In The Seats with...

One of the genuine joys of being in the trenches at a film festival is that you get to be in honest to goodness awe of some of the cinema that gets produced.'While The Green Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts' is a glorious chronicle of the miracles contained in everyday things and occurrences that allows for space to expose and embrace the fragility and profound nature of relationships, where reflections on the human condition and our environment flow together like streams in a river.Deeply personal, Intensely philosophical and all humanistic this film is something akin to visual poetry that wraps you up in it's over arching thematical message that wants us to appreciate the moment while acknowledging how quickly it can all change and be taken away from us.We had the pleasure of sitting down with filmmaker Peter Mettler about the making and process of this journey, his upcoming retrospective at the Lightbox and knowing when to say cut while in the editing bay on something that ends up being 7 hours long.A glorious slice of Canadiana art operating at it's highest level.

Getting enlightened to history that you both knew and didn't know was there is more then eye opening....We're in the thick of the madness at the Toronto International Film Festival and there 50th anniversary as we had the honor to take in a brand new documentary that enlightens us to the realties of the history of racism in Canada and beyond in the brilliant 'True North'.Through the use of never before seen compelling historic archives and the voices of those who lived through the tumultuous period of 1960s Montreal, 'True North' uses a bold cinematic aesthetic that centers the power of memory and archive to expose the pivotal events of a moment that impacted the global movement for Black liberation.'True North' is the kind of film that allows us to experience the realities of the time rather then get a didactic retelling of the history of it all and it makes for an immersive piece of cinema that transcends any kind of social politics and allows us to appreciate the genuine emotion of the time.We had the pleasure of sitting and talking with filmmaker Michèle Stephenson about this and so very much more with the film making it's World Premiere at TIFF.Keep your eyes open for 'True North' as it makes the festival rounds because it's an important piece of not only Canadian history but Canadian cinema as well.

Sometimes it's easy to forget to look up....On this very special episode we dive into a movie on VOD platforms now that reminds us the need to look up.  It's time for 'Star People'.On March 13, 1997, thousands of people in Arizona witnessed the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—now famously known as The Phoenix Lights. Among them was 10-year-old Claire, who felt as if the lights called to her. Years later, Claire (Kat Cunning), now a photographer, is still chasing that moment, hoping to capture the lights on camera and finally make sense of what she saw.  When a mysterious tip leads her deep into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave with her UFO streamer boyfriend (Connor Paolo) and troubled brother (McCabe Slye)  in tow, they encounter a vulnerable immigrant family whose plight complicates her mission. As tensions rise, Claire searches for the answers she seeks on terra firma and among the stars.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with writer/director Adam Finberg to discuss the origins of the story and so very much more.'Star People' is on VOD platforms now,

Story always has to come first....On this special episode we look a sweet little rom-com that also happens to be an indigenous story.  It's time for 'Sweet Summer Pow-Wow'.'Sweet Summer Pow Wow' is the story of a young Indigenous couple get a break from their troubled lives when they find each other through a summer of love on the Pow-Wow circuit.We've seen the story of young love finding each other in the middle of challenges in their youth before but seeing it through the prism of indigenous storytelling we are reminded that we're all pretty damn similar in the first place.And that's the whole point as we talk with co-writer/director Darrell Dennis and his star Tatyana Rose Baptiste about the importance of leading with story first, the built in nature of storytelling and the myriad of franchises that could be out there if Hollywood wants to mine some indigenous culture in a money making kind of way.'Sweet Summer Pow Wow' is in theatres now.

