1st reviews by 1st Reviews

Welcome back to the 1st on Film Podcast! Today we’re going behind the scenes of one of the year’s most anticipated romantic comedies, Office Romance. Joining us is acclaimed costume designer Caroline Duncan, whose work helps bring every character to life through wardrobe. From collaborating with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein to balancing style, storytelling, and character development, Caroline shares what goes into creating the distinctive looks for Office Romance. We also dive into her creative process, the collaboration between departments, and why costume design is such an essential part of filmmaking. Here’s our conversation with costume designer Caroline Duncan.

What happens when you put Tracy and Martina in front of a microphone and let the conversation go wherever it wants?

Writer and director David Wain joins the 1st on Film podcast to discuss his hilarious new comedy, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.

Writer and director Christian Nilsson joins the 1st on Film Podcast to discuss his deeply personal new drama, Westhampton.

What does it really take to bring Hollywood’s biggest action sequences to life?

Writer and director Maya Gray joins the 1st on Film Podcast to discuss her gripping short thriller Animals. During our conversation, Maya shares the inspiration behind the film, explores its themes of trust, vulnerability, and human nature, and breaks down how she crafted the mounting tension that drives the story. We also dive into her creative process, directing performances, and what she hopes audiences take away after experiencing Animals.

On this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with Gail Maurice to discuss her film Blood Lines. Our conversation explores the importance of Meiti language representation on screen, why authentic Indigenous storytelling matters, and how language can help preserve culture while connecting audiences to a deeper sense of identity.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Noam Argov to discuss her acclaimed short film, Verse, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Music plays a vital role in shaping a film’s emotional impact, and in this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with music supervisor Cheryl Wang to discuss her work on I Love Boosters. Cheryl takes us behind the scenes of building the film’s sonic identity, from discovering the perfect songs to navigating the complex world of music licensing and clearances.

What would you do if you woke up in a world you no longer understood?

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with costume designer Ariyela Wald-Cohain to talk about bringing the world of Scary Movie 6 to life through wardrobe. Ariyela breaks down the challenge of balancing the franchise’s signature comedy and horror influences, reimagining iconic genre-inspired looks, and designing costumes that help sell both the satire and the scares. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with the cast and filmmakers, and how costume design can shape character, tone, and some of the film’s biggest visual moments.

This week on the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Sam Cutler-Kreutz to explore his journey as a director, cinematographer, and storyteller. From his early short films to his acclaimed collaborations with his brother David, Sam discusses the creative process behind crafting emotionally resonant stories, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the experiences that have shaped his career.

We caught up with Allan Hawco on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards to talk about the hit crime drama Saint-Pierre. During our conversation, Allan discussed the continued success of the series, what fans can expect moving forward, and the possibilities surrounding a potential third season.

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed composer Sara Barone to discuss her work on Netflix’s psychological thriller series The Beast in Me. Sara takes us behind the scenes of crafting the show’s tense, atmospheric score, exploring how music helps shape suspense, character psychology, and emotional storytelling. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with fellow composers, and the unique challenges of scoring a series built on mystery and unease. Whether you’re a fan of film music, television storytelling, or The Beast in Me, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the art of composing for the screen.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Itai Ne’eman to discuss his work on the coming-of-age road trip comedy Driver’s Ed. Ne’eman takes us behind the camera to explore how the film’s visual style was developed, the challenges of shooting on the road, and his collaboration with director Bobby Farrelly.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers Woodruff Laputka and Tehben Dean, alongside actress Avise Parsons, to discuss their haunting new feature, The Man Whom the Trees Loved. Inspired by Algernon Blackwood’s classic supernatural tale, the film follows a couple whose vacation on a remote island takes a disturbing turn as an eerie connection between man and nature begins to unravel their relationship. We explore the film’s origins, the challenges of shooting in the wilds of Florida, adapting literary horror for the screen, and the deeply personal themes of grief, inspiration, and renewal woven throughout the story.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Jevon Boreland and actor Emidio Lopes to discuss their psychological thriller Welcome. Jevon shares the inspiration behind writing and directing the film, the challenges of crafting suspense and morally complex characters, and his journey from award-winning short films to feature filmmaking. Emidio reflects on bringing Darren Coleman to life, collaborating with the cast and crew, and navigating the emotional intensity of the story. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Welcome, a tense thriller that explores fear, survival, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits.

