DIALOGUES: Short Cuts to First Features" is a Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Industry program featuring conversations with emerging directors who transitioned from making acclaimed short films (Short Cuts alumni) to directing their debut features, sharing insights on script development, collaboration, and overcoming challenges to build their filmmaking careers. It's a key part of the TIFF Industry Conference, focusing on practical advice and inspiration for filmmakers aiming to make that crucial jump to feature-length projects.

I had the grand pleasure to join alumni directors of TIFF Short Cuts and Industry Talent, Lloyd Lee Choi (Lucky Lu), Sasha Leigh Henry (Dinner with Friends), Taratoa Stappard (Mārama), and Eva Thomas (Nika & Madison), as they discuss their journeys from making short films to developing and directing their first features. Learn how they honed their scripts, found the collaborators and supporters they needed, and coped with practical challenges while protecting their creative visions.

Lloyd Lee Choi is a Korean-Canadian filmmaker based in Brooklyn. He has directed the short films Same Old (22), which played the Festival, and Closing Dynasty (23). Earlier this year he received the TIFF–CBC Films Screenwriter Award for his screenplay Yakult Ajumma. Lucky Lu (25) is his feature film debut.

Sasha Leigh Henry is a Toronto-based writer, director, and producer. Her short films include Love Bent (14), To Love and Back (16), Bitches Love Brunch (18), and the Festival Official Selection Sinking Ship (20). She also created, wrote, and directed the television show Bria Mack Gets a Life (22), which premiered at the Festival. Dinner With Friends (25) is her latest film.

Taratoa Stappard was born in Aotearoa and lives in London. He has directed the shorts Eight for Eight Thirty (96), Strip (98), Euston Road (04), Goalie (16), and Emkhatsini: Between (18). Mārama (25), his latest film, is his feature debut.

Eva Thomas is a writer and filmmaker from Walpole Island First Nation based in Wallaceburg, Ontario. Her production credits include the Festival Official Selections Night Raiders (21) and Kaniehtiio Horn's Seeds (24). She directed the short film Redlights (23) and co-directed the feature Aberdeen (24), both of which played the Festival. Nika & Madison (25) is her latest film.

Moderated by:

Jason Anderson is the International Programmer for Short Cuts. A member of TIFF's Programming team since 2015, he's also worked on TIFF Kids and Canada's Top Ten. He's been the director of programming for the Kingston Canadian Film Festival since 2008 and the programming director for Aspen Shortsfest since 2019. A longtime journalist and critic who graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in English literature, he was a film critic and columnist for the Toronto weeklies The Grid and Eye Weekly, and regularly contributed to such publications as The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, Toro, and Saturday Night. He currently writes about music and film for Uncut magazine, Sight & Sound, and Cinema Scope. He has taught a course on film criticism for the University of Toronto since 2008 and has taught journalism courses at Toronto Metropolitan University. His least useful areas of expertise include the Step Up franchise, show business memoirs, and the discography of Nile Rodgers.

Stay connected with me here: https://www.instagram.com/shesallovertheplacepodcast

I had the grand opportunity to cover the 50th Aniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival. With animation being one of my favourite topics in the world, I am grateful that I was able to join this epic conversation and now share it with you. :)

DIALOGUES: Creative Visions in Animated Feature Films is a specific TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) event/panel where acclaimed directors like Domee Shi (Pixar's Elio), Mamoru Hosoda (Belle, Summer Wars), and Momoko Seto (Dandelion's Odyssey) discuss balancing artistic vision with studio realities, creative authorship, and the future of bold animation, showcasing diverse global perspectives. This dialogue offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of making visionary animated features, featuring both indie and major studio voices.

From intimate, auteur-driven projects to collaborations with major studios, discover how directors Domee Shi (Elio), Momoko Seto (Dandelion's Odyssey), Mamoru Hosoda (Scarlet), and Kid Koala (Space Cadet) balance artistic integrity with industry realities, and what it takes to make animated films that captivate audiences and spark global imaginations. Join us for a candid conversation about creative authorship, industry pressures, and the evolving space for bold, visionary animation.

