Toronto Indie Coming-of-Age ‘Boxcutter’ Trailer Starring Ashton James

Toronto Indie Coming-of-Age ‘Boxcutter’ Trailer Starring Ashton James

by Alex Billington
October 24, 2025
Source: YouTube

“Even if it doesn’t work out, at least I tried…” Film Movement has debuted the trailer for a Canadian indie film titled Boxcutter, about an aspiring rapper goes on a quest across the gentrifying streets of Toronto to find his music in time for the event that could change his life. It premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival earlier this year and drops in narrow theaters starting today (on October 24th) heading to VOD next month. After aspiring rapper Rome’s apartment is burgled, and his only copy of his music stolen on his laptop, he devises a plan with the assist of his friend Jenaya to track down his four producers & reassemble his album in time for an event with megastar music producer Richie Hill. Starring Ashton James as Rome, with Zoe Lewis, Viphusan Vani, Clairmont The Second, Matthew Worku, & Rich Kidd. Per the description, the film offers a gritty, heartfelt coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Toronto’s spirited music and art scene. Boxcutter dives into the hustle & grind of independent artistry, exploring the lengths one will go to to protect their passion and dreams. Looks like another great indie discovery this year – worth a watch.

Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Reza Dahya’s film Boxcutter, direct from YouTube:

Aspiring rapper Rome (Ashton James) has the talent and vision to break out in Toronto’s hip-hop scene, but his crippling insecurity is holding him back. When he learns that megastar producer Richie Hill will be making an appearance at a local club, Rome seizes the chance to meet him and get his album into Richie’s hands. However, disaster strikes when Rome’s apartment is burglarized and the only copy of his album is stolen. Racing across the city with his friend Jenaya, Rome scrambles to track down his collaborators and his records before the show begins and he misses his one shot. Boxcutter is directed by the Canadian indie filmmaker Reza Dahya, his second feature after making Samanthology previously, plus many other low films. The screenplay is written by Chris Cromie. It’s produced by Soko Negash, Reza Dahya. This initially premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival earlier this year. Film Movement will debut Dahya’s Boxcutter film in select US theaters starting October 24th, 2025 – playing now. For more info, visit their official site.

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