Big news today: I’m one of ten creatives selected as part of the Netflix/Banff World Media Festival 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate Program!

I’ve always wanted to attend the festival in Alberta, and this will be a fantastic opportunity to pitch projects, connect with creatives and executives, and seek collaboration and development. I’m a previous participant of the Diversity of Voices as part of the “emerging talent” cohort, and Elevate is designed as the next phase of the program — for mid-tier and established creatives. More on the program below (taken from this piece by TV, Eh?):

“Originally launched in 2018, Diversity of Voices has helped to take down barriers at scale, providing 800 opportunities to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Canadian producers and creatives.  The program has played a vital role in supporting mainly emerging and early-career Canadian writers, directors and producers from racialized communities, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable industry. As the program and its alumni have matured, BANFF and DOV partners identified a critical next gap: ensuring diverse producers and creators at established levels have the promotion, marketing and strategic access opportunities to advance their companies and projects on a national and global scale.

For 2026, the program has now been reimagined as Diversity of Voices: Elevate, designed to deepen career momentum, prestige and industry visibility for participants. 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. As one of the world’s leading media marketplaces, BANFF provides a unique platform for the industry to connect directly with domestic and international buyers, partners, and financiers, making it an ideal environment to scale careers and secure financing and partnerships for new projects. Following consultation with stakeholders, partners, and past DOV Initiative alumni, this year’s cohort will serve 10 mid-career and established industry participants, providing a tailored experience that will promote and shine a global light on some of Canada’s most exciting producers, directors and writers. Supporting partners of the program include: Reelworld, the Black Screen Office (BSO), the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and the Disability Screen Office (DSO).”

The other participants are Brishkay Ahmed, Jamie Bourque-Blyan, Karen Chapman, Sean Devlin, Damon D’Oliveira, Jessica Tatum Meya, Kaveh Mohebbi, Arnold Pinnock, and Ann Shin. Some familiar faces and new friends!

You can read more about the program in a few spots — World Screen, VideoAge, and Playback.

Very, very excited.