There's nothing wrong with embracing a little bit of the weird....On this special episode we look at some indie DIY animation that embraces being a little out there.  It's time for 'Boys Of Jupiter'.It's the day after Christmas in suburban Florida and Billy 5000 (Jack Corbett) and his friends pass the seemingly endless days by slacking, shoplifting, and beatboxing. In between lounging on the beach and sneaking into pools, Billy spends his time hustling on the food-on-demand app Grubster, desperate to make $5,000 before New Year's Eve. As he darts around the city delivering to a series of oddball characters, a routine stop at the mysterious Dolphin Groves Juice Company leads to a run-in with his former classmate—and crush—Rozebud (Miya Folick) and a surprise backpack stowaway in Donut, a bizarre creature from another world. But Dr. Dolphin (Janeane Garofalo), the powerful orange juice CEO, will do anything to get Donut back, and Billy is forced to make hard choices about love, friendship, and how far he'll go for financial security in a world ruled by capitalism.It's indie animation with a Gen-Z slacker feel that borrows from anyone from Kevin Smith and even Richard Linklater and we had the pleas of sitting down with writer/director Julian Glander about doing animation on a shoestring budget, the rounded edges of this universe and so very much more....'Boys of Jupiter' is at the TIFF Lightbox now.

It's so easy to forget sometimes that the most important thing you can do sometimes is just not give up...On this episode we dive into the world of hand drawn animation being produced by a country for the very first time.  It's time for 'The Glassworker'.'The Glassworker' is the story of a young glassblower in training and his relationships over the years, as his land goes through war and strife.Evoking memories of Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon this is a personal and inspirational story on so many levels we had the pleasure of sitting down with co-writer/director Usman Riaz about not only the origins of the story but the origins of him mounting his own animation studio which is a first for Pakistan and a reminder in the power of simply not quitting as this film is easily over 10 years in the making.'The Glassworker' is playing at the TIFF Lightbox now.

When you can survive the meat grinder of the news cycle AND late night comedy for over 1600 episodes....you must be pretty good at your job.On this episode we go into the writers room of one of the most successful late night TV shows of the modern age, welcome to 'The Daily Show'.It's never 'old hat' for head writer Dan Amira who has been nominated (and won) at the Emmys on multiple occasions.  We talk about the evolution of show over the years, the stress of having to throw out something you've already written based on some news that just came down the wire, the importance of research and working on his dream job.'The Daily Show' airs on Comedy Central in the States, CTV here in Canada and shows up the next day on Paramount Plus everywhere.

Small town life can come with its complications....On this very special episode we engage in one of our favourite past times by taking in some high quality Canadiana.  It's time for 'Sweet Angel Baby'.It takes us to a small seaside fishing town, where a young woman has her life upended after her online presence and persona strains relationships inside the community.If you've ever lived in a small town, you know where this one is going, but kudos to writer/director Melanie Oates for really bringing some nuance and genuine humanity to this story.We talked with Melanie about where it all began, shooting the film, the art of storytelling and so very much more....'Sweet Angel Baby' is in the theatres this Friday Aug 15th.

Discussions are important, but actually educating ourselves on the things we're going to have discussions about is that much more important.On this very special episode we get a little heavy and a little serious as a film that has been doing it's festival tour to much protest and objection is now available for the masses to see for themselves.Without authorization, filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova embeds in a Russian Army battalion fighting in Ukraine. Gaining rare access, she captures a conflict that shatters families, history, and identity. Her raw, frontline footage reveals disillusioned soldiers questioning their purpose.It's a stark and stunning piece of cinema that reiterates the simple truth that no on ever really wins at war.After it's various protests and obstacles placed in front of the release of the film, it's finally being made available to masses to rent directly from the filmmakers at their new website; www.russiansatwar.comAlong with the film, behind the scenes footages and stories surrounding the controversy of the film, this website is really is the complete package to get a sense of the entire story of this film, which has evolved beyond what Anastasia put on the screen.We got to talk with Anastasia as well as producer Cornelia Principe about the journey of the film and so very much more....Visit www.russiansatwar.com to learn more....

When you are looking into the soul of a rock star things can get a little heavy...On this episode we dive into even more Emmy nominated goodness as we go on stage to get a little insight into what makes a rock star with 'Bono: Stories of Surrender'.Bono shares life stories and U2 songs in an intimate show, exploring relationships with family, friends, and faith. Features unseen footage from his Beacon Theatre performances of "Stories of Surrender."Capturing a show like this for the screen can always be a unique challenge which is why director Andrew Dominik and award winning (and Emmy nominated) DP Erik Messerschmidt were up for the challenge.We talked with Erik about coming onto a show like this, the unique way in way they shot it, working with icons and how he stays focused on the job.'Bono: Stories of Surrender' is on Apple + now.

