The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), in partnership with the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) and Canada Media Fund (CMF), has announced the first in-person Indigenous Screen Summit complete with a pitch session for Indigenous producers and creators.

The summit began as a virtual event that took place during last year’s online BANFF but this year’s instalment will mark the first time participants will come together in Banff, Alta., during the festival’s 43rd edition, which runs June 12 to 15 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Anchoring the summit is a half-day Pitch Forum financing event on the morning of June 12, with Indigenous producers and creators presenting their in-development scripted features, drama series and comedy projects to panels of Canadian and international buyers as well as an industry audience.

All 2022 BANFF festival pass holders will be able to attend the Pitch Forum, which will be followed by additional Indigenous Screen Summit programming throughout the festival, including sessions on innovative content from Indigenous producers and creators on BANFF’s mainstage.

The summit is intended to facilitate conversation and empower the goals of Indigenous entertainment industry professionals from Canada and around the world, said a news release. It seeks to connect partners, explore trends, create opportunities, and amplify Indigenous screen storytelling on a global stage.

Last year’s summit was a day-long event timed on Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

“The first in-person Indigenous Screen Summit provides a unique opportunity for Indigenous media professionals to meet face-to-face with colleagues within their circles of film and television,” said Nicole Robertson, content producer with the Indigenous Screen Summit for BANFF, in a statement. “Our Indigenous Worldview is about relationships with the world around us. It’s important to develop these partnerships at BANFF, so the future generations can see themselves reflected in upcoming movies, television series and all media endeavours.”

Said Kerry Swanson, ISO co-executive director: “The continued rise and momentum of Indigenous content production is gaining increased attention from audiences and industry in Canada and around the world. This is an exciting space for Indigenous storytellers and professionals to share new ideas and connect with Banff World Media Festival participants.”

Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the CMF, said the Indigenous Screen Summit will allow “Indigenous creators to take their stories and ideas to the next level.”

“The CMF made a strong commitment to remove barriers in the industry and support talented Indigenous creators, helping them share their stories with audiences around the world. This initiative will help do exactly that,” added Creighton.