This week on the 1st on Film Podcast, we’re joined by Elizaveta Neretin, who stars in the highly anticipated third season of Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness on Paramount+.

Elizaveta shares what it was like joining one of television’s biggest action dramas, reveals whether she had a favourite day on set, and reflects on the full-circle moment of going from tweeting James Gunn about her love for the Guardians of the Galaxy films to now working alongside Zoe Saldaña.

We also put Elizaveta through our brand-new game, “Who’s That Spy?”, before wrapping up with a conversation about her career, fandom, and stepping into the secretive world of Lioness.

Elizaveta Neretin is a Ukrainian-born, Canadian actress whose growing body of work spans television, film, and streaming. Having lived in Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Canada, she brings a unique international perspective to her performances.

Audiences have seen her in series including Mayor of Kingstown, The Flash, The 100, The Good Doctor, and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. She now joins the cast of Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness for its highly anticipated third season, starring alongside Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman.

Known for her versatility and grounded performances, Elizaveta continues to establish herself as one of Canada’s rising talents in television and film.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Abby Pierce to discuss her two short films, Run It Back and So, Boom, both of which screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Abby shares the inspiration behind each film, how the two projects differ creatively, and what it was like premiering both at one of the world’s most celebrated film festivals. We also dive into her filmmaking journey, her approach to crafting compelling stories, and the challenges and rewards of creating impactful short films.

From the festival experience to the creative process behind independent cinema, this conversation offers an inside look at a rising filmmaker whose work is making waves on the festival circuit.

If you’re passionate about independent film, emerging filmmakers, and the stories behind the screen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with Canadian writer, director, and actor Bryce Hodgson to discuss his feature directorial debut, Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants.

Bryce takes us behind the scenes of bringing this ambitious independent drama to life, from developing the screenplay and making the transition from acting to directing, to balancing the film’s emotional intimacy with its kinetic, road-movie energy. We also explore the challenges of creating an independent feature, the collaborative spirit that helped make the film possible, and the personal experiences that shaped its story.

Known to many audiences for his acting work in iZombie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and X2: X-Men United, Bryce reflects on his creative journey and why stepping behind the camera was the natural next chapter in his career.

If you’re passionate about independent filmmaking, storytelling, or the creative process behind a debut feature, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed writer and director Jérémy Comte to discuss his latest short film, BRUTE, screening at the Future of Film Showcase in Toronto. We explore the film’s haunting story of a young sculptor consumed by crippling anxiety, the creative inspiration behind its striking visual style, and the challenges of bringing such an intensely personal and psychological story to the screen.

Jérémy also reflects on his filmmaking journey, the evolution of his work since his Academy Award-nominated short Fauve, and what continues to drive him as a storyteller. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply love discovering bold new voices in cinema, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Jérémy Comte is a Canadian writer, director, and editor based in Montreal. A graduate of Concordia University, Comte gained international recognition with his acclaimed 2018 short film Fauve, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, earned the Canadian Screen Award for Best Live Action Short Drama, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short. His work is celebrated for its emotionally rich storytelling, poetic imagery, and exploration of the human condition. His latest short film, BRUTE, continues that tradition with a powerful psychological portrait of artistic anxiety and is screening as part of the 2026 Future of Film Showcase in Toronto.

The Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) is a Toronto-based, not-for-profit film festival dedicated to championing the next generation of Canadian filmmakers. Each year, the festival brings together emerging artists, industry professionals, and film lovers for a weekend of screenings, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. With a strong focus on amplifying diverse voices and fostering creative talent, FOFS has become one of Canada’s leading platforms for discovering exciting new filmmakers and celebrating the future of Canadian cinema.

Boldly going where no podcast has gone before! We sit down with Anson Mount, the actor behind Captain Christopher Pike, to discuss the highly anticipated new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

During our conversation, Anson shares which member of the Enterprise crew he connects with the most, teases the show’s unique puppet-themed episode, and discusses the challenges and fun of bringing that story to life through voice performance. We also reflect on his journey portraying Captain Pike over the years and how becoming a father has influenced the way he views the character, including the Pike trait he carries with him in everyday life.

Anson Mount is an American actor best known for portraying Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. His portrayal of the legendary Starfleet captain has earned widespread praise for bringing warmth, compassion, and confidence to one of the franchise’s most iconic leaders.

Beyond Star Trek, Mount is well known for starring as Cullen Bohannon in the acclaimed western drama Hell on Wheels. His film and television credits also include Crossroads, Safe, Conviction, Marvel’s Inhumans, and numerous other projects spanning more than two decades.

With a career defined by memorable performances across film and television, Mount has become one of the most respected actors in modern science fiction while continuing to take on a diverse range of dramatic roles.

In this special episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we’re joined by acclaimed Canadian actor Nina Kiri, who will be receiving the Rising Star Award at this weekend’s Future of Film Showcase in Toronto.

