A market access program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour creators and producers.

The Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative offers a professional springboard for underrepresented creators and producers from across Canada.

The initiative has already created more than 500 opportunities for these talented creators, and since its launch in 2018, has made incremental and sustainable gains towards a more inclusive and representative industry. The program celebrates diversity and inclusion through an intersectional lens with respect and appreciation of differences including, but not limited to: ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, and ability.

Courtesy: Netflix Canada

The goal of the initiative is to jump-start and accelerate individual careers and help projects at all stages move forward by providing a gateway to the global film and television industry through the Banff World Media Festival's (BANFF) renowned conference and marketplace.

Attendance at BANFF will provide participants with unparallelled access to the Canadian and international industry, giving them a platform to pitch their projects, gain insight into the key issues and trends affecting the industry today, and network with senior decision-makers with the power to move their projects and careers forward. Over the long term, the festival aims to foster a legacy of greenlights and international sales for the program participants and the partners who work with them.

The Diversity of Voices Initiative is open to candidates of all genders and abilities 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. The program has a key intersectional mandate to increase accurate and meaningful disability representation on and off screen throughout the Canadian media landscape. It is also designed to support Canada’s francophone production community, with up to 25% of program spots reserved for francophone participants.

Learn more about program Eligibility and Submission Guidelines.

ALL SELECTED PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:

  • A full registration package for the 2023 Banff World Media Festival and its full complement of content and networking opportunities.
  • Access to select industry intel sessions developed specifically for the Diversity of Voices Initiative.
  • Access to and profile within the Canadian and international media industry.

Select Pitch Program participants will also receive additional mentorship and networking opportunities.

“ I had important conversations with key players that can help my career and my projects when they are ready to pitch. I’m very new to the TV/Film game, so this was a great learning experience.”

– Christine Rodriguez, Screenwriter

“ Diversity of Voices allowed me to meet with decision makers in a casual setting, especially US buyers who are otherwise difficult to meet face to face.”

– Alfons Adetuyi, Producer/Director, Inner City Films

“ It was such a great opportunity. It was so much fun and also just boosted the heck out of my confidence. You have such a wonderful thing going with the Banff World Media Festival!”

– Kathleen Edwards, Filmmaker, Moontime Productions

SUPPORTING PARTNERS