Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford unveil new film production firm at TIFF
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau and his former chief of staff Katie Telford are set to launch the production company Hope & Hard Work during a TIFF event on Sept. 11.
At the Toronto International Film Festival’s Lightbox building on Sept. 11, former prime minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff Katie Telford will formally introduce their new production company, Hope & Hard Work. The name revives the campaign slogan that propelled the Liberal party to power in the 2015 federal election. An invitation circulated this one outlet confirms the event will take place during the festival’s evening program, though it does not specify which films or literary rights will be presented.
The move follows longstanding speculation that Trudeau would enter the entertainment sector after his March 2025 departure from Parliament. Since then, he has been seen dating pop star Katy Perry and delivering speeches on soft power and G7 leadership. Telford, who served as Trudeau’s chief of staff throughout his decade in office, remains closely linked to him but has not provided a comment on the launch. The initiative mirrors similar celebrity-politician ventures such as Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground and Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions.
Why it matters
The launch shows a former national leader moving into the entertainment industry, potentially shaping media narratives.
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