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On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with Ethan Popp, the Grammy Award-nominated music producer, orchestrator, arranger, and music supervisor behind Broadway’s The Lost Boys! Based on the iconic 1987 vampire film, The Lost Boys brings the dark, rock-filled world of Santa Carla to the stage with a cinematic sound and an original musical score. We chat with Ethan about his role in shaping the production’s musical identity, the creative process behind adapting a cult classic for Broadway, and the work that goes into bringing a show’s music to life. With an impressive career spanning Broadway, film, and television, Ethan has also worked on productions including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Motown the Musical, and Back to the Future: The Musical, as well as the hit film The Greatest Showman. Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation about music, storytelling, and the creative work that helps make The Lost Boys a thrilling theatrical experience! Ethan Popp is a Grammy-nominated music producer, orchestrator, arranger, and music supervisor whose work spans Broadway, film, and television. His credits include The Lost Boys, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Motown the Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical, and The Greatest Showman. Beyond entertainment, Ethan founded Ethan Runs for Good, a charitable running initiative that turns his passion for running into fundraising for meaningful causes, including Make-A-Wish and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Through races and fundraising campaigns, he uses every mile to support organizations making a difference in people’s lives. More information at https://www.ethanpopp.com/runsforgood

FIGHT! Stefano and James are stepping into the arena to break down the new Street Fighter movie! Does this live-action adaptation deliver the action, humour, and video game nostalgia fans have been waiting for, or does it miss the mark? In this spoiler-filled review, we discuss the biggest pros and cons of the film, from its action sequences and iconic characters to its story, performances, and overall execution. We get into what worked, what didn’t, our favourite moments, and whether this latest adaptation does justice to one of gaming’s most legendary franchises. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, Street Fighter brings Capcom’s legendary fighting game franchise back to the big screen in a high-energy live-action adventure. Set in 1993, the film follows estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), who are reunited when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. What begins as a battle between the world’s greatest fighters soon becomes something much more dangerous, as a deadly conspiracy forces Ryu and Ken to confront their pasts, their rivalry, and the darkness surrounding them. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Cody Rhodes as Guile, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, Street Fighter brings familiar faces, legendary rivalries, and iconic video game characters into a new cinematic showdown.

Welcome back to the 1st on Film Podcast! Today, we’re joined by actor and comedian Jermaine Fowler to discuss his latest film, Terrestrial. Directed by Steve Pink, this sci-fi thriller follows Allen, a struggling writer whose newfound success brings his college friends together for a reunion that quickly takes an unsettling turn. As suspicions grow and Allen’s behaviour becomes increasingly unpredictable, the film explores paranoia, ambition and the question of what is really happening. Jermaine joins us to talk about stepping into the role of Allen, balancing dark comedy with psychological suspense, working alongside the talented ensemble cast, and bringing this unpredictable story to life. Jermaine Fowler is an American actor, comedian, writer and producer known for his work across television, film and stand-up comedy. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland, Fowler began performing stand-up while still in high school before moving to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment. He gained early recognition through MTV2’s Guy Code and co-created and starred in the sketch-comedy series Friends of the People. He later starred as Franco Wicks in the CBS sitcom Superior Donuts. Fowler’s film credits include Boots Riley’s acclaimed satirical film Sorry to Bother You, the Oscar-nominated drama Judas and the Black Messiah, and the comedy sequel Coming 2 America, in which he played Prince Lavelle Junson alongside Eddie Murphy. His other credits include The Blackening and The Drop. He also voiced James Jr. in Marvel’s animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Alongside his screen work, Fowler continues to draw on his stand-up background and experience as a writer and producer. In Terrestrial, he takes on the role of Allen in a story that blends science fiction, dark comedy and psychological tension.

