1st on Film

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chris Lavis to discuss his haunting stop-motion short The Girl Who Cried Pearls.Created alongside longtime collaborator Maciek Szczerbowski, the film tells a dark fairytale set in early-20th-century Montreal about a poor boy who discovers a mysterious girl whose tears transform into priceless pearls. As greed, love, and morality collide, the story becomes a powerful fable about the cost of ambition and the value of empathy.We talk with Lavis about the painstaking craft of stop-motion animation, the years-long journey to bring the film to life, and the inspiration behind its gothic visual style. He also reflects on the film’s festival run — including winning Best Canadian Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival — and what it means to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.Chris Lavis is a Canadian filmmaker and animator known for his distinctive stop-motion storytelling and richly atmospheric visual style. Based in Montreal, Lavis frequently collaborates with animator and director Maciek Szczerbowski, forming one of Canada’s most celebrated animation duos.Their breakthrough film, Madame Tutli-Putli, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film and helped establish their reputation for blending surreal imagery with emotionally resonant storytelling.Lavis later co-directed the stop-motion short The Girl Who Cried Pearls, produced by the National Film Board of Canada. The 17-minute film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, won multiple festival awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.Across his work, Lavis is known for meticulous handcrafted animation, haunting visual worlds, and stories that explore human emotion, morality, and myth through the language of animation.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with the English voice cast behind the critically acclaimed anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.Joining us are Mallorie Rodak (Frieren), Jill Harris (Fern), and Jordan Dash Cruz (Stark). The trio discusses bringing the beloved characters to life in the English dub, the emotional depth of the series, and why Frieren’s story has resonated with audiences around the world.We dive into the themes of time, memory, and friendship that make the series unique, along with behind-the-scenes insights into the voice acting process, recording sessions, and what it’s like joining one of the most celebrated modern fantasy anime.Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or discovering Frieren for the first time, this conversation offers a closer look at the voices behind the journey.Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a fantasy anime based on the manga by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe.The story begins after the legendary hero party defeats the Demon King and restores peace to the world. While the humans move on with their lives, the elven mage Frieren—who lives far longer than her companions—begins to confront the fleeting nature of human life. After the death of one of her closest friends, Frieren embarks on a new journey, taking on an apprentice and traveling across the land in search of understanding, meaning, and connection.Blending fantasy adventure with reflective storytelling, the series explores themes of memory, friendship, and what it means to truly value the time we have with others. Mallorie Rodak – Voice of FrierenMallorie Rodak is an American voice actor known for her work in anime, video games, commercials, and film. She voices the titular elven mage Frieren in the English dub of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Rodak has appeared in numerous animated series and games, and her performance as Frieren earned recognition from anime audiences worldwide. She holds a master’s degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University and has worked extensively across voiceover, television, and advertising. Jill Harris – Voice of FernJill Harris is an American voice actress who has been active in anime dubbing since 2015. She voices Fern, Frieren’s disciplined and talented apprentice. Harris is widely known for roles such as Noelle Silva in Black Clover, Nino Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets, and Suletta Mercury in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Her performances have made her one of the most recognizable voices in modern English-language anime dubbing. Jordan Dash Cruz – Voice of StarkJordan Dash Cruz is a voice actor known for his work in English-language anime dubs. In Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, he plays Stark, a warrior who joins Frieren and Fern on their journey. Stark brings both humor and heart to the series as he grows into a brave fighter while navigating the emotional weight of the story’s world and characters.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Renée Marie Petropoulos and actor Emily Grant to discuss their haunting new short film Souvenir, which premieres at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.Set during the summer of 2008, the film follows Keira, a closeted teenage girl vacationing at a tropical resort with her family and her girlfriend Zoe. As the two try to keep their relationship hidden, they steal moments of privacy together. But when Keira discovers that Zoe has secretly taken photos of her during an intimate encounter, the moment sparks confusion and unease.What begins as a quiet summer romance evolves into a tense exploration of power, vulnerability, and the complicated emotional dynamics that can emerge within young relationships. Through restrained storytelling and emotionally layered performances, Souvenir examines desire, secrecy, and the painful process of recognizing unhealthy dynamics. Renée Marie PetropoulosRenée Marie Petropoulos is an award-winning filmmaker from Sydney, Australia whose work often explores complex emotional relationships and female-driven stories. She earned her MFA in directing from Columbia University, where her thesis short Tangles and Knots premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival’s Generation 14Plus program and went on to screen at festivals including SXSW and Palm Springs International ShortFest.Her films have received international acclaim and multiple awards, including recognition at the Denver Film Festival and Flickerfest. Petropoulos’ storytelling frequently examines themes of identity, intimacy, and power within personal relationships.Emily GrantEmily Grant is an actor known for her work in independent film and emerging festival projects. In Souvenir, she plays Zoe, a character whose relationship with her girlfriend becomes increasingly complicated as hidden tensions and power dynamics begin to surface.Grant’s performance brings subtle intensity and ambiguity to the role, helping shape the film’s uneasy emotional tone. Her work in Souvenir highlights her ability to navigate layered characters and intimate storytelling within independent cinema.

