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TVO Impact Newsletter | March-April 2026 | #88

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For the Love of Movies: Inside the movie magic

Issue 88 | March/April 2026

The Theft: Revealing the cost of looted history Ontario’s Film History: Keeping it alive

Celebrating Women:

Shaping TVO Every Day

Gabrielle host of TVOkids
Molly Thomas host of Big [If True]
Nam Kiwanuka host of (MIS)Treated
Laura Commisso host of Know Brainers

A letter from the CEO

My name is Pary Bell, and it is a privilege to introduce myself as the new CEO of TVO Media Education Group.

I came to TVO because I believe deeply in what this organization stands for. In a world that is growing louder and more complex, the ability for people to access trustworthy, thoughtful learning has never mattered more. Committed donors like you are the reason TVO can help Ontarians understand their world and engage with it thoughtfully; something that is not just relevant

but is foundational to a healthy, informed society.

What I’ve witnessed so far here at TVO is a team deeply invested in bringing to life the mission that matters to donors like you: individuals driven by purpose, committed to integrity, and dedicated each day to strengthening Ontario’s civic and educational fabric. Their passion reinforces what donors like you already understand, that TVO’s impact is measured not only in content produced, but in minds opened, perspectives broadened, and conversations elevated.

Your support makes this possible. As a registered charity,

TVO relies on the incredible generosity of our donors to advance this mission and ensure it remains accessible to everyone. I am grateful for your belief in the work we do.

Thank you for your commitment to TVO’s mission. I’m excited for what we will build, together.

With gratitude,

Photo captions:
1. Polkaroo
2. Elwy Yost
3. Today's Special cast
4. Nam Kiwanuka

Watch TVOkids seven days a week from 6am to 7pm

Kangaroo Beach

Season 3

Ontario Premiere Saturday, March 7 at 7am

Pounce, Gemma, Neville, Frizzy, and Spyke share an action-packed summer training as cadets with their lifeguard heroes, keeping the water safe at the spectacular, and always eventful, Kangaroo Beach. Learn about water safety and beach visit do’s and don’ts from a group of fun-loving (but responsible!) Aussie critters.

Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube from Friday, March 6.

STREAM NOW

On TVOkids.com and streaming channels:

Flower & Flour

Season 1

TVOkids Original Monday, March 16 at 11:55am

Follow along for the adventures of Flower, a curious 7-year-old, and her magical pet Flour, a bag of flour that has come to life as a waddling, purring cat. Whether in Flower’s parents’ dumpling shop or their vibrant neighbourhood, Flower & Flour turn everyday sights, sounds and experiences into joyful discoveries.

Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube from Monday, March 16.

Nikhil & Jay

Season 1

Canadian Premiere Saturday, April 4 at 7:10am

Nikhil & Jay follows the funny, relatable stories of two brothers and their multicultural family. With mum, Amma, who is Indian Tamil, their English dad, Appa and their loving Indian and English set of grandparents, Nikhil & Jay experience a rich blend of customs, traditions, festivals, food, and music.

Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube from Friday, April 3.

BIG NEWS TVOkids App— watch your favourite kids shows on it today!

Celebrating Women:

Shaping TVO Every Day

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women whose ideas, talents, and perspectives shape our work and our communities. Their experiences continue to guide the content we create and the stories we tell.

“As a journalist, I follow the story. When I got sick, I learned firsthand how much women's health is misunderstood. Historically, women were excluded from clinical trials and, in Canada, less than 7% of health research spending goes to women's health! This has consequences not only for women's health but for our earning potential and quality of life. Women's health is not a niche topic… and that's why I pitched (MIS)Treated. It makes me so proud to work at TVO and to have the opportunity to front this podcast.”

Whether through programming led and driven by women and their perspectives, or educational resources that highlight women’s voices, donor support enables us to broaden understanding, inspire learning, and contribute to the ongoing journey of celebrating, amplifying, and advocating for women’s voices.

We’re committed to supporting women creators— directors, writers, producers, and storytellers—by giving them the forum and trust to bring their vision forward. As a valued donor, you make it possible for us to feature women’s stories and voices that strengthen our programming and share stories that might otherwise go untold.

“It’s a pleasure to work alongside so many smart, funny, and hard-working women here at TVO. Across departments and teams, they inspire me to tackle my own work with conviction and compassion.”

Thank you to all the intelligent, talented women who work with us and thank you for supporting trusted journalism, diverse stories, and high-quality content.

Check out these titles featuring strong female leads.

• Big [If True]

• The Pitch

• Returning Home

• Postcards From

• WW2: Women on the Frontline

• Lady Sapiens

• The Thread with Nam Kiwanuka

• Me + Viv

• She Chef

• In Search of the Brontës

• Becoming Frida Kahlo

• In the Company of Rose

• Joy Womack: The White Swan

• Subjects of Desire

• Charlotte’s Castle

• My Name is Happy

• Category: Woman

In search of strong female leads for the kids in your life?

Check out some of our fave young female icons: Isadora, Riley Rocket as well as the lovely and passionate Taviss from Secrets of the Forest and Polly from Polly Can Do.

Here are some powerhouse women we’re highlighting for you this month! Enjoy at home or on the go via TVO.org or the TVO Today App.

