Hello, We're currently casting Steven Spielberg's new film and we're conducting a search for an extraordinary boy to play the very challenging lead role.

ABOUT THE FILM:
Steven Spielberg is making a film about the true story of Edgardo Mortara - a 6 year old Jewish boy from Bologna who was reported to have been secretly baptised by a maid, and was deemed by the Catholic Church therefore to be Christian. Pope Pius IX (to be played by MARK RYLANCE) decreed that the boy could not remain with his Jewish family. He was seized by the Papal State and taken to the Vatican where his indoctrination into catholicism began.

Despite his parents' desperate pleas for his return, the boy was brought up as a catholic under the protection of the Pope in the final years of his pontifical rule of the extended Papal State. This was a cause celebre of mid-nineteenth century European politics and the domestic and international outrage against the pontifical state's actions may have contributed to its downfall amid the unification of Italy. This is an incredible story of real historical relevance.

The film will shoot in Europe beginning in January of 2017.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
BOY, age 6-9 to play 6 years old--This is a unique and very challenging part for a truly special boy. The story deals with the complexity of the an extremely intelligent and gifted child's situation - his desire to return to his family and the faith of his ancestors pitted against his ability to learn the catechism and engage with the Pope on a level far beyond his years. He should appear to be a Jewish Italian child, although we are not looking for any kind of Italian accent.

HOW TO AUDITION:
Please feel free to forward this email and people can respond directly to edgardocasting.ny@gmail.com with a recent photo along with their NAME, AGE, and WHAT CITY THEY ARE BASED OUT OF. No previous experience is necessary to audition.

We will be auditioning for the role through the month of July, so if your school/camp/program has any stand out children, we'd love to hear from them as soon as possible.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and thank you in advance for your help in spreading the word.

Rori Bergman Casting