At the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, 1st on Film caught up with rising Canadian star Miku Martineau for a quick but engaging red carpet conversation. Best known for her breakout roles in Kate, Star Trek: Section 31, and Netflix’s hit series Bet, Miku discusses stepping into a variety of genre projects, what attracts her to unique characters, and her experience leading one of Netflix’s most talked-about new series. In this short but insightful interview, she reflects on her evolving career, the challenges of playing fan-favourite characters, and the excitement surrounding Bet.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with the creative team behind Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events, the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy that serves as the fourth installment in the anthology series Patterns.

Actor, writer, and first-time novelist Jon Duque joins the podcast to discuss his debut novel, Letting Go, a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores grief, resilience, identity, and hope. Jon shares the inspiration behind the book, the personal experiences that shaped its emotional core, and the journey of transitioning from acting and screenwriting to novel writing.

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Winston Rice and actor/writer Victoria Ratermanis to discuss their acclaimed short film DISC. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows two strangers whose one-night stand leads to an unexpectedly intimate and chaotic predicament, blending sharp comedy with genuine human connection. Blake and Victoria take us behind the scenes of the film’s creation, from developing the story together to collaborating with star Jim Cummings, navigating the festival circuit, and exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and modern relationships. It’s a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, creative partnerships, and finding humor in life’s most uncomfortable moments.

Writer and director Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain joins the podcast to discuss her short film in the clouds, a poignant and imaginative work that explores identity, connection, and the complexities of growing up. In this conversation, Alexandra shares the inspiration behind the film, her creative process as both a writer and director, and the challenges and rewards of bringing such a personal story to the screen.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Shin-Fei Chen to discuss her short film, A Mary Can Dream. As the film’s writer, director, and star, Chen shares the inspiration behind the project, the creative journey of bringing Mary’s story to life, and the themes that shaped the film’s emotional core.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with the creative minds behind County Blooms, the flower-powered Canadian lifestyle series celebrating growers, designers, and floral creatives across Ontario and Québec. Host and creator Jen Pogue and filmmaker Navin Ramaswaran join us to talk about building the series, capturing the beauty of floral culture on screen, and the passion behind telling stories rooted in creativity, community, and nature. From behind-the-scenes production stories to the growing success of the series, this conversation blooms with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

At the red carpet event for Shenanigans Toronto, we caught up with creator and host Jen Pogue for County Bloooms alongside directors Michelle Jedrzejewski and Navin Ramaswaran to talk about bringing the project to life. From the inspiration behind the series to the creative process and what audiences can expect, the trio shared insights into the heart, vision, and collaboration that shaped County Blooms.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with editors Erin DeWitt and Nate DeYoung to discuss their work on Oscar Boyson’s provocative dark comedy-drama Our Hero, Balthazar. The pair break down their collaborative editing process, balancing the film’s sharp tonal shifts between satire and emotional realism, and shaping two contrasting perspectives into one cohesive story. We also dive into their creative partnership with Boyson, the challenges of pacing character-driven tension, and how the film’s themes of online culture and modern alienation informed the final cut. A fascinating conversation about storytelling, rhythm, and finding humanity inside chaos.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director John Gray to discuss his powerful short film A Guest in My Country. Gray shares the inspiration behind the story, the themes of identity and belonging woven throughout the film, and the creative process of bringing such an emotional and timely project to life. We also talk about the challenges of independent filmmaking, storytelling through a deeply human lens, and what he hopes audiences take away from the experience.