You can do more then you can imagine in a short amount of time....On this episode we are looking at even more Emmy nominated stuff as we go behind the scenes on one of the bigger and bolder episodes of a sitcom that this critic has ever seen.  It's time for 'The Righteous Gemstones'.In Season 4, Episode 1, "Prelude" takes us to the height of the civil war where Elijah Gemstone (Bradley Cooper) receives a divine wake up call.It's only 39 minutes long, but it's as busy and loaded as a feature film and a big part of that is cinematographer Paul Daley as this is a big and loud (and Emmy Nominated) episode.We got to talk to Paul about coming on to the job, the freedom he had to give this a big and bold feel while shooting mostly out in the wilderness and so very much more....Catch up on 'The Righteous Gemstones; on Crave up here in Canada.

Sometimes in this racket, you just have to ask questions.When TV shows become pop culture juggernauts you need to look at all areas to get a sense of that secret sauce.  Up again for MANY more Emmy's it's time to talk 'Rupaul's Drag Race'.With it having 17 season in and 29 Primetime Emmy's under its belt there is no denying that 'RuPaul's Drag Race has evolved into a cultural phenomenon.  But how do you cast for a show like this?Enter Emmy nominated casting director Goloka Bolte to talk about the evolution of the show, the art of casting, what the job entails and so very much more....

It's just as much about what you don't hear then what you do hear....On this very special episode it's time for some more Emmy nominated fare as we go behind the scenes on one of the more stylish movies to hit one of our favourite streaming services.  On Apple+ it's time to go into 'The Gorge'.Two highly-trained operatives (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it’s too late.Very much a movie that allows our imaginations to run wild and sound plays a big factor in that.  I had the pleasure of talking with the Emmy nominated sound editing/design team to get some insight on the job, the creative payoffs to it and so very much more....'The Gorge' is streaming on Apple+ now.

Shows can evolve to be so much more then what they put on the table...On this very special episode we are celebrating and diving into the behind the scenes work on many of our favourite TV shows that just happen to be Emmy nominated this year.  It's time for 'Chef's Table''Chef's Table' goes inside the lives and kitchens of the world's most renowned international chefs. Each episode puts chefs under a unique lens as we some insight into who these people are both in and out of the kitchen.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with executive producer Danny O'Malley who just got nominated for Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series at the Emmy's to talk about getting on the project, the secret sauce of it all that makes it work so very well and all that much more.Check out 'Chef's Table' in all its iterations on Netflix.

It's easier then you think to be pulled in two different directions by two different worlds....On this episode we get to talk about a glorious little slice of Can-Con pulled straight from the GTA. It's time for 'Shook'.After an encounter with his estranged father, aspiring writer Ash (Saamer Usmani) finds himself at a crossroads as he has to deal with a secret that will force him to balance family, love and success while navigating the difficult divide between the excitement of city life that he wants and the suburban domestic truths that lie a head.It's a classic tale with a swing on it that hits close to home and in advance of the movie hitting theatres today we had the pleasure of sitting down with Co-Writer/Director Amar Wala to talk about the origins of 'Shook' the process of making it all and so very much more....'Shook' is in theatres now.

It's time to get....loud...Appropriate that on this episode we're going a little high octane with the three episode premiere of 'Twisted Metal: Season 2' which is now streaming on Paramount Plus.Following the dramatic events that ended season one, our heroes John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) find themselves entering the deadly 'Twisted Metal' tournament; a savage demolition derby hosted by the mysterious Calypso.  As our duo faces some new foes and familiar faces things get complicated for John when his long lost sister reenters the equation.It's hard to believe but things get bigger, bolder and even more smashy in Season 2.  We got the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Stephanie Beatriz to talk about coming back for more, the fun in the chaos of it all, getting a little break from the dudefest that was Season 1 and so very much more....'Twisted Metal' will see new episodes of Season 2 dropping every week alongside Season 1 on Paramount Plus here in Canada so there's no excuse to not catch up on the fun.

