Daniel dives into the cinematic whirlwind of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, spotlighting three premieres that captured the festival's diverse energy. From bold character studies to gripping true stories, these films showcase TIFF's knack for launching unforgettable narratives.

The Testament of Ann Lee, directed by Mona Fastvold, stars Amanda Seyfried as Shaker leader Ann Lee in a musical biopic about faith, trauma, and dance, filmed in 70mm. Sacrifice, directed by Romain Gavras, features Chris Evans as an actor kidnapped by Anya Taylor-Joy's eco-activist at a gala. The satirical thriller examines fame and environmentalism. Glenrothan, Brian Cox's directorial debut, stars Cox and Alan Cumming as brothers facing family dynamics after a funeral in Scotland.

The rest of our TIFF coverage will follow over the coming days, highlighting the good and the bad of the biggest film festival in North America.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

In this episode, Daniel is joined by Mike Flynt to discuss the film The Senior, which chronicles his extraordinary journey from being a college football dropout to returning as a 59-year-old walk-on player.

Mike shares insights into his challenging past, the influence of his father, and how perseverance and faith guided him back to the field. He also talks about the talented cast of "The Senior" and the filmmakers' dedication to authentically portraying his story.

Films discussed during this episode:

• The Senior
• The Rookie
• Saving Private Ryan
• The Longest Day
• Back to the Future
• The Passion of the Christ

The Senior is out in theaters on September 19th. You can buy tickets now on Angel Studios' website here. To follow Mike's ongoing journey or to book him as a speaker, visit his website here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Independent Film Focus #8: Queen of Bones with Robert Budreau

In this episode Daniel and Mason discuss the upcoming 50th Toronto International Film Festival and what films from the festival are exciting them the most.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Twisters
• F1
• The Ballad of Wallace Island
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story
• Normal
• The Fence
• California Scheman
• Hedda
• Glenn Rothen
• Canceled: The Paula Dean Story
• Hamnet
• The Lost Bus
• Outstanding
• Dead Man's Wire
• Blue Moon
• The Smashing Machine
• Tuner

To keep updated on our TIFF coverage, make sure to subscribe to the Get Reel Movies Podcast on whichever platform you get your podcasts. If you're in Toronto and would like to buy tickets to films playing at the festival, click here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: The Senior with Mike Flynt

In this episode Daniel is joined by Anthony Robles to discuss the film that details his rise from high school wrestling champion to walk on NCAA champion, all this with one leg. He details his tough upbringing, how his mother taught him to never give up and how a village and determination can make you unstoppable. He also chats about the amazing cast of Unstoppable and how respectful the filmmakers were with his story.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Unstoppable
• Cinderalla Man
• A Bronx Tale

Unstoppable is out now on Prime Video. You can watch it here. To book Anthony as a speaker for your next event or to follow his journey check out his website here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: The 50th Toronto International Film Festival Preview

Independent Film Focus highlights conversations with filmmakers and showcases projects that may not have a wide release or are independently backed.

In today's episode, Daniel chats with Amar Wala, the director of the film Shook. Shook offers a unique portrayal of Toronto and delves into the heartfelt dynamics of a South Asian family, inspired by Amar's personal experiences.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Shook
• Good Will Hunting
• The Farewell

Shook will be released in limited theaters in Canada on August 8th. To buy tickets in Canada click here. Shook does not have a release date yet in the USA. To donate to Parkison's Canada or learn more about the work they do click here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Unstoppable with Anthony Robles

Independent Film Focus focuses on talking to filmmakers and highlighting their projects that might not have a wide release or are independently backed. In today's episode Daniel chats to Heidi Levitt, the director and one of the subjects of the documentary Walk with Me.

Walk with Me focuses on her husband, Charlie Hess, and his journey with early onset Alzheimer's.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Walk with Me
• Natural Born Killers
• JFK
• The Artist

Walk with Me does not have a distributor yet but has been playing the festival circuit. There will be a special advance screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on July 29th with Heidi and Dr. Helena Chang Chui. You can find tickets here. To learn more about the film go to their website here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Independent Film Focus #7: Shook with Amar Wala

In this episode Daniel and Mason chat about the recently released Warfare. It looks at a specific battle set during the Iraq War, based on co-director, Ray Mendoza's story. Also in the episode, Daniel is joined by Katee Sackhoff for a brief chat about her latest film, Fight or Flight, which she stars in with a Get Reel Movies beloved actor, Josh Hartnett. They chat about the rare chance to play an action-lite character as well as some ideas for a sequel.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Warfare
• Fight or Flight
• Whiplash
• A Minecraft Movie
• Sharp Corner

Warfare and Fight or Flight are out on VOD now. You can find Warfare on Prime here and you can rent Fight or Flight on any VOD platform.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Independent Film Focus #6: Walk with Me with Heidi Levitt

In this episode Daniel is joined by Dr. Richard Harris to discuss the documentary currently on the film festival circuit, Deeper, as well as the 2022 film Thirteen Lives. Richard discusses his amazing career as an anesthesiologist, his love for deep cave diving and how those two surprisingly combined for the truly amazing story of the Thai cave rescue in 2018, dramatized in Thirteen Lives.

Richard further discusses his documentary Deeper and his journey to conquer the unexplored Pierce Resurgence in New Zealand. He talks about the camraderie of the deep cave diving community and how the makers of Deeper made a much more personal film than he orginally envisioned.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Deeper
• Thirteen Lives
• The Abyss
• Anora
• The Substance

Deeper will be playing at the Sydney Film Festival at the start of June. To buy tickets click here. To see when the film will be released near you or on VOD check out Stranger Than Fiction Films.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Warfare & Fight or Flight with Katee Sackhoff

Independent Film Focus focuses on talking to filmmakers and highlighting their projects that might not have a wide release or are independently backed. In today's episode Daniel chats to Jason Buxton, the director of the new release, Sharp Corner.

Sharp Corner is the story of a man's spiral as he tries to find greater purpose in his life. It follows Josh, a hapless family man who is drawn into saving the lives of the car crash victims at the sharp corner in front of his house.

Films discussed during this episode:

• Sharp Corner
• The Gift
• The King of Comedy
• Taxi Driver
• Little Children
• No Country for Old Men
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• The Wages of Fear

Sharp Corner releases in limited theaters across North America on May 9th. To buy tickets in Canada click here. To find tickets in the USA click here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Thirteen Lives & Deeper with Dr. Richard Harris

Independent Film Focus focuses on talking to filmmakers and highlighting their projects that might not have a wide release or are independently backed. In today's episode Daniel chats to Samir Oliveros, the director of The Luckiest Man in America.

The Luckiest Man in America tells the unbelievable story of Michael Larson, an ice cream truck driver, who appeared on the gameshow Press Your Luck and won.

Films discussed during this episode:

• The Luckiest Man in America
• Bad Lucky Goat
• Richard Jewell
• Camille 2000

The Luckiest Man in America is out now on VOD. You can buy or rent it here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to recommend a movie we cover next please reach out to us on social media. We're on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Independent Film Focus #5: Sharp Corner with Jason Buxton