Premiering October 16, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET on Super Channel Fuse and available On Demand the same day, Dolph: Unbreakable takes viewers inside the life and career of DolphLundgren, revealing the man behind decades of global stardom and the personal challenges he faced along the way. Best known for his iconic roles as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and He-Man in the original Masters of the Universe, Lundgren has spent more than four decades in the spotlight, appearing in more than 80 films since his motion picture debut in A View to a Kill. Through rare home videos, archival photographs, career footage and intimate interviews, the documentary explores the experiences that shaped him, including childhood trauma, chronic injuries and a battle with cancer, while following his determination to overcome adversity. Reflecting candidly on the highs and lows of his life and career, Lundgren is joined by friends, family and longtime collaborators including Hollywood icons Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Their personal stories and his own memories offer a fuller picture of the man, the career and the challenges that shaped both.  “Dolph: Unbreakable takes audiences beyond the action hero we think we know to reveal the extraordinary person behind the icon,” says Kim Ball, EVP, Content & Communications, Super Channel. “Dolph Lundgren’s story is one of resilience, strength and the determination to keep moving forward in the face of extraordinary challenges. We’re thrilled to bring this deeply personal film to Canadian audiences.” Previously selected as part of TIFF 50’s Industry Selects,Dolph: Unbreakable was among 10 standout, audience-ready titles presented to accredited industry professionals during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary arrives as Lundgren continues to share his story in new ways. On September 22, 2026, Harper Horizon will publish Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle, Lundgren’s new memoir, in which he reflects on the ambition, hardship, reinvention and endurance that have shaped his life and career, both on and off screen. Written and directed by Andrew Holmes, Dolph: Unbreakable is produced Adam Scorgie and Shane Fennessey of Canada’s Score G Productions. The film is distributed in Canada by Upstream Flix, which also serves as its U.S. and international sales agent.

We’re taking a trip to a galaxy far, far away — and into the terrifying depths of space! Recorded live at Vaughan Con in Vaughan, Ontario, this special episode of the 1st on Film Podcast features an unforgettable Q&A with legendary filmmaker and production designer Roger Christian. Best known for his Oscar-winning set decoration on Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and his work on Ridley Scott’s Alien, Christian helped shape the look and feel of two of the most influential science-fiction films in cinema history. During this live conversation, we explore his experiences working on Star Wars and Alien, the creative process behind bringing extraordinary cinematic worlds to life, and the behind-the-scenes stories that helped make these films timeless classics. From the lived-in aesthetic of the Star Wars galaxy to the haunting atmosphere of the Nostromo, discover insights from one of the creative talents who helped redefine science-fiction filmmaking. Join us for a special conversation celebrating movie history, practical creativity, and the lasting legacy of two iconic franchises. Roger Christian is an acclaimed British filmmaker whose creative contributions helped define the visual identity of modern science-fiction cinema. He won an Academy Award for his set decoration work on Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) and earned another Oscar nomination for his work on Alien (1979). Vaughan Con is a pop culture convention that brings fans, collectors, artists, vendors, cosplayers, and special guests together to celebrate their favourite fandoms. Its programming and attractions include comics, collectibles, toys, gaming, cosplay, celebrity appearances, and opportunities to connect with fellow fans. Held at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, Ontario, Vaughan Con offers an accessible, community-focused gathering for fans of movies, television, comics, anime, gaming, and geek culture. The event combines the excitement of a convention floor with opportunities to meet notable guests and participate in special programming. At the August 2026 edition, 1st on Film had the opportunity to host a live Q&A with Roger Christian, giving attendees a chance to hear firsthand stories from the career of a filmmaker whose work helped shape two landmark science-fiction franchises

We sit down with filmmaker Sean Menard and Darrell Fox, the younger brother of Canadian icon Terry Fox, to discuss the powerful new documentary Run Terry Run. Directed by Menard, the film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Terry Fox’s legendary 1980 Marathon of Hope, bringing audiences closer than ever to the person behind the Canadian icon. We talk about the discovery of 96 reels of previously unseen footage, the process of bringing Terry’s story back to life, and what it was like for Darrell to revisit these deeply personal memories of his brother more than 45 years later. Together, Sean and Darrell share insight into Terry’s personality, determination and humility, while reflecting on the enduring impact of his Marathon of Hope and the importance of keeping his story alive for new generations. Run Terry Run is a feature-length documentary directed by Toronto filmmaker Sean Menard, offering an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at Terry Fox’s legendary 1980 Marathon of Hope. Drawing on 96 reels of never-before-seen footage and previously unheard audio interviews, much of which remained untouched for 45 years, the film takes audiences inside Terry’s journey across Canada, capturing the physical and emotional realities behind one of the most inspiring chapters in Canadian history. Rather than simply revisiting the familiar story of Terry Fox, Run Terry Run aims to reveal the young man behind the icon — his personality, humour, vulnerability, determination and relationships with the people who accompanied him on his journey. The documentary features Terry through archival footage alongside appearances from his younger brother Darrell Fox and close friend Doug Alward. Run Terry run is in theatres October 9