Domee Shi began as a story intern at Pixar Animation Studios in 2011 and was soon hired as a story artist on the Academy Award–winning Inside Out. She went on to work on The Good Dinosaur, Incredibles 2, and Toy Story 4. In 2015, she was greenlit to write and direct Bao, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Short. She made her feature directorial debut with 2022's Oscar-nominated Turning Red and most recently co-directed Elio, released June 2025. Born in Chongqing, China, and raised in Toronto, Shi now lives in Oakland, California.

Momoko Seto was born in Tokyo and lives in Paris. She studied at Le Fresnoy - National Studio of Contemporary Arts. Her short film series Planet includes Planet Z (11) and Planet Sigma (15). The winner of the FIPRESCI Award at Cannes Critics' Week, Dandelion's Odyssey (25) is her feature film debut.

Mamoru Hosoda was born in Toyama, Japan. He has worked on numerous animated series and directed the features One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (05), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (06), Summer Wars (09), Wolf Children (12), The Boy and the Beast (15) which played at the Festival, Mirai (18), and Belle (21). Scarlet (25) is his latest film.

Kid Koala (Eric San) is a Montreal-based DJ, composer, and graphic novelist. He directed Space Cadet, his first animated feature based on his graphic novel, which premiered at the Berlinale and will have its North American Premiere at TIFF 50. Known for genre-defying albums and live shows, he has also scored acclaimed films, series, and video games.

Moderator

Theresa Scandiffio is the Associate Dean of Animation and Game Design at Sheridan College. Prior to joining Sheridan, Scandiffio led archival and curatorial projects at museums, festivals, and universities in Toronto, Chicago, and Orlando. From 2010–2020, Scandiffio was a member of the programming team that launched the Toronto International Film Festival's year-round home, TIFF Lightbox, where she led the Learning, Heritage, and Community Outreach divisions. Scandiffio served as an Ontario delegate for the 2015 Governor General Canadian Leadership Conference and was a 2017 Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow. She received her PhD in Cinema and Media studies from the University of Chicago.

Key Participants & Films Mentioned:

• Domee Shi: Elio (Pixar)
• Momoko Seto: Dandelion's Odyssey (Indie/Artistic)
• Mamoru Hosoda: Scarlet (Japan's Studio Chizu)
• Kid Koala: Space Cadet (Independent)

Themes Explored:

• Creative Authorship vs. Industry: How directors maintain their unique style within large production environments.
• Industry Pressures: Navigating financial and commercial demands in animation.
• Evolving Landscape: The growing space for unique, visionary animation.
• Global Perspectives: Highlighting both auteur-driven projects and major studio collaborations.

Stay connected with me here: https://www.instagram.com/shesallovertheplacepodcast

Based on the true story of a 20-something writer from rural Maine. Inspired by actress SALLY KIRKLAND's performance in the sleeper hit, ANNA (Oscar nominee, Independent Spirit Award and 1988 Golden Globe winner), Zack takes the leap to pursue his ambitions of a Hollywood Career. After driving cross country, in a chance encounter he meets his lifelong idol, the week he arrived. Sally hires him on the spot to be her assistant, where he quickly learns her career is a shambles. He dedicates himself to finding a way to land her back on the red carpet where she belongs.

SALLYWOOD stars Sally Kirkland, Tyler Steelman, Tom Connolly, Eric Roberts, Lenny Von Dohlen, Kay Lenz, Michael Lerner, Maria Conchita Alonso, with Keith Carradine and Jennifer Tilly. It was written and directed by Xaque Gruber and produced by Steven J. Wolfe. The film features songs by Rufus Wainwright, Toni Basil & Smokey Miles.

The film has a running time of 90 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. It has won over 50 Awards during its festival circuit! Buffalo 8 released the film on digital platforms on November 14, 2025.

