Shafted
This film will be filming in August 2026.
Learn how you can get involved at the bottom of this page.
A furious teenage girl trapped in a malfunctioning lift is forced to battle surreal challenges that test her anger, her resilience, and ultimately her love for her mum. The only way out is to fix what she’s broken.
Written by Tori Turner
Why this film?
'Shafted' is a coming of age story which highlights the deep and sometimes unnoticed relationship we have with our mam.
'Shafted' is a female led story. With an industry that has been male dominated in the past and one that has been hard for working class women to break into, 'Shafted' has cast roles for women in all age brackets, it passes the Bechdel test and it offers a glimpse into feminine rage.
The Characters
AVA (16) - Sassy, Smart, Resourceful, Emotional, Furious and Fierce.
Nicola (40s) - Hardworking, Strong, Sense of humour, and Optimistic.
Moria (60s) - B&B Owner, Sinnister, Wise, Ethereal, and a Teacher.
Introducing our Cast
Thank you to everyone who responded to our casting callout. We were blown away by the response. Take a look at who will be starring in this short film!
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Take a read of our original casting call for this film below.
AVA (playing age 16 - 18): Ava is a multi-layered teenager, and the lead of this film. We see all sides of her within this film, the quirky Gen Z teenager, the embarrassed young woman, the independent girl who can make her own decisions, and someone who has a complicated yet familiar relationship with her mam. She sometimes doesn’t see what she has around her until it’s gone. We’re looking for someone who can play within a range of emotions to really bring our leading young woman to life!
Nicola (playing age 35 - 45): Nicola is Ava’s mam who is in the prime of her life. Doing everything she can to raise her daughter in today’s world and always putting Ava first, she’s been looking forward to taking Ava on holiday so that they could spend some quality mother/daughter time.
Moira (playing age OPEN): Moira is an other worldly character and an ethereal woman. She has been the owner of the hotel in which Ava and Nicola come to stay with for many years. She’s seen families of all shapes, sizes, ages and relationships come through her doors and she knows just how to welcome the guests that stay with her. We are open to all ranges of actresses to play Moira so if she’s someone you have an interesting draw towards, have a go and send us a tape!
Meet the Writer
Writer
Tori Turner
Tori is a creative content producer working in the public sector and mammy to an incredible 3 year old! Film-making has been a passion since her parents got her a camcorder for Christmas aged 13. And even now 23 years later she's still creating any chance she gets.
Tori is also a long time member of Newcastle Film Club, having attended the first meetings in 2020 and being involved where she can ever since. You can see some of the films she's made as part of the film challenges in the past, most notably her recent win of the 2025 Locations Film Challenge film 'Essalamus' which she wrote and did the cinematography for.
"Newcastle Film Club has emerging female talent, directors, camera operators and what film club also has is incredible male and non-binary members who champion, support and enable the growth of their fellow community members.
NFC is creating a space where female crew feel more valued, comfortable and respected on set. And what better way to continue to show that by getting a gender diverse team together to tell a female story."
Pitch Day 2026
Have a look back at pitch day where this film idea was pitched and selected. Hear from Tori as she tells you about the film and what she's looking forward to!
Get Involved!!
Crew Applications for Shafted are now closed as we approach filminmg in August. If you would like to help out on the film, we need extra hands moving set pieces for filming.
Please fill out the form below to let us know you'd like to help out during pre-production.
Get in Touch
with the Shafted Team
This is a community led short film. Please reach out to the Shafted Production Team via the email below or fill in the form and we'll get in touch as soon as we can.