In this interview, we sit down with Matthew Lillard and Samantha Sloyan to talk about their upcoming Prime Video series Carrie, a new take on Stephen King’s iconic story. The two actors reflect on first meeting while working together on The Life of Chuck, before diving into their complicated characters in Carrie and what it’s like to play people who may see themselves as villains—or perhaps never see themselves that way at all. We also turn the spotlight on their real-life chemistry as actors, asking each of them to reveal what they believe the other’s greatest “superpower” is as a performer. It’s a fun and revealing conversation about collaboration, character, and finding the humanity in even the darkest roles. Matthew Lillard is an acclaimed actor, producer, and director known for roles in Scream, SLC Punk!, Scooby-Doo, The Descendants, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and The Life of Chuck. He is also beloved for voicing Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise. In Prime Video’s upcoming Carrie, Lillard stars as Principal Grayle in Mike Flanagan’s new adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. Samantha Sloyan is an accomplished actress known for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Hush, The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Life of Chuck. A frequent collaborator with Mike Flanagan, Sloyan now stars as Margaret White, Carrie’s mother, in Prime Video’s upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie.

we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Lacey Schwartz Delgado at TIFF 2026 to discuss her new documentary feature Re/Pair. The film brings together Black and Jewish voices for honest conversations about identity, history, division, solidarity, and the possibility of finding a path toward healing and repair. Lacey shares what inspired her to make the film, how her own experiences as a Black and Jewish woman shaped the project, and the challenges of creating space for meaningful dialogue around deeply complicated and often polarizing subjects. We also discuss the filmmaking process, the importance of listening, and why conversation itself can be a powerful first step toward understanding and rebuilding connections. Lacey Schwartz Delgado is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning filmmaker, producer, writer, director, storyteller, and outreach strategist. She is the co-founder of Truth Aid, a multimedia production company focused on using storytelling to create social impact and spark meaningful conversations. Schwartz Delgado made her directorial debut with the acclaimed personal documentary Little White Lie, which explores her discovery of a family secret surrounding her racial identity and her journey toward understanding her Black and Jewish heritage. The film premiered on PBS’s Independent Lens in 2015. (Lacey⁠) Her other work includes directing and producing The Loving Generation, executive producing the award-winning narrative film Difret, and producing the Emmy-nominated documentary How It Feels to Be Free. Her latest feature, Re/Pair, premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival as part of TIFF Docs.

Cinematographer Bradford Lipson joins us to talk about the making of Rolling Loud: The Movie, the new comedy starring Owen Wilson and Matt Rife and inspired by a real experience at the massive hip-hop festival. Directed by Jeremy Garelick, the film follows an overprotective father who sneaks his 13-year-old son into Rolling Loud, only to lose him in the middle of one of the world’s biggest music festivals. For Lipson, bringing that world to the screen presented a unique cinematography challenge. The production captured footage at the actual Rolling Loud festival in Miami before combining it with scenes filmed on an enormous LED volume. With thousands of real festivalgoers, constantly changing concert lighting, unpredictable weather and only a few days to capture the live event, the team had to find creative ways to preserve the authentic energy of Rolling Loud while maintaining control over the filmmaking process. In this interview, Bradford Lipson takes us behind the camera to discuss shooting inside a real music festival, capturing the scale and chaos of Rolling Loud, working with virtual production and LED volumes, recreating concert lighting, incorporating unexpected moments like rain, and blending live festival footage with controlled studio photography. We also talk about working with Owen Wilson and Jeremy Garelick, the challenges of creating the film’s massive concert sequences, and the goal of making the technology disappear so audiences simply feel like they’re standing inside Rolling Loud. Rolling Loud: The Movie is in theatres October 2, 2026.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with actor and producer Drew Van Acker to discuss his new psychological sci-fi thriller Orion. Drew stars as Apollo, an astronaut who returns to Earth as the sole survivor of a catastrophic mission with no memory of what happened to his crew. As Apollo attempts to piece together the events surrounding the mission, the film explores memory, truth, trust and the frightening possibility that what we remember may not always be reality. We also dive into Drew’s experience behind the camera as a producer on Orion, working alongside director Jaco Bouwer and producer Sunil Perkash, and what it was like balancing the responsibilities of producing a film while carrying its central performance. Drew also shares his love of science fiction, the creative challenges of bringing Orion to life, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. Drew Van Acker is an American actor and producer known for his work across television and film. He first became interested in acting while taking drama classes in high school, while also playing soccer and lacrosse. He later attended Towson University on a soccer scholarship, where he continued studying theater before pursuing acting professionally. Van Acker made his television debut on Castle in 2009 before landing his breakout role as Jason DiLaurentis on the hit series Pretty Little Liars. He went on to star in projects including Tower Prep, Devious Maids, Training Day, Titans, Life Like, Last Survivors and Spy Intervention. In Orion, Van Acker takes on one of his most demanding roles, playing Apollo, the sole surviving astronaut of a disastrous space mission who returns to Earth with no memory of what happened. Beyond starring in the film, Van Acker also serves as a producer, marking another step in his expanding involvement in the filmmaking process.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we speak with cinematographer David Kruta about his work on Orion, the psychological sci-fi thriller from director Jaco Bouwer. Starring Andrew McCarthy, Drew Van Acker and Debby Ryan, Orion follows an astronaut who returns to Earth after a catastrophic mission leaves his crew dead and his memory shattered. As he undergoes interrogation to uncover what happened, fragments of his memory begin to return — along with the terrifying possibility that something came back with him. David takes us behind the lens to discuss creating the film’s unsettling visual language, building tension through cinematography, and finding the balance between science fiction and psychological thriller. We also talk about the film’s confined environments, lighting, camera choices and how cinematography can put the audience inside a character’s fractured state of mind. Orion arrives in theatres October 2, 2026. David Kruta is an award-winning cinematographer and Director of Photography working between New York City, Los Angeles and Boston. His narrative credits include Orion, Agent Game, METANOIA, The Last Thing Mary Saw, Black Friday and the Sundance-selected feature Concussion. Kruta’s cinematography is rooted in a story-first, performance-driven approach, with a particular interest in genre filmmaking, anamorphic cinematography and creating atmosphere through practical and motivated lighting. His toolkit includes the Sony Venice, Cooke primes, Lomo Square-Front anamorphic lenses and other specialized cinema equipment. Kruta is also the founder of Cinematography Salon, a community and podcast platform created to bring working cinematographers together to exchange ideas and experiences from behind the camera. See more on David’s work at https://davidkruta.com/

