Netflix signs up to Banff diversity initiative for five years

Netflix has signed up to become Title Partner of The Banff World Media Festival’s (BANFF) Diversity of Voices Initiative, a training and development programme for underrepresented creative producers of commercial Television and/or digital media content, with a focus on Indigenous, Francophone and women industry professionals.

The Diversity of Voices Initiative was launched with the support of Netflix as well as the Canada Media Fund – Fonds des médias du Canada (CMF/FMC), the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), and Canada’s Indigenous Screen Office.  It is part of Netflix’s ongoing commitment to support opportunities for Francophone and other Canadian screen-based creator groups. Chris Regina, Netflix director of global television, said the company’s five-year commitment to Diversity of Voices “is a pledge of confidence in BANFF’s ability to mentor, train and develop emerging creators.”

Jenn Kuzmyk (pictured), executive director of the Banff World Media Festival, added: “It’s imperative to address the fact that there are systemic gender and cultural barriers that exist within the media industry. Netflix’s meaningful commitment to turn this programme into a multi-year initiative, coupled with the support of our partners will ensure that hundreds of participants gain the industry access, information and relationships they need to navigate the global content market and get their projects produced as a direct result.”