To view the trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/BAhC50Jgd5k

For more information, go to: www.sallywoodmovie.com

https://www.xaquegruber.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:

Facebook: sallywood the movie

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561341323412

Instagram: @sallywoodmovie https://www.instagram.com/sallywoodmovie/

X: @sallywoodmovie https://x.com/SallywoodMovie

Stay Connected with me: https://www.instagram.com/shesallovertheplacepodcast

https://www.chonacas.com/links/

Join me as I sit down with Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson, the creative minds behind the Sundance 2025 feature film Serious People. From directing music videos for Bad Bunny, Rosalía, J Balvin, Madonna, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd, to exploring parenthood, clout, and indie filmmaking in Los Angeles, this conversation dives deep into the world of modern filmmaking.

We dive into:

• Pasqual's journey from directing award-winning music videos for Bad Bunny, Rosalía, J Balvin, Madonna, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd to his first feature film

• The inspiration and making of Serious People, a story about parenthood, clout, and the replaceability of people in LA

• Behind-the-scenes stories and the indie film world

• Tips, insights, and lessons for aspiring filmmakers and creatives

Whether you're a film lover, aspiring director, or just curious about what it takes to make a feature film in today's industry, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and inspiration.

Follow the filmmakers:

• Pasqual Gutierrez: IG @PasqualGutierrez

• Ben Mullinkosson: IG @BenMullinkosson

Stay connected with me:

https://www.instagram.com/SHESALLOVERTHEPLACEPODCAST

I had the opportunity to sit down with the Horror Legend, Alan Danziger and with the writer, producer, Ray Spivey! We chat about their new film and the classic shot of all time, according to Quentin Tarantino and Oliver Stone. Juicy details inside, tune in now and watch the film!

How many remakes of a bad horror movie can you make?

The cast and crew of THE WEEDHACKER MASSACRE boldly film where gruesome murders occurred years ago, and the masked killer has returned. It's going to be their worst movie ever.

THE WEEDHACKER MASSACRE stars David Treviño (Rent Free, Storage Locker), Molly Sakonchick (Storage Locker), Bobbie Grace (Fear the Walking Dead, Velocity Girl), Sean Reyna, Parrish Randall (Circus of the Dead, The Goldilocks), and featuring Allen Danziger (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) as Sheriff Danzinshoos. The film was co-created by Allen Danziger and Ray Spivey, written and produced by Ray Spivey, executive produced by Allen Danziger, and directed by Jody Stelzig.

THE WEEDHACKER MASSACRE had its World Premiere at the Golden State Film Festival. The film has won many awards, including New York International Film Awards Best Comedy Winner-IndieFEST, Awards of Merit- Best Song, Best Actor; Awards of Recognition-Best Screenplay, Best Actress; Best Supporting Actress, Semi-Finalist Best Comedy Chicago Filmmaker Awards, Semi-Finalist Santa Barbara International Movie Awards, Semi-Finalist - Santa Monica International Filmmaker Awards.

Buffalo 8 released the film on digital platforms on October 17, 2025.

To view the trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/8Vgvmk24KVI

Social Media Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/weedhackermovie?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/chainsawjerry

https://www.instagram.com/weedhackermovie/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D#

https://www.instagram.com/chainsawjerry/#

https://www.instagram.com/pokerfacerules/

https://x.com/weedhackerm

https://www.tiktok.com/@whackermassacre?_t=ZT-8xdqfbm09Lq&_r=1

Stay connected with me: https://www.instagram.com/SHESALLOVERTHEPLACEPODCAST

https://www.chonacas.com/links/

Martina Fuchs international business journalist, DJ, and Guinness World Record holder, joins Grammy-nominated producer Maejor and The Frequency School to release 'The 195', the first song in history featuring women from all 195 countries, recorded in 528 Hz 'Love Frequency' to promote women's empowerment, global unity, and holistic wellness.

