Front Row Insurance Brokers, known for its expertise in providing specialized insurance for film and entertainment productions, is expanding its industry role beyond underwriting by supporting the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival’s 50 for 50 campaign.
The brokerage is contributing $25,000 as a matching donor to help raise $50,000 for the Banff Centre’s Artist Fund, which provides scholarships and financial support to emerging artists.
The initiative highlighted the connection between insurance and the creative industries. Front Row's partnership reinforces its position as a key player in protecting and empowering the creative sector, ensuring that filmmakers, writers and artists have the financial and institutional backing to pursue bold projects despite risks inherent in production.
President Damian Schleifer said the company’s contribution aligns with its long-standing mission to safeguard creative work. The brokerage, which provides coverage for film sets, live events, production equipment, and professional liability, views initiatives like the Banff campaign as an extension of its commitment to supporting the people behind the art it insures.
Parent company Westland Insurance’s broader corporate giving strategy focuses on climate change and diversity and inclusion — both of which align closely with the festival’s programming. The 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival will feature films exploring environmental and cultural themes, areas that have increasingly influenced insurance products within the entertainment sector.
By supporting the Banff Centre, Front Row is not only investing in artistic development but also strengthening its brand within a creative economy that depends heavily on specialized insurance solutions. In a sector often exposed to financial uncertainty — from project cancellations to natural disasters — brokers like Front Row play a vital role in helping creators and production companies manage their exposure while continuing to innovate.
The festival runs from Nov. 1 to 9 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, with an online edition available until Nov. 23.
