Ali Kazimi receives 2025 Fire Horse Award

On May 26, 2025, Reel Asian hosted its fourth annual Fire Horse Award Luncheon & Fundraiser, honouring award-winning filmmaker, educator, and advocate Ali Kazimi.

Held during the final week of Asian Heritage Month, the event brought together artists, industry leaders, arts advocates, and community members to celebrate Kazimi’s decades-long contributions to Asian Canadian cinema and media arts.

Kazimi’s career is defined by his unwavering commitment to using storytelling as a powerful tool to spark conversation, inspire change, and illuminate overlooked histories. From award-winning documentaries and media art installations to his ongoing mentorship and advocacy, Ali’s work has left a lasting impact on Canadian cinema, truly embodying the spirit of the Fire Horse.

During his acceptance speech, Kazimi reflected on the hope he sees in emerging voices:

“I see [hope] in the kaleidoscope of voices now emerging in Canadian cinema—behind the camera, in front of it. Many of them are here today. The stories coming to our screens are not just entertaining and informing us—they are transforming us. They’re helping us see each other more fully. The Great White North is no longer white. It never was. It’s a multi-hued, multi-voiced, ever-evolving place. And Reel Asian has been a real part of this transformation. Thank you for seeing me, for supporting this journey, and for believing still in the power of story. Thank you.”

Kazimi’s legacy continues to shape the future of screen-based media in Canada. He demonstrates that storytelling is a powerful means to challenge perceptions, deepen understanding, and foster community.

“It is an honour to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ali Kazimi for being awarded the 4th annual Fire Horse Award. His remarkable body of work has inspired and educated countless enthusiasts of Asian culture and film for decades and this recognition is well-deserved,” said Hon. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “I also extend my gratitude to the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival for its unwavering commitment to showcasing the extraordinary talents of Asian film, screen, and media artists from across Ontario, Canada, and around the globe.”

Reel Asian is proud to present Ali Kazimi with the 2025 Fire Horse Award and honour his tremendous impact on the Canadian film and media arts landscape.

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The Fire Horse Award honours an Asian Canadian individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the film and media arts community. It was established on the occasion of Reel Asian’s 25th Anniversary in 2021 in the name of Reel Asian founder Anita Lee, whose groundbreaking work and determination have made Reel Asian a staple in Canada’s festival landscape.