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Program Information
Jessica Miinguuaqtii, 2023 Digital Constellations. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
The Digital Constellations Residency offers Indigenous digital media artists, filmmakers, and animators dedicated time and a supportive environment to advance the video and audio production and post-production aspects of their projects. With guidance from faculty and support from our Media Production team, participants will refine their work, create high-quality samples, and further develop their projects throughout the program.
Applicants may apply as individuals or with a collaborator.
Description
This residency provides space to experiment across production and post-production phases, including: Digital media, Narrative film, Animation. The post-production phase includes: Sound design, Audio and music recording , Color correction, Editing.
The program offers:
- Guidance from faculty; Kerry Moraes-Sugiyama and Guest Artist Drew Hayden Taylor.
- Access to the Banff Centre media production team and spaces and studio space in the Jeanne and Peter Loughheed Building (JPL) building.
- Support from the Media & Production team
- Access to the Banff Centre Library and Archives for research and knowledge-building
Participants will engage with Media Production Training: Digital Constellations 2026 professional training participants, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
Requirements
Indigenous digital media artists, filmmakers, and animators working in the production or post phases of their project who want to focus on a component of their project with the support of our facilities.
Applicants may apply as individuals or with a collaborator.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply.
Itinerary
Week One:
Participants arrive on March 1st, 2026
March 2nd, 2026:
- Program Welcome and Campus Orientation
- Welcome to campus with participants, faculty, Professional Training participants, and Banff Centre staff hosted by Indigenous Arts with support of Knowledge Keeper and Elder.
- Opening Reception.
March 3rd, 2026: Campus Tour, Class Photo, and Participant Head Shots
March 4th to 6th, 2026:
- Faculty led workshops, Set Etiquette and Protocol, studio orientation by Banff Centre Media Production Team.
- Self-directed studio time, faculty workshops and one-on-one sessions with support from Media Production team and the Professional Training Participants.
Week Two:
March 10 to 14, 2026:
- Weekly check-in and guest faculty workshops.
- Time to continue working on projects self-directed with support from faculty Professional Training Participants and Media Production team.
Week Three:
March 17 to 21, 2026:
- Weekly check-in and guest faculty workshops.
- Time to continue working on projects self-directed with support from faculty Professional Training Participants and Media Production team.
Week Four:
March 17 to 21, 2026:
- Weekly check-in and guest faculty workshops. Time to continue working on projects self-directed with support from faculty Professional Training Participants and Media Production team.
- A night to share works in progress with participants, faculty, program staff and invited guests.
- The project will wind down with a closing circle, evaluations and a closing reception.
*All dates are subject to change.
Faculty
Kerry Moraes-Sugiyama
Kerry Moraes-Sugiyama is a proud member of the Tsimshian and Haida Nations from the Pacific north coast of British Columbia. With nearly two decades in Indigenous media, she has played a key role in supporting and promoting Indigenous stories across Canada and globally.
Kerry began her career at APTN in 2006 as a Programming Coordinator and held various leadership roles over the years. When she left the network in 2023, she was the Executive in Charge of Indigenous Language Programming. From 2023 to 2025 she served as the International Market Development Senior Manager at the Indigenous Screen Office - supporting filmmakers in development, production and navigating international markets.
Kerry has shared her knowledge as a guest speaker for students and emerging professionals. She is honoured to serve as faculty for the Digital Constellations: Production & Post-Production Residency 2026 at Banff Centre. There, she will support Indigenous filmmakers to develop and refine their stories, encouraging experimentation. Helps strengthen production skills and connect talent with industry opportunities.
Known for her collaborative approach and deep understanding of Indigenous media, Kerry brings insight, experience, and a passion for mentoring creative talent to every project she supports
Faculty
Jessica Dymond
Jessica has been working as a film and television editor for over a decade, on projects ranging from documentary to narrative to experimental.
Jessica recently edited the feature documentary In The Room, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, produced by the National Film Board (NFB), which had its world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2025, and won the VIFF audience award in the Showcase category. Prior to that, Jessica edited the feature documentary WaaPaKe, directed by Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin (produced by the NFB), and received a Leo nomination in the “Best Picture Editing - Feature Length Documentary” category; WaaPaKe also won the award for Best BC Film at VIFF in 2023, where it premiered.
Other recent editing work includes the documentary, The Salmon's Call, directed by Joy Haskell and the narrative short The Scribe of Samhain directed by Angie Nolan. Jessica also edited Ahnahktsipiitaa (Colin Van Loon)'s cinematic VR piece, This Is Not A Ceremony, (produced by the NFB) which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival; Jessica was also one of the editors for Baljit Sangra's feature documentary Because We Are Girls, (produced by the NFB) which premiered at Hot Docs in 2019 and was selected as the opening film for the 2019 DOXA film festival.
Jessica holds a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media from Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Image Arts, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Communications from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. After graduate school, she completed a video editing practicum at The Banff Centre.
Photo credit: Jesse Winter Heading
Faculty
Drew Hayden Taylor
Drew Hayden Taylor is an award-winning playwright, novelist, filmmaker and journalist. Born and living on the Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, he has done everything from performing Standup Comedy at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., to serving as Artistic Director of Canada's premiere Indigenous theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts. The recipient of three Doctorates (Hon), he is the author of 36 books and several documentaries.
Guest Artist
What's Included
Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full meal plan is equivalent to $73 credit per day, equivalent to three meals at our Buffet service.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness equipment.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees and meals and accommodation costs
To receive the standard scholarship please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Group member resumes should be summited in one document.
Cover Letter
A 500 word or 3 minute video description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.
Project Proposal
Provide a 1000-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.
Resource request form
Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support requested in our upload tool. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department.
Portfolio
Please provide up to 5 samples of relevant recent artistic work. File sizes and specifications are available in our upload tool.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Group Applications
The lead applicant should complete:
- Step 1: One application form
- Step 2: Pay the $35 processing fee on behalf of the group
- Step 3: One SlideRoom application
Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
- Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180
