Exploring the Future of Media: Highlights from the Banff World Media Festival 2026

Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession, is set to deliver a keynote address at the upcoming Banff World Media Festival. He recently made his directorial debut with the HBO movie Mountainhead, starring Steve Carell. The festival will also feature keynote conversations with Georgie Holt, CEO of FlightStory, and Henry Winkler, known for his role in Happy Days. Banff, scheduled for June 14 to 17, will open with a discussion on the future of brands and content producers in the evolving media landscape.
The festival will include a panel on brand storytelling and programming focused on fan-driven content to attract audiences in the growing creator economy. Banff will also host Jinny Howe, Netflix's head of U.S. and Canada scripted series, as a keynote speaker. Additionally, Spain will be the Country of Honor for the 2026 festival.
In conclusion, the Banff World Media Festival will bring together industry leaders, creators, and disruptors to discuss the changing landscape of the global media business. With a lineup of diverse speakers and programming, the festival aims to explore the bold and evolving nature of the entertainment industry.