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Jesse Armstrong to keynote Banff World Media Festival 2026 

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From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) today announced additional programming for its 2026 edition, featuring a keynote from Emmy Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated writer, director and producer Jesse Armstrong (writer, director, and executive producer, Mountainhead; creator, showrunner, and executive producer, Succession), moderated by CBC Q’s Tom Power. The festival continues to expand its lineup of global leaders and industry voices across scripted, unscripted, brand storytelling, and emerging formats. The 47th annual Banff World Media Festival will take place June 14–17, 2026, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Armstrong is a British author, screenwriter, and producer. He is a co-creator of the Channel 4 comedy series Peep Show and Fresh Meat, a writer on The Thick of It and Four Lions, and the creator of the HBO series Succession. His work has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for In the Loop, and four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for Succession.  Jesse’s directorial debut feature Mountainhead is nominated in the Feature Length Film category at this year’s Rockie Awards.

BANFF will also present an In Conversation With Georgie Holt, CEO of FlightStory, the exponentially growing media company behind Steven Bartlett’s hit Diary of a CEO podcast.  Holt will discuss the evolution of creator-led studios and the future of audience-first IP.

The festival will also host a special In Conversation with Henry Winkler, tied to his work with A+E Factual Studios and his popular series Hazardous History on HISTORY in the U.S., offering an inside look at his enduring career and latest creative work. A+E’s Sharon Scott will introduce this session.

A featured opening-day session will be led by Adam Cunningham, CEO Allied Global Marketing, offering an unfiltered, forward-looking conversation designed to challenge what we think we know about the future of media, entertainment, marketing, AI, and the broader cultural landscape. Cunningham is an industry expert who will open with three urgent questions that will examine how brands and content companies can adapt to rapidly shifting consumer expectations and what it will take to earn and sustain attention in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Further highlighting BANFF’s commitment to cultural conversation and audience engagement, the festival will introduce Fandom Wednesday, a dedicated track of programming on Wednesday, June 17th, exploring fan-driven ecosystems, community-building, and the growing influence of audiences in shaping content success. Speakers include David Madden, President at Webtoon Productions, Wattpad; Melissa Ahlstrand, Marketing Director of Americas, Hayu; Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media; Dawn Yang, Global Head of Entertainment Partnerships, TikTok, and more to come.

Expanding its focus on the intersection of entertainment, marketing, and cultural impact, BANFF will feature a brand storytelling panel featuring Adam Puchalsky, President of Brand Studio at Blink49 Studios, Brendan Gaul, Global Chief Entertainment Officer of McCANN, Oliver Gray, Vice President of Network Sports and Client Partnerships, The E.W. Scripps Company and Daniel Mekinda, Executive Vice President, WPP Media Canada.

“Jesse Armstrong doesn’t just capture the cultural conversation, he drives it. Having him join us at BANFF alongside an incredible lineup of creators, executives, and industry disruptors says everything about where the global media business is right now: bold, unpredictable, and evolving fast. BANFF 2026 is bringing together the people shaping what’s next, and the conversations this year are going to be unforgettable,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF.

As previously announced, Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series, will serve as a keynote speaker at the festival. The program will also feature an In Conversation with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister, as well as a keynote conversation with Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Spain has been named the Country of Honour for 2026 and will be spotlighted throughout the festival with dedicated programming, networking opportunities, and curated events highlighting its dynamic content ecosystem across scripted, unscripted, film, and digital-first storytelling.

Further reinforcing BANFF’s role as a global hub for co-production and international collaboration, the festival will also welcome a strong European cohort, including commissioners from The Walt Disney Company Spain, Germany’s ZDF Studios, France Télévisions, Spain’s RTVE, TG4 in Ireland, as well as Channel 5 and BBC in the UK, creating expanded opportunities for cross-border partnerships and deal-making.

