ScreenFish Radio: Recent Episodes
ScreenFish
At ScreenFish, we believe that the truths of God's story can be seen in unexpected places, especially within the world of film and television. We're looking for those connections wherever possible.
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Directed by Roman Liubyi, IRON BUTTERFLIES tells the story of of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 that was shot down by Russian forces as it flew over eastern Ukraine. The tragedy saw the death of 298 passengers and drew immediate denial from the Russian government and media, sparking fury in the midst of the then-ongoing war in Donbass. In this 1on1, we speak to Liubyi about what inspired the documentary and what Liubyi was trying to express through his more poetic moments within the film.
Co-directed by Nicole Bernardi-Reis, the new documentary WITH THIS LIGHT, follows Sister Maria Rosa Leggol, a nun in Honduras for over 70 years. In a landscape of systemic violence and toxicity, Sister Maria Rosa has faithfully served her people by helping children escape poverty and oppression. Through her commitment to education and social reform, she has helped over 80 000 children break the cycle of poverty and move forward into a healthier tomorrow. In this 1on1, we speak to Bernardi-Reis and producer Jessica Sarowitz about what makes Sister Maria Rosa so special and empowering young women in a world of toxic masculinity.
Directed by Ira Sachs, Passages follows the exploits of Tomas (Franz Rogowski), a filmmaker whose marriage to Martin (Ben Whishaw) is struggling. After his latest feature wraps, Tomas encounters Agathe (Adele Exarchopoulos), a stunning young schoolteacher that immediately charms him. After a night of passion together, Tomas finds himself eager to explore the potential of this new sexual relationship, sending shockwaves into his marriage. But when Martin begins to find love in the arms of another man, Tomas is the one who feels spurned and begins to re-pursue is husband. In this 1on1, we speak to Sachs about what it means to be happy and whether or not we can ever 'know' another person.
After 10 years charming families on television, TOOPY AND BINOO: THE MOVIE finally brings the beloved duo to the Big Screen. In the film, Toopy (voiced by Frank Meschkuleit) and his beloved Binoo set out on an adventure to find their missing stuffy, Patchy-Patch. Along the way, they discover new friends who join them on their journey to the Lost and Found. In this 1on1, we speak to Meschkuleit about the magic of Toopy, leaning with respect and whether or not 'all roads lead to the lost and found'.
In Greta Gerwig's BARBIE, the iconic doll lives a life of privilege in Barbieland. There, she is 'everything', and Ken remains her accessory. However, when their interaction with the human world changes their assumptions (and roles), Barbieland comes under attack and threatens to unravel before them. This week, Julie Levac enters the chat with Jolie Featherstone, Chris Utley and Steve Norton to talk about power in BARBIE's 'perfect' world and battling Ken's patriarchy.
With the release of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING, PART ONE , Tom Cruise returns to save the world once again. And, somewhat amazingly, even after seven films, this franchise continues to amaze audiences with its death-defying stunt work. This episode, should you choose to accept it, will delve into the magic of the MISSION franchise, as @wadehbearden and Steve discuss blurring the lines of truth and sacrificing for the greater good.
Directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan, THE MIRACLE CLUB tells the story of close friends Lily (Dame Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates) and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey). Living in a working-class town, these women are excited to embark on a journey to the holy site of Lourdes. In Lourdes, it is believed that it was once visited by the Virgin Mary, creating a space of miraculous healing. However, they are unexpectedly joined by Chrissie (Laura Linney), the daughter of an old friend that had disappeared ages ago. As they leave on their quest for a miracle, their journey will open up past hurts that need healing themselves. In this 1on1, we speak to O'Sullivan about the power of pilgrimage and working with an all-star cast.
Written and directed by William Kaufman, The Channel tells the story of Jamie (Clayne Crawford), a loving father and ex-marine who spends his days as a bank robber in New Orleans. Jamie’s partner-in-crime is his older brother, Mic (Max Martini). Filled with rage, Mic is erratic and ferocious but still wants to look out for his younger sibling. But, when their latest heist goes wrong, Jamie and Mic find themselves in the crosshairs of a determined FBI agent and the criminal underworld, leaving them to fight for their survival. In this 1on1, we speak to Kaufman about the spirit of New Orleans, his shooting style and the line between hero and villains.
Directed by James Mangold, INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY begins in the final days of World War II as the iconic hero is hot on the trail of another artifact that ‘belongs in a museum’. Along the way, he discovers (and loses) the Dial of Archimedes that is believed to have the ability to bend time itself. 25 years later, he is approached by the daughter of an old friend (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) who believes that the Dial may not be gone forever after all. But, when old friends re-emerge, old foes are never far behind. This week, Timothy Rideout (TheMindReels.com) and Dave Voigt (InTheSeats.ca) join the pod to discuss whether or not the world still needs Indy and saving our heroes.
Decades before he was 'vengeance' and even before he was the 'Dark Knight', Batman blurred the lines between silly and (why so) serious. Throughout the 1990s, four films with three Caped Crusaders dominated the box office with varying degrees of success. Now, for our 200th episode, we welcome back Dave Voigt (@intheseats7388) and first timer Ally LaMere-Shedden (Route504PR) to revel in the madness of the Batman Legacy films that helped define the 1990s and talk about how our relationship with Batman has changed over the years and the need for nostalgia for everyone.
(NOTE: This episode also contains some spoilers for THE FLASH.)
Premiering at HotDocs '23, SATAN WANTS YOU is the terrifying story of the beginnings of the 'satanic panic' of the 70s and 80s. Because of the memoirs of Michelle Smith that tell the (alleged) ritualistic abuse of her childhood, the entire world became obsessed with the Devil's unseen actions within the world. In this 1on1, we speak to directors Sean Horlor and Steve J. Adams about discerning truth, the sale of fear and 'making your own hell'.
Written and directed by Lina Rodriguez, SO MUCH TENDERNESS tells the story ofAurora (Noelle Schonwald) who, after the traumatic death of her husband, decides to flee Columbia in search of a new life. Hiding in the trunk of a couple’s car, she decides to leave her daughter behind and make her way to Canada. Although she is unable to speak the language and struggles to get settled, Aurora knows that she’s done the right thing. Years later, after she’s been reunited with her daughter, Lucia (Natalia Aranguren), mother and daughter finally feel as though they have found a new home. However, when Aurora encounters an unexpected person from her past, she must attempt to reconcile her previous life without destroying her new one. In this 1on1, we speak to Rodriguez about the challenges of immigrating and what it means to create a home.
For many, Disney animation remains the pinnacle of the art form, especially during it's peak years in the 1990s. One of the key animators during that time was Andreas Deja, a man who helped create iconic characters such as THE LION KING's Scar, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST's Gaston, Hercules and many, many more. Now, Deja has returned with his directorial debut, MUSHKA. As a love letter to the classic Disney 2D animation, MUSHKA tells the charming a young girl who becomes best friends with an infant tiger, only for complications to develop as it grows older. In this 1on1, we speak to Deja about the magic of Disney, working with Richard Sherman and whether or not we lost anything with the move to CGI animation.
Beginning a year after the original film, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE reintroduces the world to Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), New York’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. As he looks towards his future, Miles is soon reunited with his friend, Gwen Stacey (Hailee Steinfeld), when she arrives from another dimension. Together, they travel across the Multiverse and encounter the Spider Society, an inter-dimensional group of Spider-People charged with protecting the innumerable universes from anomalys. In this 1on1, we speak to supervising animator Humberto Rosa about creating the Spider-Verse, the fun of the Spot and what sets Miles apart.
Directed by David Peck & Nathanael Draper, BROKEN COURAGE is set in the heart of Cambodia and tells the story of Suon Rottana, a former teenage Khmer Rebel and soldier with the Cambodian army. Now a landmine amputee, Rottana has built a museum to remind himself and teach the next generation about the horrors of war, even if they'd like to forget. BROKEN COURAGE is a story about how trauma leaves a mark on us all and the power to heal. In this 1on1, we speak to Peck and Draper about their passion for Cambodia and fighting to heal.
Pixar's ELEMENTAL follows Ember (Leah Lewis) a fiery young woman who lives in Element City, a world where residents of fire, water, earth and air co-exist. The daughter of immigrants Cinder and Bernie (Shila Ammi and Ronnie del Carmen), Ember works hard in their family’s store and hopes to take over for her father one day. However, her life is changed when she comes into contact with Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a sappy man of water who is forced to shut down her father’s business. As they work together to solve the problem, a relationship between them begins to blossom, begging the question if fire and water can ever truly mix. In this 1on1, we speak to Ammi about the magic of Pixar, the film's portrayal of the immigrant experience and whether or not 'love conquers all'.
Directed by Anton Corbijn, the new documentary SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) follows the relationship of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell, the two men who formed Hipgnosis, one of the most influential album art companies in history. Working together during the Rock n’ Roll Revolution of the 60s and 70s, Powell and Storm worked with some of the biggest bands in the world to create images that have stood the test of time, ranging from Wings to Pink Floyd to Led Zeppelin. In this 1on1, we speak to Powell about the definition of great art, the energy of the era and our changing view of images.
In this 1on1, we speak to Jennings about burning away at stereotypes, colonialist mentalities and appreciating fire.
Disney has made a mint by bringing their animated classics to life but the quality has rarely lived up to the legacy of its original property. Now, for Disney's 100th anniversary, they swing for the fences by giving new life to one of their most popular films. But this iteration of THE LITTLE MERMAID has more to offer than a mere hit parade of Disney classic songs. This week, Seun Olowo-Ake and Chris Utley return to talk about necessary change and reclaiming voices.
Directed by Sean Claffey, the new documentary AMERICONNED highlights the struggles created by the American economy. With the death of the ‘middle class’, the gap between the top 1% continues to grow at an alarming rate, destabilizing the economy as compensation for the average American remains stagnant. One of these deeply affected workers is Chris Smalls, a former Amazon employee fighting for the rights of his fellow disaffected co-workers. AMERICONNED follows Smalls as he attempts to lead a movement to unionize Amazon staff in the hopes of bringing back some equity to those who are being left behind. In this 1on1, we speak to Claffey about the death of the American Dream, shaming in the system and what can be done to change.
CASCADE follows four friends as they venture out into the wilderness, searching for adventure. However, after they stumble across a crashed drug plane, the group are faced with a choice: notify the authorities or keep their discovery to themselves. But their decision also draws the attention of a ruthless gang that wreaks havoc on their lives. In this 1on1, we speak to star Josh Cruddas about the invincibility of youth and battling the darkness within.
LESS THAN KOSHER follows Viv (Shaina Silver-Baird), a 30-year old singer whose music career remains at a standstill. However, despite her self-proclamation that she’s a ‘bad Jew’, Viv finds herself taking a job as Cantor within her family’s synagogue. As she leads the congregation with her stunning voice, Viv attempts to reconcile her atheism with her new role in this spiritual setting. In this 1on1, we speak with Silver-Baird and her co-writer Michael Goldlist to talk about the spirituality of music and walking the line between faith and atheism.
Directed by and starring Yannick Bisson, BAKING ALL THE WAY tells the story of Julia Wilson (Cory Lee), a famed pastry chef in Chicago about to release her latest cookbook. There’s just one problem: she’s lacking the perfect Gingerbread recipe. She asks for fans to submit their baking with the potential of appearing in her new release. Suddenly, her quest leads her to a small town where single father Kris Thompson (Bisson) operates a quaint bakery of his own. As Julia gets to know the family, she begins to understand why Kris keeps his family recipe a secret and wonders if she should print it at all. In this 1on1, we speak to Lee about the power of the kitchen, working with Bisson and what keeps bringing her back to the holidays.
Written and starring Sumalee Montano, THE DEAL depicts a world where overpopulation and global warming have reached crisis levels. When a brutal virus rips apart the people, the entire world reaches an emotional breaking point… until a potential solution arises. The only catch is that, after twenty more years, you are required to voluntarily give up your life. In this 1on1, we speak to Montano and stars Lisa Brenner and Emma Fischer about writing pre-pandemic, justifying fear and whether or not they'd take the Deal.
Written and directed by Elegance Bratton, THE INSPECTION tells the story of Ellis French (Jeremy Pope), a young, gay Black man who has been rejected by his mother (Gabrielle Union) due to his sexuality. With few options, French joins the Marine Corp in an attempt to lay the groundwork for his future. However, as he enters into boot camp, he discovers a system that is rooted in toxicity and prepared to discard him. In this 1on1, we speak to Bratton about 'feeling the truth', living in a world that makes monsters and leading with grace.
Written and directed by Jake Horowitz, CUP OF CHEER takes the tropes of 'Hallmark Christmas movie' and dices them into satirical ribbons. When journalist Mary (Storm Stevenson), a journalist who returns to her hometown of Snowy Heights with the intent of writing a story about Christmas cheer. When she encounters Chris (Alexander Oliver), the owner of a hot chocolate shop, there is an instant attraction between them. But Chris has his own issues as his shop is in danger of failing due to the opening of a corporate competitor nearby. In this 1on1, we speak to Horowitz about reviving the spoof-movie and playing by the rules of the genre.
After the real-life death of Chadwick Boseman, fans of the franchise were left shaken. More than that, however, it left the direction for the mega-hit MCU franchise in jeopardy as well. However, in BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER manages to do the impossible, creating an engaging story while still meeting fan expectations. This week, SF'ers Seun Olowo-Ake and Chris Utley return to talk about why Boseman's death differs from other heroes and grappling with grief.