From a groundbreaking vertical web series to a feature film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, Rags 2 Richmond has taken an unconventional journey to the big screen. At TIFF, we sat down with actor, writer, producer and co-creator Jonathan Chee Hynn Wong, choreographer Joe Tuliao, actor Howie Lai, director and original series co-creator Simon Yin, to talk about the evolution of Rags 2 Richmond. The project began as a vertical digital series set in Richmond, British Columbia, following aspiring performers chasing fame through the city’s entertainment and pageant scene. Its success opened the door to a feature-length adaptation, expanding the story while bringing many of the original project’s creative ideas and talent to a larger format. In this conversation, we discuss the origins of Rags 2 Richmond, the decision to tell the story vertically, making the leap from short-form episodes to a feature film, the importance of Richmond and Asian-Canadian representation, the role of music and choreography, and what it means to bring the project to TIFF. Listen as the cast and creative team of Rags 2 Richmond take us behind the scenes of one of Canada’s most unconventional film journeys — from the phone screen to the big screen. Jonathan Chee Hynn Wong is a Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, choreographer, writer and producer who serves as one of the driving creative forces behind Rags 2 Richmond A graduate of Cornell University with double majors in Psychology and Modern Dance, Wong launched his musical career in Hong Kong in 2009. He has worked across music, television, film and live performance, and competed on China’s Sing My Song in 2016 as part of David Tao’s team, reaching the top six within his group. Simon Yin is an Atlanta-born, award-winning director, producer, actor and television host whose career has taken him across North America and Asia. His directing credits include the feature film Supercapitalist, as well as television projects for networks including History, Discovery Channel, FOX International Channels, AXN/Sony and Lifetime. He created The History Hustle, which won Best General Entertainment Programme at the Asian Television Awards, and directed the award-winning Beat N Path with Lupe Fiasco. Howie Lai is a Canadian actor whose extensive screen career includes work in film and television across drama, science fiction, horror and comedy. Lai is part of the cast of the Rags 2 Richmond feature film, appearing as Dominic. He has also appeared in television series including Earth Abides, Death and Other Details, The Irrational, Debris, Altered Carbon, Travelers, Arrow, Supernatural and Fringe. His feature-film credits include Monster Trucks, Death Note and Grave Encounters 2. Away from screen, Lai has also worked extensively in theatre. He appeared as Jung in the Arts Club Theatre production of Kim’s Convenience. Joe Tuliao is a Filipino-Canadian award-winning choreographer, director, performer and creative director whose work spans film, television, stage and music. Tuliao served as choreographer on Rags 2 Richmond, helping shape the project’s movement and musical sequences. His screen credits include choreography for Lionsgate’s Joy Ride, as well as work on productions including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Malcolm in the Middle, Off Campus, Scrubs and RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race. He has also performed on projects including Disney’s Descendants 2 and Descendants 3, Freaky Friday, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Riverdale. For Joy Ride, Tuliao choreographed the film’s K-pop fantasy sequence featuring Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola and Sabrina Wu, earning a Leo Award nomination for Best Choreography. Beyond screen work, he is the founder of Illustrative Society and 8 Magazine and has been involved in developing platforms connecting dance, film and emerging artists.

