#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!

#TIFF13: GEORGE STROMBOULOPOULOUS’ MADE IN CANADA GIFTING LOUNGE

As TIFF ’13 Festivities are nearing an end, I had the incredible honour of being invited to what is regarded as the most sought-after Gifting Lounge of the entire Festival, George Stromboulopoulous’ Made in Canada Lounge. Now in its fifth year, the Lounge situated in the CBC Building this year decidedly has taken-on an all-Canadian theme. Not only was I floored by the Goodies in store, attending Celebrities loved them some of these locally-made products. As I was guided through the Lounge, my jaw was in an endless state of dropped as name after name was rattled-off to me, processing what these Stars took a liking to.

Celebrity Guests this year at the Made in Canada Lounge included the likes of Ryan Kwanten, Taylor Schilling, Idris Elba, Tom Wilkinson, Taylor Kitsch, Paul Dano, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoe Kazan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Joel Edgerton, Alan Cumming and many others. Several even partook in signing their Autographs on Hockey Sticks, proudly placed on display and later to generate funds for Charity.

Among the biggest Winners at the Lounge this year were: AWAKE‘s delicious and super-caffeinated Chocolates, the uber-refreshing Limonana Beverage, Neals Brothers Foods‘ Bacon Maple Chips (which I am consuming at a rapid rate as I type this post), OMG’s (like Clodhoppers, if not more scintillating), the Montreal Canadiens‘ (Stromboulopoulous‘ favourite NHL Team) exclusive “TIFF“-inscribed Jersey, Smells Like Canada‘s Saskatoon Wheat-scented Candle, Sweets from the Earth‘s Cashew Cookies (personal favourite), Pehr‘s Tea Towels, Leaves of Trees’ super-moisturizing Argan Oil, Cococo Chocolatiers’ Habanero Rosemary Infusion Chocolate Bar (meant to be paired with Dinner), Oliberte Shoes, Daneson’s Toothpicks and several, several, more.

It also is said that “STROMBO” T-Shirts by Lancaster are becoming a bit of a Celebrity-obsession south of the Border also with Game of Thrones Star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau recently being papped in one.

I went, I visited and I didn’t want to leave.

For a complete list of the Canadian Businesses which were featured at George Stromboulopoulos’ Made in Canada Lounge, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)