Gabor Pertic talks about becoming the lead programmer of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and what films he is most excited about from the 2026 line-up. ✨ KEY MOMENTS IN THIS VIDEO:

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Gabor Pertic on Becoming Lead Programmer

00:50 Is There Any Film Gabor Pertic is Particularly Proud Of?

01:01 What Gabor Pertic is Really Excited About

01:14 End Screen

"Eyeballs Up!" 👁️👆 We are celebrating a massive milestone: the 20th Anniversary of the Canadian Film Fest!

I caught up with Founder & Executive Director Bern Euler and Festival Director Ashleigh Rains right on the Opening Night red carpet. Amidst the premiere buzz at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, we discussed this year's incredible lineup and the meaning behind the "Eyeballs Up" slogan.The Highlight: I surprised them both on the carpet by revealing that my pull-quote from last year’s coverage made it onto the official physical release of Vampire Zombies from Space! 🛸🧛‍♂️Chapters:0:00 Intro0:28 Bern Euler on 20 Years of the Canadian Film Fest1:03 Ashleigh Rains on This Year's Line-Up1:30 Bern Euler on the Challenges of Choosing Films2:16 Ashleigh Rains on "Eyeballs Up"2:56 Thanking CFF for my Vampire Zombies from Space! Blu-ray Quote4:16 Eyeballs Up End Screen

We sat down with director Adam MacDonald (Backcountry, Pyewacket) to discuss his latest film, This Is Not a Test, ahead of its Canadian theatrical release on February 27. We dive deep into why he chose to adapt Courtney Summers' acclaimed YA novel, the decision to set the apocalypse in the 1990s, and how he balanced the visceral horror of a zombie outbreak with the heavy themes of teenage trauma and depression.
Content Warning: This interview includes discussions regarding depression and suicidal ideation

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Adapting Courtney Summers’ Novel
01:27 Why a Zombie Film?
02:04 Balancing Horror with Teenage Trauma
03:16 Olivia Holt’s Character Arc (TW: Mental Health)
03:54 The 90s Aesthetic & The Age of Electric
05:51 Why the High School Setting Works
06:56 Where are the Adults?
08:01 Sloane and Her Sister (Minor Spoilers)
09:11 Adam MacDonald’s Next Project
09:50 Is a Sequel Possible?
10:27 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
11:26 End Screen