In the new horror BARBARIAN, a young woman arrives at her rental home to discover that someone is already living there. After deciding to spend the night, she soon discovers that the scariest things have yet to come to light. This week, Catherine Erskine, Jason Thai and Daniel Maranan return to delve into the meaning of a 'barbarian' and whether or not one can still be a 'good man' if they did a 'bad thing'.
Starring Sam Swainsbury, FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL tells the incredible true story of a group of shantyman performers who found unlikely success. Their music is steeped in tradition… but their label is nervous that they don’t sound ‘fresh’ enough to keep the ride going. Now, the boys must re-learn what it means to be men in a new world if they want to maintain the success that they’ve achieved. In this 1on1, we speak to Swainsbury about singing the 'people's songs', fearing change and 'not being okay'.
Premiering at DOC NYC, THE ELEPHANT 6 RECORDING CO. transports the viewers back to the 90s where a group of rebel musicians set their sights on disturbing the music industry. Produced by Rob Hatch-Miller, the film explores the collective creative evolution of a sound that influenced countless others with their psychedelic sounds. In this 1on1, we speak to Hatch-Miller about the influence of community lifestyle and being a 'beacon for weirdos'.
Premiering at DOC NYC, LOST ANGEL: THE GENIUS OF JUDEE SILL explores the ethos of Judee Sill, a one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter from 1970s LA. Directed by Andy Brown and Brian Lindstrom, LOST ANGEL explores the traumas that shaped her adolescence, the amazing success that she achieved and her tragic death. In this 1on1, we speak to Brown and Lindstrom about Judee's legacy, sacred sexuality, what makes her a 'lost angel'.
In THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, Padraic (Colin Farrell) is thrown when his dear friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly announces that they're no longer friends. As Padraic attempts to make amends, the situation spins wildly out of control, exposing the underlying hurt and rage that bubbles within this quaint Irish town. This week, Dave Voigt (@In The Seats) and Deb Whalen stop by for a pint to talk about the pain of escalation and poisonous power.
On paper, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER seemed to have an impossible task. After the loss of star Chadwick Boseman to cancer, he cast had to deal with their very real grief while delivering the type of spectacle that fans of the MCU expect. Returning once again to the franchise as Wakanda's Shaman, Sope Aluko had a surreal experience filming the sequel but knows that they've also created something incredibly special. In this 1on1, we speak to Aluko about the loss and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, processing grief and leaning into the future.
Premiering at DOC NYC, ELLIS tells the story of one of jazz music's towering icons, Ellis Marsalis. Directed by Sascha Just, ELLIS delves into the impact of a man who changed the landscape of music history through his incredible passion, skill and desire to teach the next generation. In this 1on1, we speak to Just about Marsalis' legacy, telling a story through music and the power of creativity.
Directed by Shinzo Katayama, MISSING tells the story of Santoshi (Jiro Sato), a husband and father who has been struggling emotionally and financially ever since the death of his wife. When he sees an infamous serial killer Yamauchi (Hiroya Shimizu) on the train, he promises to get the reward to help his family. Even so, his daughter Kaeda (Aoi Ito) does not take him seriously… until the next morning when she awakens to an empty home and no clues to his whereabouts. In this 1on1, we speak to Shinzo Katayama about creating our villains, finding hope in the darkness and the meaning of ping-pong.
Directed by Rob Freeman, DROP THE NEEDLE is a fascinating doc that focuses its lens on the influence that one small business can have on the city and its artistic community. For a generation, Play De Record has become somewhat of an iconic symbol in Toronto. In this 1on1, we speak to Freeman about what we've lost in the digital age and the legacy of Eugene Tam.
Written and directed by Alexander Jeffery, A CHANCE ENCOUNTER tells the story of Hal (Paul Peterson), a poet who tries to clear his head by heading overseas. When he meets singer/songwriter Josie Day, his creative spirit is awakened and the two wonder if their story is meant to be. In this 1on1, we speak to Jeffrey and Peterson about shooting at the outset of the pandemic, the line between modesty and realism and the soul of the artist.
Directed by Stephen Campanelli, DRINKWATER tells the story of Mike Drinkwater (Daniel Doheny), an awkward teen who struggles to fit in. Living at home with his government-defrauding father (Eric McCormack), Mike has few friends and gets bullied by the school jock. But when a girl named Wallace (Louriza Tronco) moves in next door, they begin to inspire one another to face their fears together. In this 1on1, we speak to Campanelli about the Canadian voice, the legacy of John Hughes and suffering together.
BOO! It's the Halloween season and that brings us HALLOWEEN ENDS, the climactic (?) film of a franchise that has spanned for over 40 years. In the grand finale, 4 years after the disappearance of Michael Myers, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) has decided to share her story as a way to deal with her grief. But, as she says, "evil never dies, it only changes shape"... This week, horror mavens Allen Chabot and Catherine Erskine (with a shoutout to newbie Delsean Haywood) have a killer conversation about wrapping up trilogies, the infection of evil and how to stop the bleeding.
Directed by Riel Roch-Decter and Sebastian Pardo, the new documentary The Computer Accent follows pop group Yacht as they entrust their entire creative process to artificial intelligence in order to make their next album. However, what is the role of the artist in a world where their work can be manufactured by machine? In this in 1on1, we speak to Pardo and Roch-Decter about the responsibility of musicians and whether or not art can exist without soul.
Directed by Nicolas Stoller, BROS tells the story of Bobby (Billy Eichner), a podcaster who is content to live his life on an endless string of online hookups instead of investing in a long-term relationship. But that may change when he meets Aaron (Luke McFarlane), a handsome lawyer to whom he's instantly attracted. The more that they see each other, the more they can't deny their feelings and the two may even commit to one another. This week, Adam Howard and Allen Chabot join Steve to talk about authentic representation of the LGBTQ community, deciphering Bros' target audience and whether or not 'love is love'.
Directed by Ruben Ostlund, TRIANGLE OF SADNESS is an epic exploration of the imbalances of economy. Told in three sections, the film follows a cruise for the uber rich that sinks at sea, leaving it's wealthy patrons on an island to fend for themselves on a deserted island. This week, Jason Thai and Daniel Maranan stop by to talk about upending financial privilege, the toxicity of power and the delusion of equality.
Written, directed and starring Katie Boland, WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER tells the story of a family torn apart by mental health issues. When their mother is sent to hospital, twin sisters Nicki and Finn (both Boland) must reunite in order to fight for their family and keep everyone together. In this 1on1, we speak to Boland about the challenges of playing twins, chasing Waterfalls, and the power of 'being together'.
Co-written and directed by Rebekka Johnson, BAD RABBIT begins with a deceased creature and spirals into the madness of something much more. As part of Hulu's 'Bite Size Hallowe'en', the hilarious short surprisingly also delves into the damage of abuse and psychological trauma as well. In this 1on1, we speak to Johnson about the film's tone, working with Kate Nash and discerning the villains.
Set in the 1800s, THE WOMAN KING tells the story of the Agojie, a group of all-female warriors of the Dahomey kingdom in Africa who fought with ferocity and dedication to their home. As a new foe arises, Gen. Naniska (Viola Davis) and her team train a new generation of fighters to protect their nation. In our season 9 (!!) premiere, we welcome back Jolie Featherstone (@TOFilmFiles) and ScreenFish'rs Seun Olowo-Ake and Chris Utley to talk about the example for women and reimagining history.
Based on the New York Times Bestseller, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY tells the story of A.J. Fikry (Kunal Nayyar), a bookstore owner who's life is not what he expected it to be. After the death of his wife, Fikry is struggling to pay the bills but committed to his beloved books. His story finds a new chapter though when a woman leaves an abandoned child on his doorstep. Taking her into his home, his life is further upended when he meets Amelia (Lucy Hale), a young saleswoman who captures his attention. In this 1on1, we speak to Hale and Nayyar about the stories that define us, romanticizing life and the nature of heroes.
Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi, MURU tells the story of ‘Taffy’ Tawharau, a Maori police sergeant who spends his time in relative quiet. Unbeknownst to Taffy, trouble is brewing as the government has their area under surveillance for potential terrorist threats. Led by Gallagher, the current focus of their investigation is Tame Iti, a Maori rights activist who yearns to help his people reclaim their identity. In this 1on1, we speak to Kahi, and stars Cliff Curtis and Jay Ryan about the tension between protecting and service and whether Gallagher is a villain.
Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi, MURU tells the story of ‘Taffy’ Tawharau, a Maori police sergeant who spends his time in relative quiet. Unbeknownst to Taffy, trouble is brewing as the government has their area under surveillance for potential terrorist threats. Led by Gallagher, the current focus of their investigation is Tame Iti, a Maori rights activist who yearns to help his people reclaim their identity. In this 1on1, we speak to Kahi, and stars Cliff Curtis and Jay Ryan about the tension between protecting and service and whether Gallagher is a villain.
Starring Adelaide Clemons, THE SWEARING JAR tells the story of Simon and Carey, a young couple who are awaiting the birth of their first child. The two have a strong relationship but, like all relationships, they struggle with some heated, hurtful arguments. This tension becomes greater when Carey meets Owen, a handsome bookstore clerk to whom she is instantly attracted. In this 1on1, we speak to Clemons about the past informing the present, what Carey is looking for and whether or not time heals all wounds.
Starring Adelaide Clemons, THE SWEARING JAR tells the story of Simon and Carey, a young couple who are awaiting the birth of their first child. The two have a strong relationship but, like all relationships, they struggle with some heated, hurtful arguments. This tension becomes greater when Carey meets Owen, a handsome bookstore clerk to whom she is instantly attracted. In this 1on1, we speak to Clemons about the past informing the present, what Carey is looking for and whether or not time heals all wounds.
Directed by Carly Stone, NORTH OF NORMAL tells the amazing true story of Cea Sunrise Person, a young woman with an unusual childhood. Living with her grandparents, Cea and her young mother Michelle retreat into the wilderness of Alberta in order to find a new life. In this 1on1, we speak to Stone and star Amanda Fix about living with difficult parents, the tension between running away and running towards and what it means to have a home.
Directed by Carly Stone, NORTH OF NORMAL tells the amazing true story of Cea Sunrise Person, a young woman with an unusual childhood. Living with her grandparents, Cea and her young mother Michelle retreat into the wilderness of Alberta in order to find a new life. In this 1on1, we speak to Stone and star Amanda Fix about living with difficult parents, the tension between running away and running towards and what it means to have a home.
Directed by Marie Clement, BONES OF CROWS is chilling and honest story of Aline Spears, an Indigenous woman who suffers through extortion by church and local authorities as she’s sent to a residential school. As her life unfolds, Aline processes her trauma while experiencing the segregation of a culture that refuse to acknowledge the value of the Cree population. In this 1on1, we speak to Clement, Dove and Wapanatahk about the power of truth, playing with time and what’s missing from an apology.
Directed by Marie Clement, BONES OF CROWS is chilling and honest story of Aline Spears, an Indigenous woman who suffers through extortion by church and local authorities as she’s sent to a residential school. As her life unfolds, Aline processes her trauma while experiencing the segregation of a culture that refuse to acknowledge the value of the Cree population. In this 1on1, we speak to Clement, Dove and Wapanatahk about the power of truth, playing with time and what’s missing from an apology.
You are listening to another ScreenFish 1on1 live at TIFF 2022 with actors Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg and director Robert Connolly. Directed by Connolly, Blueback tells the story of Abby , a marine biologist who returns home upon the news that her mother, Dora (Radha Mitchell) has suffered a terrible stroke. As she cares for her ailing mom, Abby takes the time to think about the incredible influence that Dora has had upon her life. In this 1on1, we speak to Mitchell, Fogg and Connolly about learning the secrets of the sea, man’s relationship to the ocean and working with fish puppets.
You are listening to another ScreenFish 1on1 live at TIFF 2022 with actors Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg and director Robert Connolly. Directed by Connolly, Blueback tells the story of Abby , a marine biologist who returns home upon the news that her mother, Dora (Radha Mitchell) has suffered a terrible stroke. As she cares for her ailing mom, Abby takes the time to think about the incredible influence that Dora has had upon her life. In this 1on1, we speak to Mitchell, Fogg and Connolly about learning the secrets of the sea, man’s relationship to the ocean and working with fish puppets.
Now in its 10th year, the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) has become an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their stories! Featuring a collection of shorts from around the world and some incredible speakers, VFF is back for evenings of films under the stars. In this 1on1, we speak to Antonio Ienco, VFF's Director of Sponsorships and Events, about what makes the Fest unique, the value of short stories and supporting the next generation.
Check out vaughanfilmfestival.com for more information!
Now in its 10th year, the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) has become an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their stories! Featuring a collection of shorts from around the world and some incredible speakers, VFF is back for evenings of films under the stars. In this 1on1, we speak to Antonio Ienco, VFF's Director of Sponsorships and Events, about what makes the Fest unique, the value of short stories and supporting the next generation.
Check out vaughanfilmfestival.com for more information!
As always, TIFF '22 was 10 days of madness! Between endless films, meeting new people and interview ops, the ScreenFish Staff (Steve Norton, Seun Olowo-Ake and Jason Thai) had an amazing experience once again enjoying the Fest! In a special podcast, we sit down and discuss the things we learned from TIFF this year + hear from some special guests as well!
As always, TIFF '22 was 10 days of madness! Between endless films, meeting new people and interview ops, the ScreenFish Staff (Steve Norton, Seun Olowo-Ake and Jason Thai) had an amazing experience once again enjoying the Fest! In a special podcast, we sit down and discuss the things we learned from TIFF this year + hear from some special guests as well!
