ScreenFish

Set in the 1800s, THE WOMAN KING tells the story of the Agojie, a group of all-female warriors of the Dahomey kingdom in Africa who fought with ferocity and dedication to their home. As a new foe arises, Gen. Naniska (Viola Davis) and her team train a new generation of fighters to protect their nation. In our season 9 (!!) premiere, we welcome back Jolie Featherstone (@TOFilmFiles) and ScreenFish'rs Seun Olowo-Ake and Chris Utley to talk about the example for women and reimagining history.

Based on the New York Times Bestseller, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY tells the story of A.J. Fikry (Kunal Nayyar), a bookstore owner who's life is not what he expected it to be. After the death of his wife, Fikry is struggling to pay the bills but committed to his beloved books. His story finds a new chapter though when a woman leaves an abandoned child on his doorstep. Taking her into his home, his life is further upended when he meets Amelia (Lucy Hale), a young saleswoman who captures his attention. In this 1on1, we speak to Hale and Nayyar about the stories that define us, romanticizing life and the nature of heroes.

Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi, MURU tells the story of ‘Taffy’ Tawharau, a Maori police sergeant who spends his time in relative quiet. Unbeknownst to Taffy, trouble is brewing as the government has their area under surveillance for potential terrorist threats. Led by Gallagher, the current focus of their investigation is Tame Iti, a Maori rights activist who yearns to help his people reclaim their identity. In this 1on1, we speak to Kahi, and stars Cliff Curtis and Jay Ryan about the tension between protecting and service and whether Gallagher is a villain.

Starring Adelaide Clemons, THE SWEARING JAR tells the story of Simon and Carey, a young couple who are awaiting the birth of their first child. The two have a strong relationship but, like all relationships, they struggle with some heated, hurtful arguments. This tension becomes greater when Carey meets Owen, a handsome bookstore clerk to whom she is instantly attracted. In this 1on1, we speak to Clemons about the past informing the present, what Carey is looking for and whether or not time heals all wounds.

Directed by Carly Stone, NORTH OF NORMAL tells the amazing true story of Cea Sunrise Person, a young woman with an unusual childhood. Living with her grandparents, Cea and her young mother Michelle retreat into the wilderness of Alberta in order to find a new life. In this 1on1, we speak to Stone and star Amanda Fix about living with difficult parents, the tension between running away and running towards and what it means to have a home.

Directed by Marie Clement, BONES OF CROWS is chilling and honest story of Aline Spears, an Indigenous woman who suffers through extortion by church and local authorities as she’s sent to a residential school. As her life unfolds, Aline processes her trauma while experiencing the segregation of a culture that refuse to acknowledge the value of the Cree population. In this 1on1, we speak to Clement, Dove and Wapanatahk about the power of truth, playing with time and what’s missing from an apology. 

You are listening to another ScreenFish 1on1 live at TIFF 2022 with actors Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg and director Robert Connolly. Directed by Connolly, Blueback tells the story of Abby , a marine biologist who returns home upon the news that her mother, Dora (Radha Mitchell) has suffered a terrible stroke. As she cares for her ailing mom, Abby takes the time to think about the incredible influence that Dora has had upon her life. In this 1on1, we speak to Mitchell, Fogg and Connolly about learning the secrets of the sea, man’s relationship to the ocean and working with fish puppets.

Now in its 10th year, the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) has become an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their stories! Featuring a collection of shorts from around the world and some incredible speakers, VFF is back for evenings of films under the stars. In this 1on1, we speak to Antonio Ienco, VFF's Director of Sponsorships and Events, about what makes the Fest unique, the value of short stories and supporting the next generation.Check out vaughanfilmfestival.com for more information!

As always, TIFF '22 was 10 days of madness! Between endless films, meeting new people and interview ops, the ScreenFish Staff (Steve Norton, Seun Olowo-Ake and Jason Thai) had an amazing experience once again enjoying the Fest! In a special podcast, we sit down and discuss the things we learned from TIFF this year + hear from some special guests as well!

Directed by Allan Ungar, BANDIT tells the amazing true story of Gilbert Galvan Jr (Josh Duhamel), a charming career criminal, who escapes from a US prison in Michigan and crosses the border into Canada where he assumes the identity Robert Whiteman. After falling in love with a local social worker, 'Whiteman' commits to keeping a clean record--but a life of crime wasn't finished with him yet. Flying around the country robbing banks, Whiteman became known as the Flying Bandit for his skill... but also puts a target on his back. In this 1on1, we speak to Ungar about creating our villains, the film's playful tone and recreating Toronto... in Georgia.