BANFF and Paramount+ partner for Spark Accelerator

Twenty-five women producers will be chosen for the 2025 program.

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) has announced a new partnership with Paramount+ in Canada for the launch of the BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media: Producer Edition. The program aims to support the growth and sustainability of established and mid-career women-owned media companies.

The 25 participants chosen will take part in a series of customized, virtual sessions covering high-level aspects of business strategy and planning, finance and marketing best practices, one-on-one meetings and curated sessions during the 2025 Banff World Media Festival. They will also benefit from a marketing and promotional campaign to help build their business profile.

“We applaud our new partner, Paramount+, for their commitment to advancing gender parity in our industry through their support of BANFF Spark. This first-of-its-kind program has already generated positive career growth for more than 200 women participants by helping them form strategic partnerships, hone their business skills, and gain a foothold in the global market. Although progress has been made, we are nowhere near an industry that looks equal for women, and even farther away from one that is equal for racialized women,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director, Banff World Media Festival.

The participants will receive a 2025 Banff World Media Festival pass and a travel stipend to offset costs of attending the Festival.

“Paramount+ strongly believes that gender equity in Canadian media is imperative to advancing our industry,” said Vanessa Case, VP content, Paramount+, Canada. “That is why we are proud to partner with the BANFF World Media Festival to continue the BANFF Spark Program. We must continue to uplift the incredible women leaders we have and provide opportunities for them to progress to the next level in their careers.”

BANFF Spark provides business guidance and a gateway to the Canadian and global film and television industries through the BANFF conference and marketplace. The initiative has a core mission to empower women of colour, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ women and non-binary individuals to advance both domestically and across the global media industry.

Applications will open in July.

Photo by Kristian Bogner Photography; Pictured (L-R): Jenn Kuzmyk and Vanessa Case