Jesse Wente

Join storyteller Jesse Wente, policy expert Vass Bednar, and screenwriter Anthony Q Farrell as they dive into the future of Canadian film and TV. They discuss the urgent need for updated CanCon regulations, especially with the rise of streaming giants like Netflix. The trio highlights the challenges of defining Canadian identity in film and preserving cultural narratives. They also explore how to promote authentic Canadian stories globally, ensuring that local talent thrives in a changing media landscape.

Irina Dumitrescu, a Medieval literature scholar, shares the cultural journey of synthetic dyes and their dark industrial legacy. Kamal Al-Soleli, a journalism professor, explores the far-reaching impacts of the Iranian Revolution. Jillian Horton, a physician, dives into the importance of listening and conversational dynamics, recommending insights from Kate Murphy's work. Finally, Jesse Wente, Anishinaabe storyteller, highlights the intersection of horror and colonization in cinema, contrasting Indigenous narratives with traditional colonial fears.

Jesse Wente, a writer and Storyteller in Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares his profound insights on the recent revelation about Thomas King's ancestry. He unpacks the complex emotions surrounding this news and its impact on King's legacy and works. Jesse discusses the disruption it caused in their film collaboration and reflects on his own mental health journey amid these struggles. Highlighting the importance of accountability and resilience, he offers hope for healing within Indigenous communities and recommends various Indigenous stories to explore.