In this special SXSW episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Brian Tetsuro Ivie and actor Takehiro Hira to discuss their new science-fiction road film Anima, which made its world premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.The film follows an unlikely pair on a cross-country journey toward a controversial technology that can preserve human consciousness. In our conversation, Ivie talks about making the leap from acclaimed documentaries to narrative filmmaking, crafting a story that blends sci-fi with emotional drama, and exploring the philosophical question at the heart of the film: if we could upload our minds, should we? Hira also shares insight into building his character, the film’s themes of memory and mortality, and what drew him to this deeply human genre story.Anima stars Sydney Chandler and Hira alongside Lili Taylor, Marin Ireland, Maria Dizzia, and Tom McCarthy. Brian Tetsuro Ivie is a Japanese-American filmmaker and producer known for his work across documentary and narrative cinema. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Ivie first gained recognition for directing the documentary The Drop Box (2015) and the investigative documentary Emanuel (2019). In addition to directing, Ivie has produced and executive-produced a number of independent films, including Wildcat, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. Anima marks Ivie’s narrative feature debut as a writer-director, bringing his documentary background into a genre-blending story that examines identity, memory, and the future of human consciousness.Takehiro Hira is an internationally recognized Japanese actor known for his work in film and television across both Japan and Hollywood. He gained global recognition for his role in the historical drama series Shōgun and has appeared in major productions including Gran Turismo and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.In Anima, Hira plays Paul, a solitary man embarking on a final journey to preserve his consciousness through experimental technology. His performance anchors the film’s emotional core, bringing depth to a story that grapples with aging, legacy, and what it means to live on through memory.

In this episode, we sit down with voice actors Adam McArthur and Kayleigh McKee from the hit anime Jujutsu Kaisen.They discuss bringing their characters to life, what it’s like working on one of the most popular anime series in the world, and the challenges and excitement of voice acting in high-intensity scenes. If you’re a fan of anime, voice acting, or the supernatural world of curses and sorcerers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Adam McArthurAdam McArthur is an American voice actor best known for his work in anime and animation. He is widely recognized as the English voice of Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen, the energetic and determined protagonist of the series. McArthur has also appeared in numerous animated projects and video games, earning a reputation for his dynamic performances and engaging fan interactions within the anime community.Kayleigh McKeeKayleigh McKee is a voice actor known for her performances in anime, video games, and animation. In Jujutsu Kaisen, she voices the powerful and confident sorcerer Yuki Tsukumo in the English dub. McKee has built a strong following thanks to her versatile voice work and her roles across several popular anime titles.Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Gege Akutami. The story follows high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes involved in the secret world of Jujutsu Sorcerers after encountering a powerful cursed object. After swallowing the finger of the legendary curse Ryomen Sukuna, Yuji gains supernatural abilities but becomes the host for one of the most dangerous curses in existence.The series blends intense action, supernatural horror, and emotional character storytelling as sorcerers battle deadly curses threatening humanity.In the latest season of Jujutsu Kaisen, the stakes rise as the world of jujutsu sorcerers becomes even more dangerous. New enemies emerge, powerful alliances are tested, and hidden truths about the sorcerer society begin to surface.As Yuji and his allies face increasingly powerful curses, they must push their abilities further than ever before. The season expands the series’ darker themes while delivering high-energy battles, deeper character development, and shocking twists that reshape the future of the jujutsu world.

