Kia Boys is a narrative short film rooted in Philadelphia, inspired by a viral car theft trend but grounded in the deeper story of family, faith, and survival. Through the lens of a young boy caught between his Christian father and Muslim mother, the film explores broken households, systemic neglect, and how social media clout fuels reckless behavior.

This project uplifts BIPOC voices and challenges harmful stereotypes by showing the human side behind viral headlines. We will collaborate with local youth and community members to authentically portray these realities.

The film will be filmed in Spring 2026 and released Summer 2026, with screenings in local rec centers, community spaces, and film festivals. By centering lived experiences often ignored by mainstream media, Kia Boys contributes to movement-building by reshaping narratives around Black fatherhood, systemic oppression, and youth futures.

We are seeking Actors/Actresses for lead, Supporting Roles and extras. No experience needed to audition. Calling both seasoned and first timers. We are casting for the following roles:

JAYDEN (15-17) A quiet storm. Jayden is emotionally heavy, observant, and carries pain he never speaks about. Calm on the outside, chaotic on the inside. Moves like someone trying to figure out where he belongs. When he snaps, it comes from years of feeling unseen. Main teen, likely impulsive, bold, a bit rebellious. Nonchalant at home

TY (15-19) Charismatic, slick, the fast-talking ringleader. Ty has natural confidence and street intelligence. He’s the type everyone follows even when he’s wrong. Making bad decisions sound brilliant. Never shows fear – even when he feels it.

REZ (15-19) Goofy energy with a loyal heart. Rez is the hype-man of the group- always joking, always talking, but down for anything. He masks insecurity with humor. Follows the crowd to feel included.

AMIR (14-17) Quieter, calculating, and intense. Amir isn’t loud, but when he speaks, it matters. Carries himself with seriousness and edge.
The type who watches a room before he steps into it. Feels older than his age.

SOMAYA Jayden’s girlfriend (17-19) is a quietly strong, emotionally grounded teen who carries more weight on her shoulders than most adults. She’s the type of girl who doesn’t say much at first, but when she speaks, it’s honest, sharp, and real. Life forced her to grow up early, so she reads people well — their moods, motives, and lies — especially Jayden’s.

JAYDEN’S FATHER (30-40) A man trying. Loving but exhausted, strict but not heartless. The type who’s seen the streets, survived them, and refuses to let his son repeat his mistakes. Strong presence without yelling. Broken but still fighting.

JAYDEN’S MOTHER (30-40) Overwhelmed, stretched thin, emotionally drained. Loves her kids but life has beaten her down.
Moves fast, talks fast, reacts fast. Defensive, short-tempered, but underneath is a woman who never got time to breathe.

THE GUY WHOSE CAR GETS STOLEN (25-40) Everyday working-class dude, running late for life. Frustrated, comedic, and real. His personality is relatable — the type who complains out loud and reacts big when something goes wrong. A small moment, but memorable and sets the tone for the film.

MALE SCHOOL TEACHER (30-40) Firm but fair. Not a bully, not a pushover. The kind of adult who’s seen kids like Jayden a thousand times. Their energy is controlled authority – someone who can break up chaos with presence alone.

WOMAN SCHOOL COUNSELOR (25-40) Calm, warm, grounded. Speaks gently but with weight. Someone who sees kids — even the ones hiding behind anger. The only adult who truly tries to reach Jayden with compassion instead of punishment.

THE PLAYA (30’s) Smooth, charming, and emotionally unavailable. Talks slick but means nothing. The kind of guy who floats between homes and situations without taking responsibility. He’s comfortable, careless, and unaware of the damage he leaves behind.