Directed by Allan Ungar, BANDIT tells the amazing true story of Gilbert Galvan Jr (Josh Duhamel), a charming career criminal, who escapes from a US prison in Michigan and crosses the border into Canada where he assumes the identity Robert Whiteman. After falling in love with a local social worker, 'Whiteman' commits to keeping a clean record--but a life of crime wasn't finished with him yet. Flying around the country robbing banks, Whiteman became known as the Flying Bandit for his skill... but also puts a target on his back. In this 1on1, we speak to Ungar about creating our villains, the film's playful tone and recreating Toronto... in Georgia.
Directed by Allan Ungar, BANDIT tells the amazing true story of Gilbert Galvan Jr (Josh Duhamel), a charming career criminal, who escapes from a US prison in Michigan and crosses the border into Canada where he assumes the identity Robert Whiteman. After falling in love with a local social worker, 'Whiteman' commits to keeping a clean record--but a life of crime wasn't finished with him yet. Flying around the country robbing banks, Whiteman became known as the Flying Bandit for his skill... but also puts a target on his back. In this 1on1, we speak to Ungar about creating our villains, the film's playful tone and recreating Toronto... in Georgia.
Written and directed by Sheila Pye, The Young Arsonists tells the story of Nicole and Veronica (Maddy Martin, Jenna Warren), two best friends who are struggling to survive their young lives. Things begin to change however, when the two decide to camp out in an abandoned home that used to belong to Nicole’s family. Using the old shack as a refuge from the world, Nicole, Veronica and their friends begin to create a new home for themselves where they feel safe to explore who they are. In this 1on1, we speak to Pye, and stars Jennifer Warren and Madison Baines about the power of standing together, ‘deviant behaviour’ and taking control.
Written and directed by Sheila Pye, The Young Arsonists tells the story of Nicole and Veronica (Maddy Martin, Jenna Warren), two best friends who are struggling to survive their young lives. Things begin to change however, when the two decide to camp out in an abandoned home that used to belong to Nicole’s family. Using the old shack as a refuge from the world, Nicole, Veronica and their friends begin to create a new home for themselves where they feel safe to explore who they are. In this 1on1, we speak to Pye, and stars Jennifer Warren and Madison Baines about the power of standing together, ‘deviant behaviour’ and taking control.
Combining 3D animation and interview footage, the new documentary ETERNAL SPRING transports the viewer back to Communist China in 2006. Directed by Jason Loftus, the film retraces the life of comic book illustrator Daxiong and a team of Chinese activists, the film follows the events leading up to a daring plan to hack into the state’s television broadcast in order to help speak out against their propaganda. In this 1on1, we speak to Loftus about the film's animated style and the threat of spirituality.
Combining 3D animation and interview footage, the new documentary ETERNAL SPRING transports the viewer back to Communist China in 2006. Directed by Jason Loftus, the film retraces the life of comic book illustrator Daxiong and a team of Chinese activists, the film follows the events leading up to a daring plan to hack into the state’s television broadcast in order to help speak out against their propaganda. In this 1on1, we speak to Loftus about the film's animated style and the threat of spirituality.
Written and directed by Pierre Foldes, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is an intriguing and philosophical piece designed to spark conversation. Rather than lean into traditional storytelling devices, the narrative fuses together a number of character arcs in a dream-like, ethereal narrative. In this 1on1, we speak to Foldes about the presence of ghost, the fascinating animation style and the lines between truth and fiction.
Written and directed by Pierre Foldes, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is an intriguing and philosophical piece designed to spark conversation. Rather than lean into traditional storytelling devices, the narrative fuses together a number of character arcs in a dream-like, ethereal narrative. In this 1on1, we speak to Foldes about the presence of ghost, the fascinating animation style and the lines between truth and fiction.
Directed by Brett Morgan, MOONAGE DAYDREAM is a fitting tribute to an eclectic artist with a mythical mind. Heralded as a musician, painter, actor and world traveler, David Bowie was a man of immeasurable talent and creativity. Six years after his death, Daydream taps into that energy by interconnecting performances of some of Bowie’s biggest hits such as Space Oddity, Sound and Vision, Heroes and more with rare footage and montages. In this 1on1, we speak to Morgan about Bowie's quest for spirituality and deconstructing the narrative.
Directed by Brett Morgan, MOONAGE DAYDREAM is a fitting tribute to an eclectic artist with a mythical mind. Heralded as a musician, painter, actor and world traveler, David Bowie was a man of immeasurable talent and creativity. Six years after his death, Daydream taps into that energy by interconnecting performances of some of Bowie’s biggest hits such as Space Oddity, Sound and Vision, Heroes and more with rare footage and montages. In this 1on1, we speak to Morgan about Bowie's quest for spirituality and deconstructing the narrative.
This season, the #MYM crew has shared some of the heaviest stories imaginable. Tales of murder, corruption and fraud have been a staple as our team have offered tales that have impacted them in all sorts of ways. But, in our season finale, Daniel forces... er.... invites the Movies You Missed crew to explore the lighter side of the dark side by delving into SCOOBY DOO: MONSTERS UNLEASHED and talking about whether or not the film still holds up.
This season, the #MYM crew has shared some of the heaviest stories imaginable. Tales of murder, corruption and fraud have been a staple as our team have offered tales that have impacted them in all sorts of ways. But, in our season finale, Daniel forces... er.... invites the Movies You Missed crew to explore the lighter side of the dark side by delving into SCOOBY DOO: MONSTERS UNLEASHED and talking about whether or not the film still holds up.
Written and directed by Carolina Markowicz, CHARCOAL tells the story of married Irene (Maeve Jinkings) and Jairo (Romulo Braga). Struggling to pay the bills and survive their own personal issues, Irene and Jairo fight to raise their 8-year-old son Jean (Jean Costa) and her elderly (and very ill) father. However, when Irene is offered the opportunity to put her father to rest and take in a drug kingpin in his place, she takes the chance. But now, she must fight to keep up appearances so that the community does not become suspicious. In this 1on1, we speak to Markcowicz about satirizing social justice and the cultural disconnect within the church.
Written and directed by Carolina Markowicz, CHARCOAL tells the story of married Irene (Maeve Jinkings) and Jairo (Romulo Braga). Struggling to pay the bills and survive their own personal issues, Irene and Jairo fight to raise their 8-year-old son Jean (Jean Costa) and her elderly (and very ill) father. However, when Irene is offered the opportunity to put her father to rest and take in a drug kingpin in his place, she takes the chance. But now, she must fight to keep up appearances so that the community does not become suspicious. In this 1on1, we speak to Markcowicz about satirizing social justice and the cultural disconnect within the church.
Directed by Klaus Haro, MY SAILOR, MY LOVE tells the story of Howard (James Cosmo), a widowed father who lives alone. Although he’s cared for by his daughter, Grace (Catherine Walker), Howard is miserable and difficult to manage. Appalled by his living conditions, Grace hires Annie (Brid Brennan), a local widow, to serve as his caregiver, despite Howard’s wishes. Although Howard is cantankerous towards his houseguest, Annie remains strong-willed and the two begin to grow closer, causing tension with an envious Grace. In this 1on1, we speak to Cosmo and Haro about the incredible cast and 'grace at the gate'.
Directed by Klaus Haro, MY SAILOR, MY LOVE tells the story of Howard (James Cosmo), a widowed father who lives alone. Although he’s cared for by his daughter, Grace (Catherine Walker), Howard is miserable and difficult to manage. Appalled by his living conditions, Grace hires Annie (Brid Brennan), a local widow, to serve as his caregiver, despite Howard’s wishes. Although Howard is cantankerous towards his houseguest, Annie remains strong-willed and the two begin to grow closer, causing tension with an envious Grace. In this 1on1, we speak to Cosmo and Haro about the incredible cast and 'grace at the gate'.
Directed by John Barker, THE UMBRELLA MEN tells the story of Jerome (Jaque De Silva), a man who reluctantly returns to Cape Town after the passing of his estranged father. Upon his arrival, he learns that his father has left him the Goema Club, the home of his father’s beloved minstrel troupe, The Umbrella Men. Discovering that the club is massively in debt, Jerome decides to concoct an elaborate heist to pay off the debt and preserve his father’s legacy. In this 1on1, we speak to Barker, De Silva and Shamilla Miller about loving the bad guys and the history embedded in the heist.
Directed by John Barker, THE UMBRELLA MEN tells the story of Jerome (Jaque De Silva), a man who reluctantly returns to Cape Town after the passing of his estranged father. Upon his arrival, he learns that his father has left him the Goema Club, the home of his father’s beloved minstrel troupe, The Umbrella Men. Discovering that the club is massively in debt, Jerome decides to concoct an elaborate heist to pay off the debt and preserve his father’s legacy. In this 1on1, we speak to Barker, De Silva and Shamilla Miller about loving the bad guys and the history embedded in the heist.
Directed by Hallee Adelman and Sean O’Grady, Our American Family is an unfiltered story of one family in Philadelphia as they deal with generational substance abuse. Anchored by their matriarch Linda, they each struggle to deal with the pain of history and work towards finding hope for the future. Although the relationship between them is frayed, they remain loyal to each other to help their family climb out of the depths of their suffering. In this 1on1, we speak to Adelman and O'Grady about tackling addiction honestly and what makes this family so unique.
Directed by Valerie Buhagiar, CARMEN (played by Nastascha McElhone) is the younger sister of the current town priest. Designated as his caregiver, she lives a lonely life of shame and desolation. But when he passes away suddenly, Carmen suddenly has nowhere else to go. Sneaking into the rectory, she hides out in the confessional only to have the townspeople begin to treat her as their new priest, without knowing her identity. Offering advice infused with grace, Carmen brings light into the community instead of the burden of shame. In this 1on1, we speak with McElhone and Buhagiar about the separation of church and God, Buhagiar's personal connection with the character and the threat of joy.
Even from a young age, Yona Strauss knew that she wanted to help tells stories that matter. As the producer of last year's QUICKENING, Strauss believes that stories can change the conversation (and culture) and she enthusiastically looks for projects that help inspire others. In this 1on1, we speak with Strauss about her passion for storytelling, the importance of TIFF and her upcoming project with Grace Glowicki.
Directed by Mark James and produced by Reshma B and Wael Kabbani, STUDIO 17: THE LOST REGGAE TAPES chronicles the journey of Clive Chin, a man determined to rescue a long-lost treasure trove of reggae from oblivion. Having opened the doors on Randy’s, a record store in Kingston, Jamaica, the Chin family inspired countless musicians to record and distribute their music, giving rise to the music we now know as reggae. In this 1on1, we speak to the team behind STUDIO 17 about the power of Randy's and reggae as a political act.
Written and directed by Ain Karapetian, SQUEAL is a blend of styles like no other. Mixing dark horror with fairytale elements, the film tells the story of one man's quest to survive a terrifying capture and the love he discovers along the way. In this 1on1, we speak to Karapetian about the what separates man from beast, working with animals and the power of love.
Directed by John Patton Ford, EMILY THE CRIMINAL tells the story of Emily (Aubrey Plaza), a young woman struggling to deal with her student debt. Unable to find work due to her past criminal record, she becomes desperate for cash. Though, when a co-worker empathizes with her problems, he gives her a mysterious phone number to call where she might find an opportunity to help pay the bills. After making the call, she meets Youcef (Theo Rossi), a charismatic middleman who deals with stolen credit cards. While Emily is initially apprehensive, she accepts the job and the two begin to work together to expand their business ventures. In this 1on1, we speak to Ford about whether or not we all have a dark side and researching the underworld.
Set in the bleakness of the 1970s, David Fincher's thriller ZODIAC unravels the decades-old mystery of the Zodiac killer. Starring Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., ZODIAC has more questions than answers but keeps the viewer gripping their seat along the way. This week, the team attempts to shine a light on the film's darkness as they discuss dealing with hopelessness and understanding the mind of a madman.
AINBO: SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON tells the story of one young woman's journey to follow her heart find her calling. Led by her spirit animals Vaca (voiced by Joe Hernandez) and Dillo, Ainbo must fight the forces of darkness in an effort to protect the Amazon rainforests from a danger more powerful than she could have imagined. In this 1on1, we speak to Hernandez about the nature of evil and the importance of wonder.
Whatever you do, don't look down. Directed by Scott Mann, FALL is a thrilling tale of Becky (Grace Caroline Currey), a young woman grieving the loss of her husband. But when her friend Hunter (Virginia Gardner) enlists her help climbing a 2,000 ft radio tower, the two women find themselves stranded without a way down. Now, Becky and Hunter are forced to find the strength to survive the elements and the terrifying heights that have trapped them. In this 1on1, we speak to Mann about the connection between grief and fear, working with practical effects and the boundaries of social networking.
Written and directed by Anoop Rangi, ARRANGED MARRIAGE is a satirical look at the ancient marital ritual. When she returns home to a surprise engagement party where she will meet her to her fiancé, Kamala (Megha Sandhu) is horrified and runs away with friends. However, when she refuses to return, her father vows to stop at nothing in order to see the wedding plans take place. In this 1on1, we speak to Rangi and Sandhu about the line between satire and stereotypes and the importance of cultural representation.
The 2012 documentary THE IMPOSTER tells a story that has to been seen to be believed. Beginning in 1997, the film recounts the case of a French con artist named Frederic Bourdin who pretended to be an American boy that had disappeared in Texas at the age of 13. Through interviews with Bourdin and the family involved, the film asks hard questions about what it means to believe a lie, even when others think you shouldn't. This week, Catherine picks THE IMPOSTER to share and the team looks into the mind of sociopaths and grappling with trauma.
