This fellowship is designed to create an opportunity to enable WIDC Alumnae to attend the Banff World Media Festival where they can make professional connections, pitch their projects, and engage in professional development. This fellowship award includes a pass to attend the festival and a 3-part mentorship: Part 1) prepare for the festival; Part 2) debrief during the festival; Part 3) strategic follow up.

Deadline:
April 4, 2025

Application Criteria:

  • Open to WIDC director alumni only
  • Cover letter (1-page) outlining:
    • why you, why this Fellowship
    • commitment to
      • provide a brief summary report with quotes for sponsor and
      • minimum 2 photos of you on site with BANFF signage / swag in frame
      • minimum 2 social media shout-outs to WIDC and BANFF during the festival
  • Bio (200 words)
  • Photo (jpg)
  • Resume (including filmography)
  • Link to past work
  • 1-sheet(s) for at least 2 projects you plan to pitch at BANFF
    • MUST include:
      • project title
      • genre
      • format
      • summary (up to 500 words)
      • status of the project

Send to: directors@widc.ca

Past Recipients

  • 2024 Virginia Abramovich & Kate Green (2016 Story & Leadership)
  • 2023 Hayley Gray (2019-20 S&L, 2018 CAM)
    • Since BANFF, Hayley has received Telefilm Canada funding for her feature film Send the Rain and has attracted a producing partner for her series.
  • 2022 Carolyn Saunders (2017 CAM)
  • 2021 Joy Haskell (2021 CAM)
  • 2020 (In response to COVID-19 BANFF pivoted online making some content available for free)
  • 2019 Cjay Boisclair (2018 SWA) and Melanee Murray Hunt (2018 CAM)
  • 2014 Kathleen Hepburn (2014 SIM 2.0 & Feature Film Award winner)
  • 2011 Wendy Ord (2011 CAM)
  • 2010 Sharon Lewis (2009 Banff program)
  • 2009 Paula Kelly (2009 Banff program)
  • 2008 Karen Hines (2008 Banff program)
  • 2007 Leslie Ann Coles (2005 Banff program)
    • While at the festival Leslie Ann earned a development deal for her doc series SHOOTING STARS, SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE
  • 2006 Jinder Oujla-Chalmers (2005 Banff program)
    • While at the festival Jinder earned a $100,000 development deal with APTN or her MOW CODE OF SILENCE and made connections that led to directing work on the Anaid Productions series X-WEIGHTED (Slice)
  • 2005 Carole Ducharme (2004 Banff program)
    • Carole was selected to present her comedy series OVER THE RAINBOWS at the BANFF Pitcher’s Paradise
  • 2004 Veronica Tennant (1999 Banff program)
    • Veronica was nominated for a Rockie Award her one-hour, SHADOW PLEASURES
  • 2003 Anita Doron (2003 Banff program)
    • Anita was nominated for a Rockie Award her short film, NOT A FISH STORY