On this episode of 1st on Film, we hit the red carpet at Shenanigans Toronto, to speak with writer/director Laurel Brady about her short film Eddie. Laurel discusses the inspiration behind the film, and the creative process behind the project,

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director Joel Veach and actress Liana Wright-Mark to discuss their gritty new indie thriller American Muscle. Veach opens up about crafting the film’s tense neo-noir atmosphere, balancing emotional family drama with crime-thriller intensity, and making his feature directorial debut. Wright-Mark shares insight into building her complex character Maggie, collaborating with the cast, and bringing emotional depth to a story filled with desperation, violence, and buried secrets.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Jody Wilson and actor Anwen O’Driscoll to talk about The Bearded Girl, a coming-of-age drama that blends family history, identity, and life in the traveling carnival world. Jody discusses bringing the film’s emotional story to the screen, while Anwen shares what drew her to the role and how she approached portraying a character searching for belonging and self-acceptance.

Welcome back to 1st on Film. Today, we’re joined by an exciting Canadian filmmaker whose work continues to shine a light on identity, family, and the immigrant experience with honesty and heart. Serville Poblete is a Toronto-based screenwriter and director whose latest documentary short, In the Morning Sun, has already made waves on the festival circuit, earning the Jury Award at SXSW before premiering at Hot Docs.

This week, we sit down with Canadian producer Christopher Giroux for an in-depth conversation about his journey in the film industry, the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, and the launch of his brand-new production company with wife and actress Ann Pirvu Christopher also discusses his latest project, BEE MY LOVE, the first feature released under the new banner, arriving later this month. From building stories behind the scenes to taking creative risks as a producer, this episode offers a look at the passion, challenges, and vision driving the next chapter of his career.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Nora Kirkpatrick to talk about her sharp and insightful new film Couples Weekend. Known for her keen eye for character and emotionally grounded storytelling, Kirkpatrick dives into the complexities of modern relationships through a deceptively simple premise: a getaway that quickly unravels.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with writer/director Jared Isaac and cinematographer Brandon Somerhalder to discuss their coming-of-age romance An Autumn Summer. The duo breaks down the film’s nostalgic visual style, crafting an authentic story about friendship and young love, and the collaborative process behind bringing the magical lakeside world of the film to life.

On this episode of 1st on Film, we chat with Emily Coutts and editor Kat Webber to discuss their short film Rosebud, which screened at Shenanigans Toronto. We talk about the film’s creative process, collaboration, editing, and bringing an intimate short story to life on screen.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Nora Kirkpatrick to talk about her sharp and insightful new film Couples Weekend. Known for her keen eye for character and emotionally grounded storytelling, Kirkpatrick dives into the complexities of modern relationships through a deceptively simple premise: a getaway that quickly unravels.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we’re joined by director, writer, and actor Hugo de Sousa to discuss his latest short film, Best Friends with the Devil. We dive into the film’s dark themes, the creative process behind building its unsettling atmosphere, and what it takes to balance multiple roles both in front of and behind the camera.

On the red carpet at the Toronto Shenanigans showcase at The Royal, we caught up with Lowen Morrow and Gwenlyn Cumyn for a quick conversation about their short film Mothballs. In this brief interview, they touch on the inspiration behind the film, its unique tone, and the creative process of bringing such an unconventional story to life—all within the fast-paced energy of the festival atmosphere.

