Etalk Presents: Opening Remarks

9:30 am

Let’s kick off the inaugural The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada with opening remarks and some special guests!

Speakers

Lainey Lui
Senior Correspondent, Etalk

Traci Melchor
Senior Correspondent, Etalk

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The Art of Leadership

9:40 - 10:30 am

Explore the dynamic landscape of leadership in the Canadian film and television industry through the lens of these inspiring women who have climbed the ranks, shattered glass ceilings, and carved out spaces for themselves and others. Delve into the strategies and philosophies that have guided these leaders to success, and gain valuable insights into the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, as well as their visions for the future. Through candid conversation and thought-provoking discussions, ‘The Art of Leadership’ offers an opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most influential voices.

Speakers

Magda Grace
Head of Prime Video, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Prime Video

Jocelyn Hamilton
President – Canada, Television, eOne

Jennifer Holness
President, Hungry Eyes Media

Monika Ille
Chief Executive Officer, APTN

Christina Jennings
Chairman & President, Shaftesbury

Barbara Williams
Executive Vice-President, CBC

Moderator
Prem Gill
Chief Executive Officer, Creative BC

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Keynote Interview: Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

10:30 - 11:00 am

Join mental health advocate, champion of gender equality and author, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, for an exciting Keynote Interview. On the heels of the release of her new book Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other, Ms. Grégoire Trudeau will empower the audience to move forward on a journey of mental wellness and self-awareness. There will be an exclusive book signing for delegates following the Keynote.

Speakers

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau
Keynote Speaker

Moderator
Kirstine Stewart
Global Media and Tech Leader

Partner

Etalk Presents: An Interview with Madison Tevlin

11:00 - 11:15 am

Join Etalk for a inspiring special interview with actor, host, model and advocate, Madison Tevlin.

Speakers

Madison Tevlin
Actor, Host, Model & Advocate

Moderator
Traci Melchor
Senior Correspondent, Etalk

Sponsors

Shaping the Screen: Director's Roundtable

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

This impactful session will spotlight the remarkable contributions of Canadian women directors. These great storytellers have been shaping narratives, challenging norms, and breaking barriers. Discover how these directors navigate the industry landscape, overcome obstacles, and champion diversity and inclusion. Gain insights into their artistic visions, storytelling techniques, and the evolving role of women in directing.

Speakers

Tracey Deer
Filmmaker

Deepa Mehta
Film writer and Director

Mina Shum
Director, Writer

Nia Vardalos
Filmmaker

Kari Skogland
Director

Moderator
Johanna Schneller
Entertainment Columnist, Globe and Mail

Partner

Reel Equality: Gender Parity in the Canadian Entertainment Industry

1:00 - 1:45 pm (During Lunch)

This dynamic session will delve into the status of gender parity in Canada’s entertainment industry, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts to achieve equality. Our esteemed panelists will offer insights and thoughts on topics such as representation, workplace and set considerations, leadership opportunities, and the impact of gender stereotypes on creative expression. Join us as we try to chart a course toward a more inclusive and equitable future within Canada’s entertainment landscape.

Speakers

Jully Black
Canada's queen of R&B and soul

Angela Moore
Actress, past Executive Director, UBCP/ACTRA

Catherine Reitman
Writer, showrunner, actress, comedian, producer and director

Lilly Singh
Multi-hyphenate entertainer, storyteller and gender equality advocate

Moderator
Aliza Vellani
Executive Board Director, UBCP/ACTRA

Partner

Women Lead: Docs For Change

2:00 - 2:30 pm

Why is important for women to lead in telling their stories on screen? And, more importantly, how is this accomplished? Join us for an exciting case study featuring women powerhouses who will demonstrate the progress and commitment to getting stories for, about, and by women to global audiences. Explore ownership and funding models that keep women at the center and in control of their projects.

Speakers

Julie Bristow
Founder and CEO, Catalyst

Abby Greensfelder
Founder and CEO, Everywoman Studios

Joanna Griffiths
President and Founder, Knix and Kt by Knix

Moderator
maxine bailey
Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre (CFC)

'Women To Watch'

2:30 - 3:15 pm

Prepare to be inspired as we shine a spotlight on ‘Women to Watch’, showcasing a group of impressive women making waves in the world of entertainment. Hear firsthand the creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives they bring to the industry. Join us to champion their dynamic voices and learn why they are “women to watch”.

Speakers

Introductory remarks:
Karen Thorne-Stone
President & CEO, Ontario Creates

Ericka Evans
Studio Partner and Head of Production, Phantom Compass

Zoe Hopkins
Writer, Director

Rabiya Mansoor (she/they)
Screenwriter, Actor, Producer

Keziah Myers
Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada's Black Music Business Collective

Amanda Rheaume
Singer-songwriter, Co-Founder, Ishkode Records

Partner

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada Tribute Awards

4:00 - 5:30 pm

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertaiment Canada is proud to present its inaugural Tribute Awards where five exceptional honourees will be recognized for their contributions to the Canadian industry: Kim Cattrall, Deepa Mehta, Devery Jacobs, Valerie Creighton and Karena Evans. There will also be a celebration of the inaugural The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Power List and the launch of the WIE CAN Mentorship Program. You don’t want to miss it!

Honourees

Presenters

ICON Award Presenter
Don McKellar
Actor, Director, Filmmaker and Producer

Equity in Entertainment Award Presenter
Devyani Saltzman
Writer, Curator and Incoming Director for Arts, Barbican Centre

Impact Award Presenter
Lilly Singh
Multi-hyphenate entertainer, storyteller and gender equality advocate

Glass Ceiling Award Presenter
Trina McQueen O.C.
Co-Director of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Management Program, Schulich School of Business

Breakthrough Award Presenter
Jully Black
Canada's queen of R&B and soul

WIE CAN Mentorship Program Launch

Julie Roy
Executive Director & CEO, Telefilm Canada

Partners

Celebratory Cocktail Reception

5:30 - 7:00 pm

Toast to The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada with a cocktail or mocktail! Cap off the day with new connections, inspiring honourees, and great food and music.

Partner