Acclaimed Guitarist and Composer Donna Grantis Joins the Sustainable Production Forum for an Exclusive Live Performance and Sneak Peek of New Mercury Films Documentary

SPF26 convenes film, TV, music, and advertising professionals in Toronto on November 14 at CBC's Glenn Gould Studio, followed by four days of SPF Virtual. For its milestone 11th year, SPF26 marks several firsts: Accessibility Sponsors Telefilm Canada and the Disability Screen Office bring a new level of commitment to inclusivity, commercials and advertising join the program, and acclaimed musician and composer Donna Grantis delivers an exclusive live music performance. These additions signal a broader impact across the screen sector and highlight SPF26 as its most accessible and wide-ranging forum to date.

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Sustainable Entertainment Society (SES) announces the return of the Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), the world's longest-running conference dedicated to sustainable screen production. Hosted by actor and writer Kudakwashe Rutendo, SPF26 adopts the theme "Horizons in Bloom," reflecting a sector that no longer questions the feasibility of sustainable production, and brings together producers, executives, department heads, crews, funders, vendors and sustainability experts.

The forum begins with a full in-person day on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Glenn Gould Studio and CBC Conference Centre in Toronto, starting with a Traditional Welcome from Luana Shirt (Plains Cree/Anishinaabe, Lynx Clan). Programming continues online with SPF Virtual on November 18, 21, 25, and 28, open to participants worldwide.

Since launching in 2016, SPF has welcomed more than 25,000 attendees, 1,000+ speakers, and 100+ partners across 500+ sessions. After Ontario Green Screen's report, Advancing Waste Management Practices in Ontario's Film and Television Industry, launched at SPF23, a working group formed to tackle storage, one of the stickiest barriers to reusing set materials. The new SOS Depot, getting its first look at SPF26, is the result of those long-standing efforts.

"Gathering, learning, and building confidence in this work should not be underestimated. SPF provides a firm foundation for momentum and progress so we do not become complacent," said Zena Harris, President, Green Spark Group.

SPF26 sets a new standard for accessibility. With Telefilm Canada and the Disability Screen Office's support, the forum now offers ASL interpretation, a wheelchair-accessible floorplan, flexible seating, a Low Stimulus Lounge, and closed captioning for the mainstage.

"Together with the Disability Screen Office, we're helping make accessibility an expectation, embedded in how Canada's screen industry plans and delivers screen industry events," said Elisa Suppa, Corporate Impact Director, Telefilm Canada.

In Toronto, panels explore climate storytelling with executives from CBC, Shaftesbury, and Cream Productions, alongside showrunner Morwyn Brebner; a look inside the new SOS Depot; and sustainability in advertising production. The day also includes workshops, Idea Boosts, and the Clean Energy Series, and concludes with Donna Grantis and Jennifer Baichwal in a fireside chat on humanNATURE, including a sneak peek of the upcoming Mercury Films documentary, followed by an exclusive live performance.

SPF Virtual features Indigenous filmmakers discussing traditional ecological knowledge, two global town halls, and a new green toolkit for animation. SPF26 also hosts Cohort 2 of SES's Sustainability Practitioners Internship Program (SPIP), with lead sponsor CBC.

"What I love most about SPF is the mix of people in the room: longtime changemakers who return each year, alongside new curious learners and planet enthusiasts finding their place in this work. I'm especially excited to bring our recently announced SPIP Cohort 2 on stage and introduce them to the community. They're proving that sustainability is a career path, not a side project," said Melanie Windle, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Sustainable Entertainment Society.

Tickets, speakers, and detailed programming: sustainableproductionforum.com. 

For media passes and coverage opportunities, contact [email protected]. 

SPF26 is made possible with the support of partners: Government of Canada, Green Spark Group, Telefilm Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada, Ontario Green Screen, Independent Production Fund, City of Toronto, Canada Media Fund, Bell Fund, Bullfrog Power, Canadian Media Producers Association, Reel Green™, Sustainable Biz, Disability Screen Office, Canadian Film Centre, Producing for the Planet, Humber Polytechnic, Toronto Film School, B.I. Canada Works, Hone Inc., Krypton Rental Group, CTS Production Equipment, Driving Force, Stream Water, Muuse, MENA Film Festival, Sunbelt Rentals, Invest Durham, Centennial College, and GoodLot Farm.

About the Sustainable Entertainment Society

The Sustainable Entertainment Society (SES) is a Canadian non-profit advancing sustainability in arts and entertainment. SES produces the Sustainable Production Forum, the Clean Energy Series, and the Sustainability Practitioners Internship Program (SPIP).

SOURCE Sustainable Entertainment Society

Media contact: Melanie Windle, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Sustainable Entertainment Society | [email protected] | 647.273.2005 | sustainableproductionforum.com