#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE & TD BANK GROUP PRESENT “BLACK EXCELLENCE SPEAKER SERIES”

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC), with support from presenting sponsor TD Bank Group (TD), is proud to present the next installment of the Black Excellence Speaker Series with celebrated writer/producer/director Jennifer Holness. Taking place on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, this free public event, moderated by CFC Executive Director maxine bailey, will spotlight one of Canada’s most dynamic creators whose work continues to shape the cultural and cinematic landscape. The evening will offer an inspiring and candid conversation with Holness as she shares personal insights from her career in film and television, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from her latest film 40 Acres, which premiered at TIFF 2024.

CFC Conversations: Black Excellence provides a platform for Black creatives across the screen-based industry – spanning directors, writers, actors, producers, costume designers, and more—to speak openly about their experiences and the challenges they face, while celebrating their achievements and contributions. The event explores the intersections of craft, community, and what it means to build space for Black stories and storytellers

Jennifer Holness’ credits include critically acclaimed films and series such as Home Again, Subjects of Desire, and Shoot the Messenger and she’s the first Black woman in Canada to win a Canadian Screen Award (CSA) for Best Writing for the mini-series Guns. She recently won a Best Direction CSA for her episode of the doc series BLK: An Origin Story (2023). As co-founder of Hungry Eyes Media with her partner Sudz Sutherland, Holness continues to champion powerful, socially relevant storytelling.

“We are proud to welcome Jennifer to this year’s Black Excellence Speaker Series,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director of the CFC. “Her impressive body of work and commitment to elevating Black voices in the entertainment industry continues to inspire artists and creatives.”

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, we’re pleased to support this series and help create space where stories shaped by diverse lived experiences can be shared and explored,” said Alicia Rose, AVP, Social Impact & Strategy, TD Bank Group. “Jennifer’s work is helping to redefine narratives in film and television, and we look forward to hearing more about her journey.”

Past guests of the CFC Black Excellence Speaker Series include filmmaker Karen Chapman, costume designer Anoinette Messam, actress Amanda Brugel and director Clement Virgo.

With generous support from TD, the event is free to the public. Ticket information is available here.

Jennifer Holness Bio:

Jennifer Holness is a writer, producer, and director, and the first Black woman in Canada to win a CSA for writing. A self-described happy workaholic, Jen’s work spans fiction and documentary, including the multiple festival award winner, Subjects of Desire, which premiered on TVO and Starz and the acclaimed docuseries BLK: An Origin Story for History Channel and Global. She is currently co-directing the Sundance supported doc #WhileBlack about social media and witnessing police brutality, and directing the CBC developed doc, Nothing Fits. Jen also co-produced the Tribeca and Hot Docs award-winning Stateless (PBS/NFB), and is an EP on Black Zombie, Maya Annik Bedward’s feature doc.

She is the producer of 40 Acres, the debut feature from R.T. Thorne is being distributed by Magnolia Pictures in the US and Mongrel Media in Canada. The film hits theatres July 4th in Canada.

Her TV dramatic work includes Shoot the Messenger and Guns (CBC), which earned five CSAs and a Rose d’Or nomination. Jen co-wrote and produced Home Again and Love, Sex and Eating the Bones, both internationally sold, with numerous film-festival wins and CSA/Genie-nominations. Her early short My Father’s Hands won the HBO Short Film Award and five Golden Sheaf Awards. Beyond her creative work, Jen is a tireless advocate for equity in the industry. She’s a founding member of the Black Screen Office and has mentored and supported dozens of diverse creatives through Reelworld, Black Women Film!, and other initiatives. She has served on numerous boards, including CMPA and Ontario Creates. She has 3 daughters, 2 dogs and 1 husband who is also her partner at Hungry Eyes Media.

(Photo credit CFC)