Announcing the 2026 BANFF Diversity of Voices Elevate participants

Reimagined program introduces "high impact" model

See bios for 10 Diversity of Voices: Elevate participants HERE

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), in partnership with Netflix, and supporting industry partners including The Black Screen Office, Reelworld, The Indigenous Screen Office and the Disability Screen Office, is pleased to announce the 10 selected participants for the 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate program, who will be attending the 47th edition of the Festival on June 14-17, 2026, at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Meet this year's cohort:

Brishkay Ahmed, Digital Warriors Productions Inc.
Jamie Bourque-Blyan, Infinity Studio 8
Karen Chapman, Smallaxx Motion Pictures
Sean Devlin, Beb Bingo Entertainment
Damon D'Oliveira, Conquering Lion Pictures
JP Larocque, JP Larocque Productions
Jessica Tatum Meya, Gut Punch Productions
Kaveh Mohebbi, d'scribe Pictures
Arnold Pinnock, Actor/ Writer/ Producer
Ann Shin, Fathom Films

Originally launched in 2018, Diversity of Voices has helped to take down barriers at scale, providing nearly 800 opportunities to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Canadian producers and creatives. To date, the program has played a vital role in supporting mainly emerging and early-career Canadian writers, directors and producers from racialized communities. As the program and its alumni have matured, BANFF and DOV partners identified a critical next gap: ensuring diverse producers and creators at established levels have opportunities to advance their companies and projects on a national and global level. This year's cohort will be provided with an amplified experience, including enhanced financial support alongside a significantly expanded marketing, promotional, PR, podcast and brand-building campaign designed to raise their profile across the Canadian and global media industry.

"Over the past eight years, Diversity of Voices has helped cultivate an extraordinary pipeline of talent, and I know firsthand the difference that nuanced and tangible support makes. With Elevate, we've poured that insight into a new direction, ensuring producers and creatives of colour don't just enter the industry, but have sustainable careers within it. We are building in togetherness and ensuring there are always seats ready at the highest levels. This format allows us to champion our participants via a concerted marketing campaign, strategic visibility, and celebrating the recognition they've earned, helping them reach the next defining milestone in their careers."
– Vanessa Mitchell, Producer, Fellowship Programs at the Banff World Media Festival

Read more about all 2026 DOV participants here and meet them at BANFF this June.

Unveiling the esteemed Grand Jury for the 2026 Rockie Awards

Comprised of senior executives representing some of the world's most influential media companies, the Rockies Grand Jury will select the highly anticipated Grand Jury Prize from among the top-scoring programs across competition categories.

Together, the Grand Jury brings a global perspective spanning content commissioning, distribution, streaming, and international markets reflecting the Rockie Awards' reputation as one of the most prestigious and respected content competitions in the global media landscape.

The Rockie Awards will take place on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026 during BANFF, celebrating outstanding television and content from around the globe.

BANFF welcomes award-winning producer and industry leader Mark Bishop to its Board

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Bishop, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, to its Foundation Board of Directors. A highly respected leader in the global content industry, Bishop brings more than two decades of experience as a producer, entrepreneur, and executive. His strategic insight and longstanding commitment to advancing the Canadian and international media landscape will further strengthen BANFF's mission to foster strong business alliances, innovation, collaboration, and creative excellence across the entertainment ecosystem. The 2026 BANFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS: "Mark is a force in the industry, with a proven track record of building successful companies, championing creators, and shaping meaningful cultural impact," said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. "His deep understanding of content, business, and global partnerships will be invaluable as BANFF continues to drive the industry forward." "BANFF has long played a vital role in championing Canadian creativity on the world stage, fostering conversations and relationships that genuinely move the business forward," said Mark Bishop, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios. "I'm honoured to join the Board and look forward to supporting the festival's continued evolution as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful industry connections." Held annually in the breathtaking setting of Banff, Alberta, BANFF is a premier global content marketplace and conference known for its intimate, high-impact programming. For over 45 years, the festival has served as a hub where top producers, creatives, executives, and industry leaders from around the world converge to shape the future of media.