2010 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Online Submission Form
Guidelines Rules and Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions

EARLYBIRD DEADLINE - APRIL 1, 2010 (NO SUBMISSION FEE)
FINAL DEADLINE - JUNE 1, 2010 (SUBMISSION FEE $20 CAD)
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS will open at www.reelasian.com on FEBRUARY 15

Reel Asian is Canada’s largest and longest-running showcase dedicated to contemporary Asian cinema and media arts from Asia, North America and all over the world. Annually, the festival attracts thousands of attendees to six exciting days of screenings, industry events and galas.

We invite you to submit new independent films and videos of all genres by and/or about East and Southeast Asians.

Please email questions to the Artistic Director, Heather Keung, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with subject ‘submission 2010’ or contact the festival office at (416) 703-9333.

Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance by early September. The programming line-up will be officially announced at the festival press launch in mid-October.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival's 14th Annual Edition will take place on November 9 to 14, 2010.

GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS

We welcome new film and video submissions by and/or about East/Southeast Asians from around the world, including North America.

1) ELIGIBILITY

We encourage submissions that are independently produced with an East/Southeast Asian/Asian North American in a key creative role. (Reel Asian defines East and Southeast Asia to include the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.)

We welcome films and videos of all genres, including but not limited to: narrative, documentary, short, animation, experimental, etc.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2) DEADLINES

EARLY DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2010 (NO SUBMISSION FEE)
FINAL DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2010 ($20 CAD SUBMISSION FEE)

3) SUPPORT MATERIALS (in addition to printed and signed application form)

- A DVD preview copy must be received post-marked by the deadline to be considered for the 2010 festival. Do not send masters or irreplaceable material. Malfunctioning DVDs may be disqualified. An additional copy of the preview may be included. Please label each item clearly with title, director’s name, running time, year, and contact information. Previews will not be returned.

- DVD/ CD: Print-quality digital stills on digital discs (at 300 dpi or better).

- Optional support material: full synopsis/director’s statement/filmography/press kit can be sent on digital disk or a link to a downloadable press kit/website can be included in the synopsis field in the online form.

- NOTE: Please help us minimize waste by sending previews in a paper sleeve. Do not send unnecessary printed material.

4) SENDING INSTRUCTIONS

Send all support material to:

Heather Keung, Artistic Director
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 309. Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 Canada

For international packages: The customs declaration should clearly state the preview video has no commercial value, is for temporary consideration and for cultural use only. If using a courier, never send work to Canada by UPS (United Parcel Service), as they charge large customs and duties charges. Reel Asian will not cover the resulting customs and duties charges, and will refuse the package. Do not send entries in a fibre-filled envelope as viewing equipment can be damaged.

5) NOTIFICATION

Applicants will not receive a confirmation that their submission was received unless they have specifically requested one. Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance by late August. The programming line-up with presentation dates and times will be officially announced at the festival press launch in mid-October.

6) EXHIBITION FORMAT and PRINT TRAFFIC DETAILS

Selected applicants must provide a 35mm print, Digi Beta, or BetacamSP. DVD is not an acceptable exhibition format. Reel Asian is not responsible for transfer cost for the appropriate exhibition format.

The participant agrees to pay print shipping costs to the festival. The festival will pay the return shipping cost (one way). Shipping information (such as where/when the tape/print is coming and going to) must be settled upon confirmation of participation. The exhibition tape/print must arrive at the festival one month prior to the festival: October 12, 2010. See sending instructions for international customs declaration.

7) ARTIST FEES

Reel Asian is committed to paying artist fees to directors in selection and follows standard rates set by the Independent Media Arts Alliance. Artist fees will be paid post-festival.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you accept student submissions?
A: Yes, we encourage submissions from students and first-time directors. We have programs specifically for youth and students.

Q: Are work-in-progress submissions accepted?
A: Ideally submissions are complete, however we will accept works-in-progress for preview (not exhibition) that are nearly complete and will be completed before October 2010. Works-in-progress should be clearly labeled “work-in-progress” and the elements that are incomplete must be specified in the application.

Q: Can I re-submit a film that was not accepted in a previous year?
A: Yes, you are welcome to submit again. We have programmed titles that were not programmed the first year that they were submitted.

Q: I’m an Asian/Asian North American director, but my film/video has no Asian characters / subjects in it. What are the chances of my film being accepted?
A: Yes, Reel Asian would like to see diverse Asian talent on screen. However, Reel Asian will also consider work by Asian directors that does not specifically feature Asian characters/ subjects. Reel Asian also showcases work by non-Asian directors that feature Asian content.

Q: Do you have any premiere status requirements?
A: Premiere status is not an absolute requirement; however, premiere status is important to Reel Asian as it increases our ability to promote and publicize the films/videos and festival. Reel Asian prioritizes films and videos that have not had the opportunity to show in Toronto. Reel Asian is the largest festival of its kind in Canada and we encourage directors to premiere in Toronto at our festival.

Q: What if I want to submit more than one title?
A: When submitting more than one title, please submit a separate form and fee for each submission.

Q: What if I have troubles with the online application form?
A: If you are having trouble submitting your online application, please contact Reel Asian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (416) 703-9333

Q: What if some of the information submitted is not yet confirmed?
A: Please fill out the application form as accurately as possible. If the information submitted (such as premiere status or runtime) changes, notify the artistic director with the details.

Q: Does Reel Asian have awards and what are the categories?
A: Yes, Reel Asian has a number of awards. The final details of the 2010 festival awards will be announced with the festival programming; however, 2010 awards categories will be similar to the 2009 award categories. The 2009 awards were:

NOW AUDIENCE AWARD
All feature films at the festival are eligible for this prize. $500 cash prize.

KIM ORR BARRISTERS P.C. BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM OR VIDEO AWARD
All narrative feature works are eligible for this prize. $1,000 cash prize.

NFB BEST CANADIAN FILM OR VIDEO AWARD
All Canadian works are eligible for this prize. $2,500 production budget prize towards the development of winner’s next project. The NFB will also be granted a first right of negotiation on production, co-production or distribution with regards to the winner’s next project.

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE @ WALLACE STUDIOS MOST INNOVATIVE FILM PRODUCTION AWARD
All films made by GTA-based artists are eligible for this prize. $5,000 in studio time and $300 cash prize towards completion of next work made at Centennial College @ Wallace Studios

TSV VISIONARY VIDEO AWARD
All videos made by GTA-based artists are eligible for this prize. $650 in TSV membership dues and services. $100 cash prize upon completion of new work made at TrinitySquare Video.

ANIMASIAN AWARD
All animated films and videos are eligible for this prize.

LIFT AND FUJI BEST FILM AWARD
All films made by GTA-based artists are eligible. $280 in LIFT membership dues and services. $500 credit towards LIFT workshops and/or equipment. 2400 feet of Fuji 16mm 64D film.