9:00am — 9:10am

Join the Black Screen Office’s CEO Joan Jenkinson and special guests for a warm welcome to open the 3rd annual BSO Symposium.

9:10am — 9:30am

Kick off the day with Canada’s own Fefe Dobson! Enjoy an unforgettable acousitic performance to start the Symposium with energy and excitement!

9:30am — 9:55am

Join us for an exciting Feature Interview with Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. This exclusive conversation offers an intimate and inspiring look at her career and roles, culminating with Heated Rivalry—the most culturally significant and globally recognized Canadian series of its time. As a woman of Afro-Caribbean descent in the ensemble, Kharlamova’s presence on the show carries both creative and cultural weight. Her work represents visibility within a hit franchise that has captured the world’s attention, and offers a powerful lens into what it means to navigate success within a landmark production while carrying the importance of representation on screen.

9:55am — 10:00am

Jessica Lea Fleming, Director of Industry Development at the Canada Media Fund, will take five to share upcoming changes to the CMF’s Sector Development Support program that will foster stability, address professional development and workforce gaps, and support long-term growth.

10:00am — 10:30am

Canadian filmmakers are bringing powerful stories to the screen, drawn from lived experience and rooted in the richness, complexity, and diversity of Black communities. In this dynamic conversation leading Black filmmakers, some with a history of collaboration with the National Film Board, will share their ideas, visions, and creative journeys, and explore how these essential stories can reach audiences across Canada and beyond given today’s market realities. Together, they will discuss why regional perspectives matter, how they are navigating challenges, and what it will take for Black-led stories to thrive in the future. From building community connections to forging industry partnerships, this session will offer insight, inspiration, and practical perspectives on authentic storytelling across Canada’s diverse filmmaking ecosystem.

10:30am — 10:45am

What actually moves a project from almost financed to greenlit? In this session, leading producers break down how they are structuring deals in today’s market, where financing gaps are showing up, and how they’re navigating them in real time. National Bank joins the conversation as a financial partner, from international and domestic co-production structures, and how producers and lenders collaborate to get projects made.

10:50am — 11:00am

A tribute recognizing Jennifer Holness, co-founder of the Black Screen Office and an accomplished producer whose work has helped shape Black storytelling in Canadian film and television. This moment celebrates both her creative career and the vision and leadership that helped bring the Black Screen Office into existence.

11:00am — 11:30am

Join us for coffee and snacks as you recharge for the rest of the day!

11:30am — 12:15pm

From commanding the screen as Lady Danbury in the global phenomenon Bridgerton to building a career defined by depth, intelligence, and range, Adjoa Andoh has long been a force in theatre, television, and film. In this exclusive presentation, Andoh reflects on her remarkable journey to one of the most recognizable characters in one of the world’s most-watched series. Known for portraying women of authority, complexity, and command, she has consistently expanded the possibilities of representation on screen. But this presentation also looks forward to how Andoh is stepping decisively into ownership — developing and producing projects that center bold storytelling and creative autonomy. The presentation will explore what it means to move from performer to producer, to claim agency over the stories being told, and to shape narratives from the earliest stages of development, and will include a chance for interactive Q&A with the audience.

12:15pm — 12:45pm

In this practical, forward-looking session, AI expert Owais Lightwala will guide delegates through the evolving landscape of AI tools and demonstrate how they are being employed by the screen-based industry. This session will explore how AI can help streamline processes, save time, and focus more energy on the creative and strategic aspects of storytelling. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of where AI can add value today. Optimistic and accessible, this session will show how embracing AI can help future-proof your projects and business.

1:45pm — 2:10pm

Join us for an unforgettable interactive African drumming experience with Alpha Rhythm Roots.

2:10pm — 2:15pm

Julie Roy and Valerie Creighton will share an update on the Telefilm Canada and Canada Media Fund joint BPOC strategy, highlighting progress to date, alignment between the organizations, and next steps to strengthen support for BPOC creators and communities across the industry.

2:15pm — 2:55pm

Join leading executives, producers, and content creators who are staying ahead of the shifting media landscape and finding innovative ways to get stories told. As traditional commissioning wanes, experts in the areas of micro and vertical programming, podcasts, and digital-first content creation discuss the business models behind these storytelling vehicles, digital strategies, and the creative innovation driving their growth.

2:55pm — 3:45pm

In this essential market-facing session, leading commissioners from across the globe come together for a candid conversation about what is driving development and greenlight decisions across genres and territories. From shifting audience behaviours to evolving financing models, commissioners need to balance creative risk with commercial strategy, and local authenticity with international appeal. Including a discussion of current priorities in scripted and unscripted development, what makes an independent producer stand out, and how and when commissioners are open to collaboration — this session offers practical insight into how to position projects for success and how to gain a better understanding of global trends.

3:45pm — 4:15pm

Join us for coffee and snacks and recharge for the rest of the day!

4:00pm — 5:20pm

Participate in curated, small-group meetings to connect with top executives. Click on the SignUp logo below to see the available meetings. Sign up begins March 25 @ 12:00 PM ET.

Location: Main Ballroom, lineup starts: 4:00 pm

4:00pm — 4:30pm

Join this exclusive talent masterclass for a rare opportunity for an intimate and interactive conversation wtih celebrated actress Adjoa Andoh about her staying power and longevity, resillence, and how she’s consistently expanded representation on screen.

Location: Breakout Room 2

4:30pm — 5:15pm

Join AI expert Owais Lightwala as he provides an instructional deep dive into some of the AI tools and programs producers can use to enhance their workflows.

Location: Breakout Room 1

5:30pm — 6:30pm

One of the most anticipated Canadian series of the year takes centre stage at the BSO Symposium. In this exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation, the star-studded cast, creators, and producers behind Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story come together to unpack how the series was made, and how it’s breaking new ground. From its bold creative vision to its use of next-generation production technologies, this session explores how innovation, storytelling, and collaboration collided to create something truly original. Featuring key cast members Shamier Anderson, Karen Robinson, and Ben Johnson himself, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to hear directly from the team redefining what Canadian television can be.

6:30pm — 7:30pm

Join us after the final session for the Hate the Player Reception, the official closing celebration of the BSO Symposium. Walk the red carpet, snap photos, and raise a glass with fellow delegates as we toast an incredible day. With a live DJ, great food and drinks, and plenty of time to connect and celebrate, it’s the perfect way to keep the conversation going!