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Independent Film Focus #7: Shook with Amar Wala

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Release Date: 08/04/2025

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In this episode, Daniel and Mason dive into the recently released Train Dreams, a film that offers a deep character study of Robert Granger, portrayed by Joel Edgerton. They discuss the film's artistic nuances, its setting during a time of immense change in America, and its potential Oscar buzz. Films discussed during this episode: Train Dreams Predator Badlands  The Christmas Chronicles Train Dreams is available on Netflix now. You can watch it . 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...

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In this episode, Daniel and Mason dive into the recently released Blue Moon, a film that offers a deep character study of Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. They discuss the film's artistic nuances, its setting on the opening night of Oklahoma and its potential Oscar buzz.  Films discussed during this episode: Blue Moon Weapons One Battle After Another Blue Moon is out in theaters now, providing a rich, introspective experience for film enthusiasts. To buy tickets in Canada click . To buy tickets in the USA click . If you have any questions or comments, or would like to...

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Daniel wraps up the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival with a final dive into three premieres that defined the festival’s bold spirit. From intimate character studies to gripping thrillers, these films close out TIFF’s showcase of cinematic voices that linger long after the credits roll. Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, adapts Denis Johnson’s novella about a laborer’s solitary life in the early 20th-century American West, weaving themes of grief and resilience through a stark, poetic lens. The Wizard of the Kremlin, directed by Olivier Assayas, explores the shadowy world...

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Fresh off the electric vibes of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, 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. Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, chronicles the historic trials of the Nazi high command following World War II, delving into the pursuit of justice amid global reckoning. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story,...

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Fresh off the electric vibes of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, 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. Fuze, directed by David Mackenzie, explores a tense thriller set in London, where an unearthed WWII bomb sparks chaos and high-stakes decisions in a gritty urban landscape. Normal, directed by Ben Wheatley, follows a...

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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. Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance, stars Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life criminal hiding on a toy store roof, assuming a new identity, and forming a relationship with an employee, alongside Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage. The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, features...

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Fresh off the electric vibes of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, 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. No Other Choice, directed by Park Chan-wook, stars Lee Byung-hun as a laid-off executive targeting job rivals in a satirical take on corporate desperation, with Son Ye-jin and Cha Seung-won. The Secret Agent, directed by...

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More Episodes

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 FacebookX (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Next Episode: Unstoppable with Anthony Robles