Ever fancied yourself as the next Russell Crowe? Well, here's your chance to test those acting chops without having to trek to Sydney or Melbourne. The micro-budget indie film Jack & Omar is heading to Rankins Springs and surrounding areas from 28 September to 4 October, and they're on the hunt for genuine Riverina locals to fill their cast.

This isn't your typical Hollywood casting call where you need an agent, years of training, and a portfolio thicker than a phone book.

The filmmakers are after something much more valuable – authenticity.

They want real faces, real stories, and that unmistakable country charm that can't be faked in a acting studio.

The production is casting for six key roles, and the age range is refreshingly broad.

There's Henry Mills, a rugged farmer aged 55-70 (basically every second bloke you'd meet at the pub), Mrs Carruthers, a no-nonsense shopkeeper in the same age bracket, and a town mechanic who looks like he's actually spent time under a bonnet.

They're also seeking Imran, a sharp deal-maker aged 22-30 with South-Asian or Middle-Eastern heritage, Aunt Ruth (the anxious but lovable relative we all have), and a Disapproving Parent for what sounds like a cracker of a scene.

Here's the beauty of it – never acted before? No worries.

The casting directors are more interested in honesty than technique. If you can tell a story naturally and bring a bit of yourself to the role, they reckon they can coach the rest.

The requirements couldn't be simpler.

Chuck together a current headshot (and yes, a phone snap will do just fine), record a 60-second self-tape where you either share a true story or have a crack at improvising the character, and Bob's your uncle.

Just include your name, age, town, and mobile number, and you're in the running.

Beyond the obvious bragging rights of being in a proper film, cast members will receive on-screen credit, meals during filming, fuel money, and the chance to work alongside professional actors.

Plus, there's the satisfaction of helping put the Riverina on the cinematic map – something that doesn't happen every day.

The production team seems genuinely committed to showcasing the region authentically, which means this isn't just a case of city filmmakers rolling in to use the landscape as a pretty backdrop.

They want the community to be part of the storytelling process.

If any of these roles sound like they've got your name on them, email your materials to [email protected] with the subject line "[Role] – Griffith Casting" before August 20. That's not long, so don't sit on it if you're keen.

And here's a thought – if none of the roles suit you but you know someone who'd be perfect, give them a nudge.

Sometimes it takes a mate to point out that yes, you actually would make a brilliant disapproving parent or that your years of fixing tractors have given you exactly the right look for a country mechanic.

Micro-budget films like Jack & Omar often punch well above their weight when it comes to storytelling. Without the pressure of massive studio budgets and marketing campaigns, these projects can take risks, explore genuine characters, and tell stories that big-budget productions might shy away from.

For regional Australia, it's also a chance to see ourselves represented authentically on screen – not as the usual stereotypes or comic relief, but as real people with real stories worth telling.

So whether you're a natural performer who's been waiting for the right opportunity, or someone who's never considered acting but reckons they could have a fair dinkum crack at it, this could be your moment. At the very least, you'll have a story to tell at the next family barbecue.