A Farewell To Youth

A washed-up screenwriter, desperately clinging to his fading youth, is forced to confront the realities of fatherhood when his estranged, pregnant teenaged daughter unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, seeking his help and support through the adoption process.

JACK, once a promising film student, is now a washed-up alcoholic clinging to his fading youth. His life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged teenage daughter LILY, the result of a past adoption, appears on his doorstep, pregnant and seeking his help. Meanwhile, Jack's best friend and former roommate, MATTY, seems to have the perfect life with his talented wife, EMMA and their first child on the way. However, Matty secretly harbors a lifelong dream of becoming a stand-up comedian, a dream he pursues behind Emma's back, straining their relationship. As Jack guides his daughter through her own adoption journey, he's forced to confront his past mistakes and learn what it truly means to be a father. At the same time, Matty must decide whether to sacrifice his dream for the sake of his family or risk it all for a shot at the spotlight. In this poignant story of friendship, family, and second chances, two men at a crossroads must find their own paths to redemption and happiness.

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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Filmmaking Opportunity with "A Farewell to Youth"

Jarico Films is seeking volunteers under 30 to assist on the set of our upcoming film, A Farewell to Youth. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in filmmaking.

About the Film: A Farewell to Youth follows Jack, a struggling screenwriter who reconnects with his estranged, pregnant teenage daughter, Lily. As they navigate the adoption process, Jack confronts his past while his best friend, Matty, faces his own challenges balancing dreams and family.

Requirements:

Must be under 30 and interested in filmmaking.
Reliable and able to commit to the date(s) you sign up for.

Benefits:

Real-world experience on a professional film set.
Discounts on Jarico Films workshops and events.

How to Sign Up:

Visit our website to sign up for available dates. Please only sign up if you are certain of your availability, as your commitment is essential.

VOLUNTEER

Cast

ADAM JACK

AS JACK

Jack, once a budding filmmaker with Kubrick-sized dreams, is now hurtling towards 40, his ambition replaced by a cocaine habit and a "good enough" career. He directs commercials, raking in cash that fuels his vices—drugs and a prized Cadillac. Stuck in his 25-year-old self's Queen West apartment, he fills his nights with fleeting encounters, a lifestyle that screams midlife crisis but is, in fact, a quarter-life crisis frozen in time. Jack is the embodiment of Peter Pan Syndrome. His downward spiral began at 20. On the cusp of attending film school in Los Angeles, he faced an unexpected pregnancy with his girlfriend.

The painful decision to place their child for adoption shattered him, fueling a vow to never have children again. He justified this choice as a sacrifice for a better life for both of them, immersing himself in a life of excess. But as 40 looms, the cracks in his facade are widening. He struggles to convince himself that his life is truly fulfilling, trapped in a self-destructive cycle. Only a seismic event can jolt him out of this downward spiral.

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MATTY CARDAROPLE

AS MATTY

Matty, a free-spirited New Hampshire native with a hippie soul, radiates peace and love, always ready to lend a helping hand. After leaving culinary school, he pursued acting and comedy in Los Angeles, where he met Jack, forming an unbreakable bond despite their differences. Post-graduation, their cross-country adventure led Matty to Toronto, where he honed his comedic skills at the Second City Training Center, launching a promising stand-up career. Love soon found him in Emma, and their engagement led him to trade his comedy dreams for a teaching degree as they planned a family. With their first child on the way, Matty feels the pull of his passion, determined to squeeze in a few more stand-up gigs before fully embracing fatherhood.

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TO BE CAST

AS LILY

Lily, adopted by a loving and supportive family, grew up aware of her adoption, with her adoptive parents answering questions about her birth parents as best they could. While she easily tracked her birth father Jack's life and career online, her birth mother Noelle remained elusive, leaving many questions about her roots. In her teens, Lily inherited some of Jack's rebellious spirit, which led to an unexpected pregnancy from a one-night stand during her senior year Christmas break.

Attending a private school in the city, Lily concealed her pregnancy with loose clothing, but as the school year ended, she couldn't face revealing the truth to her parents. Accepted into the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto, she used the pretense of a summer program to track down Jack. She asked to stay with him until the baby arrived and sought his help navigating the adoption process.

SUBMIT FOR CASTING

ERICA SHERWOOD

AS EMMA

Emma, a brilliant overachiever and avid bookworm, was raised by a single mother until age 13 when her mother's romance with artist Ricardo Ávila brought a new family dynamic and a loving stepfather. Embracing this change, Ricardo inspired Emma to pursue her dream of becoming an author. After double-majoring in English and Sociology at York University, she landed her first book deal at 24, earning critical acclaim though the bestseller title remains elusive.

Meeting Matty, Emma was captivated by his compassionate heart and infectious humor. His mistaken belief that he needed to abandon his stand-up career for their relationship was unknown to her; had she known, she would have opposed it, as her open-mindedness and support for his passions are unwavering. Their strong partnership thrives on mutual understanding, despite Matty's own hang-ups about responsibilities.

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DOUGLAS VERMEEREN

AS RICARDO

Ricardo Ávila is a renowned artist, highly sought after for his paintings and sculptures. Talent runs in his family, with his three daughters from a previous marriage also pursuing artistic careers. Ricardo married Emma's mother, Tina, when Emma was a teenager and they quickly formed a close bond. He loves his stepdaughter deeply and treats her as his own. He was thrilled when she showed promise as a writer and supported her career as a novelist.

Despite being only a quarter Portuguese, Ricardo embraces that part of his heritage, even occasionally adopting the accent when using Portuguese words. He can be somewhat arrogant, but his talent justifies his confidence. He tends to make everything about himself and his loved ones, sometimes excluding Matty when boasting about his daughters. Although he can rub people the wrong way, his intentions are always good.