We’re hitting the ice for a special 1st on Film conversation about Smudge the Blades, the new hockey comedy bringing together a talented ensemble of actors and filmmakers. In this in-depth interview, we’re joined by director and actor Cody Lightning, Ed Helms, and cast members Isaiah Kakepetum, Ezekiel Mekanak, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah Moar, and Tyler Halcrow. The group takes us behind the scenes of Smudge the Blades, discussing what it was like bringing this story to life, working together as an ensemble, and stepping onto the ice to capture the film’s hockey sequences. We talk about the challenges—and fun—of filming hockey, building chemistry as a team, the comedy behind the scenes, and what audiences can expect from the film. From working with an ensemble cast to balancing the physical demands of playing hockey on camera, Cody, Ed, Isaiah, Ezekiel, River Rayne, Elijah, and Tyler share stories and insight into the making of the film. It’s a fun, candid conversation with the people behind Smudge the Blades that hockey fans, comedy fans, and movie lovers won’t want to miss. Listen now for our full conversation with Cody Lightning, Ed Helms, Isaiah Kakepetum, Ezekiel Mekanak, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah Moar, and Tyler Halcrow!

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Agata Trzebuchowska to discuss her feature directorial debut, Sick (2026). A haunting psychological horror film set against the oppressive heat and isolation of the Polish countryside, Sick follows 16-year-old Maks and his older sister Emma as they travel to care for their ailing grandmother. What begins as an uneasy family summer gradually descends into something far more disturbing, as the siblings’ relationship changes, childhood boundaries begin to disappear, and their grandmother’s condition takes an increasingly unsettling turn. In our conversation, Agata takes us behind the making of Sick, discussing her approach to psychological and body horror, the film’s exploration of adolescence, desire, aging and the fear of losing one’s sense of identity, and why horror provided the right language to explore such uncomfortable themes. We also talk about creating the film’s suffocating atmosphere, working with her young cast, the challenges of making her first feature, and the journey from actor to filmmaker. Sick is a provocative and unsettling debut that uses genre to explore the complicated and often frightening transition from childhood into adulthood. Agata Trzebuchowska is a Polish filmmaker and actress whose work spans both sides of the camera. She first gained international recognition for her leading role as Anna in Paweł Pawlikowski’s acclaimed 2013 film Ida, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Trzebuchowska later moved into filmmaking, directing the short film Heat in 2017, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, followed by Vacancy, which screened at international festivals. With Sick, Trzebuchowska establishes herself as a filmmaker interested in using genre to explore deeply human and uncomfortable subjects, transforming the familiar setting of a family summer into an increasingly unsettling examination of innocence, transformation and the loss of childhood.

On this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Hanaël El Yousfi to discuss her feature film THE DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM, which premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The film follows two young women from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds whose friendship brings them face-to-face with family expectations, cultural identity, tradition, and the forces that can divide communities. During our conversation, Hanaël opens up about the inspiration behind the film, drawing from personal experiences and exploring the similarities that connect people across cultural and religious backgrounds. We discuss her filmmaking journey, the importance of authenticity, the challenges of telling a sensitive story, and her approach to portraying women navigating the expectations placed upon them. Hanaël El Yousfi is a French filmmaker and screenwriter of Moroccan heritage, known for her work exploring cultural identity, relationships, and the connections between Jewish and Muslim communities. Born in Provence and raised in a Moroccan family, El Yousfi initially studied law before pursuing filmmaking as a self-taught artist. Her first short film, Mazel Brouk (2021), explored connections between Jewish and Muslim worlds and received recognition at international film festivals. She made her feature-film debut with The Daughters of Abraham (Les Filles d’Abraham), a drama following two young women from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds as they navigate friendship, family expectations, tradition, and identity. The film reflects her interest in exploring the shared experiences between communities while examining the social pressures that shape women’s lives. Premiering in the Discovery section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, The Daughters of Abraham marks an important step in El Yousfi’s filmmaking career and establishes her as a voice exploring complex human relationships through cinema.