Explore every episode of the podcast 1st on Film

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.

Film Synopsis

The Things You Kill is a haunting and psychologically charged drama that delves into the complexities of guilt, violence, and the human psyche. The film follows a character navigating the aftermath of a deeply unsettling act, where reality and inner turmoil begin to blur. Through striking visuals and a slow-burning narrative, the story unfolds as both a personal reckoning and a broader meditation on consequence and morality. Atmospheric and thought-provoking, The Things You Kill challenges viewers to confront the darker corners of human nature and the lingering impact of the choices we make.

Director Bio – Alireza Khatami

Alireza Khatami is an internationally recognized filmmaker known for his distinctive voice and meditative approach to storytelling. Born in Iran and later working across multiple countries, Khatami has built a reputation for crafting films that blend realism with allegorical depth. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, repression, and the unseen psychological forces that shape human behavior. With a background that bridges cultures and cinematic traditions, Khatami’s films have screened at major international festivals, earning critical acclaim for their visual precision and philosophical weight.

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.

From exploring their approaches to complex characters to sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the recording booth, Emi and Dawn offer a candid look at what it takes to bring this dark fantasy world to life. We also discuss the emotional weight of the series, its themes of redemption and sacrifice, and what fans can expect as the story unfolds.

Whether you’re already hooked on the series or just discovering it, this conversation offers insight, humor, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of voice acting.

About Emi Lo (She/They): Emi Lo is an Asian-American voice actor most well-known for voicing Maomao

in The Apothecary Diaries, Columbina/Damselette in Genshin Impact, Ruan Mei in Honkai: Star Rail, Lucy

in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Sawatari in Chainsaw Man, Rena in Higurashi When They Cry, Rinku in D4DJ,

Suma in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Miri in Buddy Daddies, Hei in The Legend of Hei, Teoritta in Sentenced to be a Hero, Shinonome in Kaiju No. 8, and Young Hawks in My Hero Academia, and can be heard in countless other anime and video games. When Emi is not acting, they can be found playing piano, playing video games, cosplaying, napping, working out, eating, or exploring natural and man-made ruins. They also have an absolutely precious but

spoiled Siberian cat named Noctis that has never done anything wrong and is incredibly cute and fluffy.

Dawn M. Bennett (She/Her): Dawn M. Bennett is an American voice actor with roles in anime and

video games. Known for her distinctly wide range, she received critical acclaim and a Golden Joystick

Award nomination for her role as Aigis in Persona 3 Reload. Other notable roles include Orphie Magnusson

and Magus in Zenless Zone Zero, Kale from the Dragon Ball franchise, Setsuna Tokage in My Hero

Academia, Frosch in Fairy Tail, Smoothie Charlotte in One Piece, Marnie in Pokémon: Twilight Wings,

Lusamine in Pokémon Evolutions, Bellibolt in Pokémon Horizons, Nabbit in Mario Kart World and Super

Mario Bros. Wonder, Yukong in Honkai: Star Rail, Shez from the Fire Emblem franchise, Frederica Baumann

in Re:Zero, Ilsa in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and Iroha Sakayori in Cosmic Princess Kaguya!

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.

Created alongside longtime collaborator Maciek Szczerbowski, the film tells a dark fairytale set in early-20th-century Montreal about a poor boy who discovers a mysterious girl whose tears transform into priceless pearls. As greed, love, and morality collide, the story becomes a powerful fable about the cost of ambition and the value of empathy.

We talk with Lavis about the painstaking craft of stop-motion animation, the years-long journey to bring the film to life, and the inspiration behind its gothic visual style. He also reflects on the film’s festival run — including winning Best Canadian Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival — and what it means to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.

Chris Lavis is a Canadian filmmaker and animator known for his distinctive stop-motion storytelling and richly atmospheric visual style. Based in Montreal, Lavis frequently collaborates with animator and director Maciek Szczerbowski, forming one of Canada’s most celebrated animation duos.

Their breakthrough film, Madame Tutli-Putli, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film and helped establish their reputation for blending surreal imagery with emotionally resonant storytelling.

Lavis later co-directed the stop-motion short The Girl Who Cried Pearls, produced by the National Film Board of Canada. The 17-minute film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, won multiple festival awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.

Across his work, Lavis is known for meticulous handcrafted animation, haunting visual worlds, and stories that explore human emotion, morality, and myth through the language of animation.

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.

