WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation TV and Film is pleased to share information regarding an open casting call for Indigenous talent for an upcoming feature film titled Sue Thunder, Johnny Lightning.
Sue Thunder, Johnny Lightning follows the story of Native social worker, Sue Thunder, who heads a task force to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous women on the Salt Sun reservation in Arizona. As she forms a relationship with Italian-American real estate agent, Johnny, Sue uncovers a web of corruption and exploitation orchestrated by a tobacco tycoon and his business partner who are trafficking Indigenous women and girls while also acquiring Native land through embezzlement and bribery of tribal leaders.
The project is looking to cast 20+ Indigenous roles. Submit at least one photo of yourself and an optional video introducing yourself on camera to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Feel free to include whether you have any acting experience, special talents, or interests. The deadline to submit is Dec. 17.
Most roles are supporting or background roles in the film with a requirement of one or two days of shooting, but larger roles are available. You do NOT need any acting experience to submit. All submissions are welcome. If you are interested in working behind the camera as part of the crew, you can also email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Most of the shooting will take place in the Phoenix area from December 2024 to January 2025. You must be able to report to set with your own mode of transportation and secure your own lodging.
Calogero Carucci is the Writer/Director/Producer of Sue Thunder, Johnny Lightning. Carucci is an award winning filmmaker whose films have played at festivals internationally. His first two feature films, Moving In 2008 and Long Island Gus, can be watched on Amazon Prime. This will be his third feature film.
Tyesha Wood, a producer for the project, is a member of the Navajo Nation from Window Rock. Wood is Totsohnii (Big Water), born for Dibe Lizhini (Black Sheep) and she is a human trafficking expert with decades of experience as a detective/officer working with Tribal Nations.
Alex Cherney, a producer for the project, is an award-winning filmmaker known for his films Santamaria, The Have Not, and countless others, which can be found on Amazon Prime. Cherney is the owner of Riverspirit Studios, an NYC-based production company for narrative filmmaking and commercial content.
To be automatically notified of any future casting calls, visit www.navajonationtvandfilm.com under the “Film Navajo” tab and fill out the Navajo Talent Agent Program registration form and submit to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