Sometimes there are stories that you wish didn't have to be told....On this episode we are reminded of some of the vital shorter pieces of cinema on the myriad of streaming services out there in the market place.  Available on Paramount Plus now it's time for 'The Children of October 7th'Israeli children share their Oct 7 Hamas attack experiences with activist Montana Tucker, describing survival, captivity, parental loss, and home invasions as they process their trauma.Even at a mere 36 minutes long this was a harrowing and vital piece of cinema that we can't recommend highly enough if only to remind ourselves of the horrors of that day that are still being played out today.We had the chance to speak with singer/songwriter and social media activist Montana Tucker who has been bringing necessary attention to this plight as she sat down with the subjects in this film to relive and highlight what happened to them on that harrowing day.We talked about the importance of these difficult conversations and stories that are told in this film and so very much more.'The Children of October 7th' is streaming on Paramount Plus every where.

Unfortunately it's the hard conversations which are the ones that usually need to be had....On this very special episode we dive into a story that is simply all too real.  It's time for 'Sovereign'.It's the story of a father and his teenage son; Jerry and Joseph Kane (Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay) who follow the Sovereign Citizen belief system, a deeply anti-establishment worldview rooted in distrust of government authority. As the pair travel across the country delivering self-taught legal seminars and pushing back against systems they believe have failed them, their journey brings them into conflict with Police Chief Jim Bouchart (Dennis Quaid), setting off a tragic chain of events that forces a reckoning with power, principle, and the limits of freedom. Inspired by true events.At the intersection of conspiracy, mental health and social and legal institutions that are ill equipped to deal with them all we have 'Sovereign' which is a stunning film from first time filmmaker Christian Swegal.We got to talk with Christian about the origins of the story, getting this load cast together our collective need to be more understanding of each other's journey's and so very much more.'Sovereign' is in theatres and on VOD platforms now.

World building occasionally requires some subtle touches....On this episode we are diving head first into the world of 'Eddington' which is in theatres now.From the mind of Ari Aster, 'Eddington' takes us to May of 2020, where a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.This is such cringe inducing satire that it's almost too soon as we run the gamut of emotions with the denizens of this small town as we get transported back to such a culturally in certain time that we are still navigating today.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with costume designer Anna Terrazas about joining this world, crafting the slightly worn and sundrenched world of this town where we all just began to forget about how to function in a modern society that has changed irrevocably in the wake of the pandemic as well as working with Ari Aster and finding a vision that we just can't look away from.  It's Western, it's satire, and it's everything else in-between.  Imagine 'Bad Day At Black Rock' desperately needing a Xanax refill.

When the man who plays a renaissance man in one of your favorite movies growing up actually turns out to be an ACTUAL renaissance man, it's ok to meet your heroes.On this incredibly special episode we get the chance to talk with an actor who helped to form our love of movies but also happens to be a ridiculous cool and well rounded dude to boot, we allowed ourselves to be a little bit of a nerd as we sat down with the one and only Peter Weller to talk about his new film 'Bang' but a little bit of everything else inbetween.When feared hitman Bang (Jack Kesy) questions his violent life after a near-death experience by seeing a future beyond bloodshed, he wants out—but his crime boss (Peter Weller) won’t let him go without a fight.We had the unique pleasure of talking with Peter about getting this 'fun' script, pronouncing his director's name, what keeps him getting out of bed in the morning, the legacy of some of his more iconic films like Buckaroo Bonzai and Robocop, the music of acting, which led to directing and him ultimately getting his Phd in Italian Renaissance Art History with his book,  Leon Battista Alberti in Exile: Tracing the Path to the First Modern Book on Painting which is going into a second printing from Cambridge University Press right now, so hurry up and get your copies on order now.While he may not be a brain surgeon/rocket scientist/rock star like Buckaroo Bonzai, Peter Weller is one hell of an interesting guy who at the age of 78 who wants to keep working and creating until he drops and as someone who aspires to live even a fraction of the life that he has lived, we can't say that we blame him.  Doctor Peter Weller is a true renaissance man (in more ways then one) and it was a pleasure to talk with him.'Bang' is on all VOD platforms now.