A Guest in My Country | Interview with Director John Gray

County Blooms | Interview with Jen Pogue and Navin Ramaswaran

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with the creative minds behind County Blooms, the flower-powered Canadian lifestyle series celebrating growers, designers, and floral creatives across Ontario and Québec. Host and creator Jen Pogue and filmmaker Navin Ramaswaran join us to talk about building the series, capturing the beauty of floral culture on screen, and the passion behind telling stories rooted in creativity, community, and nature. From behind-the-scenes production stories to the growing success of the series, this conversation blooms with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. About Jen Pogue Jen Pogue is a Canadian award-winning host, creator, actor, producer, and writer best known as the creator and host of County Blooms. She won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host, Web Program or Series for her work on the show. Beyond County Blooms, Pogue has appeared in productions including Ghostwriter, I Woke Up a Vampire, Hudson & Rex, and Endlings, while also producing independent Canadian film and television projects through FILMCOOP INC About Navin Ramaswaran Navin Ramaswaran is a Canadian filmmaker and cinematographer known for his work across independent film and television. On County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure, he served in directing and cinematography roles, helping shape the show’s vibrant visual style and intimate storytelling approach. His work focuses on visually driven narratives that spotlight culture, creativity, and human connection.

County Blooms | Shenanigans Toronto Red Carpet

At the red carpet event for Shenanigans Toronto, we caught up with creator and host Jen Pogue for County Bloooms alongside directors Michelle Jedrzejewski and Navin Ramaswaran to talk about bringing the project to life. From the inspiration behind the series to the creative process and what audiences can expect, the trio shared insights into the heart, vision, and collaboration that shaped County Blooms. Jen Pogue is a Canadian award-winning host, creator, actor, producer, and writer best known as the creator and host of County Blooms. A passionate advocate for floral design and storytelling, Jen has worked across film, television, and digital media, with credits including Ghostwriter, I Woke Up a Vampire, and Hudson & Rex. She won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host of a Web Program or Series for County Blooms. Michelle Jedrzejewski is a Canadian writer, story producer, and director known for her work on County Blooms and County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure. Michelle has contributed as both a writer and director on the series, helping shape its heartfelt storytelling and creative vision through a mix of lifestyle programming and documentary-style filmmaking. Navin Ramaswaran is a Canadian filmmaker, director, and cinematographer recognized for his visual storytelling work across film and television. On County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure, Navin served as both director and director of photography, bringing the series’ vibrant floral landscapes and intimate creative moments to life on screen.

Our Hero, Balthazar | Interview with Erin DeWitt and Nate DeYoung

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with editors Erin DeWitt and Nate DeYoung to discuss their work on Oscar Boyson’s provocative dark comedy-drama Our Hero, Balthazar. The pair break down their collaborative editing process, balancing the film’s sharp tonal shifts between satire and emotional realism, and shaping two contrasting perspectives into one cohesive story. We also dive into their creative partnership with Boyson, the challenges of pacing character-driven tension, and how the film’s themes of online culture and modern alienation informed the final cut. A fascinating conversation about storytelling, rhythm, and finding humanity inside chaos.

A Guest in My Country | Interview with Director John Gray

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director John Gray to discuss his powerful short film A Guest in My Country. Gray shares the inspiration behind the story, the themes of identity and belonging woven throughout the film, and the creative process of bringing such an emotional and timely project to life. We also talk about the challenges of independent filmmaking, storytelling through a deeply human lens, and what he hopes audiences take away from the experience. John Gray is an award-winning writer, director, and producer known for his work across film and television. He is the creator of the long-running hit series Ghost Whisperer and has written and directed numerous acclaimed projects throughout his career. With a storytelling style that often explores human connection, spirituality, and emotional truth, Gray has built a reputation for creating thoughtful and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. A Guest in My Country continues that tradition, offering a moving and timely reflection on identity, compassion, and belonging.

Eddie Short Film | Interview with Laurel Brady

On this episode of 1st on Film, we hit the red carpet at Shenanigans Toronto, to speak with writer/director Laurel Brady about her short film Eddie. Laurel discusses the inspiration behind the film, and the creative process behind the project, Laurel Brady is a filmmaker and writer/director whose work focuses on character-driven storytelling and emotionally grounded narratives. Through her films, she explores human connection, identity, and personal growth, bringing a thoughtful and authentic voice to independent cinema. Eddie is a short film that follows an emotionally layered journey of self-discovery and connection, exploring themes of vulnerability, relationships, and the complexities of everyday life. With an intimate storytelling approach and strong performances, the film offers a heartfelt look at the moments that shape us.