TORONTO — The Banff World Media Festival, in partnership with Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, Canada’s Indigenous Screen Office and SODEC, today announced applications are now being accepted for the fourth edition of the Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voices initiative.
The Banff Festival also welcomed Canada’s new Black Screen Office as a program partner. In addition, this year’s Diversity of Voices application cycle will introduce important updates to this national training and development program for underrepresented emerging and mid-career creators and producers of film, television and digital media content, Banff said in a press release.
The 2021 edition of the Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voices program will be open exclusively to 100 candidates of all genders who identify as being from one or more racially diverse groups, such as African, Black, Caribbean, East Asian, First Nations, Inuit, Latinx, Métis, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, South Asian and Western Asian.
When it was first established, the Diversity of Voices initiative was designed to offer a professional springboard for francophone, Indigenous and women creators and producers from across Canada. This year’s program is especially, but not exclusively, seeking applications from francophone candidates of colour, Indigenous candidates, and women candidates of colour, as well as candidates of colour of all genders.
“Creating more opportunities for the development of underrepresented voices in Canada’s cultural community is critically important,” said Chris Regina, director of drama development at Netflix, in a press release. “We look forward to seeing the new stories that will be shared in Canada and with audiences around the world as a result of this initiative.”
“The Black Screen Office is pleased to be a part of this important initiative that facilitates access to industry leaders and decision-makers for Black producers and creatives,” added Joan Jenkinson, executive director of the Black Screen Office. “Banff World Media Festival’s Diversity of Voices is a step in the right direction to build solidarity in the fight against anti-Black racism.”
“Real change requires real action. Banff has the power and platform to reach the global media industry, and a responsibility to act on this influence to address the persistent injustices that Black, Indigenous, and people of colour experience in all corners of the industry,” added Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director of the Banff World Media Festival. “Diversity of Voices is an important part of our ongoing commitment to support the pursuit of equity and inclusion, and to highlight the long overdue changes in which our industry must invest.”
The application portal for the 2021 Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voices Initiative is now open at dov.banffmediafestival.com. The application deadline is Friday, January 15, 2021.