EASTER SUNDAY tells the story of Jo Valencia (Jo Koy), a struggling comedian who is also struggling to connect with his teenage son. Obsessed with work, Jo has difficulty making time for those he cares about as he scratches and claws to get his big break. Then, as the Easter long weekend approaches, Jo must return to his family home to celebrate the holiday with his crazy family and over-bearing mother (Lydia Gaston). In this 1on1, we speak to Koy and Gaston about representing the Filipino culture and why family is so funny.
As the creator of Human Body Expression, choreographer Hanna Keil understood that live theatre was going to struggle during the pandemic. After all, how can you bring your vision to life when others aren't able (or willing) to sit together in-person? However, the new documentary BUT THEN AGAIN chronicles her group's triumphant return to live performances and the challenges they faced in bringing the dream to life. In this 1on1, we speak to Kiel about the emotional catharsis of the arts, bringing dance to life onscreen and working with Yoko Ono.
Directed by Clio Barnard, ALI & AVA tells the story of two people who are both lonely for different reasons. Separated (secretly) from his wife, Ali (Adeel Akhtar) may have a spouse in the home but his heart feels alone. For Ava (Claire Rushbrook), she lives with her adult son and his family but wishes that her own life had love once again. When the two meet, sparks begin to fly but both struggle to work past the pain that they have brought into their new relationship. In this 1on1, we speak to Akhtar about the power of music, the nature of Ali's quest and his BAFTA nomination.
Set during the Housing Crisis of 2008, THE BIG SHORT attempts to unravel the complexities of the financial world. But is it a take of how to get rich quick or a terrifying warning of financial recklessness? (Or both?) This week, JT makes SHORT his pick and the team delves into the film's look at making bank and profits over people.
Directed by John Daschbach, COME BACK ANYTIME is a documentary about legendary ramen master Masamoto Ueda. For over forty years, Ueda has been perfecting and serving Tokyo-style ramen in his little establishment. Beloved by his neighbourhood and patrons, Ueda has created more than a delicious dish. He’s created a loving community. In this 1on1, we speak to Daschbach about the power of food, making safe spaces and keeping it simple.
6 views Jul 19, 2022 In Toronto, ON, Carnival is a yearly festival celebrating the Caribbean culture in all its glory--and Joella Crichton is its queen. Directed by Chris Strikes, BECOMING A QUEEN follows Crichton on her remarkable reign of 9 victories as Queen of Carnival as she attempts to win one more crown before she retires. In this 1on1, we speak to Strikes about the importance of Toronto's Carnival, pushing away from sexuality and the tension between 'craft' and 'art'.
Written and directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON tells the story of an adorable knick-knack and his search for family. Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate), a one-inch-tall shell with a single googly-eye, lives with his Grandmother as the sole survivors of a tragedy that saw his family disappear into the night. When a documentary director rents their home as an AirBnB, he cannot help but make Marcel his next subject. As the videos launch, Marcel begins to hope that these simple videos might lead to him finding the family that he lost and loves so dearly. In this 1on1, we speak to Fleischer-Camp about using documentary style, the balance between seriousness and sweetness and what comes next for Marcel.
They're back! The crew from #moviesyoumissed return for a new season of sharing the stories that matter to them! This year, some changes have been made. Instead of the team competition, each member of the team will bring a movie that has been important to them that the others have not yet seen for discussion. Up first, Steve brings David Fincher's THE SOCIAL NETWORK! This week, the MYM Crew talks about the stresses of social and reprehensible heroes.
Starring Amin Joseph, THE ROYAL tells the amazing true story of Willie Mays Aikens, the once-great World Series hero who went to prison for drug use and changed his life. When he was finally released, Aikens goal was clear: make amends with his wife and daughter and draw to claw his way back into the world of baseball. But can the people of his life forgive him and give him a second chance? In this 1on1, we speak to Amin about fallen heroes, making amends and finding your calling.
Written by Vera Herbert, DON'T MAKE ME GO tells the story of Max (John Cho), a single father who discovers that he has a terminal disease. Grieving the time he will lose with his teenage daughter Wally (Mia Isaac), he brings her on a road trip in an attempt to compound the love and support that he will miss. In this 1on1, we speak to Herbert about writing as catharsis and the relationship between humour and grief.
It's a special thing to 'create universes'.
Having struggled with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, her entire life, Lisa Anita Wegner found it difficult to make sense of the world. However, when she began to embrace the madness of her mind, she found that her creative limitations melted away into something incredible. With THE INTANGIBLE ADORATIONS CARAVAN, Wegner takes her visual arts installation to the next level as she seeks to develop something immersive for all yet sensitive to the the neurodiverse as well. In this 1on1, we speak to Wegner about being saved by the arts, living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and connecting with the mad, disabled and neurodiverse through the arts.
Directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, CULTURE SHOCK is a dark sci-fi horror that tells the story of one young woman's attempt to cross the Mexican border looking for a new life in America. However, when the dream becomes a nightmare, she must fight to save her life and preserve her cultural heritage. In this 1on1, we speak with Guerrero about the power of elevated horror, the death of the American Dream, and working with THE OFFICE's Creed Bratton.
Directed by Emma Holly Jones, MR. MALCOLM'S LIST is a delightfully fun tale of love and the expectations that get in the way. Set in the 1800s, Mr. Malcolm may be a charming bachelor but his list of qualifications for a suitor keep him single... until a beautiful young woman (Freida Pinto) begins to chip away at his emotional walls. In this 1on1, we speak to Jones about bringing fantasy to life, reimagining history and how to break down our 'masks'.
When crimes go slipping through the cracks, these two gumshoes are the ones to call. In a 'reboot-with-a-twist' film of the classic series, CHIP 'N DALE RESCUE RANGERS arrives on Disney+ with strong reviews and a surprisingly biting satire. But who is this film for? This week, SF'ers Heather Johnson and Alan Sharrer return to discuss the challenges of reboots, the power of sacrifice and the very best cameos.
Directed by Sean Cisterna (From the Vine), the new documentary The Long Rider tells the story of Filipe Masetti Leite, a young man with an epic quest. Leaving his adopted home in Calgary, Alberta, Leite decides to ride on horseback to his family home in Brazil. Inspired by Aime Tschiffeley’s 1925 equestrian trek, Leite embarks on a journey that will take him over 25,000 kms across twelve international borders as he attempts to reclaim a piece of himself and his family. In this 1on1, we speak to Cisterna about starting with the ending, Leite's personal journey and the power of horses.
Now playing at Future of Film 2022, ABUELA is a beautiful story of the gaps between two generations and the question of how to bridge them. Directed by Rebeca Ortiz, the short begins when a family welcomes their Chilean grandmother into their home. However, when she struggles to connect with her English-speaking granddaughter, she must look for ways to break down their cultural barriers. In this 1on1, we speak with Ortiz about the challenges of short-form storytelling, bridging the generation gap and the power of food.
Written and directed by Nyla Innuksuk, SLASH/BACK is set in Pangnirtung, Nunavut and tells the story of Maika (Tasiana Shirley) and her friends (Alexis Vincent-Wolfe, Chelsea Pruksy and Nalajoss Ellsworth). With school closed for summer, this sunlight-drenched part of the world settles in for a typical summer of fun. However, when an unknown presence threatens their hometown, the group must band together to ward off the alien threat. In this 1on1, we speak to Innuksuk about the joy of horror, working together with the kids and feelings of shame amongst the Indigenous peoples.
Directed by Stacey Maltin and co-written between Maltin and Jay DeYonker, TRIPLE THREAT tells the story of three young people caught in a relationship triangle while they attempt to live their Broadway dream. When Gus (DeYonker) decides that he wants to have a baby, he asks his dearest friends for help but will raising a child derail their plans? In this 1on1, we speak to Maltin, DeYonker and producer Margarita Zhitnikova about translating Broadway onscreen, the evolution of family and finding your inner light.
Starring Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE), JERRY AND MARGE GO LARGE is the wonderful true story of one couple's quest to break the lottery. In this 1on1, we speak to Wilson about what it means to 'win well' and working with icons Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening.
Directed by Alex Garland, MEN is visceral journey that exposes the darkest parts of masculinity. When Harper (Jessie Buckley) decided to get away to the country to process her grief, her quiet retreat becomes a terrifying journey into the world of toxic male culture and the damage that it leaves in its wake. This week, Jolie Featherstone (@TOFilmFiles), Catherine Erskine and Amy Hayden join Steve to talk about the film's examination of men, 'man-splaining' and whether or not evil truly begets evil.
Taking place during three different wars (Civil War, WWI and Gulf War), FOXHOLE is a fascinating exploration of combat over the years. Exploring such issues as racism, mistrust and moral ambiguity, the film reveals that, when it comes to life as a soldier, its true that the more things change, the more they stay the same. In this 1on1, we ask star James LeGros about the challenges of shooting in one location and the true damage of war.
Directed by Paul Hoffert (from Canadian rock legends, Lighthouse), THE RHAPSODY recalls the incredible story of composer and Holocaust survivor Leo Spielman. At the age of 98, Spielman finally decided to open up about his experiences in Poland through his musical voice. Once his masterpiece is completed, his family also finds his secret diaries which augments the music with stunning detail of his horrifying time under the Nazi regime. In this 1on1, we speak to Hoffert about his relationship with Leo and the soul of music.
Directed by Jonathan Keijser, PEACE BY CHOCOLATE tells the amazing true story of the Hadhads, a family of Syrian refugees fleeing their nation’s civil war. First to arrive is eldest son Tareq (Ayham Abou Ammar), a respected physician in his home country. As he prepares for his family’s arrival, he quickly discovers that this new land of opportunity is frought with challenges, ranging from financial struggles to xenophobia. However, when his parents join him, things begin to change, especially when his father Issam (Hayem Ali) begins to sell the amazing chocolate delicacies that he create to the community. As his father’s new business begins to grow in popularity, Tareq becomes torn between his family’s success and creating his own legacy in the medical world. In this 1on1, we speak to Keijser about the tension between homes, the involvement of the real Hadhads and the myths of the Canadian Dream.
Directed by Patrice Laliberte, TRES BELLE JOURNEE tells the story of Jérémie, a bike courier who delivers anonymous packages and lives a life of isolation. When a new neighbour arrives, Jérémie's world is turned upside down. In this 1on1, we speak to Laliberte about simulation theory, shooting with an iPhone and the meaninglessness of life.
Directed by Colin Trevorrow, JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION takes place four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar. Since that fateful day, the once-secluded dinosaurs have spread across the globe, living and hunting alongside the human race. However, when a new species threatens the global food industry, teams spanning generations must reunite in order to solve the mystery and prevent global catastrophe. This week, Dave Voigt (In The Seats) and Ben Dower (SF's Monster Mondays) band together to bite back at DOMINION and its world of mayhem as we discuss missed opportunities and the joy of theme park rides.
In TOP GUN: MAVERICK, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) lives a life of military obscurity. But when an upcoming special mission requires his unique knowledge, Maverick is called back to TOPGUN as a teacher and mentor to the next generation of pilots. As the past meets the present, Maverick must overcome his deepest fears and pain while training these youthful rookies what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice. This week, Richard Crouse (host of #PopLife) and Dave Voigt (InTheSeats.ca) step into the #dangerzone to talk about the magic of Tom Cruise, legacy sequels, and the inevitability of age.
Written and directed by Ry Levey, OUT IN THE RING is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between professional wrestling and the LGBTQ+ community. Delving into the stories of iconic figures of the past and young faces of the future, Ring uses interviews and archival footage to examine the damage created by homophobia and racism both onscreen and off. In this 1on1, we speak to Levey about social justice as marketing and whether or not WWE can be trusted with LGBTQ+ content.
Written and directed by Tara Thorne, COMPULSUS tells the story of Wally (Lesley Smith), a woman who is increasingly infuriated by stories of violence at the hands of men. When a random meeting with a known abuser leads to Wally taking matters into her own hands, she is invigorated by the experience and begins to hunt down abusers. In this 1on1, we speak to Thorne and Smith about gender-swapping vigilantes, faceless attackers and ask who is the hero?
KICKING BLOOD tells the story of Anna (Alanna Bale), a young vampire who must feed on the blood of others to survive. Together with her brood, they feed nightly off of toxic men and thrive off the high they feel after doing so. However, when she meets a humble alcoholic named Robbie (Luke Bilyk) who tries to get clean, Anna begins to wonder if she can kick her own habit of consuming blood as well, even if doing so could kill her. In this 1on1, we talk with Bale about the power of metaphorical horror, hope for addiction and what drives her character.
Set on a small town family farm in the American South, DAKOTA tells the story of single mom Kate (Abbie Cornish) and her daughter Alex (Lola Sultan). Grieving the loss of her military husband, Kate is surprised one day when CJ (Tim Rozon) arrives with Dakota, an ex-military dog who served with her husband on the field. In this 1on1, we speak to Rozon about his love of animals, filming during COVID and the meaning of heroes.
Truly anything goes in the multiverse. Whether it's empowering chapstick, googly-eyed boulders and hot dog fingers, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE unleashes the potential of the concept in its fullest sense, bringing every conceivable universe to life with boundless imagination. However, at the same time, to gaze into infinity is also an overwhelming prospect. This week, Victor Stiff and Victoria McCartney join Steve to talk about dealing with mental health, the healing power of compassion and staring into the Everything Bagel.
Directed by Sam Raimi, DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS opens up the MCU in incredible (and horrifying) ways. When a new threat calls the good Doctor and his new companion, America Chavez, to jump from universe to universe, they enlist the help of Wanda Maximoff in an effort to get things under control. However, they very quickly discover that Maximoff may herself be the very threat they're attempting to prevent from ripping apart the multiverse. This week, Dina Hamdieh and Miriam Ibrahim return to discuss the ramifications for Universe 616, the evolution of Scarlett Witch and why we care about the multiverse.
