Maple Popcorn
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite homegrown films and TV shows? It’s time to pop the Maple Popcorn, go behind the camera and meet the people who are making it happen. Discover exclusive interviews with Canadian icons and hear them talk about Canadian flicks and even break the fifth wall to share set anecdotes. A podcast produced by The Brand is Female, powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Canada's comedic force: a conversation with Mary Walsh
08/02/2024
Canada's comedic force: a conversation with Mary Walsh
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the prominent career of Canadian actress, comedian, writer, and director Mary Walsh. From her early days with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company to co-founding CODCO, Mary has left an unforgettable mark on Canadian comedy. Her sharp wit and memorable characters, including Marg Delahunty on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," have established her status as a comedic force, seamlessly blending humour with sharp political commentary. Beyond entertainment, Mary Walsh is a dedicated advocate for social causes, lending her voice to campaigns supporting human rights and poverty eradication through organizations like Oxfam-Canada. As a director, she has overseen acclaimed films such as "Young Triffie" and showcased her acting talents in “Happy Days”, "Mambo Italiano", and "The Grand Seduction”. Mary will next be seen in Sam McGlynn’s “Deaner ‘89”, the sequel to the cult classic “FUBAR”. Join Marriska Fernandes as she speaks to Mary Walsh about how a haircut led to her character Marg Delahunty, her time as Princess Warrior, using comedy to deliver hard truths, changing the country's perception of Newfoundland and much more! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Unbridled talent behind and in front of the camera: a conversation with Mark O'Brien
07/23/2024
Unbridled talent behind and in front of the camera: a conversation with Mark O'Brien
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the fascinating career of Canadian actor and director Mark O'Brien. From his memorable roles in "Republic of Doyle," “Ready or Not,” and "Halt and Catch Fire" to his award-winning portrayal as Terry Sawchuk in the biopic "Goalie," which earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor, Mark has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a performer. However, his talents extend beyond acting; he has also proven his skill behind the camera, notably in projects like "The Righteous," where he took on the roles of writer, director, and star. Join Marriska as she explores Mark's creative journey in this conversation, where he talks about embracing inspiration from the classics, how being an actor made him a better director, and his enduring passion for captivating storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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A master storyteller who pushes cinematic boundaries: a conversation with Atom Egoyan
07/16/2024
A master storyteller who pushes cinematic boundaries: a conversation with Atom Egoyan
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes uncovers the story of Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, celebrated for his diverse contributions to cinema. With internationally acclaimed films like "Exotica," "The Sweet Hereafter," and the upcoming film, "Seven Veils," Egoyan has consistently pushed cinematic boundaries, focusing on themes such as memory, isolation, identity, and more. His work has earned accolades at Cannes, TIFF, and the Oscars, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller. Beyond filmmaking, Egoyan has also directed several operas, including Salome, Così fan tutte, and Jenůfa, for the Canadian Opera, Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, and elsewhere. Join Marriska in conversation with Atom Egoyan, where they discuss his creative process and recall when Atom and Bruce McDonald screened their short films on a wall during TIFF. They also talk about the best ending he’s ever written, and more insights into his incredible journey. ***TW: Atom Egoyan's films often explore the universality of trauma, and in discussing his work, there are mentions of sexual assault, child abuse and violence. Listener discretion is advised. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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From child actor to mockumentary star and award-winning director: a conversation with Cody Lightning
07/09/2024
From child actor to mockumentary star and award-winning director: a conversation with Cody Lightning
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the dynamic career of Cree actor and filmmaker Cody Lightning. Originating from Edmonton, Alberta, Cody gained recognition with standout performances in "Smoke Signals," "Four Sheets to the Wind,” “Brick,” and “Manic.” “Hey, Viktor!,” his 2023 directorial debut showcased his talents as writer, director, and star, earning him nominations for Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Film and Best Original Screenplay, at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards. Recently, he was seen as Cousin Biscuits, one of the leads of the Marvel Studios series “Echo” for Hulu/Disney+. Aside from filmmaking, Lighting is a competitive skateboarder and snowboarder. Join Cody Lightning and host Marriska Fernandes they discuss how losing a short film pitch led him to “Hey, Viktor!,” the art of meta joke writing, finding inspiration from kids and elders, and more! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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From the stage to the screen: a conversation with Karen LeBlanc
07/02/2024
From the stage to the screen: a conversation with Karen LeBlanc
