93 minutes – Drama, LBGTQ+, Sports
Language: English
Festival release date:  September 8, 2023 – TIFF
Release date: May 21, 2024
Production companies: Page Boy Productions, Night is Y, Prospero Pictures
Canadian distributor: levelFILM
U.S. distributor: XYZ Films

Based on a story by director D.W.Waterson, Backspot is set in the world of competitive cheerleading with the focus on two cheerleaders, Riley (Devery Jacobs) and Amanda (newcomer, Kudakwashe Rutendo). Shot in Toronto in February and March of 2023, considerable buzz was created when Elliot Page became one of the Executive Producers through Page Boy Productions. The production marks Waterson’s directorial feature debut working with a screenplay by Joanne Sarazen. While both Riley and Amanda are impressive mid-level cheerleaders, a professional coach (played by Evan Rachel Wood) gives them a chance to cheer with the more prestigious Thunderhawks.

Backspot was produced in association with Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, CBC Films, and Shaw Rocket Fund.