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KATE MCININCH

AS KORI

In Jack's eyes, Kori was the one that got away. They'd known each other since high school, a mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface, but never fully realized. After graduation, their paths diverged. Kori became a teacher and married a high school acquaintance, but the marriage quickly soured into verbal, emotional, and then physical abuse after their daughter's birth.

To protect her child, Kori left the toxic relationship and sought refuge in a women's shelter. Over time, she rebuilt her life as a strong, independent woman. As she ventured back into the dating world, she reconnected with Jack through social media. Jack's persistent flirting and charm rekindled her feelings, but Kori was cautious. Jack's lifestyle raised concerns about his suitability as a partner and father figure for her daughter.

Torn between her desire to love again and her fear of being hurt, Kori hesitates. She longs to let Jack in, but her daughter's well-being takes precedence. Kori refuses to risk another heartbreak or let her daughter down by a man who might not be there in the long run.

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THAIN WESLEY

AS THAIN

Thain and Matty's friendship was forged in the fiery crucible of open mic nights, where they honed their comedic skills together. Thain's rough-edged, politically charged humour contrasted with Matty's lighter touch, making them a dynamic back-to-back duo on stage.

Matty's abrupt departure from the comedy scene deeply wounded Thain. While understanding the importance of family, Thain struggled to accept being completely cut off from his friend and colleague but eventually found his independent comedic voice.

When Matty resurfaces in the comedy world, Thain welcomes him back with open arms. Their friendship rekindles and strengthens by their shared passion, mutual respect, and appreciation of raw talent and growth in one another.

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AUGUST KYSS

AS BLYTHE

Blythe, a whip-smart and independent businesswoman, who owns The Front Comedy Club. Her stunning beauty is often a double-edged sword. Many people underestimate her intelligence and capabilities which allows her ample opportunities to surprise sceptics and succeed professionally.

Despite often attracting wealthy suitors, Blythe’s true love was her charming and hilarious, comedian husband. They shared a dream of combining skill and talent to open a comedy club in downtown Toronto.

Early on in their marriage, Blythe’s husband lost his short battle with terminal brain cancer and Blythe received a substantial inheritance from his life insurance. Devastated and alone, she used this money to fulfill their dream and opened The Front, dedicating her life to nurturing new comedic talent in memory of her late husband.

When she meets Matty, she instantly recognizes his potential and sees echoes of her late husband in him. They quickly forge a friendship, but their shared interests and Blythe's beauty make Emma feel insecure and threatened.

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REGISTER NOW FOR AUDITIONS

We are looking for people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and experience levels to join our cast.

What to Submit

We are accepting headshots and resumes. If you don’t have a professional headshot, a clear photo of yourself will suffice.

Submission Deadline

July 19, 2024 11:59PM EST

Audition Process

After reviewing all submissions, we will select individuals to participate in auditions. Those selected will be notified by email. If you are not selected, you will also receive an email notification.

CREW

ADAM JACK

DIRECTOR

Adam Jack, a dynamic filmmaker, has navigated a cinematic journey marked by authentic storytelling and a steadfast commitment to addressing societal issues. Graduating from the New York Film Academy in 2003, he swiftly made his mark with the Teen Dramedy pilot "4 Years to Life," becoming one of the youngest members of the Writer's Guild of Canada.

As a filmmaker of color, Adam brings a unique perspective, challenging norms and offering fresh insights. His film "The Lurker" has garnered acclaim for its exploration of trust in relationships, the impact of social media on mental health, and its unflinching examination of consent and sexual misconduct. Anticipation surrounds his upcoming project, "Jack Knife," a powerful commentary on racial tensions in America. Adam's dedication to addressing pressing social issues, combined with his storytelling prowess, establishes him as an emerging auteur challenging norms in the cinematic landscape. As "Jack Knife" and "The Lurker" captivate audiences, Adam Jack's narrative brilliance is sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

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JASON LUPISH

PRODUCER / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Primarily recognized as an established filmmaker, Lupish has written and directed three feature films, numerous short films, music videos, and commercials. Some of his notable works include "A Kind Of Wonderful Thing," "Kiss of Death," "Stranger," and the groundbreaking short film "NERDMAN or (The Unexplainable Imagination of Reece Fisher)"

Driven by a passion for mentorship, Jason co-founded Jarico Films for Youth in 2017, a not-for-profit organization providing opportunities for young people to engage with the film industry through workshops, challenges, festivals, and events. In May 2024 Lupish launched the first annual “RUSH Youth Film Festival” in partnership with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

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ERICA SHERWOOD

PRODUCER

Erica Sherwood is an exceptionally talented and award-winning actress and filmmaker who has appeared in several plays, feature and short films, television shows, music videos, and commercials. She is trained in improvisation, scene study, and Meisner technique. Her remarkable work has been widely recognized, with The Film Corner naming her one of the Top 5 Actresses of the Year and the St. Catharines Arts Award in 2020. Erica continues to mesmerize audiences with her diverse range of talent. Erica also plays an integral role behind the scenes as producer for all of Jarico Films for Youth’s projects, but is also an incredible sound designer and editor.

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DOUGLAS VERMEEREN

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

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NICHOLAS MURRAY

PRODUCER

Nicholas Murray is a Canadian Media Producers Association Mentorship Alumni who has worked for several years with the Award Winning production company Wango Films. With more than 10 years of experience in the film industry, Nick has been involved in all areas of the production process, ranging from script development and financing to cinematography and post-production. He has worked with a variety of filmmakers, helping to create inspiring and captivating stories. His passion and dedication to the craft are evident in his expertise and the quality of his work. Nick is a highly sought-after collaborator and is always eager to take on new and exciting projects.

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