In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Kirk Jones to discuss his latest film I Swear. Known for his sharp storytelling and ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, Jones dives into the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of bringing it to life, and the themes that make it resonate with audiences today.

We explore the creative process behind I Swear, from script to screen, and unpack the film’s deeper message about trust, relationships, and the consequences of the promises we make. Whether you’re a fan of character-driven stories or just love hearing how films come together behind the scenes, this conversation offers a thoughtful and engaging look at the craft of filmmaking.

Tune in for an insightful and candid discussion with one of the industry’s most distinctive voices.

I Swear is a compelling drama that explores the weight of promises and the fragile nature of trust. The film follows characters navigating complex personal relationships, where a single commitment has far-reaching consequences.

Through a mix of emotional depth and subtle humor, I Swear examines how words can shape lives, testing loyalty and revealing the truths people often try to hide. Director Kirk Jones brings a humanistic lens to the story, focusing on authentic performances and relatable conflicts.

At its core, I Swear is a story about accountability, connection, and the difficult path toward honesty—both with others and within ourselves.

Kirk Jones is a British film director and screenwriter known for his ability to craft emotionally rich stories that often balance humor with poignant human experiences. He first gained international attention with his debut feature Waking Ned, a critically acclaimed comedy that showcased his distinctive voice and storytelling sensibility.

Jones has since directed a range of films across genres, including family dramas and comedies, earning recognition for his character-focused narratives and accessible style. His work often explores themes of community, relationships, and personal transformation, resonating with broad audiences while maintaining a personal touch.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with rising actor Aidan Langford to talk about his role in the new Netflix film ROOMATES. Aidan shares what drew him to the project, how he approached his character, and what it was like working on a story that blends tension, humor, and unexpected twists. We also get into behind-the-scenes moments, his creative process, and what this role means for his career moving forward. Whether you’ve already seen ROOMATES or are adding it to your watchlist, this conversation offers a deeper look at the film through the eyes of one of its stars.

In this episode, we sit down with Brady Oliveira and Alex Blumberg to talk about their new series Must Love Dogs. From the spark of the original idea to the realities of bringing it to life, they share the creative journey behind a show that blends humor, heart, and a deep appreciation for our four-legged companions.

We dig into what makes the series stand out, the challenges of storytelling in this space, and how their personal experiences shaped the tone and direction of the project. Oliveira and Blumberg also open up about collaboration, audience expectations, and what they hope viewers take away from the series.

Whether you’re a dog lover or just curious about the craft behind a compelling new show, this conversation offers a thoughtful and entertaining look at the people and passion behind Must Love Dogs.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Alyssa Loh to talk about her thought-provoking short film Copy, Save. Loh unpacks the creative spark behind the project, diving into its themes of identity, memory, and the digital footprints we leave behind.

We explore her writing and directing process, the challenges of bringing such an introspective story to life, and how she balances emotional nuance with visual storytelling. Loh also shares insights into working within the short film format, collaborating with her team, and what this project means in the context of today’s increasingly digitized world.

It’s a reflective and engaging conversation about storytelling, technology, and the human experience—offering a closer look at a filmmaker carving out a distinct voice.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director Radha Mehta to discuss her deeply personal and emotionally resonant short film Sūnna— which means “listen.”

Inspired by Mehta’s own lived experience, Sūnna explores the fragile relationship between identity, sound, and silence. We dive into the film’s origins, its sensory storytelling approach, and how music, culture, and memory become tools for reclaiming self after loss.

Mehta opens up about portraying hearing loss with authenticity, challenging traditional narratives around disability, and crafting a story that is both intimate and universally relatable. We also explore the film’s cultural roots, its mother-daughter dynamic, and the creative process behind bringing such a nuanced, experiential story to life.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, artistic identity, and learning to “listen” beyond sound.

In this episode, we sit down with actor Hugo Armstrong to discuss his compelling performance in Watching Mr. Pearson. Armstrong dives into the nuances of his character, the emotional layers behind the story, and what drew him to this thought-provoking project. We also explore the film’s themes, behind-the-scenes moments, and how the role challenged him as a performer. It’s an insightful conversation about craft, storytelling, and the power of subtle, character-driven cinema.

Watching Mr. Pearson is an intimate, character-focused drama that explores themes of observation, isolation, and human connection. The story follows a seemingly ordinary man whose quiet routine begins to unravel under the weight of unseen tensions and buried truths. Through a slow-burning narrative and layered performances, the film invites audiences to question perception, morality, and the boundaries between watcher and participant.

Hugo Armstrong is a versatile actor known for his work across film, television, and theatre. With a career marked by a wide range of character roles, Armstrong has built a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to every performance. His screen credits include appearances in notable television series and independent films, where his ability to embody complex, often understated characters has made him a standout presence. In Watching Mr. Pearson, Armstrong continues to showcase his talent for nuanced storytelling, delivering a performance that is both subtle and deeply affecting.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Harald Swinkels to discuss his short film Odessa.

Swinkels shares the inspiration behind the project, the creative and technical challenges of bringing the film to life, and the themes that drive its narrative. We explore his approach to storytelling, visual style, and what Odessa represents within his broader work as a filmmaker.

Whether you’re an aspiring creator or a film enthusiast, this conversation offers insight into the craft of short-form storytelling and the passion behind independent cinema.

Harald Swinkels is a filmmaker known for his visually driven storytelling and thoughtful approach to narrative. With a focus on atmosphere, character, and thematic depth, his work often explores human emotion and perspective through a cinematic lens.

His short film Odessa highlights his ability to craft compelling stories within a concise format, blending strong visual composition with nuanced storytelling. As an emerging voice in independent film, Swinkels continues to develop projects that reflect both artistic ambition and a commitment to authentic storytelling.

In this episode, we sit down with director James Cutler to talk about his short film Can I Put You on Hold. We dive into the inspiration behind the project, the creative process of bringing it to life, and the themes that drive its story. James shares insights on directing, storytelling, and the challenges of crafting a compelling short film in today’s landscape. It’s an honest and engaging conversation about filmmaking, creativity, and what it takes to make an idea stick with an audience.

About James Cutler:

James Cutler is an independent filmmaker and director with a passion for character-driven storytelling. His work often explores human connection, communication, and the subtle complexities of everyday life. With a growing presence in the short film circuit, James brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to his projects, focusing on authentic performances and emotionally resonant narratives.