Lee shares the inspiration behind the film, the personal experiences that shaped the story, and the challenges of telling an intimate narrative about grief, identity, and family connection. We also dive into the craft behind the film — from its emotional performances and use of sound to its exploration of deaf and queer identity within family dynamics.

Join us as we talk about the creative journey of bringing Them That’s Not to life and what it means to tell deeply human stories through short-form cinema.

Short Film Description

Them That’s Not is an intimate short drama following Drea, a struggling deaf poet who returns home after the death of her grandmother. Surrounded by a family that struggles to understand her world, she feels isolated during a gathering meant to bring everyone together.

When her estranged father—temporarily released from prison to attend the funeral—arrives unexpectedly, the two are forced to confront years of distance, grief, and unresolved emotions. Through quiet moments and raw performances, the film explores themes of family, identity, reconciliation, and the search for connection.

Director Bio

Mekhai Lee is a filmmaker, writer, and director from Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ drama program, he began his career as an actor, performing in professional productions including the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. 

Lee is the writer and director of the award-winning short film Them That’s Not, which premiered at NewFest Pride and went on to screen at festivals including the Chicago International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Hugo Award for Best Live Action Short. 

He is also a member of The Half Initiative Director Program and served as a Director Fellow on HBO’s series Succession. Lee’s work focuses on character-driven storytelling that explores identity, grief, and human connection. 

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.

Joining us are Mallorie Rodak (Frieren), Jill Harris (Fern), and Jordan Dash Cruz (Stark). The trio discusses bringing the beloved characters to life in the English dub, the emotional depth of the series, and why Frieren’s story has resonated with audiences around the world.

We dive into the themes of time, memory, and friendship that make the series unique, along with behind-the-scenes insights into the voice acting process, recording sessions, and what it’s like joining one of the most celebrated modern fantasy anime.

Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or discovering Frieren for the first time, this conversation offers a closer look at the voices behind the journey.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a fantasy anime based on the manga by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe.

The story begins after the legendary hero party defeats the Demon King and restores peace to the world. While the humans move on with their lives, the elven mage Frieren—who lives far longer than her companions—begins to confront the fleeting nature of human life. After the death of one of her closest friends, Frieren embarks on a new journey, taking on an apprentice and traveling across the land in search of understanding, meaning, and connection.

Blending fantasy adventure with reflective storytelling, the series explores themes of memory, friendship, and what it means to truly value the time we have with others.

Mallorie Rodak – Voice of Frieren

Mallorie Rodak is an American voice actor known for her work in anime, video games, commercials, and film. She voices the titular elven mage Frieren in the English dub of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Rodak has appeared in numerous animated series and games, and her performance as Frieren earned recognition from anime audiences worldwide. She holds a master’s degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University and has worked extensively across voiceover, television, and advertising.

Jill Harris – Voice of Fern

Jill Harris is an American voice actress who has been active in anime dubbing since 2015. She voices Fern, Frieren’s disciplined and talented apprentice. Harris is widely known for roles such as Noelle Silva in Black Clover, Nino Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets, and Suletta Mercury in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Her performances have made her one of the most recognizable voices in modern English-language anime dubbing. 

Jordan Dash Cruz – Voice of Stark

Jordan Dash Cruz is a voice actor known for his work in English-language anime dubs. In Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, he plays Stark, a warrior who joins Frieren and Fern on their journey. Stark brings both humor and heart to the series as he grows into a brave fighter while navigating the emotional weight of the story’s world and characters.

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.

Set during the summer of 2008, the film follows Keira, a closeted teenage girl vacationing at a tropical resort with her family and her girlfriend Zoe. As the two try to keep their relationship hidden, they steal moments of privacy together. But when Keira discovers that Zoe has secretly taken photos of her during an intimate encounter, the moment sparks confusion and unease.

What begins as a quiet summer romance evolves into a tense exploration of power, vulnerability, and the complicated emotional dynamics that can emerge within young relationships. Through restrained storytelling and emotionally layered performances, Souvenir examines desire, secrecy, and the painful process of recognizing unhealthy dynamics. 

Renée Marie Petropoulos

Renée Marie Petropoulos is an award-winning filmmaker from Sydney, Australia whose work often explores complex emotional relationships and female-driven stories. She earned her MFA in directing from Columbia University, where her thesis short Tangles and Knots premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival’s Generation 14Plus program and went on to screen at festivals including SXSW and Palm Springs International ShortFest.

Her films have received international acclaim and multiple awards, including recognition at the Denver Film Festival and Flickerfest. Petropoulos’ storytelling frequently examines themes of identity, intimacy, and power within personal relationships.

