Vass Bednar

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.

Vass Bednar, the executive director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy and Digital Society program, dives into the burgeoning trend of Canadians choosing local products over American ones. He discusses the complexities of this 'Buy Canadian' movement as a patriotic act and examines the challenges of promoting local culture in a U.S.-dominated media landscape. With humor, he shares insights on consumer habits, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the quirky choices that often define Canadian shopping.