Banff World Festival will return as an in-person event this year

The Banff World Media Festival will return as an in-person, featuring various Summit Series keynote speakers, topical panel discussions and celebrity master classes as well as networking opportunities to connect the global media industry to ignite new projects and support business development.  “The BANFF Board of Directors, Content Advisory Board and our team are working to bring you the best edition of BANFF yet, and we’re thrilled to be launching this year’s content slate with the announcement of keynote conversations featuring global leaders Pearlena Igbokwe, Dr. Ashish Jha and Frank Giustra," said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, Banff World Media Festival, said.

The 43rd edition of the Festival will take place in-person 12-15 June, 2022 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Chairman of Universal Studio Group (USG), Pearlena Igbokwe, is confirmed to participate in a Summit Series keynote conversation at the Festival on Tuesday, 14 June. Igbokwe leads four powerhouse studios: Universal Television, UCP, Universal Television Alternative Studios and Universal International Studios that produce over 3,000 hours of programming currently airing or streaming around the globe. Philanthropist and entrepreneur Frank Giustra to discuss the impact of mis/disinformation on public awareness and the responsibility of the media and entertainment industry to combat it.

Igbokwe and her team support a slate of ambitious storytellers, including Jordan Peele, Sam Esmail, Nahnatchka Khan, Tina Fey, Seth MacFarlane, Julie Plec, Amy Poehler, Tanya Saracho, Michael Schur, Alan Yang, David Heyman, Selwyn Hinds, Tarell McCraney, Lorne Michaels, Gareth Neame, Debra Martin Chase, Nick Antosca and Dick Wolf, among numerous others. She currently oversees 129 projects across 29 platforms worldwide, including the major broadcast networks, streamers and numerous cable outlets. Notable USG projects under her purview include "Hacks," "Never Have I Ever," "Girls5eva," "Young Rock," "The Umbrella Academy," "Dr. Death," "Gaslit," "Joe vs Carole," "Made in Chelsea," "Clickbait," "We Are Lady Parts," "Making It" and longtime NBC favorite "Hollywood Game Night."

The discussion between Dr. Ashish Jha and Frank Giustra will discuss the impact of mis/disinformation on public awareness and the responsibility of media and entertainment platforms to combat it.“BANFF is back, bigger and better than ever,” said BANFF Board Chair and Lionsgate Television Group Chair Kevin Beggs. “We couldn’t think of more fitting speakers to kick off the festivities than the head of Brown University’s School of Public Health, Dr. Ashish Jha, a visionary leader who has given useful and politics-free advice to millions during the pandemic."

The renowned Rockie Awards International Program Competition has an international jury of 150 industry professionals. Category winners, including the Grand Jury Prize, the Francophone Prize and other special prizes, will be announced during the Festival on June 13th.  Now in its 43rd editiion, BANFF is the international conference and marketplace where new business partnerships are forged and new TV, film and digital media projects are ignited. With delegates from 50+ countries, the Festival attracts the world’s top creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press and media companies. In addition, BANFF continues to deliver important fellowships and initiatives including The BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media, supported by the Government of Canada.