Is our anniversary… your anniversary? 💖
Reel Asian is celebrating 30 years this year, and we want to celebrate the relationships that started right here at the festival.
Did you meet your husband, wife, or partner at Reel Asian?
Get matching tattoos with your fest bestie?
Find an artistic soulmate you’ve been working with ever since?
From romantic to platonic, professional to totally unexpected — we’re looking for stories of lasting connections that began at Reel Asian. The meet-cutes, the origin stories, the “I can’t believe this happened here” moments.
If Reel Asian played a part in bringing someone important into your life, we want to hear your story. 💌
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a not-for-profit festival with strong roots in the community. In a strong, effective governance model, strategic planning is the full responsibility of a Board of Directors. The board sets the strategy and the priorities to then enable and support the staff to operationalize the strategy on a day-to-day basis. Strategic planning is the most critical investment of time a Board can contribute to any organization.
We’re now looking for additional individuals who are eager to contribute their skills and community spirit to the organization.
Primary Responsibilities & Expectations:
Seeking Expertise in:
At Reel Asian, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and heard. To ensure our leadership reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and hope to include, we warmly invite all interested candidates to apply. We especially encourage applications from Asian and Asian diasporic communities, as well as Indigenous, Black, mixed-race, and other equity-deserving groups. Diverse perspectives and experiences are vital to strengthening our organization and shaping its future.
Deadline: Applications must be received by January 9, 2026, 11:59PM EST.
For questions or additional support, please email board@reelasian.com.
We’re celebrating the upcoming 29th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival with a special giveaway! Sign up or renew your Reel Asian membership by October 22 and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a one-night stay at The Annex Hotel, a modern boutique stay in the heart of Toronto.
By becoming a Reel Asian member, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks including early access to festival tickets, special member-only events, and behind-the-scenes updates on programming, artists, and community initiatives year-round.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support Asian cinema and storytelling and treat yourself to a cozy night at one of Toronto’s coolest stays.
2 Oct, 2025
As we approach the 29th edition of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, running from November 5–15, 2025, we’re excited to introduce this year’s Festival Creative Artist, Janet Mac!
In our commitment to uplift and showcase Asian Canadian voices, stories, creativity, and art, we’ve commissioned a talented local artist to craft the visual identity for our 29th year.
Catch their animation at Sankofa Square and at our festival.
Janet Mac is a Chinese-Canadian 3D illustrator and animator based in Tkaronto. Her personal art practice explores the joy, beauty and silliness in the small details of everyday life. She draws inspiration from mother nature, human nature, feminism and humour. Outside of her art practice, she enjoys learning and performing improv comedy, listening to electronic music and exploring nature. Her parents immigrated from Vietnam to pursue more opportunities for their family and for that she is deeply grateful. Their sacrifice shaped her into the artist she is today.
This is a visual love letter to a transformative place, the Don River. Flora and fauna instill in me joy, wonder, curiosity, and discovery. Being in nature and water always brings me to my truest self. I celebrate the gift of having a place that uplifts and nurtures me, and how it gives me perspective as a living being within a larger community.
In this piece, I layer analogue and digital techniques to create a hyper-colour world. I use cyanotypes of found foliage within the Don River as backdrops for 3D-modelled creatures and landscapes. These methods allow me to play with the tones and feelings I find myself constantly bouncing between — refined softness and bold, bright playfulness.
12 Sep, 2025
This year’s Reel Asian TIFF reception was buzzing with filmmakers, industry leaders, donors, and patrons all gathered to celebrate the brilliance and impact of pan-Asian storytelling at TIFF 2025. We were honoured to have distinguished guests including documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz, award-winning producer Nina Yang Bongiovi, Sundance award-winning filmmaker Tony Bui, and actor-comedian Andrew Phung, alongside so many others from across the film community. We also welcomed Consul Tomohiro Ota of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, Henry Lee, the Honourary Consul General of Malaysia, and the Public Diplomacy Consul of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.