Nina discusses what the upcoming recognition means to her and reflects on the journey that has shaped her career. We also dive into two of her latest projects, Out Standing and Undertone, exploring the unique challenges of each role, preparing for emotionally and physically demanding performances, and the collaborative process of bringing these stories to life. Plus, Nina shares insights into her evolving career and what continues to inspire her as an artist.

Nina Kiri is a Canadian actor known for her fearless, emotionally nuanced performances across film and television. She first gained widespread recognition for her starring role as Grace in the horror film The Heretics and has since built an impressive body of work spanning drama, thriller, horror, and independent cinema.

Her credits include acclaimed projects such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Heretics, Easy Land, Out Standing, and Undertone, showcasing her versatility and commitment to complex, character-driven storytelling. Recognized as one of Canada’s exciting emerging talents, Nina continues to earn praise for her compelling performances and dedication to independent filmmaking. This weekend, she will be honoured with the Rising Star Award at the Future of Film Showcase, recognizing her growing impact on Canadian cinema.

In this special episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, recorded as part of the Future of Film Showcase in Toronto, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Natasha Braier to discuss her remarkable career behind the camera. From crafting unforgettable visual worlds to collaborating with visionary filmmakers, Natasha reflects on her approach to cinematography, the importance of visual storytelling, and the creative process that shapes every frame.

We also dive into her latest work on I Love Boosters, exploring how she developed the film’s distinctive look while discussing highlights from across her celebrated filmography and the evolving art of cinematography.

Natasha Braier is an award-winning cinematographer whose visually striking work has made her one of the most respected voices in contemporary filmmaking. Born in Argentina, she studied at the National Film and Television School in the United Kingdom before building an international career spanning independent cinema, television, music videos, and commercials.

Braier is widely recognized for her collaborations with acclaimed directors on films including The Neon Demon, Honey Boy, Gloria Bell, The Rover, and I Love Boosters. Her distinctive cinematography is celebrated for its expressive use of light, color, and atmosphere, creating emotionally immersive visual experiences that elevate each story she tells. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades and continues to be one of the industry’s most sought-after cinematographers, bringing a bold artistic vision to every project.

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with the writer, director, and lead actor behind The Tropic Sun and His Eyes. We discuss the journey of bringing such a personal story to life, balancing multiple creative roles throughout production, and the themes that lie at the heart of the film. Join us for an insightful conversation about independent filmmaking, creative collaboration, and the passion that made The Tropic Sun and His Eyes a reality.

Elisee Junior St. Preux is a Haitian-American filmmaker, writer, and producer. He made his feature directorial debut with The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, which he also wrote and produced. Filmed on location in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, the film explores themes of family, identity, faith, and generational healing while showcasing the country’s people and landscapes. The film celebrated its world premiere in the International Narrative Competition at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, introducing St. Preux as an emerging voice in independent cinema.

Stevenson Jean is an actor who stars as Ruben in The Tropic Sun and His Eyes. His performance anchors the film as a young man returning to Haiti in hopes of reconnecting with his estranged father, earning praise for its emotional depth and quiet strength. The Tropic Sun and His Eyes marks his first leading role in a feature film and premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.

Welcome back to the 1st on Film Podcast! Today we’re going behind the scenes of one of the year’s most anticipated romantic comedies, Office Romance. Joining us is acclaimed costume designer Caroline Duncan, whose work helps bring every character to life through wardrobe. From collaborating with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein to balancing style, storytelling, and character development, Caroline shares what goes into creating the distinctive looks for Office Romance. We also dive into her creative process, the collaboration between departments, and why costume design is such an essential part of filmmaking. Here’s our conversation with costume designer Caroline Duncan.

Caroline Duncan is an accomplished costume designer whose work spans film and television, creating wardrobes that not only define a character’s appearance but also support the story being told. Known for her attention to detail and collaborative approach, she has worked alongside acclaimed directors, producers, and performers to craft memorable on-screen looks across a wide range of productions. Her latest project is the romantic comedy Office Romance, starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, where she helped shape the film’s visual identity through costume design. Caroline continues to be recognized for her ability to blend fashion, character, and storytelling into every project she takes on.

What happens when you put Tracy and Martina in front of a microphone and let the conversation go wherever it wants?

On this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with the comedy duo behind Tracy & Martina: Goin Out West for an unpredictable, laugh-filled conversation that feels like an extension of their own podcast. We chat about life in Cape Breton, heading out west, Canadian culture, friendship, and plenty of completely unexpected tangents that lead to some unforgettable laughs along the way.

In Tracy & Martina: Going Out West, the beloved duo leave Cape Breton behind and embark on a cross-country adventure to Alberta in search of a fresh start. Along the way, they encounter new experiences, colourful characters, and plenty of comedic chaos, all while celebrating the humour, heart, and resilience that have made them fan favourites.

While we do touch on the film, this episode is less about behind-the-scenes filmmaking and more about enjoying the chemistry, humour, and spontaneity that Tracy and Martina are known for. If you’re looking for a fun, easygoing conversation packed with laughs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.