Written & Directed by Mike Ambs
Synopsis
After school, Sofia answers the phone. Her friend wants to share a new song, talk about crushes, and hear about Sofia's day. The two friends share everything, the way thirteen-year-olds do. Her friend listens carefully. Remembers everything.
Mood board reference images.
Project Overview
An 8-minute short film about a 13-year-old girl navigating friendship and technology in today's digital landscape. This is a follow-up to the short film Falling Forward, which was selected for Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The film explores how AI companions are being marketed to young people, and what that looks like through the lens of an authentic teenage experience. Single location, naturalistic tone, character-driven.
We're creating Sofia's bedroom from scratch - every poster, every photo, every detail that makes it feel lived-in and real. And every backer will be incorporated into that room. Your support doesn't just fund the film - it becomes part of the film itself.
Maybe it's your name on a Polaroid pinned to her wall. A book spine on her shelf. A concert ticket stub. A message on a sticky note by her mirror. The small, authentic details that make a thirteen-year-old's room feel real.
When you watch the film at its premiere, you'll see your contribution on screen. When Sofia reaches for that hair clip in the final shot, when she looks at herself in that mirror - you helped build that moment. This isn't just crowdfunding. It's collaborative filmmaking.
Casting Call
Age: 12-14 years old
Ethnicity: Open
Sofia is a quiet, thoughtful middle-schooler who's figuring out friendships, crushes, and who she wants to be. She's creative, a bit shy, and navigating the complicated social world of eighth grade mostly from the safety of her bedroom.
What we're looking for
Natural, authentic performance (not "acting" - just being real)
Emotional availability and vulnerability
Comfortable carrying scenes solo
Able to find quiet, internal moments on camera
Experience: None required. We're looking for the right person, not the most experienced actor.
Parent/Guardian: Must be present on set. Full transparency about content and subject matter.
Audition Process
Self-Tape Submission
Please submit a self-tape by November 20th, 2025 to: [your email]
What to include:
Brief Introduction (30 seconds)
Your name, age, and a little bit about yourself
What interests you about this project
Scene Reading (2 minutes)
[Download audition sides here - PDF link]
Just be natural - we're looking for how you connect with the material
Parent/Guardian Contact
Include parent/guardian name, phone, and email in your submission
Technical notes:
Phone video is perfectly fine
Natural lighting, quiet room
No need for costume or props
Just you, the camera, and the words