Fresh off its world premiere at TIFF, Amar Wala’s Shook serves as an ideal case study for filmmakers, particularly those transitioning from shorts to feature films. Set in Scarborough, Ont., the film captures the area's multicultural essence and reflects on identity, place, and personal growth through rich, site-specific details. This panel explores the craft of the film, the intricate score, and the writing process, capturing a slice of life that local audiences can resonate with. As a family story, Shook presents a narrative that showcases the beauty of everyday life, balancing complex personal narratives with broader cultural commentary. By examining Wala’s experience with Shook, we'll shed light on how an honest love letter to a city and its diverse communities can be crafted.
Winnie Wang
Writer, Film Programmer
Winnie Wang is a writer and film programmer. Their work can be found in Cinema Scope, Documentary Magazine, POV and Toronto Star.
Amar Wala
Filmmaker
Amar is a Mumbai born, Toronto based filmmaker whose works include his first feature documentary The Secret Trial 5, which received a Jury Prize at Hot Docs and was named one the Best Docs of the Decade by Real Screen Magazine, and Shook, his scripted feature debut which premiered at TIFF in 2024. His body of deeply human and richly visual work has led to a CSA nomination, and the prestigious Vanguard Award from the DOC Institute. Amar has also produced and directed numerous acclaimed series for CBC, Vice, and Bell Media among others, his latest being the CBC doc series Witness (Hot Docs, Doc NYC ‘23), which he also created. Amar is also the founder of Scarborough Pictures, an award-winning production company based in Toronto.
Kalaisan Kalaichelvan
Composer
Named as one Playback’s 10 to Watch, Kalaisan’s compositional practice spans multiple disciplines, drawing from film, dance, theatre, installation and deals with themes of translation and transference. He was a 2021 Fellow of the prestigious Sundance Composers lab and an alumna of the Canadian Film Centre as one of the 2021 Slaight Music residents. Kalaisan has scored films that have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, TIFF and AFI FIlm Festival. He is currently working on various commissions and scoring a new Netflix series directed by Simon Barry.
Adnan Khan
Co-Screenwriter
Adnan Khan is a screenwriter, novelist, and journalist. His debut novel, There Has to Be a Knife, was named a best Canadian novel of 2019 by the CBC. His second, The Hypebeast, will be published spring 2025. He was the recipient of the 2022 National Magazine Award for best profile, and has taught screenwriting at the University of Guelph. His first feature film, Shook, premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
14 Nov, 2024 5:30 pm
TIFF Lightbox C5Due to a quirk in our ticketing system, you will be prompted to select seats for this event; however this event will have open seating. You may sit in any available seat without a reserved sign or hood on it, except the front row which is reserved for people with disabilities.
–
Wheelchair spaces and step-free seating is available for this event – click below to book accessible seats.
Join us for an evening of quiet time records! Kid Koala hosts a "quiet time" event, playing hours of his favorite music to work, draw, code, write or knit to. Bring your creative projects.
Closing out the 28th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, join us for the live So You Think You Can Pitch competition.
So you have a great idea for a documentary—what’s next? Join our panel of Producers and Directors as they break down the journey of transforming a concept into a compelling finished project. From the early stages of research, fundraising, and story development, to navigating production challenges and securing distribution, this discussion will cover the essential steps and strategies for bringing a documentary idea to life. Gain insights on pitching to funders, the importance of crafting diverse and authentic narratives, and how to collaborate with key stakeholders in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable takeaways from experienced professionals who have successfully turned their ideas into reality.
Founded in Toronto in 1997, Reel Asian is Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival and a year-round cultural organization dedicated to championing Asian and Asian diasporic artists and storytellers. What began as a grassroots film festival has grown into a national platform supporting filmmakers and audiences through screenings, education, industry initiatives, artist development, and community programming presented across Toronto, the GTA, and online across Canada.
401 Richmond Street West, The Commons (Suite 448)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 Canada
(416) 703 – 9333
info@reelasian.com
Charitable number: 870021383RR0001