The prestigious Rockie Awards will once again celebrate the industry’s most influential talent and business leaders via special Gala Honours to be announced,  alongside awards for outstanding content, selected by an international jury from entries hailing from more than 45 countries around the world

The Banff World Media Festival and Rockie Awards remain a premier gathering for the global media industry, offering more than 1,200 networking sessions and over 25,000 meetings connecting creators, producers, studios, streamers, brands, and decision-makers. BANFF 2026 will once again serve as a key destination for deal-making, thought leadership, and forward-looking conversations shaping the future of the industry.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Rezervations for Two brings rez humour, real chemistry and Indigenous love stories to reality TV

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From a media release:

APTN audiences have been asking for an Indigenous dating show that reflects real life, and now it’s here! Rezervations for Two, produced by APTN, Animiki See Digital Production and Media Rendezvous, premieres June 15 on APTN and APTN+. To celebrate the debut, APTN is also making the first episode available on YouTube. Equal parts hilarious, heartfelt and hot mess, the series brings together lovable Indigenous singles of diverse genders, sexualities, ages and nations for a dating experience that throws the reality TV rulebook out the window.

Season 1 unfolds in Winnipeg, in the heart of Turtle Island, with dates set in and around The Forks — a gathering place for thousands of years and the perfect setting for modern Indigenous connections to take shape. From fireside chats by the river to hands-on creative dates in the central market, each meet-cute is grounded in place, history and community while still leaving plenty of room for unexpected chemistry.

At the centre of the drama (and the commentary) are iconic hosts Kairyn Potts and Scott Wabano. The besties send each dater on two blind dates and then watch in real time, reacting to every awkward silence, flirty exchange and spicy pickup line with their signature “fairy god-auntie” energy. Their charm, wit and zero‑filter reactions are as much a part of the show as the dates themselves.

“We’re really excited to bring Rezervations for Two to APTN audiences,” said Crystal Dubois, APTN’s Development, Factual and Special Events Executive. “This show is about finding your forever snag and keeping it real while you do. Nothing is scripted. It’s packed with rez humour and heart, and it’s a true celebration of love in all its forms. We want Indigenous and non-Indigenous viewers alike to see us as we really are: vibrant, funny and full of life. This is us — unfiltered, unapologetic and totally fabulous.”

While reality TV continues to dominate screens, Indigenous voices are still rarely given space to be funny, raw, romantic or vulnerable on their own terms. Rezervations for Two changes that. By centring real people and real connections, the series portrays Indigenous relationships as layered, joyful and deeply human — pushing back against stereotypes and showing that there’s no single way to be Indigenous, or to experience love.

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Featured, North of North

2026 WGC Screenwriting Awards celebrates 30 years of excellence in Canadian TV, film, and digital media

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From a media release:

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) celebrated 30 years of outstanding screenwriting in Canadian television, film and digital media tonight at the annual WGC Screenwriting Awards, held at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The gala brought together hundreds of screenwriters, industry professionals, and fans.

Created in 1997 to recognize excellence in Canadian screenwriting, and raise the profile of screenwriters, the WGC Screenwriting Awards have grown as the Canadian industry has expanded. Over the years, we have celebrated writers whose work has shaped Canadian culture, and reached audiences around the world.

This year’s award winners demonstrate the breadth of talent across nine categories, and include Katherine Sandford for Preschool (Mittens & Pants, “Pants in the Box”), Garry Campbell for Comedy Series (North of North, “Dumpcano”), Kaveh Mohebbi for Short Series (18 to 35, “Buck Mustang”), and many more.

Special honours were also presented:

  • Simon Barry was honoured with the prestigious Showrunner Award.
  • Jeremy Boxen received the McGrath Service Award for exceptional service to the Guild.
  • Lawrence S. Mirkin was presented with the Alex Barris Mentorship Award.
  • Ian Weir received the Margaret Collier Award, presented with the Canadian Academy as supporting partner.

