In this episode, we sit down with director John-Michael Powell to talk about his latest film, Violent Ends. Powell breaks down the ideas that sparked the project, the challenges of bringing its intense themes to the screen, and how he approached crafting a story driven by consequence, morality, and choice. We also dive into his creative process, influences, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. It’s an in-depth conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and navigating dark subject matter with purpose.

Ahead of its season three premiere, we sat down with lead actress, Supinder Wraich to talk about the season, her CSA best actress win and much more.

Allegiance season three is available on CBC and CBC GEM Wednesday January 7th

In this special in-person interview, 1st Reviews host, Sarah Hanlon sits down with Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen of Small Achievable Goals to talk all things Season Two. From stepping back into their characters to navigating the emotional growth, challenges, and surprises ahead, they share behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Season two of Saint Pierre is raising the stakes, and this week’s podcast goes straight to the source. I’m joined by Josephine Jobert and Allan Hawco for an inside look at the new season—diving into their characters’ evolving dynamics, the emotional and thematic shifts ahead, and what makes Saint Pierre such a distinctive series.

From behind-the-scenes stories to creative challenges and unexpected moments on set, Josephine and Allan share candid insights into bringing season two to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation of the world of Saint Pierre and the performances that drive it.

A new year means a new wave of movies to get excited about! In this episode of 1st Reviews, the team breaks down our most anticipated movies of 2026—from massive blockbusters and long-awaited sequels to intriguing originals that could surprise everyone.

We talk expectations, early hype, returning franchises, and which films we think could dominate the box office (or flop hard). Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-on film fan, this episode is your early guide to what 2026 has in store for theaters.

Youssef Guezoum is a Moroccan-American composer, orchestrator, and sound designer based in Los Angeles. Born in Marrakech, Morocco, he blends cinematic orchestral music with modern electronic elements and influences from his North African heritage. He began as a guitarist, later studying classical piano and composition in Brussels and sound design at the Vancouver Film School.

Guezoum has composed music for films and television, including projects such as Power Rangers and Full Love, and his work has been featured by major studios and streaming platforms. He has received nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and is a member of professional organizations including the Recording Academy and the Television Academy.

In this episode, Youssef discusses his projects, his accolades and his favourite moments in his film career.

A Christmas Party (2025) is a holiday ensemble comedy-drama about a college freshman, Adam, who returns home for Christmas and finds himself navigating a chaotic house full of relatives, strangers, and rising tensions. As he tries to reconnect with his childhood friend Ally—who now arrives with a new British boyfriend—the night spirals into awkward encounters, political clashes, and heartfelt moments. The film blends humor, nostalgia, and emotional family dynamics to capture the messy, funny, and warm reality of real holiday gatherings.

In this episode we’re joined by director Alex Helmer and cast members Sarah Grace Donnelly and Jaxon Keller for a behind-the-scenes look at their new holiday film, A Christmas Party.

In this episode, we sit down with Meadowlarks director Tasha Hubbard and actor Michael Greyeyes for a thoughtful conversation about their powerful new film, Meadowlarks. They share the creative spark behind the project, the themes that guided their storytelling, and the collaborative process that shaped the film’s emotional core.

From community to memory, from responsibility to representation, Hubbard and Greyeyes open up about what Meadowlarks means to them—both on screen and beyond it.

Whether you’re a film lover, a storyteller, or someone curious about the deeper impact of Indigenous cinema, this short interview offers a meaningful glimpse into the heart of Meadowlarks.

In this episode, we sit down with Elijah Guess, the cinematographer behind Violent Ends, the 2025 Southern crime-thriller that blends gritty realism with haunting Ozark atmosphere. Elijah shares how he crafted the film’s moody visual language — from capturing the tension of backwoods family feuds to shaping the film’s dark, Gothic tone. We dive into his creative process, the challenges of shooting in the rugged Ozark landscape, and how visual storytelling helps amplify themes of violence, legacy, and redemption. A must-listen for film lovers and anyone curious about the craft behind compelling cinematography.

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji is an Iraqi-Dutch filmmaker. He completed two master’s degrees in cinematography and directing at the Northern Film School in Leeds.

Set in the heart of post-war Baghdad, Irkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream follows the emotional journey of Chum-Chum, an eight-year-old homeless boy living with diabetes. Orphaned and forgotten by the world, he survives in a crumbling city, clinging to ancient myths for comfort. He believes the Tigris River is a passage to Irkalla - the Mesopotamian underworld - where he hopes to reunite with his lost parents. Guided by dreams, stories, and imagination, Chum-Chum sets out on a quest that mixes myth and reality.

As his only friend begins to fall into the trap of violence and street crime, Chum-Chum chooses a different path. He embarks on a symbolic journey through Baghdad - a city at once real and mythological - searching for hope, memory, and purpose. Along the way, he encounters visions of ancient figures like Gilgamesh and winged bulls. The city transforms into a surreal playground of history, trauma, and dreams, where every alley and ruin carries echoes of forgotten legends.

The film is a powerful blend of magical realism and neorealism. It captures both the physical destruction of modern Iraq and the emotional landscape of its youngest survivors. Through rich visuals and poetic storytelling, director Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji shows how myth can become a lifeline. Chum-Chum is not just a passive victim - he is a storyteller, a seeker, a child-hero recreating the epic of Gilgamesh in his own way.

Irkalla is a meditation on grief, memory, and resilience. It reflects on how children process trauma, and how ancient myths can give shape to unimaginable pain. The film reframes childhood not as something broken by war, but as something brave enough to reimagine the world. Chum-Chum's journey reminds us that even in a city torn apart, a child's dream can light the way forward.