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with rising actor Jeremy Ray Taylor to talk about his role in the coming-of-age film This Too Shall Pass. Jeremy discusses what drew him to the project, the themes of friendship and self-discovery at the heart of the story, and what it was like bringing his character to life alongside a talented ensemble cast.The conversation also explores Jeremy’s journey from breakout roles in major studio films to working on character-driven independent projects, and how This Too Shall Pass captures the complicated, exciting moments of growing up and finding your identity. It’s a candid look at the film, the craft of acting, and the experiences that shape both the characters on screen and the actors behind them.About Jeremy Ray TaylorJeremy Ray Taylor is an American actor best known for playing Ben Hanscom in the blockbuster horror film It and its sequel It Chapter Two. Born in Bluff City, Tennessee, Taylor began acting at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his natural screen presence and heartfelt performances. His credits also include Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween and the comedy Senior Year. In This Too Shall Pass, Taylor continues to expand his range with a role in a thoughtful coming-of-age story about friendship, rebellion, and growing up. About the FilmThis Too Shall Pass, directed by Rob Grant, is a coming-of-age drama that follows a sheltered 16-year-old who rebels against his strict upbringing by taking a spontaneous trip to Canada with his friends. What begins as a weekend of freedom quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery as the group navigates friendship, independence, and the uncertainty of growing up. The film blends humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments to capture the messy but meaningful transition into adulthood. 

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Eduardo Braun Costa to discuss his short film The Liars, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.The Argentine short follows two boys, Matías and Jaime, who suddenly find themselves navigating the confusing responsibilities of adulthood. When Jaime is detained by a mall security guard, Matías must quickly improvise and convince a stranger to pretend to be their father in order to get him released. What unfolds is a tense, quietly humorous moment that explores friendship, adolescence, and the fragile line between childhood and adulthood.Running 19 minutes and performed in Spanish, The Liars stars Noah Roja and Filippo Carrozza alongside Esteban Bigliardi, Mariana Chaud, and Pablo Fusco. The film’s performances were widely praised, earning Roja and Carrozza the Short Film Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance for their naturalistic portrayals that blur the line between fiction and reality.During our conversation, Braun Costa discusses the inspiration behind the story, working with young actors, and crafting an intimate coming-of-age moment within the short film format. We also talk about the experience of premiering the film at Sundance and what this recognition means for the film’s journey on the festival circuit.

On this episode, we chat with Maddy Myer about her brand new podcast titled Maddy Mania. We discuss fandom, wrestling, superheroes and so much more. Hosted by entertainment publicist and journalist Maddy Myer, MaddyMania is a pop culture podcast where Maddy goes all in on her nicheinterests. Each episode is part fan spiral, part insider chat, diving deepinto the fandoms and phenomena that make her lose her mind, fromWWE to Broadway, Comic books to Ariana Grande, Smallville to TeenWolf, K-pop to the MCU, Jurassic Park to basketball. Blending personalfandom, pop culture analysis, and interviews with people who get it just asmuch as she does, Maddy Mania is chaotic, funny, and heartfelt. Shebelieves pop culture isn’t a hobby, it’s its own language. If you’ve evercared too much about something… welcome to the mania.Where obsession is an art form.

