1st on Film

1st On Film

We love movies! The 1st Reviews team is dedicated to the casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts alike, with our mix of candid and fun approach to analyzing movies and all things happening in the film industry. We are focused on providing film reviews, movie news, interviews, and coverage of many film related events to an international movie loving audience.

  1. Miku Martineau Interview | Canadian Screen Awards

    23h ago

    Miku Martineau Interview | Canadian Screen Awards

    At the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, 1st on Film caught up with rising Canadian star Miku Martineau for a quick but engaging red carpet conversation. Best known for her breakout roles in Kate, Star Trek: Section 31, and Netflix’s hit series Bet, Miku discusses stepping into a variety of genre projects, what attracts her to unique characters, and her experience leading one of Netflix’s most talked-about new series. In this short but insightful interview, she reflects on her evolving career, the challenges of playing fan-favourite characters, and the excitement surrounding Bet. Recorded live on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards. Miku Martineau is a Canadian actress, voice artist, and singer from Toronto, Ontario. She first gained international attention for her performance as Ani alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Netflix’s action thriller Kate (2021). Since then, she has continued to build an impressive résumé with roles in Honor Society, Ruby and the Well, and Paramount+‘s Star Trek: Section 31, where she portrayed a young Philippa Georgiou opposite Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh. In 2025, Martineau took on her biggest leading role yet as Yumeko in Netflix’s live-action series Bet, inspired by the popular manga Kakegurui. Known for her versatility across action, science fiction, drama, and thriller projects, Martineau is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most exciting young performers.

    2 min
  2. DISC | Interview with Blake Winston Rice & Victoria Ratermanis

    Jun 4

    DISC | Interview with Blake Winston Rice & Victoria Ratermanis

    On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Winston Rice and actor/writer Victoria Ratermanis to discuss their acclaimed short film DISC. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows two strangers whose one-night stand leads to an unexpectedly intimate and chaotic predicament, blending sharp comedy with genuine human connection. Blake and Victoria take us behind the scenes of the film’s creation, from developing the story together to collaborating with star Jim Cummings, navigating the festival circuit, and exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and modern relationships. It’s a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, creative partnerships, and finding humor in life’s most uncomfortable moments. Blake Winston Rice is an award-winning writer and director from New Jersey and a graduate of Rowan University. His breakout short film, Tea (2024), starring Michael Gandolfini and executive produced by Patty Jenkins, premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to screen at numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals. Victoria Ratermanis is an actor, writer, director, and producer who is a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-nominated short film A Lien and has appeared in projects including Fosse/Verdon. A graduate of Pace University with a BFA in Acting and trained in the Meisner technique at Playhouse West Brooklyn, Victoria has built a multifaceted career both in front of and behind the camera. With DISC, she serves as co-writer, producer, and star alongside Jim Cummings, marking a significant step in her filmmaking journey. Born in Baltimore and raised overseas, her unique upbringing has helped shape the imaginative storytelling and versatility that define her work today.

    18 min
  3. County Blooms | Interview with Jen Pogue and Navin Ramaswaran

    May 28

    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.

    27 min
  4. County Blooms | Shenanigans Toronto Red Carpet

    May 24

    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.

    5 min

About

We love movies! The 1st Reviews team is dedicated to the casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts alike, with our mix of candid and fun approach to analyzing movies and all things happening in the film industry. We are focused on providing film reviews, movie news, interviews, and coverage of many film related events to an international movie loving audience.