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Our Updates
12 May 2026

DSO Joins Accessibility Discussions Across Industry Events This Spring

April and May have been busy months! The DSO has joined several industry events across Canada, including the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto, the WGC Screenwriting Awards, Rendez-vous Pro and Journée PRO M.É.D.I.A, AMPIA’s 2026 Producer Power Up, and the Inside Out Reception & Launch.

At each of these opportunities, our team contributed to conversations on accessibility and inclusion, while connecting with creators, organizations, and industry leaders working to build a more equitable screen sector. Check out the highlights below.

TAAFI

Photo by TAAFI

On April 9, DSO Operations Manager and Executive Assistant, Elspeth Arbow, joined Justine Bannister (Just B), Rose-Ann Tisserand (ACE Canada), Maral Mohammadian (Hot House NFB), Brooke Keesling (ASIFA-Hollywood), Ella Cooper (Black Women Film Canada), and Ned Lott (ASIFA-Hollywood) for Making the Most of Your Mentorships!
The session explored how creators can navigate mentorship opportunities to strengthen their projects and careers, covering topics such as pitching strategies, accessing funding and development support, building industry networks, and advancing advocacy and representation in animation.

Attendees moved between tables hosted by different organizations, stopping to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the support, programs, and pathways available within the animation industry.

Hot Docs

From left to right: Mariam Zaidi (Hot Docs), Meaghan Wright (director), April Hubbard, Ree Wright (director), Melani Wood (producer), Amy Mielke (editor), ASL interpreter.

On April 24 and 25, the DSO co-presented two screenings of The Last Days of April at Hot Docs. Our Operations Manager/EA, Elspeth Arbow, who also served as a story consultant on the project, introduced both screenings.

Directed by Ree Wright and Meaghan Wright, the film follows disabled artist April Hubbard’s personal experience navigating the medical system and her community's response to her choices regarding her end-of-life care, providing a direct look at the complexities surrounding disability, healthcare, and self-determination.
The April 24 screening featured closed captions, while the April 25 one included open captions. Audio description was available for the film at both screenings, along with ASL interpretation for the introduction and Q&A.
We were also pleased to offer complimentary tickets to members of our community.

WGC Screenwriting Awards

A group of people smiles at the camera
From left to right: Gabrielle Zilkha (Filmmaker), Tiffany Hsiung (Filmmaker), Winnie Luk (DSO), Victoria Shen (WGC), Richard Koo (CMF), Deanna Wong (Reel Asian) and Amber Munro (DGC Ontario).
The 30th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards took place at Koerner Hall, in Toronto, on April 27, and were hosted by Ali Hassan. Created in 1997, the event recognizes excellence in Canadian screenwriting.
Our Executive Director, Winnie Luk, attended the ceremony to support and cheer on Canadian screenwriters who shape Canadian culture and create engaging, impactful stories. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners that night!
A screen displays nominees
We were happy to see disabled creative Jenny Lee, our delegate to TIFF 2025, nominated for Murdoch Mysteries, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, in the Drama Series category. Well done, Jenny!

Journée PRO M.É.D.I.A

From April 27 to 29, DSO Communications Manager, Kássia Neves, attended Rendez-vous Pro (RDV Pro) and Journée PRO M.É.D.I.A in Montreal, two industry events focused on professional development, collaboration, and the future of Québec’s screen sector.
A group of people smiles at the camera
Panel “L’écran accessible: Repenser l’audiovisuel”. Photo by Tsikimamy Photographie.
On April 29, Kássia delivered the opening remarks for “L’écran accessible: Repenser l’audiovisuel”. Moderated by Sarah DeGrâce, the panel brought together Yasmine Rym Amor, Jeanne Carrière, Geneviève Bouchard, and Miguel Sorto to explore how rethinking inclusion also requires rethinking accessibility, and to identify practical levers for creating a safer, more representative industry.
Kássia also participated as a panellist in “Programme Fusée: Déjouer les codes de l’industrie un projet à la fois”, presented by Coalition M.É.D.I.A in partnership with RDV Pro. The discussion focused on how creators and industry professionals can challenge rigid industry norms, transform barriers into opportunities for innovation, and develop sustainable pathways within the screen sector, particularly for emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.
A screen displays nominees
A screen displays nominees
Panel “Programme Fusée: Déjouer les codes de l’industrie un projet à la fois”. Photo by Marise Boyce.
The panel was moderated by Marina Mathieu (Coalition M.É.D.I.A), and featured Will Niava, Jenny Salgado, and Audrey Béland. The event was made possible with the support of partners including the Canada Media Fund, SODEC, and Inspirit Foundation, in collaboration with Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma.
During these events, Kássia presented the DSO’s work and its role in advancing accessibility within Canada’s screen industry through our programs and partnerships. She also connected with industry leaders in Québec, strengthening relationships and laying the groundwork for future collaborations to better support disabled creatives in the province.
We’re happy to see accessibility taking a more central place in industry conversations, and we look forward to continuing this work in Québec and beyond!

Producer Power Up

A group of people smiles at the camera
Photo by AMPIA.

On May 2, Winnie Luk joined Hoda Ali (Black Screen Office) and moderator Shivani Saini (Creatives Empowered) via Zoom for “Breaking Barriers: Supporting Underrepresented Creators in Film & TV”. The panel took place during the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)’s 2026 Producer Power Up conference.

Featuring a full day of professional development, industry insight, and meaningful connections with Alberta’s film and television community, the event brought together leading experts, government representatives, and decision-makers to discuss the evolving landscape of film and television production.

The discussion explored the barriers disabled creatives continue to face in the screen sector, as well as practical advice and considerations for disabled producers navigating the industry. During the conversation, Winnie presented several DSO initiatives and programs, including our Industry Resource Hub and the best practices guide on disability inclusion we’ll be launching later this year. She also discussed the upcoming release of another guide during the TIFF Market this September. This guide focuses on accessibility for festival and industry events and is a key outcome of our Screen Festival Accessibility Program.

Inside Out

A group of people smiles at the camera

Finally, on May 4, Winnie attended Inside Out’s 2026 launch event. Returning from May 22 to 31, the festival offers a vibrant program celebrating queer storytelling from around the world. Tickets are now on sale at insideout.ca.

Canada's largest 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, Inside Out has been doing great work when it comes to accessibility. In 2019, they created an Accessibility Resource Guide to support more inclusive festival experiences. Their 2026 accessibility initiatives include open captioning and subtitles for all films, ASL interpretation upon request, free admission for support persons, accommodations for line-ups, audio description services, a low sensory room, gender-neutral washrooms, and a mask-friendly environment. They also offer accessible seating, accessible entrances and washrooms, and a welcoming environment for guide dogs, service animals, and emotional support animals with documentation.

We’re thankful for all the opportunities we’ve had so far to share DSO’s work and bring accessibility and inclusion to the forefront of industry discussions. Stay tuned for more! You can check out our upcoming events here.

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