Written and directed by Naveen A. Chathapuram, THE LAST VICTIM is a modern western that highlights the heaviness of a land gone wild. As she and her husband set out on a vacation, Susan (Ali Larter) accidentally finds herself in the crosshairs of a vicious killer who needs to dispose of any and all witnesses to his actions. In this 1on1, we speak to Chathapuram about finding light in the darkness and the evolution of the Western.
In THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT, Nicolas Cage takes on his greatest enemy... Nicolas Cage. After his mounting debt forces him to take on an appearance a birthday party offering a $1M paycheque, Cage somehow becomes embroiled in a CIA investigation, political kidnapping and, most challenging of all, reconciling with his family. This week, Dave Voigt (InTheSeats.ca) and newcomer Adam Kline drop by the podcast to talk about the legacy of Nic Cage, our obsession with celebrities and what makes a 'good' film.
Directed by Cody Sheehy and produced by Samira Kiani, MAKE PEOPLE BETTER tells the story of Dr. He Jiankui, a Chinese geneticist who made waves by producing the world’s first genetically-edited babies in 2018. Although Dr. He’s work was feted at first by the Chinese government, the ensuing pandemonium over the ethical implications of his work quickly led to his disappearance. As the scientific community grapples with his boundary-breaking work, so too must they ask themselves whether or not there is a cost to their desire to make people better. In this 1on1, we speak to Sheehy and Kiani about the boundaries between science and ethics and changing public opinion.
Directed by Lindsay Keys and Winslow Crane-Murdoch and produced by Daria Lombroso, THE QUIET EPIDEMIC follows young Julia Bruzzese and her father as they fight for answers to her mysterious symptoms. When they discover that she suffers from Lyme Disease, Julia and her father quickly realize that they are not alone in their battle to be taken seriously by doctors and insurance companies who seem determined to keep this epidemic quiet. In this 1on1, we speak to Keys, Crane-Murdoch and Lombroso about the terrifying realities of Lyme disease and why doctors struggle to acknowledge it.
Directed by Andrew Moir and produced by Michelle Serieux, DON'T COME SEARCHING tells the story of Delroy Dunkley, a committed Jamaican family man who works half the year in Canada as a migrant worker. Excited to ask his partner Sophia Malahoo-Dunkley to marry him upon his return home, Delroy’s situation takes a dramatic turn when he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer. Sending shockwaves through his family and calling Sophia to take on the role of caregiver for her ailing love and children. In this 1on1, we speak to Moir, Serieux, and Malahoo-Dunkley about the immense challenges of migrant workers and the strength of being a caregiver.
Directed by Shane Belcourt, Beautiful Scars delves into the life of former Junkhouse frontman Tom Wilson and the secrets of his past. With honesty and humility, Scars allows Wilson the opportunity to share his story onscreen, including the struggles that dragged him down and the difficult path to rediscovery. In this 1on1, we speak to Wilson and Belcourt about reconciling with the past and the power of telling one's story.
Directed by Sara Taksler, HOW SABA KEPT SINGING tells the story of David Wisnia (affectionately called ‘Saba’ by his grandchildren), 94-year-old Holocaust survivor who has found it too difficult to explain what took place during his time in Auschwitz-Birkenau to his family . On the 70th anniversary of the camp’s liberation, his grandson Avi accompanies Wisnia on a trip to Poland as he opens up about his experiences in the concentration camp, including the singing voice that pleased the guards and the love affair that gave him the will to live. In this 1on1, speak to Taksler about the therapeutic power of the arts and the importance of passing on our stories.
From award-winning director Jennifer Baichwal, INTO THE WEEDS follows Bay Area groundskeeper, Dewayne Johnson who began to suffer rashes in 2014. As the condition continued to worsen, Johnson decided to take legal action against Monsanto, a multi-national agrochemical corporation who claimed that the chemicals he was using were safe, even though his experience proved otherwise. In this 1on1, we speak to Baichwal about telling the truth in documentaries, holding corporations accountable and the relationship between the Indigenous populations and the natural world.
A Cowgirl’s Song tells the story of sisters Halley (Savannah Lee May) and her sister, Brooke (Darci Lynne) who are shocked to hear that their father has gone to prison for a crime he claims that he didn’t know he was committing. Determined to visit him, they leave home and trek to visit their grandmother (Cheryl Ladd) and figure out how they can help him. In this 1on1, we speak with Ladd about her love of music, advice for her young co-stars and 'letting the shadows fall behind'.
Co-directed by Tahir Rana and Eric Tarin, CHARLOTE is a stunning piece that highlights one woman’s journey in the face of oppression and the courage that she displays through her art. As a Jewish woman living in Germany during the Second World War, Charlotte Salomon’s story is one forged through suffering and sacrifice. In this 1on1, we speak with Rana about what sets Salomon apart and what it means for art to encapsulate a life.
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Produced by Julia Rosenburg, CHARLOTTE is a stunning piece that highlights one woman’s journey in the face of oppression and the courage that she displays through her art. As a Jewish woman living in Germany during the Second World War, Charlotte Salomon’s story is one forged through suffering and sacrifice. In this 1on1, we speak with Rosenburg about the relationship between art and mental health and the tension between life and theatre.
Directed by Pierre Perifel, THE BAD GUYS is a fast and furry-ous trip outside the law. Based on Aaron Blabey’s children’s books of the same name, BAD GUYS pops with lovable characters, stunning animation and genuine fun. In this 1on1, we speak with Perifel and Blabey about adapting the work for the big screen and their goals for the visuals.
Now that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 has sped into theatres, its box office success shows that this franchise actually has legs after all. With fun and furry, the sequel sees Sonic run far beyond the limits of Green Hills as he and new friend Tails work together to find the Chaos Emerald before his new adversary, Knuckles (Idris Elba). This week, Kirk Haviland (InTheSeats.ca; Blood in the Snow Film Festival) stops by to talk about the success (and failures) of video game films and what makes a hero.
Directed by Martin Edralin, ISLANDS tells the story of Joshua (Rogelio Balagtas), a middle-aged Filipino immigrant who still lives with his parents in their home. After the death of his mother, Joshua is left to care for his father Reynaldo (Estaban Comilang) full time, forcing him to leave his job in the process. In this 1on1, we speak to Comilang about telling Filipino stories, his personal connection to Reynaldo and his passion for Elvis.
Directed by Andrew Levitas, MINIMATA follows W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp), an American photographer who was urged by a Japanese translator named Aileen (Minami) to return home with her so that he can report on the toxic effects of the Chisso corporation’s chemical waste on her community. Intrigued by the assignment, Smith moves to Japan and uses his camera to aid their fight against corporate greed and industrial pollution. In this 1on1, we speak to Levitas about collaborating with Depp, the challenges of recreating history and how our relationship wtih the 'image' has changed.
Directed by Kyle Thomas, RANGE ROADS tells the story of Jackie (Alana Hawley Purvis), a children's television performer who is rocked by the news that her parents have passed away. When she returns home, she must face a past that she had wanted to leave behind. Nominated for Best Actress at this year's Canada Screen Awards for her performance, Alana Hawley Purvis brings a humility and courage to her portrayal of Jackie that makes her memorable and relatable. In this 1on1, we speak to Hawley Purvis about what she believes Frankie is looking for and wearing masks in our everyday lives.
Directed by Justin Kurzel, NITRAM is the harrowing tale of one young man's journey into darkness. Telling the story of the 1996 shootings in Tasmania, Australia, NITRAM follows Martin Bryant (Caleb Landry Jones), a lonely and disconnected youth who eventually turns his inner sadness into rage against others. In this 1on1, we speak to Kurzel about the emotional difficulties in revisiting history, the different receptions to the film around the world and what he thinks makes our 'monsters'.
With an eye on diversity, this year's Oscars featured some fabulous performances and recognition of some amazing films, such as this year's winner of Best Picture, CODA. Unfortunately, however, they will best be known for one confrontation than any particular award winner. This week, we welcome Deb Whalen and newcomer Sallyanne Hadzalic to discuss the Academy's big night (including the fallout surrounding the Smith/Rock debacle) and CODA's ability to build bridges between the Deaf Community and the Hearing.
In the 'greatest love story ever sold, Hulu's PAM & TOMMY tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple's sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of 'gaze' and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.
Set in the near future, Seth A. Smith's chilling sci-fi TIN CAN tells the story of a world torn apart by a global pandemic. In TIN CAN, what began as an attempt to change the world for the better becomes something much more sinister that threatens human existence. In this 1on1, we speak to Smith about how the pandemic has changed his understanding of the film and the challenges of filming in tight spaces.
Written and directed by Krystin Ver Linden, ALICE tells the story of one woman held in captivity who finds strength when she discovers the world outside. In this 1on1, we speak to Ver Linden about the truth behind her (seemingly) wild premise, the challenges of holding eras against one another, and the power of the storyteller.
The Dark Knight has returned… and this time, he’s really dark. Leaning into the shadows and secrets of Gotham City, Matt Reeve’s THE BATMAN is a very different vision of the Caped Crusader that explores his rage-fuelled attempts to bring criminals to justice. This week, Wade Bearden (WadeBearden.com) returns to dig into the darkness of the Batman as we talk about deconstructing our heroes and the line between justice and vengeance.
In THE WOLF AND THE LION, Molly Kunz plays Alma, a woman who adopts two very different pets that shouldn't go together. In this episode, Anders (age 11) speaks to Molly about what it's like working with real lions and wolves and what she wants kids to learn from the movie.
In her latest film, WOMAN IN CAR, Rose weaves a story of secrets and lies in a world of privilege. WOMAN IN CAR follows Anne (Helene Joy), a woman who seems to have it all. However, when her stepson returns home with a new love, Anne’s world is shaken and she develops an unhealthy obsession with the stranger that threatens her world. In this 1on1, we speak to Rose about finding safety in an unsafe world and the importance of Edith Wharton to the film.
Written and directed by Agam Darshi, DONKEYHEAD tells the story of Mona, a failed writer who spends her days caring for her dying Sikh father. When her siblings return home, Mona's home is turned upside down, revealing secrets that have been dormant for years. In this 1on1, we speak to Darshi about coming-of-age stories, the tension between old world and the modern era and living in a culture of shame.
Streaming on Disney+, The Book of Boba Fett tells the epic story of the famed bounty hunter and his exploits after the Battle of Sarlaac's Pit in Return of the Jedi... until it doesn't. Pivoting hard at the halfway point, the series quickly brings in the best characters from The Mandalorian and focuses more on the group than Boba himself. This week, ScreenFish'r Heather Johnson returns to talk about whether or not we needed a redemption story for Boba Fett and the flaws of Jedi choices.
Though it's set over 50 years in the past, there's something eerily current about Kenneth Branagh's Belfast. Exploring the suffering of division and violence through the eyes of a child, Belfast remains absolutely an echo of Ireland in the past yet somehow also manages to feel like it could represent the pain of our present culture. This week, Robert Bellissimo (Robert Bellissimo At The Movies) and Deb Whalen (@WonderWhalen) stop by to discuss Belfast's cry for peace and the power of perspective.
Directed by Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum, DOG tells the story of Briggs (Tatum), an Army Ranger who has recently been discharged due to concussion protocols. Begging his old friend for a chance to get back into rotation, Briggs is given an assignment to prove himself by bringing Lulu, a Belgian Malinois military dog, to her partner’s funeral. However, as the two begin to show their own mental scars, the tensions between them continue to grow as they must learn how to work together to find some hope for their future. In a press conference for the film, Tatum and Carolin discuss what makes dogs such great team members and stepping in to the director's chair to direct... yourself.
Written by Catherine Hernandez, SCARBOROUGH follows the stories of three children whose families are trying to navigate their various life situations in the neighbourhood. Their paths all cross eventually at an after-school literacy programme run by Ms Hina (Aliya Kanani) who finds herself caring about more than the children’s literacy and lends herself as support to their lives. In this 1on1, ScreenFish staffer Seun Olowo-Ake speaks to Hernandez about the challenges of adapting her material, the meaning of 'community' and struggling with vulnerability.
Set in a small Maritime fishing community, the new comedy WHARF RATS tells the story of Hughie Hackett (Robbie Carruthers), a lifelong slacker who's family’s fishing business under the care of his corrupt Uncle Angus. Hughie’s life is going nowhere until a stranger named Hackett (Daniel Lillford) literally stumbles out of the water. As his mind begins to spin, Hughie concocts a plan to steal back the family business and its potential value for sale. In this 1on1, we speak with director/co-producer Jason Arsenault and co-producer Jenna MacMillan about toxic masculinity, the unique world of fishing and the power of a lie.
Written almost 400 years ago, Shakespeare's Macbeth remains one of history's most well-regarded dramatic stories. Featuring murder, betrayal, and bawdy humour, Macbeth has been studied in classrooms for centuries yet still somehow feels current. Now, with Joel Coen's THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, we once again find ourselves 'stepped in blood' with Denzel Washington taking on the crown with a vengeance. This week, Victor Stiff (VictorStiff.com) and Dave Voigt (InTheSeats.ca) drop by to talk about Shakespeare's low-brow/high-brow entertainment, what the 'Coen lens' brings to the play and what we believe the true tragedy of Macbeth may be.
Directed by Eric Crosland, LA LISTE: EVERYTHING OR NOTHING is a gut-wrenching and nail-biting film about Jérémie Heitz and Sam Anthamatten, two pro skiers determined to break records without breaking limbs. In this 1on1, Crosland speaks to us about what drives these men and the fall that changed everything.
