- Natasha Heschélle Press
Updated: Jul 5
May 12, 2021 Banff Media Festival Online
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative will jumpstart and accelerate the careers of up to 100 participants by providing full registration access to the festival, a bespoke professional development curriculum plus access to networking opportunities with key industry buyers, with a dedicated mandate to offer a portion of fellowships to francophone and women professionals.
In addition, a sub-group of twenty-five (25) of the program participants will be selected to take part in the Diversity of Voices Pitch Program, through which they will receive personalized advice from high-profile industry mentors and private networking or pitching opportunities with senior international development executives.
2021 PROGRAM UPDATES:
Throughout 2021, a stark light has been shone on the systemic inequities and racism that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities continue to face throughout society, including in the film and television industry. Although diversity, inclusion, and representation are continuous priorities in BANFF’s content and fellowships programs, we can and intend to do more to champion meaningful change and support these underrepresented communities. In this spirit, the 2021 edition of the Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative will be open exclusively to candidates 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.
Now entering its fourth year, the Diversity of Voices Initiative was designed to offer a professional springboard for francophone, Indigenous, and women creators and producers from across Canada. We will continue the program’s mandate to support these communities, but with an intersectional focus. The 2021 edition of the program will be especially seeking applications from francophone candidates of colour, Indigenous candidates, and women candidates of colour, as well as candidates of colour of all genders.