Emily Grant

Emily Grant is an actor known for her work in independent film and emerging festival projects. In Souvenir, she plays Zoe, a character whose relationship with her girlfriend becomes increasingly complicated as hidden tensions and power dynamics begin to surface.

Grant’s performance brings subtle intensity and ambiguity to the role, helping shape the film’s uneasy emotional tone. Her work in Souvenir highlights her ability to navigate layered characters and intimate storytelling within independent cinema.

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.

The film follows an unlikely pair on a cross-country journey toward a controversial technology that can preserve human consciousness. In our conversation, Ivie talks about making the leap from acclaimed documentaries to narrative filmmaking, crafting a story that blends sci-fi with emotional drama, and exploring the philosophical question at the heart of the film: if we could upload our minds, should we? Hira also shares insight into building his character, the film’s themes of memory and mortality, and what drew him to this deeply human genre story.

Anima stars Sydney Chandler and Hira alongside Lili Taylor, Marin Ireland, Maria Dizzia, and Tom McCarthy. 

Brian Tetsuro Ivie is a Japanese-American filmmaker and producer known for his work across documentary and narrative cinema. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Ivie first gained recognition for directing the documentary The Drop Box (2015) and the investigative documentary Emanuel (2019). 

In addition to directing, Ivie has produced and executive-produced a number of independent films, including Wildcat, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. 

Anima marks Ivie’s narrative feature debut as a writer-director, bringing his documentary background into a genre-blending story that examines identity, memory, and the future of human consciousness.

Takehiro Hira is an internationally recognized Japanese actor known for his work in film and television across both Japan and Hollywood. He gained global recognition for his role in the historical drama series Shōgun and has appeared in major productions including Gran Turismo and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

In Anima, Hira plays Paul, a solitary man embarking on a final journey to preserve his consciousness through experimental technology. His performance anchors the film’s emotional core, bringing depth to a story that grapples with aging, legacy, and what it means to live on through memory.

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

They discuss bringing their characters to life, what it’s like working on one of the most popular anime series in the world, and the challenges and excitement of voice acting in high-intensity scenes.

If you’re a fan of anime, voice acting, or the supernatural world of curses and sorcerers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Adam McArthur

Adam McArthur is an American voice actor best known for his work in anime and animation. He is widely recognized as the English voice of Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen, the energetic and determined protagonist of the series. McArthur has also appeared in numerous animated projects and video games, earning a reputation for his dynamic performances and engaging fan interactions within the anime community.

Kayleigh McKee

Kayleigh McKee is a voice actor known for her performances in anime, video games, and animation. In Jujutsu Kaisen, she voices the powerful and confident sorcerer Yuki Tsukumo in the English dub. McKee has built a strong following thanks to her versatile voice work and her roles across several popular anime titles.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Gege Akutami. The story follows high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes involved in the secret world of Jujutsu Sorcerers after encountering a powerful cursed object. After swallowing the finger of the legendary curse Ryomen Sukuna, Yuji gains supernatural abilities but becomes the host for one of the most dangerous curses in existence.

The series blends intense action, supernatural horror, and emotional character storytelling as sorcerers battle deadly curses threatening humanity.

In the latest season of Jujutsu Kaisen, the stakes rise as the world of jujutsu sorcerers becomes even more dangerous. New enemies emerge, powerful alliances are tested, and hidden truths about the sorcerer society begin to surface.

As Yuji and his allies face increasingly powerful curses, they must push their abilities further than ever before. The season expands the series’ darker themes while delivering high-energy battles, deeper character development, and shocking twists that reshape the future of the jujutsu world.

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.

The conversation also explores Jeremy’s journey from breakout roles in major studio films to working on character-driven independent projects, and how This Too Shall Pass captures the complicated, exciting moments of growing up and finding your identity. It’s a candid look at the film, the craft of acting, and the experiences that shape both the characters on screen and the actors behind them.

About Jeremy Ray Taylor

Jeremy Ray Taylor is an American actor best known for playing Ben Hanscom in the blockbuster horror film It and its sequel It Chapter Two. Born in Bluff City, Tennessee, Taylor began acting at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his natural screen presence and heartfelt performances. His credits also include Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween and the comedy Senior Year. In This Too Shall Pass, Taylor continues to expand his range with a role in a thoughtful coming-of-age story about friendship, rebellion, and growing up.