Several Reel Asian alumni who directed films in selection at TIFF were in attendance, including Mary Stephen (Palimpsest: the Story of a Name and Reel Asian’s 2023 Fire Horse Award recipient), Min Sook Lee (There Are No Words), Lloyd Lee Choi (Lucky Lu), Kid Koala (Space Cadet), and Kalainithan Kalaichelvan (Karupy).
Other alumni who worked on films in selection at TIFF that attended our reception include Kristina Wong (producer of 100 Sunset), James J. Yi (executive producer of Modern Whore), Soko Negash (producer of Healer), Shasha Nakhai (producer of Bots) and Iris Ng (cinematographer of There Are No Words).
The evening opened with inspiring remarks from Deanna Wong (our Executive Director) and Kelly Lui (our new Associate Director), Anita Lee (TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer and Reel Asian’s founder), David Magdael and Laarni Rosca Dacanay (Founder of the Asia Pacific Filmmakers Experience) Akash Saran and Chetan Mehta (MISAFF’s team), each emphasizing the strength of community and the importance of uplifting Asian creatives as they carve out space on the world stage.
This year, we were proud to present Kristina Wong and Jason Lee with lifelong Reel Asian Alumni Network (RAAN) memberships. Both have made lasting contributions in founding RAAN and shaping a space for alumni filmmakers to stay connected and supported. Their vision and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of pan-Asian Canadian storytellers.
There were many faces of emerging and established filmmakers, creatives, producers, and film lovers. If you were present, you may have been caught in a photograph by our photographers Yi Shi and Yujie Wang! Check out our photos on Flickr from the reception to relive or simply experience the fun vibes.
In 2022, on our 25th anniversary, Reel Asian established the Fire Horse Award to recognize trailblazers in our media arts community. Thanks to the generous support of Sandra Oh, Helen Ha-kyung Song, Lap Chan, and Pan Asia Food Co. Ltd., this $25,000 annual prize continues to uplift Asian Canadian creatives breaking barriers for the next generation.
We were honoured to have three Fire Horse recipients with us that evening: filmmaker Keith Lock, documentarian and academic Ali Kazimi, and Mary Stephen, who used part of her award to finish her latest film, Palimpsest: The Story of a Name, which premiered at TIFF this week.
We couldn’t have done this reception without the support and love we received. Reel Asian is able to consistently provide a space for Asian filmmakers, creatives, and film lovers because of the sponsors and event partners who support and believe in us.
We would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, the Province of Ontario, Toronto Arts Council, Telefilm Canada, and Ontario Creates for their year-round support.
Thank you as well to our cohosts, the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience (APFE) and Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF); and our Hospitality Partners, Karahi Boys, Tita Flips, Gong Cha, Grüvi, CHOYA provided by Ozawa Canada, So&So, and Masala Spirits for making the event possible.
None of this could be possible without our community who always shows up, so thank you to all our guests who attended our reception as well.
14 Jul, 2025
Reel Asian is sending five delegates to the third annual East By Northwest (EXNW) 2025 in Vancouver!
From July 18 to 20, they’ll join a global gathering of storytellers and cultural leaders for a weekend of panels, pitching sessions, networking opportunities, showcases, and community celebrations. This summit aims to spark new collaborations, amplify underrepresented voices, and shape a more inclusive industry.
Read more about Alice Il Shin, Dennis Lee, Marco Walker-Ng, Mike Wong, and Tanya Hoshi below.
Alice Il Shin
Alice Il Shin 신일 is a Korean filmmaker trained in directing at Nihon University in Japan. She has worked across Japan, Korea, and Canada as a director, producer, and editor.
After immigrating to Canada, she began exploring Asian-Canadian narratives, beginning with her award-winning narrative short Haru’s New Year (2018). She went on to direct the poetic short Signal Fire (2019) for the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, the short documentary History in Paper (2020) for CBC Arts, and her feature documentary debut Landscapes of Home (2024), which was broadcast on Knowledge Network (Canada), BS12 (Japan), and EBS (Korea). Most recently, she completed Pearl (2025), an animated short that reimagines a medieval English poem in a Joseon Dynasty setting.
