Banff World Media Festival Unveils 2026 Diversity of Voices Participants

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), in partnership with Netflix, has announced the ten selected participants for the 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate program.

Diversity of Voices has helped to take down barriers at scale, providing 800 opportunities to Black, Indigenous and People of Color who are Canadian producers and creatives. The 47th edition of the Festival will take place from June 14 to 17 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

This next evolution focuses on amplifying recognition at a pivotal stage in the participants’ professional trajectory, when meaningful global exposure, access to high-level decision-makers, and strategic industry connectivity can have the greatest impact.

The participants involved are: Brishkay Ahmed of Digital Warriors Productions Inc., Jamie Bourque-Blyan of Infinity Studio 8, Karen Chapman of Smallaxx Motion Pictures, Sean Devlin of Beb Bingo Entertainment, Damon D’Oliveira of Conquering Lion Pictures, JP Larocque of JP Larocque Productions, Jessica Tatum Meya of Gut Punch Productions, Kaveh Mohebbi of d’scribe Pictures, Arnold Pinnock and Ann Shin of Fathom Films.

“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,” said Vanessa Mitchell, producer of fellowship programs at the Banff World Media Festival. “With Elevate, we’ve poured that insight into a new direction, ensuring producers and creatives of color 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.”