In this episode, Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, singer, and performer Karen LeBlanc joins host Marriska Fernandes to talk about her multifaceted career. Karen's passion for performing led her to the renowned musical theatre program at Sheridan College. After graduating, she sang with several bands such as Glass Tiger and her own R&B band, Midnight Hour. On stage, she’s performed in shows such as "Rent" and "Outrageous," and toured the world with the Legends In Concert series channelling Tina Turner. Her career spans film and television, with standout roles in "Nurse.Fighter.Boy," and series like "Trailer Park Boys," "Producing Parker" and "The Playboy Club." Recently, she starred as Vanessa King in Oprah Winfrey’s TV Series "The Kings of Napa," took on the role of Dr. Lilly Crawford, in CBS's "Fire Country," and plays Lynette Miller in "Ginny & Georgia." Karen and Marriska chat about chasing craft rather than fame, feeling seen by Charles Officer when filming "Nurse.Fighter.Boy," and how sometimes being your best self means saying no. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Elevating women in the film industry: a conversation with Kari Skogland
06/25/2024
Elevating women in the film industry: a conversation with Kari Skogland
Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn! In this season's inaugural episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with filmmaker and showrunner Kari Skogland, known for her Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning directorial work on "The Handmaid's Tale". Originally from Ottawa, Kari's journey in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Transitioning from editing to directing, her portfolio includes an array of projects such as television commercials, music videos, films such as “Fifty Dead Men Walking” and acclaimed TV series including "The Walking Dead", “Boardwalk Empire”, “The Americans”, Marvel's “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and more. Beyond her on-screen contributions, Kari is also the founder and CEO of Mad Rabbit, a film and television production company. Kari talks to Marriska about what she learned from her days editing commercials, her leadership approach on set, and her continued commitment to elevating women in the industry. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn
06/24/2024
Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn
Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the Maple Popcorn Podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, where we take you behind the scenes of Canada's vibrant entertainment industry. This new season will bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes scoops, and unforgettable moments with your favourite Canadian stars and emerging talents. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, we're turning up the excitement meter and sharing candid moments, untold anecdotes, and insider secrets that will leave you wanting more. Proudly powered by Telefilm Canada, the Maple Popcorn Podcast is your ultimate destination for all things Canadian entertainment. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and subscribe now on your favourite podcast app. Don't miss a single episode packed with exclusive content you won't find anywhere else! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Content Ownership Advocacy: a Conversation with Joshua Jackson
09/12/2022
Content Ownership Advocacy: a Conversation with Joshua Jackson
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Joshua Jackson. You may have first discovered Joshua in his iconic role as Pacey Witter in the 90’s sitcom series Dawson’s Creek, but today, he is Chairman at Liquid Media Group, a business solutions company that offers end-to-end solution for film, TV, and video creators. He is also currently portraying Dr. Christopher Duntsch on the TV series Dr. Death, a chilling dramatization of the real-life story of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch. In this pod episode, we travel back to Joshua’s early acting days, chat about the future of the film industry, and talk about perhaps his most important role to date — father to his two-year-old daughter. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Embracing Your Roots, and the Never-Ending Journey Towards Authenticity: a Conversation with Hamza Haq
09/05/2022
Embracing Your Roots, and the Never-Ending Journey Towards Authenticity: a Conversation with Hamza Haq
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Hamza Haq. You likely know Hamza from CTV’s hit medical drama Transplant, now in its second season, where Hamza plays the lead role of Bash, a doctor who comes to Canada as a Syrian refugee during the ongoing Syrian civil war. The role earned him a Canadian Screen Award for ‘Best Lead Actor’ in 2021. At the age of nine, Hamza himself immigrated to Canada from Saudi Arabia with his Pakistani family. Today, he shares with us his continued journey towards authenticity, his message to all immigrants and the importance of staying true to yourself. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Small Town Alberta Teen to Schitt’s Creek Success: a Conversation with Karen Robinson
08/29/2022
Small Town Alberta Teen to Schitt’s Creek Success: a Conversation with Karen Robinson
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Karen Robinson. Famously known for her role of Ronnie Lee in the award-winning smash hit comedy and global phenomenon Schitt’s Creek, Karen is currently starring in the budding female cop series Pretty Hard Cases, and in a leading role in Echoes, the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries from 13 Reasons Why showrunner Brian Yorkey. Join us for this conversation as we chat about Karen’s contrasting teenage years growing up in Jamaica and then small town Alberta, her love of performance from a young age and what it’s like being able to work close to home in Toronto. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Indigenous Excellence, Joy and Character Empowerment: a Conversation with Michael Greyeyes
08/22/2022
Indigenous Excellence, Joy and Character Empowerment: a Conversation with Michael Greyeyes
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Michael Greyeyes, actor, director, scholar, educator, choreographer and graduate from Canada’s National School of Ballet. Michael is Plains Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, and you may know him for his iconic roles in award-winning Canadian horror film Blood Quantum, Canadian cult classic, Dance Me Outside, and more recently for his roles as Terry Thomas in the new hit TV series Rutherford Falls and as Makwa in the thriller Wild Indian. Both have garnered much media attention and recognition, with Michael twice nominated at the Gotham Awards! Tune in to the conversation and discover Michael’s self-proclaimed "most Indigenous quality" and his love of both Indigenous joy and Indigenous creator Sierra Ornelas, showrunner of Rutherford Falls. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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From Republic of Doyle to Son of A Critch: a Conversation with Allan Hawco