About the Film

This Too Shall Pass, directed by Rob Grant, is a coming-of-age drama that follows a sheltered 16-year-old who rebels against his strict upbringing by taking a spontaneous trip to Canada with his friends. What begins as a weekend of freedom quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery as the group navigates friendship, independence, and the uncertainty of growing up. The film blends humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments to capture the messy but meaningful transition into adulthood. 

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.

The Argentine short follows two boys, Matías and Jaime, who suddenly find themselves navigating the confusing responsibilities of adulthood. When Jaime is detained by a mall security guard, Matías must quickly improvise and convince a stranger to pretend to be their father in order to get him released. What unfolds is a tense, quietly humorous moment that explores friendship, adolescence, and the fragile line between childhood and adulthood.

Running 19 minutes and performed in Spanish, The Liars stars Noah Roja and Filippo Carrozza alongside Esteban Bigliardi, Mariana Chaud, and Pablo Fusco. The film’s performances were widely praised, earning Roja and Carrozza the Short Film Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance for their naturalistic portrayals that blur the line between fiction and reality.

During our conversation, Braun Costa discusses the inspiration behind the story, working with young actors, and crafting an intimate coming-of-age moment within the short film format. We also talk about the experience of premiering the film at Sundance and what this recognition means for the film’s journey on the festival circuit.

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.

Hosted by entertainment publicist and journalist Maddy Myer, Maddy

Mania is a pop culture podcast where Maddy goes all in on her niche

interests. Each episode is part fan spiral, part insider chat, diving deep

into the fandoms and phenomena that make her lose her mind, from

WWE to Broadway, Comic books to Ariana Grande, Smallville to Teen

Wolf, K-pop to the MCU, Jurassic Park to basketball. Blending personal

fandom, pop culture analysis, and interviews with people who get it just as

much as she does, Maddy Mania is chaotic, funny, and heartfelt. She

believes pop culture isn’t a hobby, it’s its own language. If you’ve ever

cared too much about something… welcome to the mania.

Where obsession is an art form.

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 our conversation, they break down the inspiration behind the film, the creative risks they embraced, and how a deceptively simple premise becomes a layered exploration of vulnerability, connection, and human intimacy. We also talk about navigating the festival circuit, the road to the Academy Awards, and what it means to have such a bold short resonate on a global stage.

It’s an honest, thoughtful deep dive into a film that challenges audiences while asking a universal question: what does it really mean to connect?

Two People Exchanging Saliva is an Oscar-nominated short film directed by Alexandre and Natalie that transforms a raw, intimate act into a powerful meditation on human connection. Through restrained storytelling and striking visual language, the film explores vulnerability, boundaries, and the emotional weight of physical closeness.

Minimal in concept yet expansive in meaning, the short lingers long after its final frame.

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

Victoria opens up about the creative process behind the film, the themes that inspired the story, and how Eructation explores identity, discomfort, and emotional release through bold storytelling. We also dive into her journey as a filmmaker, the challenges of bringing such an intimate project to life, and what the SXSW premiere means for her career moving forward.

An honest, thoughtful conversation with a rising voice in independent film.

Eructation is a striking short film that uses symbolism and emotional tension to explore internal pressure, suppressed identity, and the human need for release. Through visually intimate storytelling and atmospheric tone, the film examines how unspoken emotions can build inside a person—until they demand to be expressed.

Raw, unsettling, and deeply human, Eructation challenges audiences to confront discomfort, vulnerability, and the quiet battles people fight within themselves. Premiering at SXSW, the film marks a bold and distinctive new voice in contemporary short-form cinema.

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

Meyer takes us inside the creative process behind the film, from its haunting themes and visual language to the emotional weight driving its story. We explore what inspired the project, the challenges of crafting a powerful short film, and what the Oscar nomination means for his career and future as a storyteller.

This is a deep, honest conversation about filmmaking, identity, and using cinema as a tool for impact — a must-listen for film lovers and aspiring creators alike.

Butcher’s Stain is a haunting and emotionally charged short film that explores the psychological and moral weight of violence, memory, and identity. Through striking imagery and intimate storytelling, the film follows a character haunted by past actions and the lasting imprint they leave behind — not just on the body, but on the soul.

Blending realism with symbolic visual storytelling, Butcher’s Stain confronts the viewer with difficult questions about guilt, humanity, and the invisible scars people carry. Its powerful atmosphere and quiet intensity transform a personal story into a universal reflection on consequence and conscience, making it a deeply resonant and unforgettable cinematic experience.

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.