With its unique blend of meta-humour and blood splatters, Scream has carved out its own legacy in the world of horror. Now, 25 years after Woodsboro, California was first terrorized by the iconic Ghostface mask, a new crop of teenagers find themselves once again running for their lives in a commentary on the current state of the horror genre. This week, horror fans Catherine Erskine and Allen Chabot return to talk about why we still care about the franchise, the responsibilities of 're-quels' and its relationship to 'elevated horror'.
Written and directed by Jefferson Moneo, COSMIC DAWN tells the story of Aurora (Camille Rowe), a young woman who witnessed the alien abduction of her mother as a child. When Aurora meets alien-devotee Natalie (Emmanuelle Chriqui), she is invited to join her at a meeting of a group that's devoted to the mysterious book ‘Cosmic Dawn’. However, as she becomes more intimately acquainted with the group and its practices, Aurora becomes increasingly suspicious that this may not offer the spiritual fulfillment that was promised. In this 1on1, we speak to Moneo about why he thinks people are drawn to cults and the relationship between belief and doubt.
Directed by Celeste Bell and Paul Sng, the new documentary POLY STYRENE: I AM A CLICHE is a fascinating exploration of one woman’s legacy through the eyes of the daughter she left behind. Starring Oscar nominee Ruth Negga as the voice of Poly Styrene, Cliché examines the life of the punk icon and X-Ray Spex frontwoman and the impact that her voice has had on the music industry. However, Poly’s life was more than her music. After her passing, Celeste Bell (who is also Poly’s daughter) takes the opportunity to deep dive into her mother’s career while also finding healing for their difficult relationship. In this 1on1, we speak with Bell about her mother's legacy, the pain and power of the image and reconciling with her past.
Why use old code to make something new? After nearly 20 years, The Matrix Resurrections re-enters the digital world to explore the tension between man and machine. But something has changed. Whether its Neo’s struggle to break free or the role of Trinity, Resurrections shows that it can be hard to update a franchise so embedded in its time and place. This week, film analyst Chris Utley and YouTuber Steve Mah return to talk about how the changes in technology changes the world’s philosophy and whether our culture clings to truth or feelings.
It’s the end of the world as we know it… and we feel fine. After all, who needs to worry about global destruction when we’ve got celebrity culture, political division and other things to distract us. This is the premise of Adam McKay’s DON’T LOOK UP which introduces us to two scientists (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) who discover that a massive comet is about to plummet towards the Earth… but no one seems to care. This week, the Dream Team of Jolie Featherstone and Julie Levac reassembles to talk about the things that distract us, misunderstood evil and what we’d do on our last night on Earth.
Based on Mallory Smith's mémoirs of the same name, the new documentary SALT IN MY SOUL tells Mallory's amazing journey with cystic fibrosis. In her 25-year battle with the disease, Mallory lived a life of vibrancy and vitality. Often told in her own words, SOUL is the incredible story of one woman's determination and the innumerable people that she impacted after her passing. In this 1on1, we speak to director Will Battersby and Mallory's mother, Diane Shader Smith about the experience of revisiting Mallory's journals and the balance between acceptance and fighting back.
In Jane Campion's THE POWER OF THE DOG, Benedict Cumberbatch plays gruff cowboy, Phil Burbank. After his brother returns with a new wife and son, Phil does his best to put on a show of toxic masculinity and dominance, even as his conflicted soul suffers underneath. This week, Seeing & Believing Co-Host Kevin McLenithan and author Wade Bearden stop by to talk about hiding behind the image and showing our dark side.
(Note: This episode was originally recorded as part of our 'Best Movie Moments of 2021' and re-edited as a standalone.)
As the clock rolls into 2022, it's time to look back at the year that was! However, while so many people battle over which film was the 'best', we like to look at the specific scenes that left a mark on us over the year. (And yes, that means spoilers...) For a very special episode, Seeing and Believing's Kevin McLenithan and author Wade Bearden (and former co-host of Kevin's) join forces to look at the movie moments that mattered most to us in 2021. (And a special thanks to contributing guests Victor Stiff, Dave Voigt, Jolie Featherstone, Thom Ernst and Julie Levac!)
NOTE: This episode was recorded to be combined with our reflection on 'The Power of the Dog'. However, it was re-edited into two separate episodes.
Written, directed by and starring Valerie Lemercier, ALINE is based on the life of music icon Celine Dion yet is told as the “fictional” story of Aline Dieu (Lemercier), a young girl with a golden voice. After her family manages to garner the attention of a local agency, Dieu becomes the protégé of music producer Guy-Claude Kamar (Sylvain Marcel). However, as Dieu becomes an adult, their professional relationship also begin to become something more. In this 1on1, we speak to Lemercier about the challenges of stardom and what she hopes Dion feels if she sees the film.
At first glance, CABIN CONNECTION seems like another example of the style of romance made famous by Hallmark. Starring Katherine Barrell and Cody Ray Thompson, the film tells the story of Hannah, a young writer who leaves for her grandmother's cabin where she meets a handsome handyman who helps her fix up the place as they fall in love. However, in some important ways, CONNECTION is different than other examples of the genre. In this 1on1, we speak to Barrell and Thompson about whether or not we're 'hardwired to love', confidence in singleness and whether or not there's such a thing as 'love at first sight'.
With a resume that includes Disney's HERCULES and THE LION KING, producer Alice Dewey Goldstone certainly knows a few things about quality animation. Now, as the producer of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA, Goldstone returns to the genre that she loves so much and helps bring to life the latest adventure of Drac, Johnny, Mavis and the rest. In this 1on1, we speak to Goldstone about what makes these characters so endearing and what it means to truly trust one another.
Though he's often best known for his edgier roles in ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and VEEP, Tony Hale also welcomes the opportunity to delve into children's fare as well. In his latest animated feature POUPELLE OF CHIMNEY TOWN, Hale plays Poupelle, a man made out of garbage who's loving spirit changes the lives of everyone with whom he comes into contact. In this 1on1, we speak to Hale about the toxic nature of labels and what it means to 'look up'.
Best known for his work on CBC's iconic THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES, Mark Critch is taking us back in time to his childhood. Based on his memoir, SON OF A CRITCH tells the story of his growing up as the youngest child in a family full of adults in the 1980s. In this 1on1, we speak to Critch about seeing his life from another perspective, what he would say to his younger self and why Canadians are so funny.
Christmas may be over but SF Radio has one last present for you to unwrap! With SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME setting fire to the box office, Marvel and Sony have another mega-hit on their hands. Filled with cameos, crazy action and an emotional arc for Tom Holland, NO WAY HOME has been a hit with audiences and critics... but the film is about far more than Spider-Mayhem. This week, Mira Ibrahim and Dina Hamdieh stop by to talk about handling 'great power' and second chances in a cancel culture.
In this 1on1, ScreenFish'r Darrel Manson speaks Bentley about how being raised by a jockey shaped his worldview, his unique relationship with co-writer Greg Kwedar and working with first-time actors.
Written and directed by Garth Jennings, the highly anticipated SING 2 sees the return of Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), the can-do koala bear who enters his team in a singing competition led by promotion king, Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). However, in order to entice Crystal’s investment, Moon suggests that he can get legendary (and reclusive) rock star, Clay Callaway (Bono) to star in his production. Peaking Crystal’s interest, Moon and his friends suddenly have a mere three weeks to develop an entirely new production while convincing Callaway to come out of retirement. In this 1on1, we speak to Jennings about designing the sequel, working with Bono and whether or not a song can save your life.
It's always a challenge to bring a classic story back to life. However, with his new version of WEST SIDE STORY, Steven Spielberg seems to have a hit on his hands with critics. But why is this film still relevant today? This week, Wade Bearden returns to talk about updating a legend, and hope for the 'bad guys'. PLUS, Wade and Steve offer up their 'Christmas Wishes' for 2022!
Directed by Dan Hunter, MR. BIRTHDAY tells the story of Barry (Jason London), a single father who works maintenance in an upscale hotel. However, his life changes when he encounters Mr. Jay (Fred Sullivan), a mysterious soul who the International Birthday Network, a non-profit agency that offers children around the globe personalized birthday experiences when their special day is lacking. When Mr. Jay offers Barry a job to help bring these birthdays to life, he can’t resist the chance to make other people’s lives better… but balancing his two jobs will definitely be a challenge, especially with the villainous Rick (Eric Roberts) attempting to undo his plans. In this 1on1, we speak to star Eric Roberts and director Dan Hunter about the appeal of playing the villain and what sparks joy in their lives.
MR. BIRTHDAY tells the story of Barry (Jason London), a single father who works maintenance in an upscale hotel who's life changes when he encounters the mysterious Mr. Jay (Fred Sullivan). Mr. Jay runs the International Birthday Network, a non-profit agency that offers children around the globe personalized birthday experiences when their special day is lacking. When Mr. Jay offers Barry a job to help bring these birthdays to life, he can’t resist the chance to make other people’s lives better… but balancing his two jobs will definitely be a challenge. In this 1on1, we speak to star Jason London about what makes birthdays so important and the fun of living on set.
Written and directed by Ronnie Sandahl, TIGERS is an intense film that takes the shine off the glitzy and glamorous world of professional sports and highlights the emotional damage that can be inflicted on the human soul when its trapped in an abusive environment. Based on the true story of Martin Bengtsson (Alfred Enoch), a promising footballer who was offered the world at the young age of sixteen. However, this life of success comes at a much higher price than he could have imagined. In this 1on1, we speak to Sandahl about his relationship with the real-life Bengtsson, his frustrations with 'sports movies' and differentiating who we are from what we do.
As the co-creator of Venom and creator of Spawn, graphic novelist Todd McFarlane has left his mark on the comic industry. Now, with the upcoming release of VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE on 4K and Blu-Ray, we had the opportunity to speak with McFarlane about the origins of the character, leaning into our dark side and whether or not the films speak to his original vision.
Starring and written by Zita Bai, BABY, DON'T CRY tells the story of Baby (Bai), a young woman who is new to America and struggling to make ends meet. When she meets Fox (Vas Provatakis), the two quickly start up a passionate but toxic relationship that threatens to undo them both. In this 1on1, we speak to Bai about how her own experiences shaped her character, the challenge of bridging two cultures and looking for acceptance in a difficult world.
Directed by Jules Williamson, OFF THE RAILS tells the story of four women who set out on a journey across Europe after they are reunited at the funeral of one of their best friends. In this 1on1, we speak to Williamson about the joy of life as we get older, leaning into Blondie and the power of working with Kelly Preston.
Written and directed by Leroy Kincaide, THE LAST RITE tells the story of Lucy (Bethan Waller), a young woman struggling with sleep paralysis. Though she lives happily with her boyfriend Ben (Johnny Flemming), she is plagued by a dark shadowy figure determined to destroy her. Eventually, Lucy reaches out to Father Roberts (Kit Smith), a priest who has never dealt with the forces of darkness directly. Even so, Father Roberts remains determined to help the young woman and sets out on a journey that may help him rediscover the depth of his faith in the process. In this 1on1, we speak to Kincaide about the journey of faith in a time of skepticism and what scares him the most.
With the holidays fast approaching, IT TAKES A CHRISTMAS VILLAGE provides a sweet and fun romantic getaway for the family. Starring Brooke Nevin and Corey Sevier (who also directed), VILLAGE tells the story of Mayor Alex Foster (Nevin) as she attempts to save the small business of her town by setting up a last minute Christmas market. However, in order to do so, she must negotiate the use of a local plot of land owned by Darcy Hawkins (Sevier), a local recluse shamed by the actions of his father many years ago. In this 1on1, we speak to Nevin and Sevier about the magic of the holiday season, shooting in wintery conditions and moving forward when the past still haunts you.
As the follow-up to Joanna Hogg's masterful 2019 film The Souvenir, The Souvenir Part II picks up in the aftermath of film student Julie’s (Honor Swinton Byrne) turbulent relationship with her ex-lover, Anthony. Although he has passed away, the sting of his abuse remains fresh on Julie’s life and she is left to untangle her complicated love for him. In this 1on1, we speak to Hogg about art imitating life, helping people understand your vision and the relationship between love and control.
After 2016's reboot of the franchise landed with a thud, many felt like the GHOSTBUSTERS franchise may never be able to launch a worthy sequel. However, with the release of Jason Reitman's GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE, the 'Busters are back in [another] rebooted sequel that honours the past while looking to the future. This week, writer Victor Stiff (VictorStiff.com) and podcaster David Peck (Face2FaceLive.ca) stop by to talk about what it takes to resurrect a long-deceased franchise and the tension between science and the paranormal.
Edgar Wright has always been willing to push the boundaries of his storytelling. With LAST NIGHT IN SOHO though, the famed director has created something truly amazing by fusing the psychedelic style of the 60s with murder mystery horror. This week, Victor Stiff (VictorStiff.com, Dope Black Movies) and Catherine Erskine join Steve to talk about SOHO's complex messages and the toxic nature of nostalgia.
Set in modern day Gaza, Gaza, Mon Amor tells the story of Issa, a sixty-year-old fisherman who has never settled down. However, his life changes dramatically when he meets Siham, a woman who works in the market with her adult daughter Leila. Instantly struck by her, Issa lacks in confidence to pursue a relationship. What’s more, when he discovers an ancient statue of Apollo in his fishing nets, Issa is confused by what to do with the phallic image. Deciding to bring the statue home with him, Issa soon begins to have a piece of his heart rekindled. As forces begin to conspire to obtain the statue, so too does Issa’s confidence begin to grow and he decides to lean into his newfound courage and desire for romance.
