The only thing known: a messenger has arrived. A messenger with news that cannot wait until morning.

What we offer
We are looking for actors who want to bring this small society to life together, in a film with a unique narrative style and a topical and relevant theme.

Does one of these roles appeal to you, and are you available for rehearsals and shooting? We would love to hear from you!

Send your application to:

[email protected]

In your email, briefly mention something about yourself and the role you are interested in. Also, include a recent photo. Do you have a showreel? We would love to receive it!

Type
Student production

Location
IJsselstein

Description
The film tells the story from different perspectives, with multiple characters each dealing in their own way with the approaching threat that threatens to turn their daily lives upside down. There is no main character: the various characters each contribute to the larger story in their own way.

Rolls

The messenger
Man | 25–50 years
An unexpected appearance that sets the story in motion. The messenger is intimidating and mysterious, but behind that first impression hides a human being as well.

Agnes (Wine Pourer)
Female | 18–25 years | Preferably no taller than 1.60 m
Agnes feels completely uncomfortable in the resulting chaos. She finds the situation frightening and doesn't quite know how to handle it.

Clara (Wine pourer)
Woman | 18–25 years
Unlike Agnes, Clara loves gossip and attention.

Emma (Cook)
Woman | 35–50 years
The castle cook is a woman who is self-assured, straightforward, and loves her daily routine.

Ada (Head of the chambermaids)
Woman | 35–50 years
Ada is a decisive woman who knows what she wants. When she sees the chaos unfolding around her, she decides to take action herself.

Diederik (Clerk)
Man | 30–60 years
Diederik has been dissatisfied with the state of affairs at the castle for some time. Now that tensions are rising, he decides to use the situation to his advantage.

Dirk (Kitchen Helper)
Male | 20–30 years
Dirk works in the castle kitchen. The situation around him makes him insecure, and he doesn't quite know how to deal with it.

Rombout (rioter)
Male | 18–25 years
In contrast to his usually boring life, Rombout finds the sudden hustle and bustle an interesting distraction. It cannot last long enough for him, regardless of the possible consequences.

The sergeant
Man | 40–50 years
The sergeant is responsible for maintaining order. But as the chaos mounts, keeping a cool head proves not always easy for him either.

Boudewijn (guard)
Male | 35–45 years
Enjoying life, that is Boudewijn's motto.

bit part extras

Beatrijs (Chambermaid)
Woman | 20–30 years
Even in uncertain times, there are beautiful moments. Beatrijs is proposed to and is overjoyed when she says yes, although not everyone shares her enthusiasm.

Henric (Watchman)
Male | 20–30 years
Henric decides not to wait any longer and to follow his feelings. He proposes to Beatrijs and celebrates her vows with a few friends.

Extras

Help in the kitchen
Women | 30–60 years
Gossiping at work is one of the greatest pleasures in life for these kitchen helpers.

Other castle residents
All ages welcome.

Period
Type: Student production
Location: IJsselstein, Netherlands
Recording period: The last two weekends of November 2026 (21, 22, 28 and 29 November)
Duration: 4 shooting days
Rehearsals: In the first half of November 2026. (The rehearsal dates are yet to be scheduled.)
Production type: Unpaid student production. Travel expenses and any unforeseen costs are negotiable.
Duration: Approximately 10–15 minutes
Language: Dutch

Spoken / language requirements
Dutch

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