She has also worked as a junior editor on the seven-part documentary series K-Pop Evolution (2021, YouTube Originals) and as an on-set translator for Pachinko Season 2 (Apple TV+). Currently, she develops Japanese remakes of Thai dramas with NJcreation in Japan and serves as a board director at Arts East-West in Montréal.
Based mostly between South Korea and Canada, she continues to work internationally across Asia and North America.
Dennis Lee
Dennis Lee is a Toronto-based actor. His first (recorded) performances involve him, his sister, and a tape recorder…imitating radio hosts.
Since then, Dennis has honed his skills through The Second City Conservatory Program, Clownprov, commercials, and voice acting.
During the pandemic, he and his cousin decided to collaborate on their first screenplay. Despite being ~3,350 km from one another, they managed to complete this task *and* want to continue working together in the future.
Dennis is excited to connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and partners at EXNW 2025. And anyone who knows tips and tricks for Final Draft.
Marco Walker-Ng
Marco Walker-Ng is a Vancouver-based actor, working on the stage and screen. Since graduating Capilano University Musical Theatre school he has been lucky to have several film and theatre credits to his name.
He loves the adventure of learning new things, meeting new people and being part of a team. During the pandemic, he met with his cousin Dennis on zoom to practice acting, which eventually turned into writing a screenplay and a new adventure.
Marco is excited to connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and partners at EXNW 2025.
Outside of performing, Marco is an avid hunter, personal trainer and an expecting father.
Mike Wong
Mike Wong is a Toronto-based filmmaker and Video Content Producer at Universal Music Canada. As the founder of Mikejeffwong Productions Inc., he’s produced content for brands like Audible, RW&CO. and Destination Toronto.
Mike’s work often explores themes of identity, cultural duality, and the Asian-Canadian experience. His upcoming short, Lost in Translation, reflects on generational language barriers and aims to spark conversation about diasporic identity and the broader Canadian experience.
Tanya Hoshi
Tanya Hoshi is an award-winning Canadian film producer and director, and the founder of Hoshi Media, a Toronto-based production company. Over the past decade, Tanya has built a diverse portfolio spanning film, web series, commercials, and social media content. She was the Lead Producer at Shopify and the first Head of Brand Marketing at Ownr, where her storytelling reached millions of entrepreneurs globally. Her acclaimed series In 90 Seconds earned a Telly Award in 2020.
Tanya is a Reel Asian alumni, having directed the short film Father Figure (Reel Asian 2020) and produced the feature documentary We Will Be Brave (Reel Asian 2023), which won the Blue Ant Media Audience Choice Feature Film Award.
Tanya directed the horror web series Blackout (2018), winner at Webfest Berlin, and produced the award-winning documentary Turning Tables (2018), which was acquired by CNN’s Great Big Story, TIFF, WestJet, and Alaska Airlines. Currently, Tanya is producing her first unscripted series and is a participant in the ACCESS BIPOC Producers Program, further advancing her impact in Canadian media.
1 May, 2025
Reel Asian with the Doc Institute and the Black Screen Office hosted our third annual Documentary Mixer, with support from A-Doc and the Canadian Independent Screen Fund (CISF)! The event brought together folks working in documentary, providing an opportunity to share ideas and build new connections.
The evening featured several moments of recognition. Lalita Krishna, the outgoing board chair of DOC Ontario, was honoured with a heartfelt toast by current board members, including Tiffany Hsiung. It was a tribute to Lalita’s contributions to the field and to the communities she has championed throughout her career. Additionally, the DOC Institute announced the 2025 Breakthrough Award Winners. Congratulations to Karen Chapman for Roots of My Father’s Rage and Ty Tufts for The Family We Choose! Both projects received a cash development award, and the pitches were juried by Sandra Kleinfeld, Elissa McBride, and our executive director, Deanna Wong.
