On screen, THE CARD showcases strong females and diversity, which is also reflected behind the camera. Our entire creative team and most of our cast and crew were female.
“It takes a village to make a film, even a short one. And for that, I have to thank my village: my cast, crew, and everyone who supported this film and helped along the way. This film wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you. And I’m so thankful for the hard work, time, and talent you put into it. Short films aren’t made with money. They’re made with passion, persistence, and a LOT of hard work. Thank you being a part of it. For believing in this script and in me. I’m forever grateful.” – Asil
ASIL MOUSSA
Writer • Director • Producer • “Layla”
Asil Moussa has always loved telling stories. She graduated with a Combined Honours Bachelors of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Digital Journalism from the University of Windsor. She then received a Certificate of Film Studies from Ryerson University. Asil has created and worked on multiple short films and documentaries. She has also acted in short and feature films, and commercials that played across Canada. Asil worked on THE TIGER HUNTER, a feature film directed by Lena Khan in Los Angeles. She has also worked on the short film, ON GIRLS, directed by Kim Nelson. Both films will be released in 2016. Asil received funding for THE CARD from the Windsor Arts, Culture, and Heritage Fund and the Windsor Endowment for the Arts. Asil wrote, produced, directed, and stars in THE CARD. Asil currently resides in Windsor, Ontario.
NUHA ELALEM
Producer • Assistant Director
Nuha is passionate about bringing stories to life. She received an Honours Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Windsor and has worked on making films, writing stories and photographing people for years. Nuha has produced, shot and edited multiple short films and promotional commercials for organizations, such as the Windsor-Essex Sports Council’s program for kids health, “Learning to Play” and a “Welcome to Canada” film which aimed to help incoming Syrian Refugees feel home. Her latest project, “THE CARD” is a short film that she produced with Asil Moussa in Windsor. Nuha has worked on the short film “ON GIRLS” as Second Assistant Camera and Stills Photographer and the feature film “THE TIGER HUNTER” as Pre-Production Intern. All three films release in 2016. Nuha currently resides in Windsor, Ontario.
“Nuha and I have been best friends since we were 12 years old and we’ve worked together on numerous film projects. So working with her on the THE CARD was effortless. I knew I wanted a producer who would always give me honest feedback, who wouldn’t be afraid to get her hands dirty, and who had just as much passion for this project as I did, and that was Nuha. I never could have imagined the amount of work this film required, but Nuha was with me every step of the way, always with a helping hand. She goes above and beyond with everything, from ensuring production went smoothly, to giving feedback all the way through post-production, editing grant applications, and even creating the film’s poster and helping with the website graphics and trailer. Working and collaborating with her has been the most amazing journey. I’m incredibly blessed to have her in my life, both as a friend and a producer for this film.” – Asil
SVJETLANA OPPEN
Director of Photography
Born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Svjetlana Oppen immigrated to Canada during the 90s Bosnian War. Much of her film work is influenced by her life experiences, and in 2012 Svjetlana created Stagehouse Multimedia, a non-profit designed to develop projects that address the issues of disadvantaged, under-represented and/or at-risk groups in the community. She has a BA in Communications, Media and Film at The University of Windsor and is currently an MFA Candidate in UWindsor’s Film and Media Arts program. She has worked in cinematography on several projects including: The Card (Short 2016, DOP), On Girls (Short 2016, DOP), 130 Year Road Trip (Feature length documentary 2015, second unit camera operator), Through Their Eyes (Feature length documentary 2015, Producer, DOP), What Is Home (Feature length documentary 2012, Producer, DOP). Her commercial work includes television commercials, educational training videos, signed artist music videos, and web series.
“I’m an avid believer in working with people you admire, because you’re going to be spending a lot of time with them. And that was exactly the case with Lana, our DP. Lana has a keen sense of storytelling and visual insight and she brings that to her cinematography. She’s also incredibly generous, using all her own equipment for the film (thank you, Lana!). Creating shots with her was creative and so much fun, and working with her on set was always inspiring. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with her and have her on this film!” – Asil
MARIA CUSUMANO
Editor • Colorist • Visual Effects
Maria Cusumano is an editor, writer, and director based out of Windsor and Southwestern Ontario. Since her graduation from University of Windsor’s Communication, Media, And Film program in 2014 with a specialization in advanced filmmaking, she has worked on films that have screened across Canada and Internationally. In addition to THE CARD, Maria has had the opportunity to work as a commercial editor and on several narrative films including Kim Nelson’s upcoming short film ON GIRLS, and her own forthcoming directorial debut, SOME PEOPLE. She’s absolutely thrilled to be a part of bringing THE CARD to the screen, and is so proud of the immensely talented cast, crew, and creative team.
