Verse | Tribeca Film Festival Interview with Noam Argov

Blood Lines Interview with Gail Maurice

On this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with Gail Maurice to discuss her film Blood Lines. Our conversation explores the importance of Meiti language representation on screen, why authentic Indigenous storytelling matters, and how language can help preserve culture while connecting audiences to a deeper sense of identity. Gail also shares the story behind the film’s title, explaining the meaning and intention behind Blood Lines and how it reflects the themes at the heart of the film. Join us for an insightful conversation about storytelling, representation, and bringing personal and cultural experiences to the screen. Gail Maurice is a Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker whose work celebrates Indigenous voices through authentic and character-driven storytelling. She has appeared in numerous acclaimed film and television productions while also establishing herself as a writer and director committed to sharing stories that reflect Indigenous experiences, culture, and community. Through her filmmaking, Maurice explores themes of identity, family, language, and resilience, bringing underrepresented perspectives to audiences with warmth, honesty, and humor. Her work continues to highlight the importance of Indigenous representation both in front of and behind the camera. Blood Lines is a heartfelt drama that explores identity, family, and cultural heritage through an Indigenous lens. Blending personal storytelling with themes of belonging and generational connection, the film examines how language, tradition, and ancestry shape who we are while emphasizing the importance of preserving culture for future generations. Grounded in authentic performances and a deeply personal perspective, Blood Lines offers an intimate look at community, resilience, and the enduring ties that connect us across generations.

Verse | Tribeca Film Festival Interview with Noam Argov

In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Noam Argov to discuss her acclaimed short film, Verse, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Noam shares the inspiration behind the film, the creative process of bringing its story to life, and the challenges and rewards of crafting an emotionally resonant short. We also discuss the importance of authentic storytelling, what it means to have Verse showcased at one of the world’s premier film festivals, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her filmmaking journey. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply love discovering compelling independent cinema, this conversation offers an insightful look into the making of Verse and the passion behind its creation. Noam Argov is a writer and director whose work explores intimate, character-driven stories with emotional depth and authenticity. Through a thoughtful visual style and a focus on human connection, she creates films that resonate with audiences on a personal level. Her short film Verse premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, showcasing her distinctive voice as a filmmaker and further establishing her as an emerging talent in independent cinema. Passionate about meaningful storytelling, Noam continues to develop projects that examine the complexities of relationships, identity, and the human experience.

I Love Boosters | Interview with Music Supervisor, Cheryl Wang

Music plays a vital role in shaping a film’s emotional impact, and in this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with music supervisor Cheryl Wang to discuss her work on I Love Boosters. Cheryl takes us behind the scenes of building the film’s sonic identity, from discovering the perfect songs to navigating the complex world of music licensing and clearances. We also dive into her journey into music supervision, collaborating with filmmakers, balancing creative vision with practical realities, and what it takes to create a soundtrack that resonates long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a film lover, a music fan, or curious about one of filmmaking’s most overlooked creative roles, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Cheryl Wang is a music supervisor whose work bridges storytelling and music across independent and studio productions. After growing up in China, studying in Shanghai, and later attending graduate school at Columbia University, she found her way into the world of film through post-production before building a career in music supervision. Her credits include I Love Boosters, Splitsville, Bunny, X, and Armageddon Time, where she has helped filmmakers craft memorable musical identities for their projects. Known for her expertise in music licensing, creative collaboration, and securing high-profile tracks, Cheryl works closely with directors to ensure every song enhances the emotional and narrative impact of a film.

Littermates Interview | Dystopian Dark Comedy

What would you do if you woke up in a world you no longer understood? In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with co-directors Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson, alongside stars Joe Bader and Oliver Woolf, to discuss their inventive dystopian dark comedy Littermates. We dive into the film’s unique post-apocalyptic premise, the challenges of balancing humor with psychological tension, creating an immersive world on an independent budget, and how the cast brought these complex characters to life. The team also shares behind-the-scenes stories, their collaborative filmmaking process, and what they hope audiences take away from this thought-provoking indie feature. Whether you’re a fan of character-driven science fiction or independent filmmaking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Littermates is a dystopian dark comedy set in the aftermath of a devastating chemical attack that has left survivors struggling to remember language and the world they once knew. When two amnesiac strangers find refuge in the isolated countryside home of a mysterious man named Chester, they are introduced to a strange new existence governed by an unusual reward system and increasingly unsettling rules. As their memories and curiosity begin to return, they start questioning the reality they’ve been taught to accept, leading to a gripping exploration of power, identity, and human nature. Blending sharp humor with psychological suspense, Littermates offers a fresh and intimate take on the post-apocalyptic genre.

The Costumes behind Scary Movie 6 with Ariyela Wald-Cohain

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with costume designer Ariyela Wald-Cohain to talk about bringing the world of Scary Movie 6 to life through wardrobe. Ariyela breaks down the challenge of balancing the franchise’s signature comedy and horror influences, reimagining iconic genre-inspired looks, and designing costumes that help sell both the satire and the scares. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with the cast and filmmakers, and how costume design can shape character, tone, and some of the film’s biggest visual moments. If you’ve ever wondered how a costume designer helps build the look of a horror-comedy — and how Scary Movie 6 plays with recognizable horror imagery while still feeling fresh — this is a fun behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss. Ariyela Wald-Cohain is a costume designer known for her work in film and television, with a focus on creating character-driven looks that help define tone, world-building, and visual storytelling. Most recently, she worked as the costume designer on Scary Movie 6, helping reimagine the franchise’s signature horror-comedy style for a new generation. Her work blends creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of character, using costume design to support both performance and story on screen.