Hosted by Ali Hassan (Run the Burbs, Sort Of, Laugh Out Loud) and written by Kurt Smeaton (Children Ruin Everything, Kim’s Convenience), the gala featured lively moments, and presentations by well-known industry professionals and creators, including Nadine Bhabha (Heated Rivalry, Letterkenny), Laura Good (Bet, The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco), Penny E. Gummerson (Allegiance, Cardinal), Tattiawna Jones (Dinner with Friends, Murdoch Mysteries), Celeste Koon (Dino Dex, Go Togo), Phil McCordic (Mittens & Pants, Zerby Derby), Jennifer Podemski (Nika & Madison, Little Bird), Sarah Podemski (Coroner, Warrior Strong), Tamara Podemski (The Borderline, Saint-Pierre), Bruce Smith (Street Legal, 19-2), Jacob Tierney (Heated Rivalry, Letterkenny), Sugith Varughese (Kim’s Convenience, Transplant), and Jean Yoon (18 to 35, Kim’s Convenience).

2026 WGC SCREENWRITING AWARDS WINNERS

CHILDREN’S

Lana Longbeard, “Lana the Something Super Great and Totally Awesome” | Written by Emer Connon

COMEDY SERIES

North of North, “Dumpcano” | Written by Garry Campbell

DRAMA SERIES

Family Law, “Play It Straight” | Written by Corey Liu

DOCUMENTARY

In the Room | Written by Brishkay Ahmed

FEATURE FILM

Honey Bunch | Written by Madeleine Sims-Fewer & Dusty Mancinelli

PRESCHOOL

Mittens & Pants, “Pants in the Box” | Written by Katherine Sandford

SHORT FILM

Now, I Am A Bear | Written by Jason Filiatrault

SHORT SERIES

18 to 35, “Buck Mustang” | Written by Kaveh Mohebbi

TWEENS & TEENS

Bet, “The Hunt” | Written by Laura Good

Image courtesy of Yvonne Stanley

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Three-part docuseries Our Ocean Table launches in May

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From a media release:

Jugaad Sisters Inc and Plankton Productions announced today that Our Ocean Table, the three-part TELUS original series, will launch nationally on Friday, May 1, available to watch free on demand on TELUS Optik TV channel 8, and to stream on TELUS Stream+ and CBC Gem. The docuseries is hosted by marine biologist and filmmaker Sonya Lee and former MuchMusic host Hannah Sung – friends who connected over their love of Korean pop culture. 

At a time when everything Korean is experiencing a global surge of popularity, Sonya and Hannah dive into their personal and professional experiences, and into the Pacific Ocean, to learn more from the natural world.

To celebrate the broadcast and streaming launch of the series, there will be special screening events across the country in honour of Asian Heritage Month. Our Ocean Table begins its national launch event series in Toronto on May 1, 2026 at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. Additional screenings will take place on May 2, 2026 in Calgary as part of FascinAsian Film Festival, and on May 7, 2026 in Vancouver, bringing the series to audiences across the country.

In Our Ocean Table, marine biologist and filmmaker Sonya Lee sets out to rediscover her Korean roots through the ocean that has always called to her. Together with journalist Hannah Sung, she explores how traditional Korean seafood dishes carry an intimate reverence for the sea. From sustainable prawn fishing, oyster farming, to the quiet power of kelp, their journey uncovers the deep links between cultural identity and ocean conservation. Over spicy meals and simmering stories, Our Ocean Table connects the generations through taste, tradition, and a call to protect our waters.

“Our Ocean Table is the most personal thing I’ve ever made. It’s a love letter to the Korean immigrant experience, to our food, to the ocean,” says Lee. “It’s an honest conversation about what it means to care for both our culture and our planet at the same time. I spent years telling other people’s ocean stories without understanding where my own love for the ocean came from.”

Co-director and co-host of the series Sonya Lee is a Korean-Canadian filmmaker based in Victoria, BC. She is a National Geographic Explorer dedicated to stories that intersect science, nature, people and culture. Her work can be seen on CBC, NFB, PBS, National Geographic Channel, Disney+, Hulu, ARTE, Love Nature and TELUS Optik TV. Lee directs alongside Jon Chiang an award-winning Chinese-Peruvian filmmaker based in Vancouver whose first feature film, Spring After Spring launched to sold out screenings in 2026 and is currently streaming on Knowledge Network. Rounding out the creative trio is Hannah Sung, a culture journalist based in Toronto who started her career at MuchMusic and has written about arts and culture for the New York Times, Globe and Mail and Toronto Star. 

