The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) announced Korea as the first-ever Country of Honour at the 2025 festival, marking a historic milestone in the event’s esteemed history. This recognition highlights Korea’s global influence on the entertainment industry and its trailblazing producers, media companies, and content creators. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
In partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a distinguished delegation of Korea’s top producers, industry leaders, and acclaimed talent will attend the festival to forge international partnerships and strengthen global collaboration. The festival will feature exclusive showcases, networking opportunities, and special programming spotlighting Korea’s excellence in storytelling and content production across television, digital media, and more.
As part of the celebration, K-Content will be a focal point throughout the festival, culminating in a grand tribute at the Rockie Awards on Monday, June 9. This celebration will honor Korea’s groundbreaking creativity and cultural impact on the global media landscape.
Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF highlighted Korean audiovisual production: “We are thrilled to recognize Korea as our inaugural Country of Honour. Korea has emerged as a powerhouse in global entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with its innovative storytelling and world-class productions. We look forward to welcoming Korean creators to BANFF and fostering new opportunities for international collaboration," commented.
Meanwhile, Yoo-Hyun-seok, Acting President of KOCCA expressed enthusiasm for establishing new opportunities for the Korean industry: “Korea’s presence at BANFF underscores the strength and appeal of K-Content on a global scale. We are excited to showcase the depth and diversity of our creative industry while building meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of entertainment," noted.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff World Media Festival is a premier destination for media industry professionals, offering over 1,200 networking sessions, unparalleled access to deal-making, and industry insights as well as 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations. This year’s festival promises to be a landmark gathering, featuring forward-thinking panels and high-profile keynotes with Tubi’s CEO Anjali Sud and Sony Pictures Television Chairman Keith Le Goy.