Praise opens up about the inspiration behind Birdie, the emotional themes that shaped the story, and her creative process as a filmmaker telling intimate, character-driven narratives. We talk about representation, vulnerability, identity, and what it means to create art that resonates deeply with audiences.

This conversation is an honest, inspiring look into the mind of one of the most exciting emerging voices in independent cinema.

A must-listen for filmmakers, film lovers, and anyone passionate about powerful storytelling.

Praise Odigie Paige is a rising filmmaker and storyteller whose work centers on emotional truth, identity, and the complexity of human relationships. Known for her intimate, visually poetic style, Paige crafts narratives that explore vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery through deeply personal perspectives.

Praise’s creative vision is grounded in representation and emotional honesty. She focuses on stories that are often overlooked — quiet moments, internal struggles, and the personal journeys that shape identity. Her work avoids spectacle in favor of meaning, using atmosphere, performance, and visual language to tell stories that feel intimate, raw, and real.

As an emerging director, writer, and creative voice, Praise Odigie Paige represents a new generation of filmmakers redefining independent film — prioritizing emotional depth, lived experience, and storytelling that centers the inner lives of her characters.

Birdie is a poignant, emotionally driven short film that explores identity, vulnerability, and the quiet struggles of self-acceptance. Through intimate storytelling and delicate visual language, the film follows a character navigating internal conflict, emotional isolation, and the search for belonging.

Rather than relying on dialogue-heavy exposition, Birdie communicates through atmosphere, performance, and visual symbolism, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience. The film captures the fragility of growth and the courage it takes to confront one’s inner truth.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Birdie stands out as a powerful piece of independent cinema — a quiet yet impactful story that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

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

Prime is a powerful, intimate short that explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and human connection through a deeply personal lens. The film follows a pivotal moment in a young woman’s life as she navigates emotional tension, self-discovery, and the quiet complexities of growing into herself. Told with restraint, honesty, and emotional precision, Prime captures the beauty and discomfort of transformation, making it a resonant and unforgettable viewing experience.

In our conversation, Meagan shares the inspiration behind the story, her creative process, the challenges of bringing Prime to life, and what it meant to premiere the film on one of the world’s most important stages for independent cinema. We also dive into her journey as a filmmaker, navigating the festival circuit, and finding your voice in today’s film industry.

If you love discovering new filmmakers, behind-the-scenes stories, and the creative journeys behind breakout films, this episode is for you. 🎬

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

We talk about:

• How they got started in music 🎶

• Breaking into the entertainment industry

• Balancing creativity with business

• Challenges, growth, and staying motivated

• work/life balance as new parents

Whether you’re an aspiring musician, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this interview offers real-world perspective and motivation from two artists actively shaping their paths in entertainment.

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.

Directed by David Freyne and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, Eternity follows a recently deceased woman navigating a whimsical afterlife decision: whether to remain with the devoted husband she loved for decades or reunite with her charismatic first love who’s been waiting for her for over 60 years.

Ruairí takes us behind the scenes to discuss crafting the film’s distinctive visual worlds — from the bright, nostalgic afterlife landscapes to the emotional interplay of color, light, and camera movement that shapes the story’s emotional core. We dig into his approach to collaboration with director, production design, and color grading, and how his choices help make a fantastical, heartfelt story feel grounded and resonant for audiences.

Whether you’re a fan of cinematography, world-building in film, or just love a great love story, this episode reveals how Eternity came alive through the lens.

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.

About the Film:

The Wrecking Crew is a high-energy action-comedy centered on two unlikely partners thrown together on a dangerous case that quickly escalates into chaos. With explosive set pieces and a strong buddy-movie dynamic, the film aims to deliver both big laughs and big action.

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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Gizelle, Bauer, and Ethan from the reality TV series Canada Shore. The trio breaks down what it was really like living the Canada Shore experience—on and off camera. From navigating group dynamics and unexpected moments to how reality TV differs from what viewers see at home, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the series and the personalities behind it. Honest, fun, and occasionally chaotic—just like the show itself.

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 Christopher and Lila to talk about their experience on Canada Shore. They share what it was like being part of the show, reflect on standout moments from filming, and discuss how the experience impacted them. We also play a few games throughout the conversation, keeping things fun and light while diving into their time on the series.

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.

Allegiance season three is available on CBC and CBC GEM Wednesday January 7th

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.

From behind-the-scenes stories to creative challenges and unexpected moments on set, Josephine and Allan share candid insights into bringing season two to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation of the world of Saint Pierre and the performances that drive it.

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.

