Filmmaker Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, producer and Stories First CEO Leena Minifie and Little Engine Moving Pictures co-founder Maria Kennedy are among the 25 industry members selected for the Banff World Media Festival’s (BANFF) 2022 Diversity of Voices Pitch Program.

BANFF unveiled the 100 Black, Indigenous and people of colour creatives and producers selected for the annual Diversity of Voices initiative, which includes full access to the four-day in-person event in the Rocky Mountains from June 12 to 15.

The initiative is held in partnership with Netflix and with the support of the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), the Black Screen Office (BSO) and la Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC).

Of the 100 selected, 25 will take part in the pitch program, which includes private networking opportunities and one-on-one mentorships with media leaders. Both emerging and established creators and producers are eligible for the Diversity of Voices initiative, with the ISO, BSO and SODEC supporting Indigenous, Black and francophone participants.

Joining Cheechoo, Minifie and Kennedy are Portraits From a Fire producer Rylan Friday; director Reem Morsi; producer Paula Devonshire; Take Note director Shawn Gerrard; playwright Christine Rodriguez; Tehranto director Faran Moradi; Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock puppeteer Kanja Chen; The Detectives writer Eric Sabbag; short documentary filmmaker Lindsay McIntyre; Transplant actor Kenny Wong; and Playback 10 to Watch alums Samantha MacAdam and Ryan Cooper.

Rounding out the list of creatives are Nadine Valcin, Roble Issa, Tobi Abdul, Parth Parikh, Raghed Charabaty, Ebonie Finley, Priscilla Cherry, Jenny Steele, Marilyn Cooke and Kathleen Edwards.

A full list of the 100 individuals selected for the 2022 Diversity of Voices initiative is available here.

“Over the last five years, the Diversity of Voices program has cultivated a rich creative community, accelerating the careers of hundreds of talented creators from underrepresented communities,” said Danielle Woodrow, director, Canada series, Netflix, in a statement. “This year’s participants will bring new perspectives to the screen and we look forward to seeing how they share their experiences with audiences in Canada and around the world.”

“Whether you’re an emerging or experienced creator, the value of access to fellow creators, producers, distributors and other screen industry professionals cannot be overstated when it comes to taking that next step in your career,” added BSO executive director Joan Jenkinson. “Black creators have for too long struggled to gain access to the corridors of influence and connection that enable those critical next steps in Canada and globally.”

Said Kerry Swanson, co-executive director of ISO: “The ISO is pleased to support the Indigenous participants at the fifth edition of the Diversity of Voices program. This is an important opportunity for networking and professional development that supports the continued growth of the Indigenous screen sector in Canada.”

“This program is succeeding at breaking down systemic barriers at scale and its effect will continue to be seen for years and potentially decades to come,” added Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director of BANFF and VP, publisher of Playback. “With the addition of this year’s participants, Diversity of Voices has proudly supported nearly 500 of Canada’s brightest talents in the film and television industry.”

The 43rd edition of BANFF marks the first time the festival will take place at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel since 2019. The event will kick-off with the new Indigenous Screen Summit, with programming set to run adjacent with the main festival, and begins with a half-day Pitch Forum for Indigenous creators and producers.

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