Lead role (female/dual) as "Aemara" in a student-produced fantasy romance feature film

"Higher Ground" – Master’s Thesis (M.A.)

• Format: Feature film, approx. 70–90 minutes

• Genre: Dark fantasy romance (in German)

• Type of production: Master’s thesis project (Aachen University of Applied Sciences) with professional production standards

• Visual style: Cinematic, mature, aesthetic, character-driven.

Short Synopsis:
In the warring realms of Valentera and Mordath, immortal, vampire-like Varkeths rule over humans and the rare and magical Oran—healers who are close to nature. The Princess of Valentera is also an Oran who secretly ventures into the slums at night to heal the sick and wounded.

But when her father tries to force her into an arranged marriage with the Varketh nobleman Lucien, she volunteers to serve as a healer in the army and is stationed at a remote border outpost. There, of all people, she falls in love with the warrior Evan, who is supposed to protect her. At the same time, a side of herself lies dormant—one she knows nothing about—and the man she is promised to would rather see her dead than in the arms of another.

“Higher Ground” is a dark fantasy romance about the courage to overcome one’s own fears and prejudices, to allow a love that one has long denied oneself—and about the price of control.

Tone: Mature/Sensual. Raw intensity and aesthetic beauty merge.
Higher Ground thrives on contrasts and fusion—between tenderness and violence, healing and killing, freedom and bondage. The harsh world of war, the court, and power collides with the gentle world of healing and freedom—and the closer Mae and Evan grow, the more these two worlds become one.

Pay / Conditions: Student low-budget production—no regular pay. Travel expenses and lodging will be covered; meals on set are provided. Retention agreement (pro-rated share in the event of success). Footage for your resume/showreel.

About the production: Although this is a low-budget production, we are working with an experienced core team, a clear pre-production process, a rehearsal phase, and a structured shooting schedule.

This project is not comparable to traditional student or short film projects; instead, it is run like an independent feature film production.

About the casting:

• Self-submission + e-casting.

• Pitch deck & mood board after initial contact.

Contact person: Charlotte

Aemara “Mae” — Female Lead

• Age: approx. 21

• Gender: female

• Physical appearance: petite (consistent with her character—she is considered to be of delicate health at court)
  Distinguishing features: long brown or red hair, brown or green eyes

• Max. 167 cm tall

• Character: Princess, Oran (witch), and secret healer. Outwardly cool, aloof, and quick-witted; inwardly warm, compassionate, and vulnerable. The film’s leading role.

Requirements:
We are looking for trained or experienced actresses who have already played leading roles and are confident in dialogue- and emotion-intensive performances.

Please, no applications from extras or bit-part actresses.

• Minimum age: 20 years

• Acting training or verifiable on-set experience in leading or major supporting roles

• Confidence working in front of the camera

• ⁠Willingness to rehearse

• Reliability & professional demeanor

• Showreel with 2–3 representative scenes