We talk expectations, early hype, returning franchises, and which films we think could dominate the box office (or flop hard). Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-on film fan, this episode is your early guide to what 2026 has in store for theaters.

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.

Guezoum has composed music for films and television, including projects such as Power Rangers and Full Love, and his work has been featured by major studios and streaming platforms. He has received nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and is a member of professional organizations including the Recording Academy and the Television Academy.

In this episode, Youssef discusses his projects, his accolades and his favourite moments in his film career.

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’re joined by director Alex Helmer and cast members Sarah Grace Donnelly and Jaxon Keller for a behind-the-scenes look at their new holiday film, A Christmas Party.

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.

From community to memory, from responsibility to representation, Hubbard and Greyeyes open up about what Meadowlarks means to them—both on screen and beyond it.

Whether you’re a film lover, a storyteller, or someone curious about the deeper impact of Indigenous cinema, this short interview offers a meaningful glimpse into the heart of Meadowlarks.

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.

Set in the heart of post-war Baghdad, Irkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream follows the emotional journey of Chum-Chum, an eight-year-old homeless boy living with diabetes. Orphaned and forgotten by the world, he survives in a crumbling city, clinging to ancient myths for comfort. He believes the Tigris River is a passage to Irkalla - the Mesopotamian underworld - where he hopes to reunite with his lost parents. Guided by dreams, stories, and imagination, Chum-Chum sets out on a quest that mixes myth and reality.

As his only friend begins to fall into the trap of violence and street crime, Chum-Chum chooses a different path. He embarks on a symbolic journey through Baghdad - a city at once real and mythological - searching for hope, memory, and purpose. Along the way, he encounters visions of ancient figures like Gilgamesh and winged bulls. The city transforms into a surreal playground of history, trauma, and dreams, where every alley and ruin carries echoes of forgotten legends.

The film is a powerful blend of magical realism and neorealism. It captures both the physical destruction of modern Iraq and the emotional landscape of its youngest survivors. Through rich visuals and poetic storytelling, director Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji shows how myth can become a lifeline. Chum-Chum is not just a passive victim - he is a storyteller, a seeker, a child-hero recreating the epic of Gilgamesh in his own way.

Irkalla is a meditation on grief, memory, and resilience. It reflects on how children process trauma, and how ancient myths can give shape to unimaginable pain. The film reframes childhood not as something broken by war, but as something brave enough to reimagine the world. Chum-Chum's journey reminds us that even in a city torn apart, a child's dream can light the way forward.

A quiet, black-and-white story set on Christmas Eve, 1998. The film follows a weary taxi driver and the strangers who drift in and out of his cab as he waits for a glimpse of the newly launched International Space Station. Blending gentle humor, melancholy, and cosmic wonder, it’s a meditation on loneliness, connection, and the small moments that hold us together.

On this episode, Director, Daniel Masciari discusses all of the behind the scenes on the making of the film, its characters and creative choices.

Stationed at Home is now available to own or rent on digital download

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.

The story, inspired by the filmmakers' own lives, includes themes that relate to LGBTQI people, and themes include the importance of self-worth and self-love, feeling free to take up space, and being comfortable with your own company.

This week on the podcast, Directors, Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese join us for a long format interview in person while in Toronto.

We share lots of laughs and get to play some fun game as well.

Lesbian Space Princess is in theatres now

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.

A continuation of an online series of fictional found footage videos about a paranormal investigative team named the Paranormal Paranoids, which also starred Durn, the film follows a woman determined to find her sister, who went missing while investigating the mysterious abandoned town of Shelby Oaks.

Chris Stuckmann joins us in Toronto for a special screening of his directorial debut and to discuss the film in this weeks episode.

Shelby Oaks is in theatres October 24th

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

An impassioned and insightful rebuttal to the assumptions, misconceptions, and faulty representations that surround sex work and sex workers, Modern Whore may also be the most audacious and engaging movie ever made about the oldest profession.

Successfully expanding on their 2020 short film and book of the same name, director Nicole Bazuin and subject and co-writer Andrea Werhun take viewers on a very eventful journey through Werhun’s experiences as an escort and exotic dancer, a career she began when she was a university student in Toronto. As Werhun recounts with great flair and frankness in the film’s stylized, fourth-wall-breaking re-enactments, there were many lessons to be learned and challenges to be faced, including the lack of protection from toxic clients and her own internalized versions of the shame that society associates with female pleasure and the sex industry.

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.

