Canada Unscripted

Denys Arcand is a cinematic provocateur whose films have stirred minds and sparked debate, both in Canada and abroad. From The Decline of the American Empire to The Barbarian Invasions, Arcand brings a sharp eye to the hypocrisies and hopes of modern life. In this conversation, the Oscar-winning director reflects on his early days at the NFB, the collaborative magic of documentary filmmaking, and the intellectual ferment that shaped Quebec's cultural awakening.

Ian Weir is a playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. His debut novel, Daniel O'Thunder, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book, as well as the Canadian Authors Association Award for fiction, the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, and the amazon.ca First Novel Award.

His extensive television credits include creator and executive producer of the CBC adventure/drama series Arctic Air and writer and executive producer of the critically acclaimed crime thriller Dragon Boys. His stage plays have been produced across Canada and in the U.S. and England, and his awards include two Geminis, four Leos, a Jessie, and a Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award.

Ian Weir lives in Langley, BC, with his wife and daughter.

Tantoo Cardinal is a trailblazing Metis/Cree actor whose work has opened doors for Indigenous voices in film and television. Raised in Anzac, Alberta, her memorable performances in Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, Falls Around Her, North of 60, and Killers of the Flower Moon have touched audiences around the world. Through each role, she honours the stories of resilience and belonging that have shaped her life and career.

Peter Mansbridge became one of Canada's most trusted voices during his long tenure as anchor of The National. With his signature calm and clarity, he helped shape the way Canadians understood their country and the world. From breaking news to historic milestones, Mansbridge brought journalistic rigour and a deep sense of public service to every broadcast. This portrait captures the quiet authority and enduring influence of a true broadcasting icon.

Louise Lore is a veteran producer with a distinguished career at CBC and the National Film Board of Canada. She played a pivotal role in shaping public broadcasting with a focus on Canadian identity, cultural inclusion, and narrative innovation. Her projects often centred on social consciousness, amplifying stories that reflected the diversity and complexity of Canada. Lore's work helped define an era of documentary and dramatic programming that resonated across the country.

Gary Evans is a historian, professor, and author whose work has helped define how Canadians understand their media institutions. With a deep knowledge of the National Film Board and its impact on national identity, Evans brings clarity and depth to the story of public broadcasting in Canada. A lifelong interpreter of culture and communication, he invites us to consider how stories, well told, become part of who we are.

George Stroumboulopoulos is a Canadian television and radio host known for his deep interviews with cultural icons, political leaders, and change-makers. He rose to prominence on MuchMusic and became a household name through his CBC program "The Hour." A lifelong advocate for social justice and mental health awareness, he has used his platform to elevate underrepresented voices. Today, he continues to connect with global audiences through Apple Music Hits and his work in independent media.

Brian Stewart is one of Canada’s most respected foreign correspondents, known for his fearless reporting from war zones and humanitarian crises. Over his decades-long career with CBC, he covered major global events from Ethiopia to the Middle East, earning a reputation for moral clarity and journalistic rigour. His reporting has won numerous national and international awards, including recognition for his early coverage of famine and conflict.

Trina McQueen is a pioneering journalist and broadcasting executive who helped shape Canadian media through her leadership at CBC and CTV. She began as a reporter and news anchor before rising to executive roles that influenced programming and public policy. Throughout her career, McQueen championed Canadian content, journalistic independence, and the advancement of women in media leadership.

Mark Starowicz is a legendary journalist and producer whose innovations transformed Canadian current affairs television. He was the driving force behind As It Happens, Sunday Morning, and The Journal, and later created the landmark CBC documentary series Canada: A People’s History. His work laid the foundation for generations of Canadian storytellers and continues to inspire long-form journalism today.

Bob McDonald is the longtime host of CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks, where he has brought the wonders of science to Canadian audiences for over four decades. He is a respected science communicator, author, and Officer of the Order of Canada. McDonald's work bridges curiosity and clarity, making complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging. His passion for knowledge and storytelling is rooted in a deep love for public broadcasting.

Kristin Kreuk is a Canadian actress best known for her roles in Edgemont and Burden of Truth, both airing on CBC. Her performances combine quiet intensity with emotional depth, earning her a devoted fan base across genres. A producer as well as performer, Kreuk has been a strong advocate for women’s voices in media. She remains a prominent figure in Canadian television.

Martin Duckworth is an acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker whose work at the National Film Board of Canada spans over 50 films. With a distinctive eye for the human condition, his documentaries explore peace, activism, disability rights, and the nuances of everyday life. He has also taught generations of documentary filmmakers at Concordia University, combining artistic vision with social commitment. Duckworth's body of work is widely celebrated for its depth, empathy, and enduring relevance.

John Kennedy served as Head of CBC Drama, guiding the network through a vibrant era of original Canadian storytelling. With a background in production and a sharp creative eye, Kennedy nurtured emerging talent and championed high-quality scripted programming. His leadership was instrumental in bringing bold, homegrown series to national and international audiences.

Trevor Evans is a Canadian director, writer, and producer whose work has shaped many hours of CBC programming. Over his career, he directed drama, documentary, and children's series, often finding the human stories behind the headlines. His projects reflect the breadth of Canadian experience, both within the public broadcaster and beyond. Evans has also shared his experience as a mentor to the next generation of filmmakers.

Rosemary Radcliffe is a Canadian actress, writer, and comedian whose career has spanned television, film, and stage. She is known for her roles on King of Kensington, Coming Up Rosie, and as Mrs. Barry in Anne of Green Gables. Like many performers, she describes acting as bittersweet, a craft filled with creative rewards and the uncertainties of the profession. Through it all, Radcliffe remains a respected presence in Canadian entertainment.

Christopher Hinton built an international reputation as one of Canada's most innovative animators through his many years with the National Film Board. His films, such as Blackfly and cNote, often play with narrative form and push the boundaries of animated storytelling. Nominated for Oscars and widely celebrated, Hinton's work reflects both artistic independence and the collaborative spirit of the NFB.