Set in Northern Belfast, the new documentary Young Plato tells the story of Elvis-loving school headmaster Kevin McArevey. Determined to see the lives of their students changed in the midst of a community plagued by sectarian aggression and poverty, McArevey and his staff seek to challenge their children to think differently than their parents and use their minds to reshape their actions and future. In this 1on1, we speak to co-director Neasa Ni Chianain about the impact that the school is having on the neighbourhood and how the experience has changed her.
With the release of ETERNALS, the MCU fully leans into its cosmic realm at long last. Spanning a story about 'divine' monsters over thousands of years, director Chloe Zhao unravels a narrative that asks profound questions about the universe and our place within it. So, why hasn't it caught on with audiences? With the lowest RT score in Marvel history, ETERNALS has become one of the more divisive entries into the current cinematic canon, proving that (maybe) the franchise isn't bulletproof after all. This week, the Marvel-ous team of Dina, Miriam and Seun assemble to discuss the film's strengths (and weaknesses), the relationship between leadership and power and the significance of representation.
With fun and enthusiasm, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG has been celebrated by millions over the years for his adorable children's books. Now, at long last, the big dog himself is finally making the jump to the big screen. In this 1on1, we speak to producer Jordan Kerner and director Walt Becker about what defines Clifford to them, the challenges of bringing the lovable pup to life onscreen, and the tension between 'fitting in' and 'standing out'.
Thought to be ‘unfilmable’ by many, Denis Villeneuve may have done the impossible in bringing Frank Herbert’s DUNE to life on the big screen. With stunning cinematography and solid storytelling, Villeneuve has managed to take the massive scope and size of Herbert’s classic sci-fi work and make it accessible to wider audiences. This week, Dave Voigt (InTheSeats.ca) and newcomer Steve Mah come together to discuss why they think DUNE is resonating with audiences and what it means to give up control.
In the 90s, ANIMANIACS defined the humour of a generation with its edgy style, wild antics and pop culture references. Now, with the return of ANIMANIACS for its second rebooted season, we participate in a round table conversation with co-executive producer Gabe Swarr and voice icons Tress MacNeille and Jess Harnell to talk about the series' unique voice and whether or not they consider the Warners to be heroes.
In the 90s, ANIMANIACS defined the humour of a generation with its edgy style, wild antics and pop culture references. Now, with the return of ANIMANIACS for its second rebooted season, we participate in a round table conversation with voice icons Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche to talk about what makes Pinky and the Brain so endearing and which animated characters they think could 'take over the world'.
In 13 MINUTES, writer/director Lindsay Gossling uses an oncoming and devastating tornado to tell deeply personal stories of the residents in its path. In this 1on1, we speak to Gossling and producer (and real-life storm chaser) Travis Farncombe about navigating the storms of life, rebuilding life after tragedy and the terrifying beauty of nature.
For over 40 years, Michael Myers has been an iconic figure in the horror genre. Now, with HALLOWEEN KILLS, the man in the mask returns with revenge on his mind as he wreaks havoc on the small town of Haddonfield once again. This week, we catch up with horror fans Allen Chabot and Catherine Erskine as we discuss what we want from horror, the true nature of evil and the power of fear.
In SNAKEHEAD, Dai Mah (Jade Wu) is a woman who rules the criminal underworld with an iron fist. Yet, although she's ruthless and cunning, she still cares deeply for her family and those under her care. In this 1on1, we speak to Jade Wu about the rules of survival, the potential fallacy of the American Dream and the difference between fear and respect.
With its premiere at the Animation is Film Festival last weekend, the animated feature POUPELLE OF CHIMNEY TOWN has already struck a chord with audiences. CHIMNEY TOWN tells the story of Lubicchi (Antonio Raul Corbo), a young boy who befriends a man made of garbage that emerges from the mist. Despite the oppressive voices who attempt to keep him silent, Lubicchi dreams about seeing the stars that lie above the smoke-covered skies. In this 1on1, we speak to stars Antonio Raul Corbo and Misty Lee about rediscovering wonder, what motivates their characters and what it means to 'look up'
In his new documentary DEAR FUTURE CHILDREN, director Franz Bohm follows three young justice warriors as they attempt to see their world change regarding issues such as social inequality, climate change and democracy. In this 1on1, we speak to Bohm about the traumas he experienced while filming, what justice looks like for this generation and what the past can learn from the present.
Within the world of faith-based television, few names are as famous (and infamous) as that of Jim and Tammy Fay Bakker. After developing the largest faith-based network in the world, Jim Bakker’s improprieties and scandals brought their legacy crumbling down in shame. Now, in the new biopic THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, Jessica Chastain takes on the role of Tammy Faye in an effort to retell the story from her perspective while also showcasing the toxic systems that bubbled under the surface. This week, we bring together author Colin McCartney, friend to the show Ben Dower and ScreenFish’r Shelley McVea to discuss Tammy Faye’s eyes, faith vs the Church and experiencing love in a shame-based world.
After five films, time is up on the Daniel Craig era as James Bond with NO TIME TO DIE. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this entry sees Bond called back into action when secrets from the past come back to haunt him. This week, we welcome an all-star team of Bond villains as OriginalCin’s Thom Ernest, The Mind Reel’s Tim Rideout and In The Seats’ Dave Voigt commiserate to discuss whether Bond still matters and what we want in a hero.
Written and directed by Fran Kranz, MASS tells the story of four parents who meet to deal with their grief and anger in the aftermath of a school shooting. Starring Ann Dowd, Martha Plimpton, Jason Isaacs and Reed Birney, MASS is an in-depth examination of what it means to deal with our suffering and what steps it takes to move forward. In this 1on1, we speak to Kranz and Dowd about the ambiguity of ‘why’ and honouring the victims without demonizing the villain.
In SHANG CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, Sean (Simu Liu) is enjoying his life of simplicity in San Francisco. However, when a group of hired assassins attempt to attack him and his friend Katy (Awkwafina), Sean must re-enter a world that he has left behind in an attempt to stop an old foe from destroying the world. This week, Jason Thai and Daniel Collins drop by to talk about celebrating culture, breaking free from our parents’ legacy, and owning who we are.
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them. In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore).
In our sixth episode, we take a look at how the the teen film genre has changed, mental health and dealing with reality.
This week: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) v. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Written and directed by Danis Goulet, NIGHT RAIDERS takes place in the year 2043 at a time when military occupation has made all children the property of the state. After her daughter is taken from her, Niska (Elle-Maija Tailfeathers) joins an underground group of vigilantes with the intent of breaking into a State children’s facility and get her back. In this 1on1, we speak to Goulet and Tailfeathers about the power of children, hope and Indigenous Science Fiction.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, DEAR EVAN HANSEN tells the story of a young man who write letters to himself in order to provide a way of dealing with his mental health issues. However, when one of his letters is mistaken for the last words of another teen who takes his own life, Evan finds himself trapped in a lie that deceives the youth’s family and his friends. In our Season 8 Premiere, the Movies You Missed crew convene to dig into EVAN HANSEN’s moral compass, the film’s depiction of mental health and who they believe the true villain of the film may be.
Set against the waters of the North Atlantic, Last of the Right Whales shines a light on the rapidly decreasing numbers of the Right Whales. As their migration routes alter from the coast of Florida to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the film looks to the safety issues that the Right Whale faces on a daily basis and what our role may be in helping rebuild the population. In this 1on1, we speak to Pequeneza about the challenges about getting such incredible footage, the response that she's gotten from the fishing community and how these encounters have changed her.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, DEAR EVAN HANSEN tells the story of a young man who write letters to himself in order to provide a way of dealing with his mental health issues. However, when one of his letters is mistaken for the last words of another teen who takes his own life, Evan finds himself trapped in a lie that deceives the youth’s family and his friends. In this 1on1, we speak to Chbosky about the power of mental health issues, why he believed Ben Platt was the only person for the role, and why he believes loneliness is on the rise.
We're back!
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them. In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore).
In our fourth episode, we take a look at drama films and talk about dealing with sensitive issues onscreen and the definition of drama.
This week: The Truman Show (1998) v. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Directed by Ted Melfi, THE STARLING tells the story of one couple's journey through the valley of grief after the loss of their child. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd and Kevin Kline, the film grapples with what it means to deal with loss yet also contains McCarthy's trademark humour and heart. In this 1on1, we speak to Melfi about what it means to sit in the grey and why the Starling itself is such a powerful metaphor.
The Broadway smash musical COME FROM AWAY tells the amazing true story of the Americans left stranded in Gander, Newfoundland after the events surrounding 9/11. Now, the iconic story comes to the small screen on Apple TV+, making the live experience accessible at home. In this 1on1, we participate in two special roundtable conversations with cast members Joel Hatch, Q. Smith, Paul Whitty, Sharon Wheatley, Caesar Samayoa and Astrid Van Wieren about meeting the inspiration for their characters and whether or not the story resonates differently with them today.
Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the Broadway smash COME FROM AWAY tells the amazing true story of the Americans left stranded in Gander, Newfoundland after the events surrounding 9/11. Now, directed by Chris Ashley, the iconic story comes to the small screen on Apple TV+, making the live experience accessible at home. In this 1on1, we participate in a special roundtable conversation with Ashely, Sankoff and Hein about telling an American story from a Canadian perspective and bringing the stage to life onscreen.
Written and directed by David Gere, BURIAL GROUND MASSACRE follows the Larsens, a family who currently owns Liberty Manor with only a cursory knowledge of its tortured past. In this 1on1, Jason Thai speaks to David Gere and star Chelsea Vale about working with Michael Madson and what inspired Vale about her character.
Directed by Justin Lerner, CADEJO BLANCO tells the story of one young woman's search for her sister amidst the gang world of Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. Risking her life to join the 'clicka', she becomes involved with her sister's ex and fights to get closer to the truth about her disappearance. In this 1on1, we speak to stars Karen Martinez, Brandon Lopez and director Justin Lerner about working with those actually involved in clickas and what they believe hope looks like in this world.
In director Justine Bateman's feature debut VIOLET, Olivia Munn plays A Los Angeles–based film executive, Violet (Olivia Munn) is a woman has worked for years in order to establish herself in a male-dominated world, often at the expense of her dignity and taste. In this 1on1, Julie Levac speaks to Bateman about playing with vocal overlay, developing characters with Olivia Munn and the opportunity to be yourself in your own skin.
Written and directed by Augustina San Martin, TO KILL THE BEAST tells the story of Emilia (Tamara Roca), a young woman who arrives in a religious town on the border between Argentina and Brazil. She is looking for her long-lost brother, with whom she has obscure, unfinished business. She stays in the jungle at her weird aunt Inés's (Ana Brun) hostel where, according to rumors, a dangerous beast appeared a week ago. In this 1on1, we speak to San Martin about the film's gothic horror elements, the nature of the beast and what it means to be free.
In Stephen Wallis' new film DEFINING MOMENTS, the writer/director tackles multiple narratives that intersect. Starring such iconic actors as Eric Peterson (CORNER GAS) as an aging doctor struggling with the early stages of dementia, Graham Greene and the iconic Burt Reynolds, the film focuses on the important moments that make us who we are. In this 1on1, we speak with Wallis and Peterson about the moments that have defined their lives and working with Reynolds in his final role.
Best known for his sci-fi epics DISTRICT 9 and ELYSIUM, writer/director Neill Blomkamp returns with his new horror film, DEMONIC. In this 1on1, we speak to Blomkamp about the relationship between sci-fi and horror, what inspired his look at the paranormal and his use of volumetric capture.
After nine seasons, Spin Master's beloved series PAW PATROL finally makes the jump to the big screen in PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE! In this 1on1, SF'er Heather Johnson speaks to producer Jennifer Dodge about transitioning from series to film and taking things away from the familiar.
Directed by Sian Heder, CODA tells the story of Ruby, a young woman who is the only hearing person in her Deaf family. As high school is winding down, Ruby begins looking towards her future and must choose between helping her family's fishing business and pursuing her own dreams of a music career. In this special roundtable, we speak to Heder about what it means to tell authentic stories.
In CODA, Emilia Jones plays Ruby, a young woman who is the only hearing person in her Deaf family. As high school is winding down, Ruby begins looking towards her future and must choose between helping her family's fishing business and pursuing her own dreams of a music career. In this special roundtable, we speak to Jones about her preparation for the role and how her experience with Deaf Culture has changed her.
Written and directed by Edson Oda, NINE DAYS is set in the space immediately before birth. As an arbiter for new souls, it is Will’s (Winston Duke) job to decide who gets the opportunity to live. After his world is shaken by the death of one of his clients, he must then select a new applicant and send them on their way. While many of them may be adequate, it’s Emma (Zazie Beetz) who Will finds most intriguing, but he isn’t sure that she’s the right one for the journey. In this 1on1, we speak to Oda about what makes humanity so unique and balancing the tough questions.
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them. In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore).
In our third episode, we take a look at science fiction films and talk about imagining what the future holds and unplugging ourselves from the grid.
This week: Independence Day (1996) v. Ready Player One (2018)
Marvel Studio’s latest masterpiece, BLACK WIDOW, is a phenomenal solo movie about Natasha Romanoff, “a total poser”, aka Black Widow, as she confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy, and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. This month, Daniel is joined by Cat, Riley, and Jacob to discuss sexism, family, human trafficking, and some great acting!
With the release of Marvel’s BLACK WIDOW, one of the original Avengers finally gets to tell her own story. On the run from the military, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is suddenly drawn back into her old life in order to wrestle with the darkness of her past. This week, the Marvel-ous team of Heather Johnson, Miriam Ibrahim and Dina Hamdieh reassemble to talk about the importance of female superhero stories, the toxicity of abuse and the relevance of hair.