08/15/2022
From Republic of Doyle to Son of A Critch: a Conversation with Allan Hawco
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Newfoundland’s sweetheart, Allan Hawco! Allan is no stranger to the Canadian film and television scene. You likely know Allan as private investigator Jake Doyle from the hit TV show Republic of Doyle. Filmed in St. John’s, NL, the comedy-drama fast became a Canadian weekly favourite, airing for six seasons. Over the years, Allan managed to create work for himself and others on his beloved island with his production company Take The Shot Productions, and to this day, continues to devote his time to writing, producing, and acting. Currently, Allan is executive producer on the new CBC comedy series Son of A Critch, based on comedian Mark Critch’s life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and catch a few laughs as we surprise Allan with a blast from the past. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Filipino-Diasporic Communities in Canadian Films: a Conversation with Shasha Nakhai, Martin Edralin and Priscilla Galvez
08/08/2022
Filipino-Diasporic Communities in Canadian Films: a Conversation with Shasha Nakhai, Martin Edralin and Priscilla Galvez
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with three up-and-coming Canadian filmmakers: Shasha Nakhai, Martin Edralin, and Priscilla Galvez. Shasha co-directed and co-produced Scarborough with fellow filmmaker Rich Williamson. The film won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture, and Nakhai and Williamson won the award for Best Director, at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022. The feature drama follows the stories of three children and their surrounding community as their lives collide at a community reading club all while navigating their own personal challenges. Islands is Martin Edralin’s directorial feature debut on which Priscilla Galvez worked on as producer. The feature centres around Joshua, a shy middle-aged Filipino man who takes on the role of caretaker for his father. Join us as we navigate the Filipino-Canadian diaspora represented in contrasting narratives — one on growing up in Scarborough and the other on growing old in Islands - and the importance of diasporic communities’ representation in Canadian film and television. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Maple Popcorn Season 2 Trailer
08/07/2022
Maple Popcorn Season 2 Trailer
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite homegrown films and TV shows? It’s time for season 2 of Maple Popcorn! Discover exclusive interviews with Canadian icons and hear them talk about Canadian flicks and even break the fifth wall to share set anecdotes. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode; Maple Popcorn season launches August 8! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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Canada’s Gentleman: A Conversation with Colm Feore
07/12/2021
Canada’s Gentleman: A Conversation with Colm Feore
From the stages of Stratford to Hollywood, all Canadians have watched Colm Feore in one of his extraordinary roles. You may have seen him on the big screen in films like Thor, or the hilarious 2006 buddy cop flick Bon Cop Bad Cop, alongside Patrick Huard. You’ve noticed him on your TV screen if you've watched 24, The Borgias, and The Umbrella Academy. From playing King Lear to playing former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, time after again, Colm has proved his reflexiveness as an actor and his ability to take on difficult roles and make them his own. Colm has been nominated for numerous awards, and won two for his performance in Trudeau, both for Best Actor in a Mini-Series; he has also been awarded a Governor General Award. Throughout his success, Colm has remained a down-to-earth Canadian, beaming with pride at the development of his country's contemporary film scene. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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The 6ix is calling: a conversation with Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy
07/05/2021
The 6ix is calling: a conversation with Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with two Toronto-made filmmakers, Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy. Clement moved to Toronto from Jamaica as a young man and in 2015, he directed and co-wrote a six-part miniseries adaptation of The Book of Negroes, which captivated audiences across Canada and the US, winning a grand total of 12 Canadian Screen Awards. Clement is also behind the foundation of the Black Screen Office, created to expand the reach of stories and works by Black filmmakers in Canada. Thyrone Tommy has seen his films celebrated internationally at over 30 festivals. His 2016 short film Mariner was named one of the TIFF Canada’s Top Ten shorts of the year and saw him awarded the Lindalee Tracey Award at Hot Docs the same year, In 2017, Mariner won him the Audience Award at the Scenic City Film Festival. Tune in to this episode to hear the duo discuss what drives them to make movies, the importance of Black representation in the film industry -- both in front and behind the camera -- and how they view the future of Canadian cinema. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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Some Chilling Matter: A Conversation with Adam MacDonald and Katharine Isabelle
06/28/2021
Some Chilling Matter: A Conversation with Adam MacDonald and Katharine Isabelle
