Banff World Media Festival unveils virtual replacement for annual conference

BANFF, Alta. – The Banff World Media Festival has unveiled a virtual replacement for its annual conference and marketplace that was cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Banff Virtual Edition content program will kick off May 26 with a master class and sneak peek of the drama series “Snowpiercer,” organizers said Tuesday in a release.

The Rockie Awards on June 15 and Banff Day on June 16 will anchor a four-month season of programming.

The full lineup will be unveiled at a later date. Online content will “connect the international media industry, ignite new projects and support business development,” organizers said.

Most of the program is free for those who register for a virtual pass at banffmediafestival.com. A networking pass is also available for purchase.

The festival was originally scheduled for June 14-17 in Banff, Alta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2020.