Friday, April 10

Carbon Arc Cinema (1747 Summer Street)

6-9PM

Screening: The Pink Pill w/Q&A

The Pink Pill (dir. Aisling Chin-Yee) tells the story of the ongoing fight to make sexual satisfaction a priority for women and gender-diverse people in a biased battleground where much of their basic health care needs are under-researched, underfunded, and often outright ignored. At the centre of a medical battle is Cindy Eckert, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who dared to challenge the regulatory system. Recognizable by her signature pink attire and unapologetic determination, Eckert became public enemy number one when she fought to bring Addyi—dubbed “the female Viagra”—to market. After the FDA rejected the drug twice, Eckert boldly accused the agency of gender bias, ultimately securing approval in 2015 against overwhelming odds. Her battle turned into a billion-dollar sale of Addyi, but the struggle didn’t end there.

The Pink Pill captures a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for complete health care equality, at a time when bodily autonomy hangs in the balance.

Followed by a Q&A with Aisling Chin-Yee

Note: You will be able to pick up your conference pass on site at Carbon Arc.

Saturday, April 11

The Prince George Hotel (1725 Market Street)

From 8am – Lobby

Register and pick up your pass in the lobby.

9-10:15am – Windsor

From the Rehearsal Hall to the Writers Room: A conversation with Hannah Moscovitch
Hannah Moscovitch has spent years writing emotionally nuanced, socially complex, whip-smart plays so popular that she has become Canada’s most produced living playwright. But her television career is catching up—join us for an enlightening, inspiring, and motivational conversation about her three seasons writing on the hit series The Vampire Lestat (previously known as Interview with a Vampire) and how she keeps all the paths in perspective.

With Hannah Moscovitch
Hosted by Koumbie

10:15-11:10am – Windsor

Desire and Denial: A case study of The Pink Pill
Medical misogyny is rampant worldwide, women’s health low on the list of concerns. Viagra was introduced to the market in 1998, a breakthrough for men, and clinical trials for a “female” Viagra followed about a decade later. The FDA rejected it in 2013, walked it back two years later, and then things got worse. In The Pink Pill, Aisling Chin-Yee explores how the entire medical system ignores the sexual needs and desires of people with uteruses while offering people with penises multiple options. Chin-Yee will be joined by executive producer Vibika Bianchi for a frank and funny look at putting the doc together, their unique funding process, and the reception they’ve received worldwide.

With Aisling Chin-Yee (director) and Vibika Bianchi (executive producer)
Hosted by Lee-Anne Poole

11:10-11:30am – The Terrace

Enjoy a networking break in the Prince George’s restaurant.

11:30am-12:20pm – Windsor

Low Vision, High Ambition: A case study of Pretty Blind
The first show of its kind, the sitcom Pretty Blind follows the adventures of Jennie Bonang (Jennie Bovard), who has low vision and albinism, as she deals with a breakup, a new roommate, and annoying work stuff. The team behind the show reveals how the series evolved from Bovard’s podcast, Low Vision Moments; its development; the accessibility measures used on set; and which lessons they’ve taken into Season 2.

With Jennie Bovard (creator/star), Jenna MacMillan (producer), and Cara Nye (Director, Content Development and Production, Accessible Media, Inc.)
Hosted by Melani Wood
presented by AMI

11:30am-12:20pm – Regency

Burnout to Balance: Navigating the screen industry lifestyle with Dr. Ashley Margeson
Long hours, personality clashes, coffee at night: Such are the realities of set life. Though progress is being made—incrementally, as these things go—toward more reasonable schedules, on-site child care, and respectful environments, the stress and strife remain. If you’re looking for tips on how to mitigate attacks on your nervous system, keep your work and life compartmentalized, or merely need a joyful boost, Dr. Ashley Margeson is here to help.

With Dr. Ashley Margeson

12:20pm-1:45pm – Windsor

Lunch!
Enjoy a bite and a chat in the Windsor room.

1:45-2:35pm – Windsor

DIY By Design: How Sook-Yin Lee took Paying For It on the road
For her autobiographical film Paying For It, Sook-Yin Lee—the iconic MuchMusic VJ-slash-CBC host-slash-musician-slash-filmmaker—adapted her ex Chester Brown’s graphic novel about their unique relationship. Since its world premiere at TIFF in 2024, Paying For It has enjoyed a robust North American tour thanks to Lee, her producers at Hawkeye Pictures, and their savvy, non-traditional self-distribution plan that began in post-production. Sook-Yin will discuss the strategy, the screenings, and the success of the film’s journey.

With Sook-Yin Lee
Hosted by Andrea Dorfman

2:45pm-3:35pm – Windsor

Where’s My Star?!: Casting with Robin D. Cook
Many a producer has faced the conundrum of what comes first: the money or the cast? What do you do when everyone is clamouring after the same hot talent, sales agents want a familiar face, and you’re making a movie in Canada? Robin D. Cook knows what you do. The veteran casting director will offer advice and anecdotes to producers, directors, and actors on finding the right fit, going with your gut, and casting to make the best film you can.

With Robin D. Cook
Hosted by Terry Greenlaw

2:45pm-3:35pm – Regency

Art Plus Intention: When movies become movements
presented by Canada Media Fund
This isn’t about distribution, but it is. It’s not about marketing strategies, but it is. It’s not about socials, but it is. Three panelists will discuss how to target and integrate your key audiences—the folks you made the thing for—by using all of the regular pathways to reach the people it will matter the most to with authenticity and care. Whether it’s the genre, the cultural message, and/or the community group, you’ll learn how to grow your audience while making meaningful connections with your work.

With Katelyn McCulloch, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, and Megan Wennberg
Hosted by Jamie Hammond (National Film Board of Canada)

3:35-4pm – The Terrace

Enjoy a networking break in the Prince George’s restaurant.

4-5:30pm – Windsor

CBC Pitch This! Competition
presented by CBC
The CBC Pitch This! competition, our annual programming highlight, is back! Gil Anderson hosts the event you don’t want to miss. Five finalists will take the stage to pitch their short films to a panel of industry professionals and a live audience for the chance to turn their script into silver screen magic. One lucky finalist will be the recipient of a $10,000 grand-prize and additional in-kind services.

Pitch Finalists: Elliott Blackmore (NL), Kirsten Bruce (NS), Anna MacLean (NS), Brandy Marien (NS), Arianna Martinez (NB)
Hosted by Gil Anderson

5:30-6:15pm – The Terrace

WAVE Awards reception
Join us in The Terrace for an end-of-day cocktail (cash bar) and a celebration of this year’s WAVE Award winners: Tamara Segura, Jackie Torrens, and Karen Wentzell. The WAVE Awards are awarded annually at Making Waves in support of the outstanding contributions of our screen industry members. The awards are nominated and assessed by their peers, making it a true community endeavour.

VillageWorks (5821 Russell Street)

8-10pm

The Party
presented by VillageWorks
It wouldn’t be Making Waves without the closing party! Join us at top-of-the-line facility VillageWorks for a warm and relaxed event with drinks and snacks. There will be lots of opportunity to flow through the rooms, chat, and mingle as folks reflect and pick up on those conversations started earlier in the day.