If you love a good scare, this episode is for you! This week on the podcast, our host chats with Adam MacDonald and Katharine Isabelle, two veterans of the horror genre, who call Canada home. Since he was a little boy, Adam MacDonald was captivated by the horror genre. The thrills and chills from classics like The Exorcist and Evil Dead had him wondering how directors figured out the perfect scares. Fast forward to today, Adam is a filmmaker with two features under his belt, his 2015 film Backcountry and his 2017 film Pyewacket. He is also a director on the Netflix series Slasher Solstice. Katherine Isabelle grew up on the gloomy film sets of Vancouver, as she watched her father work as an art director on shows like the X-Files. Since then, her acting career has blown up, and you can catch her in major films like American Mary, Freddy vs. Jason, and in television shows such as Hannibal and The Order on Netflix. Perhaps Katharine is best known for her role as Ginger in the 2000 horror film Ginger Snaps, which is now hailed as a feminist horror classic. So sit down, kick back, and get comfortable (but not too comfortable, because you never know what’s lurking in the shadows) and get a behind-the-scenes look at Canadian horror! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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Standing Tall and Proud: A Conversation with Filmmakers Tracey Deer and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers
06/21/2021
Standing Tall and Proud: A Conversation with Filmmakers Tracey Deer and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers
In this episode, we are joined by two impressive filmmakers, Tracey Deer and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers. This conversation has them bravely sharing their vulnerabilities, addressing both their careers and the personal struggles they continue to experience as Indigenous women in Canada. Tracey was born and raised in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, Quebec. She is an award-winning television director and filmmaker, and her television show Mohawk Girls was nominated for four Canadian Screen Awards. Her recent coming-of-age feature-length film Beans debuted at TIFF and screened at the Berlin Film Festival, and picked up the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award and Best Motion Picture at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. Elle-Máijá is a member of the Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe, Blackfoot Confederacy) as well as Sámi from Norway. In 2020, Elle-Máijá and co-director Katherine Hepburn won the Canadian Screen Award for Directorial Achievement and Best Original Screenplay for The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open. Her recent documentary Kímmapiiyipitssini – the Meaning of Empathy, won her the Colin Low Award for Best Canadian Director. Tune in to this episode and hear the duo discuss the importance of truth in their filmmaking, and the duty they feel they have to tell stories that reflect their communities’ unique experiences. Trigger warning: this episode was recorded just a few days after the tragic discovery of a mass grave containing children’s remains at the site of a former Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet: The Women Changing Canadian Film
06/14/2021
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet: The Women Changing Canadian Film
The landscape of Canadian cinema has changed drastically over the years, with our homegrown talent getting more international recognition for their unique and impactful work. In this episode, we sit down with three women who are changing the rules of the game in Canadian cinema and advocating for representation of diverse voices in today’s film and TV industry. Gloria Kim, Supinder Wraich, and Mary Galloway are all graduates from the Canadian Film Centre and have been making waves with their recent projects. In 2019, Gloria Kim released her feature film Queen of the Morning Calm, which garnered rave reviews for its stylistic and aesthetic excellence. Supinder Wraich won an international Emmy in 2013 for her web series Guidestones, since then, she has released another web series, The 410. Mary Galloway made her directorial debut in 2017 with her film Unintentional Mother. Since then, she has worked on numerous projects, with an Indigi-Queer focus, and in 2019 The Hollywood Reporter listed her as one of 15 “Breakouts Making an Impact on Hollywood”. Don’t miss this insightful conversation, and join us in celebrating our homegrown Canadian talent! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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Kim Coates: A Canadian Goon with a Whole Lotta Heart
06/07/2021
Kim Coates: A Canadian Goon with a Whole Lotta Heart
You know him for his roles as the quintessential bad boy in both Canadian and American films and TV series, but behind Kim Coates' tough guy exterior is a proud Canuck, with humble roots in the Canadian Prairies. Growing up playing hockey on the rinks in Saskatchewan, Kim dreamt of making it into the NHL. That is, before he took a drama course that changed the trajectory of his adult life, and he fell in love with the art of acting. Coates has appeared in over 100 titles, but his most iconic Canadian role was his part as Coach Ronnie Hortense in the 2011 film Goon. Highly decorated as an actor, he has a long list of prestigious awards and nominations for his performances. Kim was awarded best lead actor of a drama series by the Canadian Screen awards in 2017 for his work on Bad Blood, Best Actor and the Half-Life Award from the Action On Film (AOF) festival for his work on King of Sorrow in 2009, as well as the 2017 ACTRA National Award of Excellence. Listen to the very first episode of Maple Popcorn to hear host Marriska Fernandes and Kim Coates discuss his extensive body of work, why he believes it’s so important to stay true to one’s roots, and the love he has for Hollywood North and its community. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by and powered by Telefilm Canada. ... Learn more about
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Introducing Maple Popcorn
06/01/2021
Introducing Maple Popcorn
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite homegrown films and TV shows? It’s time to pop the Maple Popcorn, go behind the camera and meet the people who are making it happen. Discover exclusive interviews with Canadian icons and hear them talk about Canadian flicks and even break the fifth wall to share set anecdotes. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode; Maple Popcorn launches soon! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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