Ben Harrison explains what keeps people coming back to TIFF year after year, including attendees well into their seventies and eighties who treat it as an annual tradition. It isn't really about the movies themselves, he says. It's the friendships and conversations that only happen once a year, on the same streets, at the same festival.

This year's lineup includes what one acclaimed 83-year-old British director says will be his final film, alongside a personal project from a two-time Oscar winner who built it around raising a young daughter after his character's arc in a major franchise collapsed entirely.

One of the festival's most talked-about premieres has been waiting decades to happen. A documentary shot in the 1970s, capturing a private conversation among some of the defining figures of an entire cultural movement, was never finished until now, and it's already been called one of the most acclaimed films of the year.

Topics: TIFF community culture, Mike Leigh final film, Midnight Madness TIFF, Canadian documentary premieres, Mahershala Ali new movie

GUEST: Ben Harrison | @6benharrison

Originally aired on 2026-09-11

Ben Harrison explains what keeps people coming back to TIFF year after year, including attendees well into their seventies and eighties who treat it as an annual tradition. It isn't really about the movies themselves, he says. It's the friendships and conversations that only happen once a year, on the same streets, at the same festival.
This year's lineup includes what one acclaimed 83-year-old British director says will be his final film, alongside a personal project from a two-time Oscar winner who built it around raising a young daughter after his character's arc in a major franchise collapsed entirely.
One of the festival's most talked-about premieres has been waiting decades to happen. A documentary shot in the 1970s, capturing a private conversation among some of the defining figures of an entire cultural movement, was never finished until now, and it's already been called one of the most acclaimed films of the year.
Topics: TIFF community culture, Mike Leigh final film, Midnight Madness TIFF, Canadian documentary premieres, Mahershala Ali new movie
GUEST: Ben Harrison | @6benharrison
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-11

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.