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BANFF, Alta. — Alberta is investing more than $65 million in support of its arts and screen industries as the province looks to build on a surge in film and television production.
The funding, highlighted during the Banff World Media Festival this week, includes support for film, television, music, books and magazines through a range of provincial programs aimed at growing Alberta’s creative sector.
The festival, which attracts more than 1,500 creators, producers and industry leaders from more than 50 countries, is serving as a showcase for Alberta’s arts and entertainment industries.
Provincial officials say more than 380 productions have received support through the Film and Television Tax Credit and Alberta Media Fund since 2020.
According to government figures, those productions have generated more than $1.6 billion in spending, contributed an estimated $933 million to Alberta’s gross domestic product and supported more than 16,000 jobs.
Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said the province is continuing to expand support for the sector.
“The Banff World Media Festival highlights the strength of Alberta’s screen sector and the talent behind it,” Fir said in a statement.
The province announced plans to bring the Film and Television Tax Credit and Alberta Media Fund under a single ministry while expanding tax credit eligibility to include unscripted television and game shows.
Industry representatives say continued investment is helping Alberta compete for productions while supporting local artists, creators and production companies.
“The Alberta Media Fund successfully invests in infrastructure, bringing new business, world-class productions, local film and television industry growth and vast cultural benefits to the province,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director of the Banff World Media Festival.
Major industry companies attending this year’s festival include Netflix, Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures.
Several high-profile productions have filmed in Alberta in recent years, including “The Last of Us,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Die My Love” and “Reminders of Him.”
Janet Morhart, chief operating officer and co-executive producer of Prairie Dog Film and Television, said aligning provincial funding programs under one ministry could strengthen support for Alberta creators.
“Alberta producers are thriving, thanks in no small part to the Alberta Media Fund,” Morhart said.
Budget 2026 includes $60 million for the Film and Television Tax Credit program and $8 million for the Alberta Media Fund, including funding dedicated to Alberta-made film and television productions.
The province says more than 60 per cent of Alberta-made productions have filmed, or plan to film, outside Calgary and Edmonton, helping spread economic and cultural benefits to smaller communities across the province.
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