In this episode, we sit down with director Benny Chen to discuss his striking short film Hand. Chen dives into the inspiration behind the film, the creative choices that shaped its unique visual language, and the challenges of telling an intimate story through minimalism. We explore the themes of connection, identity, and physical expression, as well as what it takes to bring a short film from concept to screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker or just love discovering bold new voices, this conversation offers an insightful look into the mind behind Hand.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we dive into the world of anime and voice acting with two incredible talents: Ryan Reynolds and Allegra Clark.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Javier Cano Larumbe to discuss his haunting and introspective short film Vacio. Javier takes us behind the lens to explore the creative process, themes of isolation and identity, and the visual language that brings the film’s emotional core to life. We dive into the challenges of crafting a story with minimalism and meaning, as well as the personal inspirations that shaped Vacio. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film lover, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at storytelling through absence, silence, and space.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Katelyn McCulloch, the director and writer behind the Canadian Screen Award–nominated series Everybody’s Meg. Recorded in person, this conversation dives into Katelyn’s creative journey, the origins and themes of her acclaimed series, and the process of bringing Meg’s world to life.

In this episode, we sit down with editor Kyle Traynor to dive into the craft behind the hit series Industry. Traynor shares insight into shaping the show’s fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling and how editing plays a crucial role in building tension, character, and rhythm.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Kirk Jones to discuss his latest film I Swear. Known for his sharp storytelling and ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, Jones dives into the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of bringing it to life, and the themes that make it resonate with audiences today.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with rising actor Aidan Langford to talk about his role in the new Netflix film Roommates. Aidan shares what drew him to the project, how he approached his character, and what it was like working on a story that blends tension, humor, and unexpected twists. We also get into behind-the-scenes moments, his creative process, and what this role means for his career moving forward. Whether you’ve already seen Roommates or are adding it to your watchlist, this conversation offers a deeper look at the film through the eyes of one of its stars.

In this episode, we sit down with Brady Oliveira and Alex Blumberg to talk about their new series Must Love Dogs. From the spark of the original idea to the realities of bringing it to life, they share the creative journey behind a show that blends humor, heart, and a deep appreciation for our four-legged companions.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Alyssa Loh to talk about her thought-provoking short film Copy, Save. Loh unpacks the creative spark behind the project, diving into its themes of identity, memory, and the digital footprints we leave behind.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director Radha Mehta to discuss her deeply personal and emotionally resonant short film Sūnna— which means “listen.”

In this episode, we sit down with actor Hugo Armstrong to discuss his compelling performance in Watching Mr. Pearson. Armstrong dives into the nuances of his character, the emotional layers behind the story, and what drew him to this thought-provoking project. We also explore the film’s themes, behind-the-scenes moments, and how the role challenged him as a performer. It’s an insightful conversation about craft, storytelling, and the power of subtle, character-driven cinema.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Harald Swinkels to discuss his short film Odessa.

In this episode, we sit down with director James Cutler to talk about his short film Can I Put You on Hold. We dive into the inspiration behind the project, the creative process of bringing it to life, and the themes that drive its story. James shares insights on directing, storytelling, and the challenges of crafting a compelling short film in today’s landscape. It’s an honest and engaging conversation about filmmaking, creativity, and what it takes to make an idea stick with an audience.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers Travis Wood and Alex Mallis to talk about their latest project, The Travel Companion—a film that explores connection, distance, and the emotional landscapes we carry with us.

In this episode, we sit down with writer Eliza Power and director Philip Clyde-Smith to talk about their short film A Hand to Hold. Together, they unpack the story’s emotional core, exploring the themes of connection, vulnerability, and what it means to truly show up for someone in moments of need.

In this exclusive episode, we sit down with the creative minds behind the short film THE NOVEL — director Kellen Gibbs and actors Kaprise Colvin and Jordan Knapp.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with Andrew Bachelor—better known as King Bach—to talk about his latest project, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story on Paramount+.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, the visionary filmmakers behind the Oscar-nominated animated short film Forevergreen. Together, they break down the creative journey behind one of this year’s most visually and emotionally striking animated projects.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Luke Angus, the director behind the short film Solstice.

Fresh off the red carpet at the Canadian Film Fest, we sit down with actor-turned-director Scott Anthony Cavalheiro to talk about his bold feature directorial debut, Plan C.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with Nicole Alyse Nelson to talk about her latest short film, a fresh take on a Jane Austen-inspired period drama. Nicole shares what drew her to the project, how she approached bringing a classic tone to life, and the creative challenges of working within the short film format.

