TMU grad Lisa Rideout premieres Degrassi documentary at TIFF 2025

When a teenage Drake was getting his start on Degrassi, nobody knew he'd become one of the world's biggest rappers. 

But that's just one of the wild stories behind Canada's most popular teen show – and now Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumna Lisa Rideout is sharing all the lore in her documentary Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, which premieres at TIFF on September 13. 

The 2013 Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media graduate spent years uncovering the untold stories behind the series that dared to show everything from teen suicide to queer storylines when other shows wouldn't touch them. 

“I hope audiences learn something they didn’t know about Degrassi if they are fans. Or if they aren’t fans, they're introduced to the show in a way that makes them want to watch every episode,” Rideout says. 

“I think the overall message is that Degrassi and Linda Schuyler changed the television landscape for the better and championed important conversations about taboo subject matter. We should all learn to be a bit more brave from everyone who made and was on Degrassi.”

From academia to filmmaking at TMU

Before applying to TMU’s Master of Fine Arts program, Rideout was about to pursue a PhD in media and cultural studies, focusing on nonprofit organizations and problematic imagery.

“I pulled out of my PhD but I applied to TMU for the MFA program in documentary media,” she says. “Coming from a background of academia, I was really ready to create my own images instead of critiquing them for the rest of my life.”

After graduating, Rideout worked at the Canadian Film Centre in the production office while she worked on making documentary films. 

Since then, she’s built a career telling stories about unconventional women who don’t feel compelled to play by the rules. Her work has appeared on Netflix, Crave, CBC and VICE. 

Her latest work, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, earned a spot in TIFF's prestigious Special Presentations program alongside films by acclaimed directors like Guillermo del Toro, Benny Safdie and Clement Virgo.

“It’s unreal to see it as part of a group of films by filmmakers like this,” she says.

We caught up with Rideout to hear more about her documentary, her TIFF screening and her journey as a filmmaker.

Q&A with Lisa Rideout

What made you want to dig into the Degrassi story?

Our EP/Producer Carrie Mudd was inspired by her teenage daughter Ivy’s love of Degrassi to make the film. I was connected to Carrie through Erin Sharp, a producer on my previous film Sex with Sue and also on Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. They brought me on to direct the film.

What's it like seeing your name next to directors like Guillermo del Toro at TIFF?

It feels incredible, especially since it’s the 50th anniversary for the festival. I’ve been coming to TIFF for years and it feels surreal to have a film screening as part of it. Degrassi is a TV series about Toronto teenagers, shot in Toronto – there isn’t a better festival than TIFF for it to premiere. 

Why does Degrassi still matter in 2025?

I think the Degrassi story could be told at any time. The franchise reflected the teenage experience in a way that is timeless. 

Sure the fashion, music and mediums have changed, but what continues to remain the same is the core of the teenage experience. Teens will always have their first kiss, their first dance, their first party, so I think there will always be an audience for Degrassi and for our documentary.

You went from wanting a PhD to making documentaries. What happened at TMU?

My time at TMU changed everything for me, it was where I transitioned into filmmaking. 

It was incredible to have two years to focus on filmmaking, new ideas and to have access to cameras and equipment. 

Something I learned in the program is that coming from an analytic background, I wanted my films to have emotion be central and the guiding force behind my storytelling. 

Who at TMU changed everything for you?

Professor Blake Fitzpatrick was my thesis advisor and was always very encouraging with my project and ideas. 

My first film was about end of life and hospice care. It was a sensitive subject, having watched my father go through the end of life. 

Professor Fitzpatrick always created a safe space for those conversations. 

My film was a bit of a mixed media film, with a lot of photographs. When I was in the program you streamed into film, photography or new media and I was actually in photography, so I was influenced by a lot of photographers, like Sally Mann, Nan Goldin, Gordon Parks and many more.  

What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers who are just starting out?

My advice would be to just make films with whatever you have with whoever you can. Practicing, finding your voice, making mistakes is all part of the process. 

I remember my thesis film for TMU, I did everything – I directed, shot it, I was the sound person, even the editor. 

One interview, I forgot to record the sound, so I lost the whole interview. You better believe I never made that mistake again. 

But mistakes happen and it’s good to learn from them early on before too much money is involved. I also watch films, go to film festivals but I also get inspiration in other places like theatre, museums, on a hike. Sometimes the film industry can be so all consuming, I think it’s healthy and helpful for creativity to have a life outside of it. 

Representing TMU at TIFF

Reflecting on her filmmaking journey, Rideout credits her time at TMU as foundational to her success. 

“It’s incredible to represent TMU as an alum at TIFF. Having started my career and having learned so much as a filmmaker from the community in this city, it’s pretty incredible to be part of the festival. Without what I learned at TMU I wouldn’t be part of TIFF, so that means a lot,” she says.

Check out Rideout’s film – and the other TMU alumni who are premiering their work – at TIFF’s 50th anniversary festival.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes (external link)  will screen throughout the festival on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14.