Our course is the conscience of humanity

This piece was originally published on the Council of Canadians website, on October 8, 2025, the day when Israeli Occupation Forces illegally seized the Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience. Many of us have had our attention focused recently on the Flotillas sailing against the blockade of Gaza: it is natural to be drawn to this peaceful civilian challenge to the military might of the Israeli occupation at sea. Israel’s deliberate starvation of Palestinians in Gaza as part of the genocide backed by the U.S. and allies – including Canada – makes this year’s many sailings against the blockade all the more…

Read MoreOur course is the conscience of humanity

“People before profit”: Draw the Line rally for global peace

On September 20, the London chapter of the International Socialists joined Seniors for Climate and Seniors for Climate Action Now to host a rally in support of the national Draw The Line movement. Activists and organizers from ACORN, Independent Jewish Voices, Youth Climate Corp, Canadian Palestinian Social Association, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, For Our Kids, and the London and District Labour Council joined the movement. The following is a speech delivered by Matthew Webb of the International Socialists at London’s Draw the Line event.  We decided to join the Seniors for Climate and Seniors for Climate Action Now in…

Read More“People before profit”: Draw the Line rally for global peace

Project Pitch narrative feature entry – Cracked

With the Forest City Film Festival returning for its tenth year this weekend, the city is brimming with creative talent. The festival is bringing back Project Pitch, a pitch competition where filmmakers can submit pitches for a chance to win support and funding. Project Pitch’s narrative feature film competition champions projects that hope to produce Canadian-made feature-length films, with at least 50 per cent of filming taking place right here in London. The winner of the narrative feature competition will win a $60,000 prize package to support their production. One pitch that I’m looking forward to learning more about is…

Read MoreProject Pitch narrative feature entry – Cracked

Project Pitch short film entry – Grape Expectations

With the Forest City Film Festival returning for its tenth year this weekend, the city is brimming with creative talent. The festival is bringing back Project Pitch, a pitch competition where filmmakers can submit pitches for a chance to win support and funding. In the short film category, winners will receive $17,000 in production funding. This year, London-based director Brad Spencer and screenwriter Mary Ann Dixon will be pitching their short, Grape Expectations. In Grape Expectations we follow a recently terminated business executive, Claire, seeking to reinvent herself by purchasing a run-down winery. I spoke with the creative duo on…

Read MoreProject Pitch short film entry – Grape Expectations

Project Pitch documentary entry – 100 Days to Showtime

With the Forest City Film Festival returning for its tenth year this weekend, the city is brimming with creative talent. The festival is bringing back Project Pitch, a pitch competition where filmmakers can submit pitches for a chance to win support and funding. Project Pitch’s documentary feature film competition champions projects that share remarkable stories across Ontario, with many taking place right here in London. 100 Days to Showtime, one documentary in the pitch competition, shares the legacy of the High School Project, a mentorship program for high school students at London’s Grand Theatre.  I spoke with producer Kristina Esposito,…

Read MoreProject Pitch documentary entry – 100 Days to Showtime

Project Pitch documentary entry: Airside All Access

With the Forest City Film Festival returning for its tenth year this weekend, the city brimming with creative talent sharing their work. The festival is bringing back Project Pitch, a pitch competition where filmmakers can submit pitches for a chance to win support and funding. Project Pitch’s documentary feature film competition champions projects that share the remarkable stories happening across Ontario, with many taking place right here in London. Airside All Access, one documentary in the pitch competition, tells the story behind London’s internationally-recognized airshow. I spoke to director Mark Drewe, founder of London based production company Mosaic Mind Pictures,…

Read MoreProject Pitch documentary entry: Airside All Access