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down and have an in-depth chat, tune in now. :)

Martina Fuchs is an international business journalist, music executive, Guinness World Records holder, expert on China and the Middle East, and speaks 9 languages. She currently works as a Europe business correspondent for China's news agency Xinhua, co-founder of the Frequency School with U.S. Grammy-nominated music producer Maejor, consultant for the IMD business school, and advisor for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Based in London, Zurich, and Dubai, Martina also serves as a board member for the Montreux Jazz Festival China and is the brand ambassador for Switzerland's premium chocolate retailer Läderach. Apart from being a global citizen and world traveler, she is also a music DJ and set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title in 2025 ("Most nationalities to contribute vocals to a musical recording") for the "195" - the first song in history featuring women from all of the world's 195 countries. Martina speaks 9 languages, including: German, French, English, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Swahili. Social media: LinkedIn (Top Voice, 36K followers): https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinafuchsglobal/

Instagram (57K followers): https://www.instagram.com/martina_fuchs_global/

ABOUT THE FREQUENCY SCHOOL:

The Frequency School was created at the renowned international boarding Aiglon College in Switzerland in 2024 by U.S. Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum music producer Maejor, and co-founders Martina Fuchs, Kingsley M, Brandon Lee, and Aaron Dawson.

Our pioneering concept is designed to harness the transformative power of music for the holistic development of people focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. We provide music-based wellness services and resources, promoting not only their mental and physical health but also their spiritual wellbeing.

Through services like music therapy, education, and performance, we empower individuals to lead balanced, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The approach integrates the latest in music therapy with traditional wellness practices to support the whole person.

In January 2025, we set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for: "Most nationalities to contribute vocals to a musical recording (single song)" The "195" is the first song in history featuring women from all of the world's 195 countries and using the 528 Hz 'Love' sound healing frequency. Using the sounds of birds and the heartbeat as instrumental elements, the "195" aims to raise awareness about gender equality, and promote women's empowerment and female leadership.

The "195" Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxCn0c9W5V4

Social media:

https://www.instagram.com/thefrequencyschool/

www.linkedin.com/company/the-frequency-school

https://frequency.school

She's All Over the Place Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/shesallovertheplacepodcast

https://www.chonacas.com/links/

When a woman wakes up captive in her own vacation rental, she must revisit memories of former guests to unmask her attacker – and find a way out alive.

HELD HOSTAGE IN MY HOUSE (formerly called Blunt) was written and directed by Anna Elizabeth James (Deadly Illusions). It stars Amy Smart, Matt Davis, NE-YO, Billy Zane, and Greer Grammer. The film has a running time of 87 min and was rated TV-14 by the MPAA. Netflix released the film on October 15.

I had the amazing opportunity to chat with female filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James.

Anna is all about empowering and telling stories specifically for women.

We go into what it takes to make a film, we even chat on the unknown business side, sales reps, distro, and so much more. Dive into this impactful episode, be sure to take notes and share with other female entrepuerars.

https://www.instagram.com/annaelizabethjames

Shout out to Valentina Sarfeh as all of her artwork is featured in the film! Looks like we may have her on the podcast soon for you!

https://www.instagram.com/valentinasarfeh/?hl=en

Stay connected with me: https://www.chonacas.com/links/

Life brings Luke Wolf, a war veteran, back to his hometown, where his sister is, who has Down Syndrome. Things are different, or maybe it's just that now he's different. After years of running from his problems, Luke must face his monsters.

MONSTERS WITHIN was written, directed, produced, and stars Devin Montgomery (Worm). The film was executive produced by Curtis Gardner and also stars Kendall Cavener (The Last Rodeo), Skeeta Jenkins (Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich, Jakob's Wife, Satanic Panic), Daniella Montgomery, Brandon Stewart (Sovereign) who was also the DP, and Samuel French (Killers of the Flower Moon, Fear The Walking Dead) in his final starring role before his tragic death. French has won several Best Supporting Actor awards for his intense performance in MONSTERS WITHIN, and the film is dedicated to him.

The character of "Elle," who is the main character's sister and the heart and soul of the movie, is played by Devin Montgomery's actual sister, Daniella Montgomery. She has performed at several events for the Down Syndrome Associations and Special Needs choir in Oklahoma. The story of the bond between a brother and sister, with one having special needs, being portrayed as authentically and real as possible, was very important to both Devin and Daniella Montgomery.

