Queer-led competitive cheerleading drama Backspot is handspringing into action in Toronto.

Director D.W. Waterson (That’s My DJ) and star Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) are producers on the film through their prodco Night is Y, which is now in production until mid-March.

Also producing the film are Martin Katz of Prospero Pictures and Alona Metzer (Learn to Swim). It is written by Joanne Sarazen (Tammy’s Always Dying), based on a story by Waterson.

Canadian distribution for Backspot is handled by levelFILM, with Crave holding first-window streaming rights, followed by an additional window for CBC and CBC Gem. UTA represents U.S. and international sales for the film.

Canadian actor Elliot Page is an executive producer on the film under his U.S. shingle Page Boy Productions alongside Matthew Jordan Smith. Additional executive producers are John Davidson and Katisha Shaw.

Backspot follows two young women, played by Jacobs and newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo, who quickly find themselves and their romance tested by the pressures of competitive cheerleading after they’re selected to join a professional squad. It marks the feature directorial debut for Waterson.

Additional cast members are Thomas Antony Olajide (Learn to Swim), Olunike Adeliyi (The Porter), Wendy Crewson (On the Basis of Sex) and Shannyn Sossamon (A Knight’s Tale).

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

Pictured (L-R): D.W. Waterson (Photo by Vita Cooper), Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Photo by Ryan Pfluger), and Kudakwashe Rutendo (Photo by Chris Shikanai)