New York City-based distributor Film Movement has acquired the U.S. distribution rights for Toronto-based Reza Dahya’s feature directorial debut Boxcutter (Back Up Your Ish).

The film, produced by Dahya and Toronto’s Soko Negash, made its world premiere at Halifax’s 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival and had its international premiere at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Tex. Film Movement is planning a theatrical release later this year, after which it will launch on digital platforms. Game Theory Films is the Canadian distributor.

The deal was brokered by Tania Sarra’s Toronto-based film and TV consulting firm Hot Sauce for Film on behalf of the filmmakers and Michael Rosenberg, Film Movement’s president. The film is executive produced by Sarra, Darby Wheeler, Rodrigo Bascunan and Anupa Mistry. Boxcutter is supported by Telefilm’s Talent To Watch, the New Dawn production fund, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The film, written by Chris Cromie, follows an aspiring rapper who, after his laptop containing his music is stolen, goes on a quest across Toronto to recover his stolen property before a meeting with a Grammy-winning producer. It stars Ashton James (Youngblood), Zoe Lewis (Morningside) and Viphusan Vani (Operation Nutcracker). The film also features cameos from Toronto artists such as Rich Kidd, Clairmont the Second and Junia-T.

Before transitioning to filmmaking, Dahya was known as the host and producer of OTA Live on Toronto’s Flow 93.5 FM. His previous work includes the anthology feature Samanthology and short films Chameleon, Theodore and Five Dollars.

“From its underdog story to its kinetic cinematography, Boxcutter is both a love letter to Toronto, its vibrant hip-hop scene and aspiring artists everywhere,” said Film Movement’s Rosenberg in a statement.

Image courtesy of Film Movement