On this episode, we sit down with Oscar-nominated directors Alexandre and Natalie to discuss their provocative and intimate short film Two People Exchanging Saliva.In our conversation, they break down the inspiration behind the film, the creative risks they embraced, and how a deceptively simple premise becomes a layered exploration of vulnerability, connection, and human intimacy. We also talk about navigating the festival circuit, the road to the Academy Awards, and what it means to have such a bold short resonate on a global stage.It’s an honest, thoughtful deep dive into a film that challenges audiences while asking a universal question: what does it really mean to connect?Two People Exchanging Saliva is an Oscar-nominated short film directed by Alexandre and Natalie that transforms a raw, intimate act into a powerful meditation on human connection. Through restrained storytelling and striking visual language, the film explores vulnerability, boundaries, and the emotional weight of physical closeness.Minimal in concept yet expansive in meaning, the short lingers long after its final frame.

In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Trow to talk about her powerful upcoming short film Eructation, premiering at SXSW.Victoria opens up about the creative process behind the film, the themes that inspired the story, and how Eructation explores identity, discomfort, and emotional release through bold storytelling. We also dive into her journey as a filmmaker, the challenges of bringing such an intimate project to life, and what the SXSW premiere means for her career moving forward.An honest, thoughtful conversation with a rising voice in independent film.Eructation is a striking short film that uses symbolism and emotional tension to explore internal pressure, suppressed identity, and the human need for release. Through visually intimate storytelling and atmospheric tone, the film examines how unspoken emotions can build inside a person—until they demand to be expressed.Raw, unsettling, and deeply human, Eructation challenges audiences to confront discomfort, vulnerability, and the quiet battles people fight within themselves. Premiering at SXSW, the film marks a bold and distinctive new voice in contemporary short-form cinema.

In this episode, we sit down with Meyer Levinson-Blount, the visionary filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated short film Butcher’s Stain.Meyer takes us inside the creative process behind the film, from its haunting themes and visual language to the emotional weight driving its story. We explore what inspired the project, the challenges of crafting a powerful short film, and what the Oscar nomination means for his career and future as a storyteller.This is a deep, honest conversation about filmmaking, identity, and using cinema as a tool for impact — a must-listen for film lovers and aspiring creators alike.Butcher’s Stain is a haunting and emotionally charged short film that explores the psychological and moral weight of violence, memory, and identity. Through striking imagery and intimate storytelling, the film follows a character haunted by past actions and the lasting imprint they leave behind — not just on the body, but on the soul.Blending realism with symbolic visual storytelling, Butcher’s Stain confronts the viewer with difficult questions about guilt, humanity, and the invisible scars people carry. Its powerful atmosphere and quiet intensity transform a personal story into a universal reflection on consequence and conscience, making it a deeply resonant and unforgettable cinematic experience.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Praise Odigie Paige, the visionary director behind the Sundance short film Birdie, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.Praise opens up about the inspiration behind Birdie, the emotional themes that shaped the story, and her creative process as a filmmaker telling intimate, character-driven narratives. We talk about representation, vulnerability, identity, and what it means to create art that resonates deeply with audiences.This conversation is an honest, inspiring look into the mind of one of the most exciting emerging voices in independent cinema.A must-listen for filmmakers, film lovers, and anyone passionate about powerful storytelling.Praise Odigie Paige is a rising filmmaker and storyteller whose work centers on emotional truth, identity, and the complexity of human relationships. Known for her intimate, visually poetic style, Paige crafts narratives that explore vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery through deeply personal perspectives.Praise’s creative vision is grounded in representation and emotional honesty. She focuses on stories that are often overlooked — quiet moments, internal struggles, and the personal journeys that shape identity. Her work avoids spectacle in favor of meaning, using atmosphere, performance, and visual language to tell stories that feel intimate, raw, and real.As an emerging director, writer, and creative voice, Praise Odigie Paige represents a new generation of filmmakers redefining independent film — prioritizing emotional depth, lived experience, and storytelling that centers the inner lives of her characters.Birdie is a poignant, emotionally driven short film that explores identity, vulnerability, and the quiet struggles of self-acceptance. Through intimate storytelling and delicate visual language, the film follows a character navigating internal conflict, emotional isolation, and the search for belonging.Rather than relying on dialogue-heavy exposition, Birdie communicates through atmosphere, performance, and visual symbolism, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience. The film captures the fragility of growth and the courage it takes to confront one’s inner truth.Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Birdie stands out as a powerful piece of independent cinema — a quiet yet impactful story that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Meagan Coyle to discuss her striking short film Prime, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.Prime is a powerful, intimate short that explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and human connection through a deeply personal lens. The film follows a pivotal moment in a young woman’s life as she navigates emotional tension, self-discovery, and the quiet complexities of growing into herself. Told with restraint, honesty, and emotional precision, Prime captures the beauty and discomfort of transformation, making it a resonant and unforgettable viewing experience.In our conversation, Meagan shares the inspiration behind the story, her creative process, the challenges of bringing Prime to life, and what it meant to premiere the film on one of the world’s most important stages for independent cinema. We also dive into her journey as a filmmaker, navigating the festival circuit, and finding your voice in today’s film industry.If you love discovering new filmmakers, behind-the-scenes stories, and the creative journeys behind breakout films, this episode is for you. 🎬

