Local Connection: Cornwall’s Jen Blair Manley Part of Indie Thriller JACKED

Cornwall is about to see one of its own step into the spotlight on the international film stage. JACKED, a suspense-driven indie thriller, will have its world premiere at the Toronto Independent Film Festival on September 11, and executive producer Jen Blair Manley, a proud Cornwall Realtor, has played a key role in bringing the project to life.

A Throwback Thriller with Bite

Set in the summer of 1987, JACKED follows two small-town teenagers stranded by a broken-down car who quickly find themselves fighting for their lives against a violent stalker. It is a tense, retro-tinged story that nods to the best of classic suspense cinema.

Shot in Ithaca, New York, and completed in April 2025 on a budget of about USD 230,000, the film proves what a determined indie team can pull off with vision and grit.

Behind the camera is John Fucile, best known to Canadian audiences as the lead actor on the 1990s series Denim Blues. He wrote, directed, and produced the film. Co-writers and producers include Simon Fraser and Luc Montpellier, with cinematography by Michael Salvino, editing by Drew MacLeod, and an original score by Michael Lantz.

The film stars Marla Robison (Big Sky, The Wall, Nobody Leaves ’til Jesus Comes), Tom Koch (Olive, Petit Louis, Terra Incognita) and Anthony Cipriani (MovingValentine, the Kill Room). Wynn Reichert (Most recently-The Alto Knights with Robert DeNiro)

The Festival Push

Toronto is the launching pad for JACKED, with three key events lined up:

• Sept 9 – Private industry screening at The Rivoli
• Sept 10 – Market screening at TIFF Lightbox Cinema 7
• Sept 11 – World Premiere at Paradise Theatre as part of the Toronto Independent Film Festival

Film festivals are where distribution deals are made, and the team behind JACKED is hoping to capture the attention of sales agents and distributors who can take the film global.

Cornwall Connection: Jen Blair Manley

For Cornwall, there is special pride in seeing Jen Blair Manley’s name on the credits as executive producer. Jen says her involvement began when producer John Fucile, remembered by many Canadians for his role on Denim Blues, was looking for investors. “It was a unique opportunity to delve into the film industry world,” she explained.

She will be in Toronto on September 9 for the private screening at The Rivoli, and says the excitement is building: “We are all super pumped to get this project to the next level. The JACKED team has come so far. They have worked tirelessly to bring this to life.”

For Jen, supporting independent film is about more than finance. “I like to diversify my investments. Backing passion projects has a value you can’t put a number on. Making dreams come true is priceless. I’d love to see more stake in human interest stories.”

Why It Matters

Indie films like JACKED are proof that creativity can thrive outside of Hollywood. With its authentic 80s setting, festival buzz, and grassroots backing, the film represents both a business opportunity and a passion project. For Cornwallites, it is also a hometown connection to an industry that often feels far away.

Looking Ahead

With screenings at Toronto festivals and industry events this September, the hope is that JACKED will land a distribution deal that takes it to wider audiences across North America and beyond. Until then, Cornwall can cheer on Jen Blair Manley and the team, knowing that a piece of our city is making waves in the film world.

For more about the film, visit jackedworld.com