#FIRSTLOOK: GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS “STORIES THAT MADE US” CONCLUDES TIFF ’25 OPENING NIGHT

MADE | NOUS ambassador George Stroumboulopoulos will conclude his cross-Canada journey at the TIFF Opening Night Gala, John Candy: I Like Me, on September 4, pulling up to the red carpet after a multi-province road trip documenting the Canadian screen stories that MADE us. The TIFF and MADE | NOUS partnership will celebrate Canada’s vibrant screen heritage in front of a global Festival audience.

MADE | NOUS’s ambitious “Stories That MADE Us” campaign launched on July 25 in Vancouver, journeying through cities and small towns in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, PEI and Nunavut, among other provinces, before reaching the end of the road in Toronto. After traveling thousands of kilometres by car, boat and plane, and speaking to Canadians at every stop, George will arrive at TIFF’s Opening Night Gala carpet to debut an exclusive first look at the docuseries chronicling his journey. In the days following his arrival, George will continue engaging with festival-goers and Torontonians, offering them a unique opportunity to join the ongoing national conversation.

Québécois comedian and MADE | NOUS ambassador Rosalie Vaillancourt also embarked on a tour across Quebec and the Maritimes, shining a light on French-language Canadian screen stories that reflect and shape francophone culture. Her journey will be featured alongside George’s in the upcoming docuseries.

Created in partnership by the Canada Media Fund, which marks its 15th anniversary this year, and Telefilm Canada, the MADE | NOUS initiative has been spotlighting Canada’s world-class talent in film, television, gaming, and digital entertainment since 2019. Its mission is to redefine how Canadian content is perceived both at home and around the world.

#FIRSTLOOK: GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS “THE STORIES THAT MADE US”

MADE | NOUS is taking Canadians on a patriotic cross-country road trip this summer with broadcasting legend George Stroumboulopoulos. Revving up in Vancouver on July 25, 2025 and culminating in Toronto in September, George will journey across Canada with a film crew, visiting communities from coast to coast to coast and asking one question: What Canadian film and television MADE you?

This nationwide campaign celebrates the profound impact of the individuals and stories that have shaped Canadian culture and continue to inspire future generations of creative talent. It brings together everyday Canadians and national icons to reflect on the stories that have defined their identities, strengthened their communities and deepened their sense of belonging, both at home and abroad.

Filming will roll through Vancouver (BC), Edmonton and Calgary (AB), Montreal (QC), Saint John and Moncton (NB), Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and other communities along the way before concluding in Toronto (ON). Check out the video below to see George announce the road trip in his own words.

“I’m really excited to share that I’m hitting the road this summer, travelling across Canada with MADE | NOUS, and I’m pumped to be a part of their most ambitious campaign yet,” said George Stroumboulopoulos. “I have been lucky to meet so many of you Canadians over the years, and you’ve shared stories about how a Canadian television show or movie deeply affected you—whether it inspired you to live more authentically, to better understand your roots and this country’s history, or maybe even to pursue a career path. These are the kinds of stories that we’re searching for, the Canadian stories that MADE you.”

“From Jesus of Montreal and FUBAR to The Tragically Hip documentaries, Schitt’s Creek, Degrassi, or Heartland, every Canadian has that one film or series that left a mark. This road trip is about honouring those defining screen moments while exploring the themes that have long preoccupied us and the questions that still remain,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Canada Media Fund. “At a time when Canadians are more eager than ever to connect with our identity, this campaign has the power to ignite a national conversation, and we’re beyond thrilled to have George Stroumboulopoulos leading the charge on the ground.”

“Feature film has always been a powerful reflection of Canadian identity. It highlights our stories, our languages, and the richness of Canada’s cultural landscape,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “We are proud to support a campaign that showcases our culture and invites audiences to reflect on how these stories help define who we are.”

Québécois comedian Rosalie Vaillancourt will kick off her own tour in her home province this August, before heading to the Maritimes to connect with French-Canadians and spotlight the unique French-language stories and people that reflect and shape francophone culture in Canada.

