TORONTO – The Banff World Media Festival has unveiled the recipients of its inaugural Diversity of Voices Initiative that will assist select emerging and established independent Canadian creators in attending the confab next month.
The Initiative will provide up to 100 producers with full registration access to the festival, a special market introduction curriculum, and access to networking opportunities with key industry buyers.
In addition, 25 of this year’s applicants will also participate in the Diversity of Voices Pitch Program, where they will receive individual mentorship from media leaders, as well as the opportunity to take private pitch meetings with international buyers at the festival.
The 25 participants selected to take part in the Diversity of Voices Pitch Program are:
– Amanda Lo
– Ania Jamila
– Julia Holdway
– Jen Muranetz
– Jeremy Torrie
– Gordon Loverin
– Paula Devonshire
– Laura Milliken
– Nyla Innuksuk
– Wendell Collier
– Bianca Bellange
– Katia Café-Fébrissy
– Colin L. Riendeau
– Stephanie Ouaknine
– Josette D. Normandeau
– Karen Hawes
– Jessica Adams
– Kirsten Carthew
– Katie Nolan
– Lisa Hunter-Epstein
– Judith Pike
– Ana-Marija Stojic
– Joely Collins
– Joan Schafer
– Rebecca Campbell
The full list of Diversity of Voices 2018 participants can be found here.
“Banff is world renowned for being one of the most effective global events where new, original content is pitched, financed and greenlit,” said Banff World Media Festival executive director Jenn Kuzmyk, in the news release. “It’s important for the festival and our partners to support creators and producers. Diversity of Voices does that in a very meaningful way by giving access to media leaders, but also by providing essential mentorship and professional development programming.”
Banff launched the program along with supporting partners including the Canada Media Fund – Fonds des médias du Canada (CMF/FMC), the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), and Canada’s Indigenous Screen Office.
The 39th annual Banff World Media Festival will take place June 10 – 13, 2018 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, AB.