Indeed, one of the most impressive aspects of this fully realized first feature is Kyirong’s ability to combine a detailed portrait of this wider network of intersecting lives with a similarly specific and empathetic look at two people resisting the roles they’ve been assigned.

Ten years after moving to Vancouver, struggling visual artist Kana Yamamoto (Mayumi Yoshida) returns to Tokyo to attend the funeral of her beloved grandmother. Arriving in Japan, she rekindles a tentative flame with her bashful ex-boyfriend, Hiro (Ryo Tajima), an aspiring thespian who vanished from her life a decade prior. As Kana digs deeper into her grandmother’s past, she uncovers a family secret that prompts her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about love, duty, and belonging.

A feature adaptation of writer/director/actor Mayumi Yoshida’s autofictional short film of the same name, Akashi’s largely black-and-white cinematography evokes the solemnity of Kana’s grief, with select scenes brought to life in vivid colour. Themes of identity, class struggle, and artistic aspiration coalesce as the film shifts between the past and present to explore contrasting tales of star-crossed romance. Awash in synth soundscapes and driven by emotionally resonant performances, this tender drama asserts love’s ability to bridge any and all distances.

Francesco Sossai’s latest is an effortlessly charming and utterly delightful romp through the Italian countryside from the POV of a passenger in a car with two old-timers reliving their long-gone glory days.

Loosely pulling from their own experiences, co-writers Francesco Sossai and Adriano Candiago brilliantly revive the beloved Commedia all’italiana style. Impeccably shot on film stock by director of photography Massimiliano Kuveiller (who also shot Diciannove, TIFF ’24), The Last One for the Road is director Sossai’s sophomore film. Inspired by filmmakers like Marco Ferreri, Elio Petri, Francesco Rosi, and Carlo Lizzani, his latest is an homage to special places that live in our memories — bars and streets from our youth, now demolished to make way for new development — and a call to redraw our inner maps.

Dutch director Nanouk Leopold’s seventh feature provides uncommonly vivid views of southern Irish scenery and the driven, haunted woman (Natasha O’Keeffe) at the story’s core.

A slow-burn thriller about reckoning with trauma and containing the furies that threaten to reduce everything to ashes, Whitetail is rife with the same tightly coiled tension that exists deep within its protagonist. It’s just as remarkable for its vivid portrayal of its Irish setting, which director Leopold captures with great authenticity.

Whitetail benefits most of all from an extraordinary performance by O’Keeffe, an actor best known for her parts on such TV hits as Peaky Blinders and The Wheel of Time yet whose own formidable presence in the lead makes the experience of seeing Leopold’s film even richer.

40 Acres is a 2024 Canadian post-apocalyptic thriller film written and directed by R. T. Thorne (in his feature directorial debut). The film stars Danielle Deadwyler as a matriarch of descendants of African American farmers who settled in 1875 in rural Canada after the first Civil War. Two hundred years later, they are trying to survive in a decimated future.

In a post-apocalyptic future where food is scarce, the last descendants of a Black family of farmers who settled in Canada after the American Civil War must protect their homestead from an organized militia hell-bent on taking their land.

R.T. Thorne is a Canadian filmmaker known for his bold visual style and commitment to equality in the industry. As a dynamic and diverse visual storyteller, Thorne has evolved from directing music videos to directing, screenwriting, and producing. His notable works include the Emmy nominated, 12-time Canadian Screen Award winning series The Porter for CBC & BET, and the award-winning Hulu original Utopia Falls. His bold visual style and character-driven approach have earned him multiple award wins across short film, music videos and television, including being named the 2023 Playback Magazine Director of the Year. As Chair of the Director’s Guild of Canada BIPOC members committee, Thorne advocates for equality in the film and TV industry. He makes his debut as a feature film director with 40 Acres, bringing a fresh and authentic perspective to the genre.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024. It was theatrically released on July 4, 2025, by Mongrel Media in Canada.

Ali's life in Canada as a young immigrant turns upside down when his naïve cousin Omid arrives from overseas under mysterious circumstances to live with him in a newcomers settlement house. On the cusp of achieving his goal to settle in Toronto, a tide of misadventures derails Ali's plans, costing him his job opportunity and romance, which ultimately drives him to his wits’ end.

Neema Naz is an Iranian-Canadian stand up comedian, actor, and content creator. During the fall of 2014 he launched his comedy career in Toronto. His inaugural headline stand up comedy tour in 2022, “I’m Your Sugar Daddy" welcomed over 15,000 fans from Los Angeles to Vancouver, New York to Montreal, San Francisco to Toronto, and many more. He has also headlined shows in Sydney, Berlin, and Melbourne.