Written and directed by Tracey Deer, BEANS tells the story of a young Mohawk girl as she navigates the racial injustice of the Oka Crisis in 1990. Unprepared for the hatred that she experiences, Beans must re-examine who she is and transform herself into her own kind of warrior. In this 1on1, we speak to Deer about bringing an alternative voice to the history books and the tension between peaceful protest and standing up against injustice.
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them. In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore).
In our third episode, we take a look at comedy and talk about what makes us laugh and whether or not anything is funny anymore.
This week: Encino Man (1992) v. This is the End (2013)
Set against the Italian Riviera, Pixar's LUCA tells the story of a young merman as he steps into the surface world for the first time. With his friend Alberto, young Luca experiences a whole new world of adventure, pasta and endless Vespa rides. However, when the world discovers that sea monsters exist, so to does the pressure for the boys to remain hidden, out of fear for their lives. This week, ScreenFish'rs Heather Johnson and Alan Sharrer return to talk about Disney's tendency to play it safe and the relationship between fear and knowledge.
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them. In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore). In Ep2, we delve into the horror genre and discuss the importance of the genre, dealing with outdated cultural stereotypes and what films have scared us the most.
This week: The Conjuring (2013) v. Gremlins (1984)
Starring Greg Finley, Downeast follows Tommy, an East Coast fisherman caught up Maine’s seedy underworld. When his former flame returns to ask questions about the death of her brother, Tommy is faced with the choice between being honest with the woman he loves and facing the wrath of the terrifying Kerrigan. In this 1on1, we speak to Finley about ‘the Code’, the most powerful character in the film and the appeal of unsatisfying endings.
In PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY, director Will Gluck takes us beyond Mr. Macgregor's Farm and into the big city. As Bea's stories about Peter become increasingly popular, the beloved rabbit must wrestle with whether or not he's the 'bad seed' that people say he is or the hero he wants to be. In this 1on1, we chat with Gluck about the challenges of adapting an iconic franchise, working with CGI and whether or not he has plans for future entries.
Who would've thought that Jesus would be the biggest movie star on the planet? With countless depictions spanning the last 130+ years, Jesus is easily the character who has been represented the most onscreen over the course of film history. With his new book, JESUS CHRIST, MOVIE STAR, author Phil Hall takes an in-depth look at the fascination with Jesus at the movies and its wildly different interpretations. In this 1on1, we speak to Hall about why Hollywood has been so fascinated by the man, why the depictions differ so vastly and the relationship between the church and the cinema.
There's always a reason why we connect with the films that we enjoy. When we do, it's always fun to share those stories with those who haven't seen them.
In 'Movies You Missed', two generations collide to offer movies that mattered to us. Matching over 40s 'against' under 25s, we hold up films of different genres from our youth, hold them up against one another and talk about why they're worth sharing (or why they're not anymore).
Week 1: Action Movies!
Produced by Alex Greer and directed by Joe Saunders, THE PENNY BLACK is a documentary that sounds like it was written by the best of mystery writers. When Will is handed a mysterious package from his neighbour and asked to watch it, he never imagined that it would contain a million-dollar stamp collection. As Will searches for the truth about the package, so too does the film question whether or not he's as innocent as they once thought. In this 1on1, we speak to Greer and Saunders about what we value, what they were thinking throughout the process and what they think they would've done in the same situation.
The recent Netflix release, THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW is a roller coaster of a film about murder, anxiety, questioning yourself, neighbours and...well... a woman in the window. Agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox (Amy Adams) witnesses something she shouldn't while keeping tabs on her neighbours, the Russell family, the seemingly picture perfect clan that lives across the way.This month, Daniel is joined by Jacob to talk about mental illness and Hollywood's portrayal of it, substance use, and sketchy neighbours.
With his first foray into the world of directing, Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson takes us back to Harlem in the summer of 1969 and the best music festival you've likely never heard of. For six weeks, bands like Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone and many more were highlighted in the Harlem Cultural Festival... but no one seems to remember it. In this special press conference with Questlove, he speaks about that it means to rewrite the history books and the most emotional parts of the film for him.
Directed by DW Thomas, TOO LATE follows Violet Fields (Alyssa Limperis), an ambitious young producer in the independent comedy scene of Los Angeles. Though she aspires to create her own content, Violet pays the bills by working for legendary comedian Bob Devore (Ron Lynch) on his live variety show, Too Late. Though beloved by his audience, Devore becomes an absolute monster when the show is over (both literally and figuratively). In this 1on1, we speak to Thomas about the toxic world of stand-up comedy and the complex nature of her characters.
Directed by Brent Hodge, THE HOLY GAME shines a light on the most unlikely soccer tournament in the world. Within the walls of the Vatican, as a group of priests from around the world vie for sports glory, so too must they navigate their reasons for joining the priesthood and the pressures (and controversies) that follow. In this 1on1, we speak to Hodge about what he thinks about the nature of calling and the humanity of the clergy.
Though most know him best as the creator his mega-hit HAMILTON, Lin-Manuel Miranda got his start with IN THE HEIGHTS. Set in the Washington Heights community in New York, HEIGHTS tells the story of Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a young man who has big dreams of leaving his home and returning to his birth country. When a blackout knocks out the power for days, Usnavi and his friends must navigate life, love and moving forward.
This week, The Dream Team returns! After a long hiatus, Jolie Featurstone (@TOFilmFiles) and Julie Levac reunite to talk about what it means to leave a legacy, celebrating community and the tension between the way out and the way back.
Directed by Patrick White, QUEEN OF SPADES is a horror film that tells the story of a group of teens who inadvertently unleash an ancient evil upon themselves. In this 1on1, we speak to White about the origins of the legend, how our monsters reflect our deepest fears and what scares him the most.
When the heat of the flames tries to overtake you, what will you do? In THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD, Angelina Jolie plays Hannah, a burnt-out flame jumper who is struggling to deal with the traumatic events of her past. When she meets young Connor, she finds herself forced into the fire again as she attempts to help him get to safety. This week, Dope Black Movies' Victor Stiff and filmmaker Ryan Kayet drop by to talk about Taylor Sheridan’s unique style and what it means to find beauty in the fire.
In CRUELLA, Emma Stone brings the backstory of one of Disney’s most famous villains to life. Well before there were 101 Dalmatians, Cruella De Vil was an aspiring fashion designer. However, when she matches wits against the (even more) evil designer, The Baronness (Emma Thompson), Cruella and her friends Jasper and Horace must scheme to bring down London’s queen bee. This week, Allen Chabot, Mira Ibrahim and TeenFish’ Daniel Collins return to talk about having sympathy for our villains and walking the line between redemption and revenge.
Set in a small town, SPIRIT: UNTAMED tells the story of Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced), a young girl who connects with a wild horse named Spirit who shares her adventurous heart. However, when a wrangler attempts to round up all the local horses for profit, Lucky and her friends must team up to help free Spirit and his herd. In this 1on1, Steve speaks to the film's lead trio of Merced, Marsai Martin and Mckenna Grace about finding your true self, what they look for in their circle of friends and what it means to be fearless.
With the release of SPIRIT: UNTAMED, director Elaine Bogan tells a story of empowerment and fearlessness for the whole family. Set in a small town, young Lucky Prescott connects with a wild horse named Spirit, who shares her adventurous heart. However, when a wrangler attempts to round up all the local horses for profit, Lucky and her friends must team up to help free Spirit and his herd. In this 1on1, Steve speaks to Elaine about the unique relationship between humans and horses and what excited her most about the film.
With the release of THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, Marvel finally begins to grapple with one of the most pertinent questions after AVENGERS: ENDGAME: Who will take on the shield of Captain America? However, at the same time, the latest series on Disney+ also tries to delve into the much larger issues of American history and racial inequity. This week, Seun Olowo-Ake and Heather Johnson return to tackle questions regarding murky morality, the importance of new perspectives and the battle for the American soul.
In Netflix's BLUE MIRACLE, Dennis Quaid plays Wade Malloy, a burnt out fisherman who is obsessed with winning the famed Bisbee's Black & Blue fishing tournament in Mexico. However, when Malloy is forced to team up with a local orphanage, he and his young teammates will be changed forever by the experience. In this 1on1, we speak to Quaid about his love of sports films, humility and finding hope in inspirational stories.
Directed by Alex Noyer, SOUND OF VIOLENCE tells the story of Alexis, a young woman who regains her hearing after witnessing the brutal murder of her family when she was only 10 years old. This experience awakens synesthetic abilities within her and sets her on a journey of self-discovery through the healing tones of brutal violence. In this 1on1, we speak to Noyer about what was important for him to achieve with the sound design, whether or not he judges Alexis for her actions and what it means to live on through our music.
In THE RETREAT, Renee and Valerie are a couple at a crossroads in their relationship so they decide to leave the city for a weekend of fun and romance at a secluded getaway. However, when they arrive there they discover something far more sinister as a group of extremists attempting to eliminate them. In this 1on1, we speak to star Aaron Ashmore about playing the bad guy, the social importance of the horror genre, and which character from his career he'd like to revisit.
Netflix’s new psychological thriller, RUN is a film about ailments, obsession, control, and the “love” of a “mother”. Chloe (Kiera Allen) was raised by her mother Diane (Sarah Paulson); forbidden from seeing the mail and is kept in isolation. Her mother has totally controlled her since she was born, but now as a teenager Chloe is starting to explore her mother's dark secrets.This month, Daniel is joined by Riley and Jacob to talk about struggling with health issues, freedom, independence, and the differences between love and obsession.
In Roadside Attractions' FINDING YOU, Rose Reid plays Finlay Sinclair, a young woman who spends a semester abroad in Ireland. When she meets actor Beckett Rush (Jedediah Goodacre), the two spark a romance and she learns more about herself along the way. In this 1on1, we speak to Reid about the allure of Irish charm and what she learned about herself during the film.
In the new documentary SPIDERMABLE, director Kelly Wolfert follows Mable Tooke, a young cancer patient who's 'wish day' in Edmonton capture the heart of the entire world. In this 1on1, we speak to Wolfert about what makes Mable so special, the meaning of 'symbolic immortality' and how he defines a hero.
In the new documentary IT IS NOT OVER YET, director Louise Detlefson gets personal with her coverage of Dagmarsminde, a small long term care facility in Denmark that offers dignity and care to the elderly and those suffering from dementia. In this 1on1, we speak to Detlefson and health practitioner May Bjerre Eiby about helping patients with a peaceful transition and the power of touch.
In the new documentary LADY BUDS, director Chris J. Russo covers a unique point in history as she follows a group of female growers after California's legalization of marijuana. In this 1on1, we speak to Russo, legacy grower Chiah Rodrigues and marijuana advocate Sue Taylor about breaking the stigma of the cannibis industry and the oncoming threat of big business.
In the new documentary CANNON ARM AND THE ARCADE QUEST, director Mads Hedegaard tells the story of Kim the Cannon Arm and his quest to break the world record at the classic arcade game, Gyruss. In this 1on1, we speak to Hedegaard about the sense of community around gaming, the nature of heroes and what it means to leave a legacy behind.
Starring Aiden Turner, the new series LEONARDO is a compelling look Leonardo DaVinci showing the drama behind his art, and exploring a tantalizing mystery left unexplained by biographers – the nature of his relationship with the model Caterina da Cremona. In this 1on1, Shelley McVea speaks to Turner about bringing history to life and the importance of portraying DaVinci's sexuality.
Roll out the [digital] red carpet and strike up the [Zoom] speeches! Believe it or not, It’s Oscar season and time to crown the Best Films of the pandemic year. As efforts such as NOMADLAND, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH and SOUND OF METAL all duke it out to claim the top prizes, Seeing and Believing’s Kevin McLenithan drops by to talk about some of the potentially important smaller awards and mistakes that the Academy may reward come this weekend. What’s more, we also take a deep dive into Florian Zeller’s nominated film THE FATHER and discuss the fragile nature of safety and the relationship between humility and perspective.
Nominated for Best Animated film at the Oscars this year, WOLFWALKERS is a stunning tale of two young girls who attempt to bring peace between the beasts of the forest and the monsters of the city. In this 1on1, we speak to director Tomm Moore about the joys of hand-drawn animation, the divisiveness of false faith and why we’re so afraid of the wild.
Set in 1972, THE MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY tells the incredible true story of a group of young women who voluntarily participate in a 98-day isolation experiment to determine the effects of marijuana on females. In this 1on1, we speak to actress Tymika Tafari about how she connected with her character in the film and the over-arching theme of fear.
In his latest film THE COURIER, director Dominic Cooke tells the amazing true story of Greville Wynne, a British business man who is called by MI6 to transport secret documents from the former Soviet Union. Partnering with potential defector Oleg Penkovsky, the two men work to deliver information that could potentially defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this 1on1, we speak to Cooke about the unique relationship between Wynne and Penkovsky and why the story resonates so loudly today.
A WEEK AWAY tells the story of Will Hawkins, a troubled teen who takes a leap of faith when he attending summer camp where he finds love, friends and a place to belong. In this 1on1, we speak to writer/producer Alan Powell, music producer Adam Watts, producer/star Bailee Madison and star Kevin Quinn as we chat about the film's timeless quality, the process of producing the film together and the legacy of 90s faith-based music.
Welcome to tonight’s main event! After many delays and teases, GODZILLA VS. KONG finally pits these massive titans against one another in an epic onscreen battle of monster mayhem. For most of a century, these characters have lived on as cultural icons that are simply too big to ignore. But why do these particular creatures hold such a special place in our hearts? This week, Dave Voigt (host of In The Seats With…) and monster maven Ben Dower drop by to chat about what defines these cultural icons and how they’ve changed over the year.