Charting the franchise from its humble beginnings as a series of short films about kids growing up in east Toronto to a globally adored pop-culture institution, director Lisa Rideout’s documentary makes for a consistently illuminating deep dive into all things Degrassi. Through its mix of iconic clips and candid interviews with the creators, cast members, writers, and even super-fans like Kevin Smith and Andrew Phung, Rideout’s film explores all the ways that the shows changed people’s lives over the teen-TV franchise’s four-decade history. As an affectionate celebration of a made-in-Canada phenomenon that’s still clear-eyed enough to acknowledge missteps and shortcomings, it’s a movie that will engage viewers whether they’ve memorized every episode or can’t name a single song by The Zit Remedy.

Come walk the KCFF red carpet with the stars of Degrassi! This special screening includes an extended Q&A with director Lisa Rideout and Degrassi alumni Amanda Stepto and Stacie Mistysyn (Spike and Caitlyn).

Director: Lisa Rideout

Cast: Stacie Mistysyn, Drake, Linda Schuyler, Amanda Stepto

Language: English

Content warning: abortion, eating disorders, school shooting, coarse language, mature themes

Runtime: 111 minutes

LISA RIDEOUT, Director

Lisa Rideout is an award-winning director and writer who makes character-driven films focused on women who have forged their paths outside of societal norms. Her most recent documentary with Peacock Alley and Wildbrain, Degrassi: Whatever it Takes premiered to sold out audiences at TIFF in September 2025. In 2023, with Banger Films and Corus Entertainment, Lisa directed, co-produced and wrote the documentary feature Sex with Sue about renowned sex expert Sue Johanson, which won the 2023 Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary Program. She previously directed on Netflix’s series This is Pop with Banger Films. Her films have screened at numerous festivals including TIFF, Raindance, Hot Docs, Big Sky, Doc Edge, RIIFF and the Austin Film Festival and have garnered multiple Oscar qualifying awards.

Stacie Mistysyn, ‘Caitlin Ryan’, Degrassi high

Audiences all over the world watched Stacie Mistysyn grow up on the classic Degrassi series in her award-winning run as Caitlin Ryan. Her acting and hosting career spans over 40 years. Her commitment to reducing stigma around mental health stems from having secretly struggled with physical and mental self-abuse while growing up in the public eye. She founded Stronger with Stacie Coaching and Fitness and works as a Peer Support Specialist at Ontario Shores Recovery College with the continued aim of promoting healing and empowerment.

Amanda Stepto, ‘Christine ‘Spike’ Nelson’, Degrassi high

Amanda Stepto is familiar to many as the spike-haired teen mom, Christine “Spike” Nelson, on Degrassi Junior High. The episode “It’s Late” starred Amanda in the groundbreaking role of a teenage mom who refuses to leave school, and won many awards including an International Emmy. Amanda reprised her role as Christine on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Amanda was also a host of the teen-oriented documentary series, Degrassi Talks. Her film and television credits include Strong Medicine, The Book of Knives and Flying.