You can find our full program lineup at TVO.org/schedule. Just a heads-up— our schedule may change from time to time.

MARCH

Fake or Fortune

Season 12

Tuesday, March 3 at 9pm

For the Love of Movies

TVO Original

World Premiere

Premieres

Saturday, March 28 at 8pm

This new docuseries revisits nearly 40 years of TVO's Saturday Night at the Movies, originally hosted by Elwy Yost, and draws from the show's archives to uncover often never-before-seen interviews with cinematic legends. For The Love of Movies reveals how generations of filmmakers and performers shaped the silver screen, tracing their stories, struggles, and sparks of genius that shaped the movies we love today. Episodes will explore Hollywood glamour and costume design, Canada’s comedic legends, epic war films, iconic directors, and classic horror movies. (Documentary Series)

Streaming begins Saturday, March 28 at 8pm.

Fiona Bruce and expert Philip Mould investigate mysterious artworks to uncover whether they’re priceless originals or clever fakes. Combining detective work with cutting-edge forensic science, they reveal dramatic stories of lost masterpieces and bold forgeries, taking them from Canada to France and across the Netherlands.

(Documentary Series)

Streaming begins Tuesdays at 9am on March 3, 10, 17, and 24.

Never Look Away

Saturday, March 7 at 9pm

Lost and Found

Marking 15 years since the Fukushima disaster

Premieres

Sunday, March 8 at 9pm

Lucy Lawless directs the remarkable true story of pioneering camerawoman Margaret Moth, who filmed unforgettable images from war zones worldwide. After being shot by a sniper in Sarajevo in 1992 and undergoing extensive reconstructive surgeries, she returned to document the human cost of conflict.

(Documentary)

Tune in early! Streaming begins Friday, March 6 at 9am.

In March 2011, Japan was struck by its largest earthquake, triggering a tsunami that devastated 90 cities and claimed over 18,000 lives. A year later, Japanese belongings washed up in North America. This film follows Pacific Northwest beachcombers working to return these cherished items.

(Documentary)

Start streaming Friday, March 6 at 9am.

Watch on-air or stream on

TVO.org or our TVO Docs

YouTube channel on demand.

APRIL

Hope for Wildlife

Season 7

13-part series

Premieres

Sunday, April 12 at 7pm

The Theft

TVO Original

World Premiere

Premieres

Sunday, April 19 at 9pm

The Theft uncovers Afghanistan’s overlooked artistic heritage by tracing a set of 12th-century marble panels looted from Ghazni across decades of conflict. Revealing how war, cultural memory, and the global art market collide, the film challenges museums and audiences to confront the cost of preservation without justice. Featuring voices from curators, artists, and scholars worldwide, it sparks an urgent conversation about the future of postcolonial museums. (Documentary)

Stream on Sunday, April 19 at 9am.

Citizen Minutes

Series 2 Compilation

Premieres

Sunday, April 12 at 9pm

Hope Swinimer and her devoted team work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release thousands of animals each year while facing constant financial challenges. This emotional series reveals the impact of humans on the natural world and the fight to save wildlife. Not every story ends happily, but hope always remains. (Documentary series)

Watch online Friday, April 10 at 9am.

This series highlights seven ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to make their neighbourhoods safer and more vibrant. Through inspiring stories of courage and community action, these changemakers encourage us all to engage in civic life and help transform the places we call home. (Documentary series)

Streaming begins Friday, April 10 at 9am.

The World According to Football

5-part series

Premieres

Wednesday, April 29 at 9pm

Across five episodes, Trevor Noah explores the world’s most popular sport through stories from the USA, Brazil, France, Qatar, and the UK. Meeting players and coaches challenging the status quo, the series asks a powerful question: if we can reform soccer, can we also reform society? (Documentary Series)

Streaming begins Wednesday, April 29 at 9am.

LISTEN NOW

Listen at TVO.org, via our TVO Today App or wherever you get your podcasts!

TVO’s essential guide to Ontario politics is back, continuing important weekly conversations as the province confronts its most pressing challenges. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath offer candid interviews and clear analysis to help listeners understand how political decisions shape their everyday lives. Tune in to #onpoli to get a sense of the bigger picture.

Contact Us

Philanthropy Office PO Box 949, Station K Toronto, Ontario M4P 2V3

donorcare@tvo.org

Ways to Give

• TVO.me/impact

• 1 855 589 3886

• Return the enclosed pre-paid envelope by mail

Find Us Online

KeepOntario’s Historyin FilmAlive

Every reel we digitize protects a piece of Ontario’s shared story. Your generosity has already saved thousands of hours of fragile archival footage—but most of our tapes and film reels are still at risk. With your help, we can rescue rare interviews, early educational programs, and unforgettable cultural moments before they are lost forever.

DONATE NOW

Please make your gift today by scanning the QR code or visiting TVO.org/renew.

• TVO.org

• TVOkids.com

• facebook.com/tvo

• x.com/tvo

• TVO Docs and TVOkids YouTube

• TVO Today iOS and Android app

• TVOkids iOS and Android App

• TVO Today and TVOkids streaming channels: Roku, LG, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV

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