Since 2019, the MADE | NOUS initiative has put the spotlight on Canada’s world-class talent in film, TV, gaming, and digital entertainment, aiming to shift perceptions of Canadian content at home and abroad. Last year, MADE | NOUS successfully launched its “Hometown Hero” Murals campaign showcasing Canadian creative talent, inspiring communities across the country. To date, ambassadors supporting the initiative have included Paul Sun Hyung-Lee Simu Liu, Stephan James, Shamier Anderson, Devery Jacobs, Amanda Brugel, Karine Vanasse, David Usher, Jay Baruchel, Hamza Haq, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Priyanka, Kaniehti:io Horn, Cassandra James, Drew Ray Tanner and more.

Follow MADE | NOUS on social for the latest road trip news and updates!

#FIRSTLOOK: PAUL SUN HYUNG-LEE, JEAN-MARC VALLEE AND PRIYANKA HONOURED WITH MURALS

In a tribute to Canadian excellence, three striking portrait-style murals will celebrate drag superstar Priyanka, award-winning Canadian actor Paul Sun Hyung-Lee, and one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers, the late Jean-Marc Vallée, whose visionary work left an indelible mark on cinema.

Starting today, the murals will appear in each of these culture figures’ hometowns: Priyanka’s vibrant tribute now brightens the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village at the corner of Church and Wellesley, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s mural brings fresh energy to Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood at The Blue Store (1344 9 Ave SE). To be unveiled later this week, Jean-Marc Vallée is immortalized with a stunning tribute on the Real by Fake building (1455 Rue Saint-Timothée) in Montreal, home to the special effects company that worked on many of his projects.

The mural series, part of the MADE | NOUS Hometown Hero campaign, celebrates the profound influence and achievements of these individuals who have shaped Canadian culture and inspire future generations of creative talent. Through their artistic contributions, Priyanka, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Jean-Marc Vallée have left their distinct mark on their hometown cities while making a lasting impact on the national and international stage. The presence of the murals aims to uplift the communities they have touched, fostering creativity and inspiration across the country.

“I remember thinking as a kid, I cannot WAIT to move to Toronto to be a big star! My life changed when I moved to the Gay Village,” said Priyanka. “As someone who found their voice and passion in the heart of Toronto, seeing myself on a mural in the Gay Village feels surreal! It’s a celebration of not just my journey, but of the entire LGBTQ+ community that has supported me every step of the way. I hope this mural inspires others to embrace their uniqueness, live their passion, and remember that anything is possible when you are your true self.”

“Growing up in Calgary, I never imagined I’d be part of something like this,” said Paul Sun Hyung-Lee. “It’s incredibly humbling to see my story reflected in the streets of my hometown. I hope this mural serves as a reminder to everyone that no goal is too big, and no journey is too small to make a lasting impact. Canada’s strength is in our diversity and our stories, and I’m proud to be part of that narrative.”

A statement from Alex & Émile Vallée, the sons of Jean-Marc Vallée: “Our father always believed that storytelling had the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deeply emotional level. This mural honors his spirit and his unwavering commitment to his craft. It’s a beautiful tribute to his roots here in Montreal, a city that shaped his vision and where his journey as a filmmaker began. We know he would be deeply moved by this gesture, and we hope it inspires future generations of artists to follow their passion.”

“As Canadians, we’re united by a shared pride of where we come from and the stories only we can tell. By recognizing these hometown heroes in the cities where their journeys began, we can inspire others to pursue their dreams and tell their stories, no matter where they start or where they land,” said Mathieu Chantelois, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs, Canada Media Fund. “These murals stand as powerful reminders that greatness can come from anywhere, and that the next wave of Canadian talent is already rising in communities across our country.”

In addition to the murals, MADE | NOUS will donate $5,000 to local charities chosen by each Hometown Hero. Priyanka has selected ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention) and 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, with the donation being split between the two organizations. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has chosen the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, and a donation in Jean-Marc Vallées honour will be made to the Jean-Marc Vallée Memorial Fund.

The murals were designed by Étienne Dicaire (Priyanka), Charmaine Wong (Paul Sun Hyung-Lee) and Zek (Jean-Marc Vallée).

#FIRSTLOOK: MADE | NOUS LAUNCH “MADE BETTER” CAMPAIGN

Get ready to feel some pride, Canada. Today MADE | NOUS launched its new campaign, MADE Better, designed to show Canadians how much they have to celebrate when it comes to the entertainment industry.

