This is one opportunity you don’t want to miss out on! Steven Spielberg is now casting for his upcoming film “The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara”! Casting directors are seeking to fill the lead role of Edgardo. If you have a son that appears to be a Jewish Italian boy then check out the casting call! 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 baptized 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. This was a cause célèbre 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 role calls for a 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 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. We are not looking for any kind of Italian accent. This is a lead role. The casting team is looking for boys nationwide except for New York and Los Angeles (different casting directors will be seeing people in those areas).

To submit: Email delisicreative@gmail.com. Subject line: EDGARDO SUBMISSION / Name of boy, your agency (if you have one), city/state. Body of email: Your agency contact info, boys name/age/d.o.b, city/state of residence, along w/current non retouched photos. If you want to include a brief introduction, bio or resume, please do! Edgar needs to be highly intelligent…. please note any related, special, or fun facts so they get to know him. If you do not fit the role, do not email the casting director. If more roles become available they will be released!