MEDIA RELEASE

Return to Index

Download this release:

Adobe Acrobat
(PDF - 13 KB)

Microsoft Word
(DOC - 89 KB)

BANFF 2002 to Feature Special Focus on Africa

(Cape Town, South Africa, November 12, 2001) Today, during a special presentation at Sithengi, the 6th Southern African Film & Television Market in Cape Town, Pat Ferns, president and CEO of the Banff Television Foundation announced that a major theme of BANFF 2002 will be a special salute to Africa. This decision is a response to Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's announcement that Africa will be a central focus of the next G-8 Summit of world leaders to take place in neighboring Kananaskis, Alberta shortly after the 23rd Banff Television Festival in June 2002.

"Sustainable development is a theme BANFF has been discussing with African film and television industry leaders," commented Mr. Ferns. "We recognize the potential of African talent and want to share our Canadian experience of building an industry to tell our own stories while contributing to cultural and industrial development. We believe there will be strong international interest in what is happening in the African broadcast and production community."

BANFF 2002 takes place June 9 to 14 and will feature a special "Breakfast with Africa" for all delegates. An African delegation, including filmmakers from various parts of the continent, will be in attendance participating in various seminars throughout the week. The Festival will showcase and screen a selection of African films from the "Steps for the Future" collection currently being celebrated at Sithengi. Negotiations are underway for an African premiere during the weeklong event. Canada's co-production treaties with countries in Africa will be on the agenda.

The Banff Television Foundation has a close relationship with the Sithengi Film & Television Market. Sithengi CEO Michael Auret attended BANFF 2001. Pat Ferns is now participating in the Cape Town event hosting various sessions and formats. This morning he moderated a State of the World seminar followed by the special presentation highlighting BANFF 2002. Wednesday he moderates the Documentary Pitching Forum formatted after his internationally known Market Simulation, which he has taken to numerous events around the world. Mr. Ferns will also participate in the "Take a Decision Maker to Breakfast/Lunch" program and meet with industry representatives throughout the week to plan BANFF's special focus on Africa.

The Banff Television Foundation is a management organization for some of the world's leading television and new media industry events including the Banff Television Festival (June 9 - 14, 2002), the World Congress of History Producers (October 20 - 23, 2002), the World Congress of Science Producers (October 24 - 27, 2002) and the Alliance Atlantis Banff Television Executive Program (January 11 - 18, 2002). Its mission is to inspire innovation in content creation, celebrate excellence in programming in Canada and abroad and provide learning and business opportunities for creators and other industry professionals. The Banff Television Festival, its premier event, takes place each June in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is a special gathering place for television program producers and online content creators. Over 60 hours of seminars, plenary sessions, keynote speakers, master classes and pitching opportunities are featured along with the international Banff Rockie Awards Program Competition honouring the world's best television programs and webcasts.