Banff Festival Focuses on German, Aussie TV.

In the heart of Canada's oldest national park in the province of Alberta lies Banff, the nesting ground of television executives during June's Banff Television Festival. This year, the Banff-based University of Alberta will stage a conference immediately prior to the festival, entitled "Beyond 2000: Serving the Public in a Digital Age." As public broadcasting examines convergence issues in its crystal ball, Banff celebrates creative excellence across the spectrum of television.

Banff president Pat Ferns reported that this year's festival will explore the television industries of Germany and Australia/New Zealand, with a flavor of both regions sprinkled throughout the seminars and speeches. Ferns noted that Germany is a growing market in terms of collaboration, and that the quality of programming there is strong. As for Australia and New Zealand, Ferns pointed our that these countries share a common background with Canada, both having an aboriginal culture and a history of British colonialism and immigration issues. Because of these "parallels with the Canadian experience," Ferns thought it made sense to focus on these regions at the festival. In addition, he cited their "dynamic production and broadcast industries" and participation in previous festivals as deserving of special notice.

The Festival is also bringing students from St. Laurence's School in South Brisbane, Australia to join other globe-trotting youths in the International Jury of Peers. The young people choose winners, then present and discuss their selections, which often differ from the official choices, at the special Jury of Peers session on June 13. There will be Australasian representation in seminars as well, and "Down Under" acquisition executives will participate in the "Selling the World" seminars.

Festival-goers can chat about hot topics like new media and convergence over a "Cyber Lunch," a new feature at Banff this year, and then attend any of the week-long seminars dealing with such issues. As Ferns pointed out, "It's important to look at how the world is changing." Banff's signature event, the International Market Simulation, will be held on June 13, and the popular Master Classes are returning this year, being held throughout the week. The line-up of creative professionals includes documentary producer and filmmaker Michael Moore, who will lead a producing seminar, and Canadian director Atom Egoyan, who will head a directing class.

This year, the Festival received "an all-time record number of entries" (1,028) for award consideration, reported Banff senior vp Jerry Ezekiel, who also manages the competition. These entries were narrowed down to 84 finalists who will attend the Banff Rockie Awards Gala on June 12. The U.S. took the lead in nominations, nabbing 23 of the 84 finalist spots in 11 of the 14 categories. Almost sweeping the Continuing Series category, the U.S. received five of the six nominations. The U.K., traditional Banff rival of the U.S., was close behind, with a total of 14 nods. Iran and Slovakia, newcomers to the festival, will also be competing for awards on the big night.

The seven-member jury will begin screening on June 1, determining the winners of 14 category awards, two special jury awards and the "Air Canada Grand Prize" winner. Several special awards will also be presented at the Rockie Awards ceremony.

British-born actress, comedienne, singer and dancer Tracey Ullman will receive the "Sir Peter Ustiov Comedy Network Award," given to entertainers who have contributed to the enlightenment and enjoyment of audiences worldwide. Previous winners have included Canada's John Candy and Martin Short, Australia's Barry Humphries, and America's Bob Newhart. "We are delighted to honor Tracey Ullman," an entertainer with "exceptional talent," Ferns declared.

And the "Award of Excellence" goes to ... Dick Wolf, creator and executive producer of NBC'S Emmy Award-winning drama series Law & Order and its spinoff Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Wolf is the 19th recipient of this award, honoring an individual for a body of work over time. Previous winners include Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Sir Peter Ustinov, Laurence Olivier, Steven Bochco, Diane English and David E. Kelley. Wolf responded, "I am honored. It is one of the most prestigious awards in television and I am in excellent company.

All attendees can enjoy Banff's classic Western Barbecue on June 15 and an excursion to Lake Louise on the final Friday.