In this episode of 1st on Film,

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Will Niava to explore his striking short film Jazz Infernal. Blending rhythm, tension, and visual storytelling, the film dives into the darker harmonies of creativity and obsession.

In this special episode, we hit the convention floor to chat with some of the event’s most dedicated attendees.

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed director Alireza Khatami to discuss his latest film The Things You Kill. Known for his haunting, poetic storytelling and deeply introspective themes, Khatami dives into the creative process behind the film, exploring its emotional core, visual language, and the personal influences that shaped it. We talk about the challenges of bringing such an intense story to life, the meaning behind its striking imagery, and what he hopes audiences take away from it. Whether you’re a fan of international cinema or bold, thought-provoking filmmaking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with voice actors Emi Lo and Dawn M. Bennett to dive into the intense and thought-provoking anime Sentenced to Be a Hero.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chris Lavis to discuss his haunting stop-motion short The Girl Who Cried Pearls.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Mekhai Lee to discuss his powerful short film Them That’s Not, which screened at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with the English voice cast behind the critically acclaimed anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Renée Marie Petropoulos and actor Emily Grant to discuss their haunting new short film Souvenir, which premieres at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.

In this special SXSW episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Brian Tetsuro Ivie and actor Takehiro Hira to discuss their new science-fiction road film Anima, which made its world premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.

In this episode, we sit down with voice actors Adam McArthur and Kayleigh McKee from the hit anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with rising actor Jeremy Ray Taylor to talk about his role in the coming-of-age film This Too Shall Pass. Jeremy discusses what drew him to the project, the themes of friendship and self-discovery at the heart of the story, and what it was like bringing his character to life alongside a talented ensemble cast.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Eduardo Braun Costa to discuss his short film The Liars, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

On this episode, we chat with Maddy Myer about her brand new podcast titled Maddy Mania. We discuss fandom, wrestling, superheroes and so much more.

On this episode, we sit down with Oscar-nominated directors Alexandre and Natalie to discuss their provocative and intimate short film Two People Exchanging Saliva.

In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Trow to talk about her powerful upcoming short film Eructation, premiering at SXSW.

In this episode, we sit down with Meyer Levinson-Blount, the visionary filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated short film Butcher’s Stain.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Praise Odigie Paige, the visionary director behind the Sundance short film Birdie, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Meagan Coyle to discuss her striking short film Prime, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan and Marcus Bagala for an inspiring conversation about building careers in music and entertainment. From their creative beginnings to navigating the industry, they share honest insights about passion, persistence, and what it really takes to turn talent into a career. Marcus and Megan deep dive into some of their projects including kids podcast programming, DC High vol Batman and discuss some new upcoming projects

In this special episode, we sit down with cinematographer Ruairí O’Brien to explore the visual storytelling behind Eternity — A24’s imaginative 2025 fantasy romantic comedy that asks what it really means to choose where and with whom you’d spend forever.

In this episode, we sit down with Isaiah and Emmett from the reality series Canada Shore for a conversation that’s just as wild as the show itself. Between a couple of drinking games and plenty of laughs, the duo spills on life inside the Canada Shore house, behind-the-scenes moments viewers never see, and what really happens when reality TV meets real friendships. It’s a chaotic, unfiltered, and genuinely fun chat about fame, filming, and surviving the madness—one drink at a time.

On this episode, we sit down with director Angel Manuel Soto to talk about his upcoming Amazon action-comedy The Wrecking Crew. Soto shares what his favorite scenes from the film were to bring to life, how the project challenged him and helped him grow as a director, and what he ultimately hopes audiences take away from the experience.

