Reel Ideas presents a panel featuring leaders from the Disability Screen Office, Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Disability Studies, and the Unify Deaf Film Festival. The discussion will explore how festivals can better support accessibility — from accommodating filmmakers with disabilities and reaching diverse audiences, to guiding creators on inclusive practices like budgeting for captioning. This session will offer practical strategies for making film culture more equitable and inclusive.
Sarah Barzak
NSI’s Disabled Producers Lab Participant
Raised in London, Ontario, Sarah Barzak is an autistic writer, producer and culture worker of Malay-Palestinian descent. They are an alumnus of the NSI’s Disabled Producers Lab. When Sarah is not watching films, they enjoy eating spicy food, singing karaoke and crying at the beach.
Yoonmee Han
Research Associate - TMU Access Activations
Yoonmee has been involved in disability community organizing and many research projects that aim to improve access for disabled people in mental health and arts sector such as Access Activations project. Yoonmee holds MA in Critical Disability Studies at York University, and pursuing PhD in Science and Technology Studies.
Winnie Luk
Executive Director - DSO
Winnie Luk is the inaugural Executive Director of the Disability Screen Office, a national, disability-led, not-for-profit organization developing opportunities for disabled creatives and advocating for a more accessible Canadian screen industry. Her lived experiences as a Chinese Queer Woman with mobility disabilities drive her lifelong advocacy for equity and accessibility.
Clarence Canisico
Actor
Clarence Cansicio, a Canadian Filipino actor from Toronto, has appeared in films such as Voice Messages, Old Mother Tongue, Altar Boy (Netflix), and The 5%. His work explores identity, language, and Deaf experiences. He advocates for the Deaf community and is pursuing an MA in Critical Disability Studies.
11 Nov, 2025 4:30 pm
Commons Lobby at 401 Richmond Street401 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
The building is wheelchair and step-free accessible via a ramp & button operated door. The event space is on the 4th floor accessible by an elevator, with accessible washrooms located on the same floor. This event will feature a d/Deaf panelist and ASL interpretation will be provided.
If you require accessibility accommodation for this event, please click the link below.
If you require any accessibility accommodations or have questions about venue accessibility, please contact Samir at samir@reelasian.com.
Join us for a conversation with directors and filmmakers Mayumi Yoshida, Janus Victoria, Timothy Yeung, and Nach Dudsdeemaytha on the creative, logistical, and personal realities of co-producing films across borders. Each filmmaker brings a unique perspective on how shooting overseas shaped their debut features - from financing and creative collaboration to the evolution of personal and cultural perspective.
Join us for an in-depth conversation about SPACE CADET, a moving animated film that speaks volumes without a single word of dialogue. Director Kid Koala will share how a memory of watching Charlie Chaplin films with his grandmother became the north star that guided this deeply personal story.
Join us for a special presentation of 18 to 35, a bold new workplace comedy created by Rahul Chaturvedi and executive produced by Andrew Phung.
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from Asia and the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.
401 Richmond Street West, The Commons (Suite 448)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 Canada
(416) 703 – 9333
info@reelasian.com
Charitable number: 870021383RR0001