“The experience of making this series was such a dream. Being Korean Canadian, our food and culture is very specific but universal at the same time. I loved exploring themes of family, food and culture with everyone we met,” says co-host Hannah Sung. Chiang continues, “Having the chance to release Our Ocean Table during Asian Heritage Month is especially wonderful. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our stories, pioneers and of course, foods that shape the fabric of this country.”

Each episode of Our Ocean Table features Korean-Canadian chefs, sustainable harvesters and community leaders including: Fraser McDonald (Spot Prawn Fisher, Good Fish Co.), Chef John Lim (Horang Restaurant), Chef Jinhee Lee (JinBar), Anna Ko (President, Korean Women’s Association & Calgary Korean Cultural Centre), Spencer Serin (Scientist, Spoitz Enterprises, Cascadia Seaweed Technical Advisor), Rob Hamilton (Hamilton Farms), Chef J (Jinmi), Alex Munro (Fanny Bay Oysters). The series was shot in Vancouver, Nanaimo and Calgary. 

Our Ocean Table is created, co-directed, co-hosted and produced by Sonya Lee (Jawsome), co-directed by Jon Chiang (Spring After Spring), co-hosted by Hannah Sung, produced by Priyanka Desai (Not Your Butter Chicken) and Joanna Wong (House Special), edited by Milk Ritland-Tam (Violet and June) and director of photography is Kate Smith (The Interceptors).

The Toronto event at CBC Glenn Gould Theatre is presented by Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, and supported by the Korean Consulate in Toronto and Ocean Wise alongside community partner RepresentASIAN Project™ a media platform covering the stories, culture and issues shaping the Asian diaspora. The Vancouver event is presented by the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. 

This project was developed with the support of Creative BC, certified by the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO), and produced with the assistance of the Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC tax credit.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Indigenous food series One Dish One Spoon returns May 4 with Season 2, including full Mohawk language version

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From a media release:

The docu-soap series One Dish One Spoon returns for its second season on May 4, continuing its exploration of Indigenous food, culture, and community through the work of Haudenosaunee chef Tawnya Brant.

Season 2 expands beyond the kitchen, following Brant as she navigates the realities of building a sustainable food enterprise while remaining grounded in land, language, and community. The series offers an intimate look at the challenges and opportunities of Indigenous entrepreneurship, alongside the role food plays in cultural continuity and identity.

Following its English-language premiere, Season 2 will also be fully versioned in the Mohawk language, Kanien’kéha, and broadcast on APTN Languages in the fall. This initiative supports Indigenous language revitalization and ensures the series is accessible to Mohawk-speaking audiences, reinforcing the connection between food, culture, and language.

“Season 2 is about growth–not just in business, but in understanding how food connects us to who we are and where we come from,” says Brant. “It’s about carrying knowledge forward while creating new opportunities for the next generation.”

Produced by Big Soul Productions, One Dish One Spoon is a character-driven docu-soap that blends personal storytelling with broader themes of community, sustainability, and Indigenous food sovereignty.

Season 2 premieres May 4 on APTN and on APTN+ on May 27 with the Kanien’kéha-language version to air in the fall on APTN Languages.

One Dish One Spoon Season 2 was produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

About One Dish One Spoon
One Dish One Spoon is a docu-soap series that follows Chef Tawnya Brant as she builds an Indigenous food enterprise while navigating the complexities of family, culture, and community. The series highlights Indigenous culinary traditions and their place in contemporary life.

About Big Soul Productions
Big Soul Productions is a Toronto-based Indigenous-owned production company led by Laura J. Milliken. With over 25 years of experience, the company has produced award-winning film and television including Run Woman Run, Fire Song, and Moccasin Flats.

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