This award-winning film has screened at numerous film festivals including WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival - WON BRONZE for BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM, Edinburgh Independent Film Festival - WON BEST LEAD ACTOR (Devin Montgomery), Stockholm City International Film Festival - WON BEST ACTOR (Devin Montgomery), Cowpokes International Film Festival - WON BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (Samuel French), Bare Bones International Film Festival - WON AUDIENCE CHOICE FOR BEST FEATURE FILM and BEST ACTOR (Devin Montgomery), Red Dirt International Film Festival - WON BEST FEATURE FILM, Indie Vegas Film Festival - WON BEST HORROR/THRILLER FEATURE FILM, Massachusetts Independent Film Festival - awarded an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT FOR FIRST FEATURE FILM, among many other festivals.

MONSTERS WITHIN has a running time of 100 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. Buffalo 8 will release the film on digital platforms on October 3, 2025. The film will premiere on Cineverse's Screambox on November 7 in time for Veterans' Day.

To view the trailer, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWHJj4P6N7E

For more information, go to: https://www.monsterswithinmovie.com/

Social Media Handles: https://www.instagram.com/monsterswithinmovie/

Tik Tok: https://www.com/@monsterswithinmovie/

YT: Watch the Full Interview on https://youtu.be/Dxq7S2Ck7Uw

Stay conneted with me: https://www.chonacas.com/links/

Artist Journal: Living & Creating in New York City: In this Artist Journal episode, I share my current creative process, the reality of being an artist and actor, and what I'm learning about media, momentum, and staying grounded in New York City.

Guests: NICK CORIROSSI & ARMEN WEITZMAN - Filmmakers and Stars

Nick Corirossi and Armen Weitzman; two infamous recluses, have emerged with THE NAPA BOYS to return glory to the very industry that banished them, and to give their heart to the people.

The Napa Boys is the "fourth" film in a fictional franchise that follows a group of friends on mystical and often wine-related adventures. In this installment, the leader of the Napa Boys, the lothario Jack Jr., rallies his reluctant beta co-captain, Miles Jr., and the rest of the gang for one last journey into the unknown, with their path set forth by the mysterious and infamous Sommelier. Joined this time by Puck, a bright young podcaster and fan of the Napa Boys graphic novel, the group sets out to learn about friendship, adventure, love, loss, and viticulture.

https://tiff.net/films/the-napa-boys

NICK CORIROSSI

"Jack Jr"

Nick is a writer/director/actor whose projects have accrued hundreds of millions of views worldwide. and garnered awards and great respect in the filmmaking community. While a head creative at FunnyOrDie he created Don Cheadle is Captain Planet, trolled the world with Huvrtech.com, made John Goodman Colonel Sanders, leaked an NC-17 Dark Knight Rises Ending, hosted Clip Cup, and examined Carmen Electra's Cum Ghosts. He's appeared as recurring characters on Late Night with Conan O'Brien,

Nick has written/directed/performed for Adult Swim on their late night infomercial series, and cartoon Hot Streets, directed the cult comedy Deep Murder for Shudder, and recently contributed as a joke and scenario writer for Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm. He appears as Craig Healy on the streaming service satire, www.Vioobu.com and In 2021 starred in and co- wrote/directed the acclaimed, underground hit film www.BoltDriver.LA . Recently Nick was a writer on Season 6 of the Eric Andre Show.

ARMEN WEITZMAN

"Miles Jr"

Armen Weitzman is an English musician. He gained global fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and the piano, and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. Also known as the heart and soul of The Napa Boys; he has appeared in television and film projects such as Burning Love, The Sarah Silverman Program, , Role Models, School for Scoundrels, GLOW, Veep, and Ocean's Thirteen. He was also on the MTV show Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous as the title character's best friend, Greg LeBlanc. He co-starred as the servant Garfield in the Comedy Central show Another Period, and appeared as Jeff in Silicon Valley, as Ruby in Netflix's Love, and as Lorne Michaels in A Futile and Stupid Gesture. Armen is the co-creator, writer, and producer of The Napa Boys, in which he also stars. The film will hold its TIFF '25 World Premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the festival

https://www.instagram.com/thenapaboys/

Host: https://www.chonacas.com/links/