“Maria Cusumano. What can I say that hasn’t been said? She’s a legend. At least to me she is. Our editor, colorist, vfx extraordinaire, she tackled this project, spending COUNTLESS hours working her magic on this film to make sure it looked and felt like everything we could have ever wanted. And I’m so amazed by the work she’s done on it. We edited this film in her basement on a computer she built herself, twice a week for months. That’s about as indie as it gets, and I’m so proud of our work. I learned so much about life and film by working with her, and it was also super fun! She’s honestly the funniest, most brilliant person I know, with an instinct for storytelling that makes her a dream editor. I couldn’t have been more blessed to have her on the team.” – Asil
BRIDGET OPFER
“Karen”
Born and raised in New Jersey, Bridget fell in love with stage production at an early age while directing, producing, and starring in neighbourhood productions and holiday concerts. She fell in love with acting while attending play rehearsals with her father, a stage actor. She then studied acting at TriState Actors Theatre in New Jersey with Tara Bowles who studied under and taught for Stella Adler. After moving to Venice, CA she worked as a PA in feature films by day and studied Improv at Westside Comedy Theatre in Santa Monica by night. Bridget currently resides in Leamington, Ontario with her family and acts in theatre, film, and commercial productions as much as she can. THE CARD was Bridget’s first starring role in a short film. She couldn’t have had a more positive experience working alongside such a kind, talented, and motivated crew.
“Finding a “Karen” seemed like an endless search until Bridget walking in the audition room. She filled Karen’s shoes like no other, making it look natural and effortless, while adding her own intricacies to bring the character to life. She was an absolute dream to work with and I’m so lucky to have been able to direct and act alongside such a talent. As an actor, she’s unbelievably giving and collaborative, and as a team member, she’s a warm, kindred spirit that’s always a pleasure to have on set. I thank my lucky stars every day that Bridget saw the casting call for this film and decided to audition.” – Asil
JEREMY BURKE
“Alfie”
Jeremy Burke is a Canadian actor from Windsor, Ontario. He’s been acting for the stage since 2013 but has only recently begun exploring film. Some of his theatre credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, To Kill A Mockingbird, Let’s Talk About, Ernest and the Pale Moon, and Wright Flight. Jeremy has received awards from the Sears Ontario Drama Festival for his performance, set design, and costume design and has performed across southern Ontario and internationally. Jeremy is currently enrolled in The University of Windsor’s Drama and Communication Media & Film programs and strives to further broaden his horizons.
“Jeremy is the secret to this film. We had so many people audition for the role of “Aflie” but Jeremy’s comedic and authentic improv and lovability sold us. We even added his improv into the script. He understood the character, and effortlessly brought him to life in a way that drew us in. It’s always a pleasure to watch him on-screen and I’m so thankful he did this film. He’s immensely talented and I’m so excited to see him in future roles!” – Asil
KATHY ROBERTS
“Beth”
Kathy is absolutely thrilled to have had the opportunity to share the screen once again with her son, Liam. She holds a B.Ed., BFA in Music Theatre and currently teaches Dance, Drama and Music with the GECDSB. Film and commercial selected credits include: Nurse Wendy (ON GIRLS), Mom (MAMMARY GLAD MALFUNCTION), Prof. Netta (NETTA), Flustered Mom (Motor City Credit Union), Mom (VELLO APP), Featured Extra (SCAREHOUSE), Featured Extra (THE BIRDER) and the Nazi Wife (MEET THE ITALIANS). Selected theatrical credits include: Mary Poppins (MARY POPPINS), Rona Lisa Peretti (SPELLING BEE) Kate Monster (AVENUE Q), Eponine (LES MISERABLES) Heidi [Title of Show], Judy Bernly (9-5 THE MUSICAL), Velma Kelly (CHICAGO), Ghost of Christmas Past (A CHRISTMAS CAROL-THE MUSICAL), Gertrude McFuzz (SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL), Belle (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Gloria (THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE), Rocket Girl (RENT), Lady Stowmarries (SCARLET PIMPERNEL), Kathleen the Maid (RAGTIME), AC4 (CITY OF ANGELS) and she has appeared as a soloist with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Special thanks to Asil for this experience and the entire production team for their long hours, dedication and hard work.
““Beth” was a lot harder to cast than we expected. Kathy took on the role and brought her own creativity to the part, even writing her own (fantastic!) phone call monologue. Kathy’s professionalism and commitment to the roles she plays is something I’ll always admire and respect.” – Asil
LIAM COUVION
“Tommy”
Liam is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue honing his acting skills by portraying the role of Tommy in THE CARD. Previous film and commercial credits include: Camp Boy (Children’s Aid Society), Junior Birder (THE BIRDER), Murray (LEO and FRIENDS-web series), Popcorn Boy (TEPPERMANS), Son (VELLO APP), Sad Kid (Rio Michaels Music Video), Vacation Kid (Promo for the Town of Essex), Billy the Cronie (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR) and has appeared on the front cover of the LUG KIDS CANADA Magazine. He would like to thank Asil, the rest of the creative team and his mom and dad for all of their support as he continues to pursue his dream of becoming and actor and master Lego builder.
“The casting of Liam was actually fate. Finding “Tommy” was proving to be a daunting task, and the clock was ticking. We had already cast everyone when Kathy brought her son, Liam, to our second rehearsal. I asked if he wanted to act, and the rest is history. We changed the age of Tommy to accommodate him. Working with child actors can be difficult, but directing Liam was as easy as can be. He’s so professional and mature, I often forgot he was a child. From his hugs to his warm smiles, Liam was always fantastic to work with!” – Asil
THE CARD 