Neema has toured with and supported several comedy greats including Russell Peters, Theo Von, Howie Mandel, Omid Djalili, and Maz Jobrani. His online presence has garnered him over 1.5 billion views and has been co-signed by the likes of Gary Vaynerchuk, David Goggins, Gordon Ramsay, Kevin Hart, and Andrew Schulz. Neema has several acting credits for The Boys (Amazon Prime)

Egghead & Twinkie is a colorful teen road movie directed by Sarah Kambe Holland and starring Sabrina Jie-A-Fa and Louis Tomeo. Known as the first feature to successfully crowdfund on TikTok, this indie production has taken the film festival circuit by storm.

Available now on VOD in North America

On the night they move from the city into a sprawling suburban home, parents Josh (Ben Foster, Finestkind, TIFF ’23) and Rachel (Cobie Smulders, High School, TIFF ’22) are jolted by a car crashing into the tree on their front lawn, killing the driver and injuring his passengers. And once Josh discovers the accidents are a regular occurrence due to the design of the road, he becomes obsessed with being ready to save the next victims... to the exclusion of everything else.

Writer and Director, Jason Buxton opens up about obsession, family and parenthood in his new film, Sharp Corner.

Sharp Corner is in theatres May 9th

Kryptic is a Canadian horror thriller film, directed by Kourtney Roy and released in 2024. The film stars Chloe Pirrie in a dual role as Barb Valentine, a cryptid hunter who has disappeared while hunting for the Sooka, a mysterious forest creature, and Kay, a woman who herself encounters the Sooka while searching for Barb, and abandons her life to embark on a new quest for meaning and identity after the encounter eliminates all her memories of who she used to be.

Director, Kourtney Roy Joins the podcast discuss the film and its release on VOD/ Digital May 9th

My Dead Friend Zoe is a 2024 American comedy-drama film written by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and A. J. Bermudez, directed by Hausmann-Stokes and starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Gloria Reuben, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris.

It premiered at South by Southwest on March 9, 2024, and was theatrically released in the United States on February 28, 2025.

Kyle is an award-winning director and writer based in Los Angeles. Like all filmmakers, he got his start as a paratrooper in the US Army. He served 5 years in the US Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as a convoy commander in Iraq. Kyle is a graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Veterans in Media & Entertainment. He's directed films for Google, IBM, US Air Force, UPS and the US Dept of Veterans Affairs.

Film synopsis:

Merit is a U.S. veteran who's at odds with her family thanks to the presence of Zoe, her dead best friend from the Army. Her cozy yet dysfunctional friendship with Zoe keeps the duo insulated from the world, until her estranged grandfather -- holed up at the family's ancestral lake house -- begins to lose his way and needs the help he refuses.

In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he

decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force... when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8.

" With help from his junior colleague Reno Ichikawa, Kafka hides

his identity while striving towards his life-long dream of passing the Defense Force exam and standing at Mina's side. But when mysterious intelligent Kaiju attack a Defense Force base,

Kafka faces a crucial decision in a desperate situation...

The omnibus film Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon features an action-packed recap of season one and a new original episode,

“Hoshina’s Day Off.

”

(Hoshina's Day Off) A day off... a rare day of peace for the Defense Force. After spending so long training, Reno has forgotten what he's supposed to do with free time. He sees that Hoshina

is up to something with his own day off, and decides to go on a mission to tail him with Iharu! But then things go in an unexpected direction…

Catch it in theatres April 13,14 & 16th

Film synopsis:

May 1984. An unemployed ice cream truck driver steps onto the game show Press Your Luck harboring a secret: the key to endless money. But his winning streak is threatened when the bewildered executives uncover his real motivations.

Director , Samir Oliveros joins the podcast this week to discuss the film and its upcoming theatrical release April 4th.

#podcast #interview #paulwalterhouser

Film Synopsis:

A determined aspiring chef, AMIR struggles to carve out a path for himself and gratify the expectations of his parents, FARHAD and AREZOU – while his younger, Canadian-born brother, MAHYAR, appears to cruise through life effortlessly. When Amir’s parents receive news that a family friend from Iran has died and left his inheritance solely to Mahyar, the unexpected bequest triggers a chain of revelations that reshape the brothers’ dynamic and unravel truths about the family’s hidden past.

His Father’s Son is screening at the Canadian Film Festival Thursday, March 27, 6:00 pm at Scotia Bank Theatre.