Director Devin Shears on his first feature, and the fascination with fatness in "Cherub"

Director Devin Shears on his first feature, and the fascination with fatness in "Cherub"

Author: Vancouver International Film Festival July 24, 2025 Duration: 26:27
Harvey is a lonely, overweight man who discovers new self-esteem when he submits a photo to Cherub, a gay magazine “For big men and their admirers.” Director Devin Shears talks from his move from shorts to features in this gentle, ambient character study, revealing the healing power of being admired. This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival. This podcast is brought to you by the Vancouver International Film Festival. Presented on the traditional and unc...

Step into the vibrant world of cinema and culture with the VIFF Podcast, presented by the Vancouver International Film Festival. Here, the curtain pulls back to reveal the voices behind the vision. Each episode captures intimate, unrehearsed dialogues recorded amidst the energy of the festival itself or within the creative hub of the VIFF Centre. You’ll hear directly from directors, writers, and artists who are shaping the landscape of film and television, discussing not just their craft but the ideas and cultural currents that fuel their work. This isn't about quick promotional chats; it's about substantive, thoughtful conversations that delve into the creative process, the challenges of storytelling, and the power of visual media to connect us. The Vancouver International Film Festival has long been a cornerstone for cinematic discovery and community, and this audio extension embodies that same spirit of engagement. By tuning in, you gain a backstage pass to the perspectives of industry leaders and cultural luminaries, offering a deeper understanding of the films we watch and the artists who make them. It’s for anyone who believes that a great movie is just the beginning of the conversation. Find the VIFF Podcast for a regular dose of inspiration and insight, straight from the heart of the film world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

VIFF Podcast
Podcast Episodes
John Hollands' "Le Tour de Canada" embraces all the Canadian cliches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
In John Hollands' "Le Tour de Canada," two rival cyclists face off in a gruelling cross-Canada cycling race. Combining live action, 2D, and 3D animation, this multifaceted short takes a broad swing at what it means to em…
Julia Hebner ​on the conflicting roles women are expected to play [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:40
In Julia Hebner's "Jeff," Marsha is a phone sex operator who takes a call from a man who confesses that he is a pedophile. Throughout the duration of the phone call, Marsha loses touch with what's real, as she gets wrapp…
Bianca Rose Cheung on how memories can impact our lives forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
In Bianca Rose Cheung's "My Dad is an Astronaut," lead character, Cami, lives in rural Northern BC alongside her Mother. Set in a picturesque yet gritty winter, Cami must grapple with her mother's deteriorating health, w…
Jereme Watt reaches new documentary heights in "Everest Dark" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:38
Many know the visual splendour of Mount Everest, but only through pictures, stories, or tales of these treks that tempt the most ambitious of climbers. But, as the profile of Mount Everest has risen, what's lesser known…
In 100 SUNSET, Kunsang Kyirong is inspired by 'complicated women' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
Kunsang Kyirong's "100 Sunset" follows two young women residing in Parkdale, Toronto. Located in a unique apartment complex, housing a vibrant community of Tibetan immigrants, Kyirong's lens lets us into closeness of com…
Sara Wylie on why capitalism is the worst [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:07
Sara Wylie got her filmmaking start in her late twenties, dipping her toe into documentary through her work as a political organizer after making anti-Stephen Harper comedy videos. Soon, her passion for storytelling deve…