In this episode, we sit down with Megan and Marcus Bagala for an inspiring conversation about building careers in music and entertainment. From their creative beginnings to navigating the industry, they share honest insights about passion, persistence, and what it really takes to turn talent into a career. Marcus and Megan deep dive into some of their projects including kids podcast programming, DC High vol Batman and discuss some new upcoming projects We talk about: • How they got started in music 🎶 • Breaking into the entertainment industry • Balancing creativity with business • Challenges, growth, and staying motivated • work/life balance as new parents Whether you’re an aspiring musician, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this interview offers real-world perspective and motivation from two artists actively shaping their paths in entertainment.

In this special episode, we sit down with cinematographer Ruairí O’Brien to explore the visual storytelling behind Eternity — A24’s imaginative 2025 fantasy romantic comedy that asks what it really means to choose where and with whom you’d spend forever.Directed by David Freyne and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, Eternity follows a recently deceased woman navigating a whimsical afterlife decision: whether to remain with the devoted husband she loved for decades or reunite with her charismatic first love who’s been waiting for her for over 60 years. Ruairí takes us behind the scenes to discuss crafting the film’s distinctive visual worlds — from the bright, nostalgic afterlife landscapes to the emotional interplay of color, light, and camera movement that shapes the story’s emotional core. We dig into his approach to collaboration with director, production design, and color grading, and how his choices help make a fantastical, heartfelt story feel grounded and resonant for audiences. Whether you’re a fan of cinematography, world-building in film, or just love a great love story, this episode reveals how Eternity came alive through the lens.

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

On this episode, we sit down with director Angel Manuel Soto to talk about his upcoming Amazon action-comedy The Wrecking Crew. Soto shares what his favorite scenes from the film were to bring to life, how the project challenged him and helped him grow as a director, and what he ultimately hopes audiences take away from the experience.About the Film:The Wrecking Crew is a high-energy action-comedy centered on two unlikely partners thrown together on a dangerous case that quickly escalates into chaos. With explosive set pieces and a strong buddy-movie dynamic, the film aims to deliver both big laughs and big action.

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

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.In this episode, we’re joined by Gizelle, Bauer, and Ethan from the reality TV series Canada Shore. The trio breaks down what it was really like living the Canada Shore experience—on and off camera. From navigating group dynamics and unexpected moments to how reality TV differs from what viewers see at home, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the series and the personalities behind it. Honest, fun, and occasionally chaotic—just like the show itself.

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.In this episode, we sit down with Christopher and Lila to talk about their experience on Canada Shore. They share what it was like being part of the show, reflect on standout moments from filming, and discuss how the experience impacted them. We also play a few games throughout the conversation, keeping things fun and light while diving into their time on the series.