Things get lively on this episode as Emmy, Ryleigh, and Keyaira from the reality TV series Canada Shore join us for laughs, stories, and a few drinking games along the way. Between sips, the trio opens up about life in the Canada Shore house, unexpected moments from filming, and what really happened when the cameras were on—and off. It’s high-energy, unfiltered, and perfect for reality TV fans.

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.

In this episode, we sit down with director John-Michael Powell to talk about his latest film, Violent Ends. Powell breaks down the ideas that sparked the project, the challenges of bringing its intense themes to the screen, and how he approached crafting a story driven by consequence, morality, and choice. We also dive into his creative process, influences, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. It’s an in-depth conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and navigating dark subject matter with purpose.

Ahead of its season three premiere, we sat down with lead actress, Supinder Wraich to talk about the season, her CSA best actress win and much more.

In this special in-person interview, 1st Reviews host, Sarah Hanlon sits down with Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen of Small Achievable Goals to talk all things Season Two. From stepping back into their characters to navigating the emotional growth, challenges, and surprises ahead, they share behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Season two of Saint Pierre is raising the stakes, and this week’s podcast goes straight to the source. I’m joined by Josephine Jobert and Allan Hawco for an inside look at the new season—diving into their characters’ evolving dynamics, the emotional and thematic shifts ahead, and what makes Saint Pierre such a distinctive series.

A new year means a new wave of movies to get excited about! In this episode of 1st Reviews, the team breaks down our most anticipated movies of 2026—from massive blockbusters and long-awaited sequels to intriguing originals that could surprise everyone.

Youssef Guezoum is a Moroccan-American composer, orchestrator, and sound designer based in Los Angeles. Born in Marrakech, Morocco, he blends cinematic orchestral music with modern electronic elements and influences from his North African heritage. He began as a guitarist, later studying classical piano and composition in Brussels and sound design at the Vancouver Film School.

A Christmas Party (2025) is a holiday ensemble comedy-drama about a college freshman, Adam, who returns home for Christmas and finds himself navigating a chaotic house full of relatives, strangers, and rising tensions. As he tries to reconnect with his childhood friend Ally—who now arrives with a new British boyfriend—the night spirals into awkward encounters, political clashes, and heartfelt moments. The film blends humor, nostalgia, and emotional family dynamics to capture the messy, funny, and warm reality of real holiday gatherings.

In this episode, we sit down with Meadowlarks director Tasha Hubbard and actor Michael Greyeyes for a thoughtful conversation about their powerful new film, Meadowlarks. They share the creative spark behind the project, the themes that guided their storytelling, and the collaborative process that shaped the film’s emotional core.

In this episode, we sit down with Elijah Guess, the cinematographer behind Violent Ends, the 2025 Southern crime-thriller that blends gritty realism with haunting Ozark atmosphere. Elijah shares how he crafted the film’s moody visual language — from capturing the tension of backwoods family feuds to shaping the film’s dark, Gothic tone. We dive into his creative process, the challenges of shooting in the rugged Ozark landscape, and how visual storytelling helps amplify themes of violence, legacy, and redemption. A must-listen for film lovers and anyone curious about the craft behind compelling cinematography.

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji is an Iraqi-Dutch filmmaker. He completed two master’s degrees in cinematography and directing at the Northern Film School in Leeds.

Lesbian Space Princess is a 2025 Australian adult animated science fiction comedy film written and directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese in their directorial debut. It features the voices of Shabana Azeez, Bernie Van Tiel, Gemma Chua-Tran, Richard Roxburgh, Kween Kong, and comedy troupe Aunty Donna.

Shelby Oaks is a 2024 American supernatural horror mystery film produced, written, and directed by Chris Stuckmann in his feature directorial debut, with Mike Flanagan as an executive producer.

Andrea Werhun and Nicole Bazuin challenge toxic misconceptions about sex work and sex workers with great audacity and high style.

In this mesmerizing film by Kunsang Kyirong, the deepening bond between two young women threatens to have repercussions throughout a community of Tibetan immigrants living in an apartment complex in west Toronto.