Canadian talent is behind some of the most diverse and impactful storytelling at home and around the world, including Simu Liu, the first Asian lead in a Marvel movie (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings); Domee Shi, the first woman to direct a Pixar movie solo (Turning Red); and Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai – three Canadian Indigenous actors starring in the U.S. hit Reservation Dogs, the first series to have all Indigenous creatives at the helm.

Following the success of 2021’s SEEK MORE campaign, which resulted in a 51% net gain in favourable perceptions around diversity in Canadian content*, MADE Better includes a series of 30-second montages that highlight Canadians in film, television, video games, and digital entertainment. Presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Telefilm Canada, the spots will air on major broadcast networks from February to April, with shorter digital spots running online (#MADEBetter).

“MADE Better is a bold celebration of Canada’s talent and creatives. The tagline may be cheeky and confident, but it’s true – Canadians are in front of the camera and behind the scenes on some of the biggest blockbuster films, TV series, and video games. Our goal is to celebrate Canadians making better entertainment every day,” said Valerie Creighton, President & CEO, Canada Media Fund.

The campaign’s central message is that Canadian storytelling is simply made better, including in comedy (MADE Funny), video game design (MADE Thrilling), and diversity (MADE Historic). The montages also bring awareness to actors and properties audiences may already love but not realize are Canadian.

Since its launch in 2019, the MADE | NOUS initiative has put the spotlight on Canada’s world-class talent to shift perceptions of Canadian content at home and abroad. To date, ambassadors who’ve supported the initiative include Stephan James, Shamier Anderson, Devery Jacobs, Amanda Brugel, Karine Vanasse, Simu Liu, Jay Baruchel, Hamza Haq, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Kaniehtiio Horn. MADE | NOUS campaigns have achieved an overwhelmingly positive sentiment in audience perception of Canadian storytelling, and a favourable opinion of CanCon and the Canadian entertainment industry.**

The MADE Better campaign was developed by TORQUE Strategies, 123w, and Rethink Canada.

#FIRSTLOOK: APPLE TV PRESENT “MADE | NOUS COLLECTION”

In celebration of Canada Day, Apple TV also is joining-in on the celebrations with a special MADE | NOUS Collection.

The Collection offers visibility to more Canadian titles like never before, including:

— Explore movies and shows from Indigenous creators like Tantoo Cardinal and Jeff Barnaby
— Celebrate new releases and classics from Quebec like Rebelle and Bon Cop, Bad Cop
— Enjoy iconic, groundbreaking work from homegrown filmmakers like American Psycho and Dallas Buyers Club
— Snuggle up to watch landmark Hollywood movies show in the Great White North like The Shape of Water and Brokeback Mountain

For more, visit https://apple.co/Made-Nous.

(Photo credit: Made | Nous)

#FIRSTLOOK: MADE IN CANADA: A SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER SERIES

MADE | NOUS is celebrating Canadian-made Films this Summer with a Blockbuster Series across the Country! The Series kicks-off with Denis Villeneuve‘s ARRIVAL.

ARRIVAL locations and dates:

• Downsview Park – Toronto, ON – July 3, 2020
  • To reserve tickets to ARRIVAL at Downsview Park, visit the eventbrite page here.
• YWG Drive In – Winnipeg, MB – July 5, 2020
  • For ticket information visit ygmovies.ca.
• Ciné-Parc Orford – Sherbrooke, QC – July 6, 2020
  • Ticket information will be posted in the coming days on cineparcorford.com.
• Twilite Drive-In – Wolseley, SK – July 7, 2020
  • Tickets will be allocated at the gate on a first come, first served basis.

Additional films and locations will be announced throughout the summer. Summer Blockbuster Series locations and dates currently include:

• Downsview Park – Toronto, ON – July 24, 2020
• Sussex Drive-In – Sussex, New Brunswick – July 29, 2020
• Downsview Park – Toronto, ON – August 7, 2020
• Cape Breton Drive-In – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia – August 13, 2020
• Downsview Park – Toronto, ON – August 21, 2020
• Brackley Drive-In – Brackley, PEI – August 24, 2020
• Ciné-Parc Belle Neige – Val-Morin, QC – TBD
• Downsview Park – Toronto, ON – September 4, 2020
• Mustang Drive-In – Guelph, ON – September 8, 2020

More on the Program here.

(Photo credit: Made | Nous)