Ahead of the mixer, we hosted a VIP social for members of the new Reel Asian Artist Network (RAAN), enabling members to get to know one another and mingle with invited guests in a more informal setting, laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations and peer support.
This VIP gathering was one of the first official RAAN events. RAAN is currently open to all past Reel Asian collaborators, including filmmakers, cast, crew, panellists, and more. Become a founding RAAN member by adding $50 to your membership, which grants you priority access to exclusive industry benefits. Learn more about becoming a RAAN member here.
3 Jun, 2025
As Reel Asian looks ahead to its 30th anniversary in 2026, the organization is proud to share several internal staff appointments that mark a period of exciting transformation and forward momentum!
In a newly created role, Kelly Lui has been appointed Associate Director. Lui brings over seven years of experience with Reel Asian, having begun as Programming Coordinator before serving as Shorts Programmer, where she championed short-form cinema and emerging voices. She also brings industry experience as the former Acquisitions Lead at Ouat Media, where she supported the international distribution of award-winning short films. As Associate Director, she will work closely with the executive team to help shape the organization’s strategic direction and guide future planning.
In their new role, Lui says, “It’s a privilege to help guide Reel Asian’s next chapter as we continue building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Asian Canadian filmmakers and artists.”
Abby Ho, who joined Reel Asian in 2018 as Communications Assistant and most recently served as Marketing Coordinator, is now Marketing Manager. Ho will work with Christine Vu, Director of Creative Marketing and Communications, helping to strengthen the organization’s community presence and audience engagement.
Samir Ballou, formerly Industry and Education Programmer, is now Industry and Education Manager. In this expanded role, Ballou will oversee the development of a new writers’ program and support the launch of new XR initiatives, supported by funding from the Canada Media Fund.
“These appointments are a reflection of our belief in cultivating leadership from within and building an organizational culture rooted in care, collaboration, and creativity,” said Deanna Wong, Executive Director of Reel Asian. “Kelly, Abby, and Samir each bring a unique vision and dedication to their work. They have been integral to growing Reel Asian into what it is today, and we’re excited for the ways they will shape its future.”
Julie Chang, Board Chair of Reel Asian, added, “As we prepare to celebrate three decades of Reel Asian, it’s inspiring to see this remarkable group of leaders deepen their commitment to our community and mission.”
With continued community support and strong leadership, Reel Asian is poised for its most ambitious chapter yet—honouring legacy while championing the next generation of Asian Canadian storytellers.
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival enters its 29th edition November 5–15, 2025 in-person in downtown Toronto and online across Canada.
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.
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.
Produced by Ryan Ng, Lab0916
Watch Ali Kazimi’s tribute video below.
Producer/Director: Nobu Adilman
Editor/Post-production: Byron Wong, Zero11Zero
Watch Ali Kazimi’s acceptance speech below.
View all speeches from the 2025 Fire Horse Award Ceremony here.
28 May, 2025
Reel Asian is pleased to announce this year’s Unsung Voices participants! Unsung Voices: Summer Youth Video Production Workshop offers young Asian Canadians with a keen interest in film and media art the chance to express themselves creatively, learn from industry professionals, and produce a distinct story for the screen. These original short films will receive a world premiere at the 29th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival in November 2025.
Read more about the selected participants below!
Anh (Autumn) Pham
Anh (Autumn) Pham is a Deaf Queer tech worker and writer from Hanoi, Vietnam, currently working and living in unceded lands of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They like to explore art and technology as a form of self expression, and are passionate about accessibility, sign language, and Disability Justice. In their free time, Anh likes to read books, play video games with their partner (also sports – playing soccer for this summer!), host gatherings with friends and hone their matcha skills!
Instagram: thuanh_ss
Calvin Liu
Calvin Liu is a Chinese-Canadian cinematographer and documentary filmmaker based in Montreal. He was awarded La Bourse de la Relève by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (2025), nominated for the Canadian Society of Cinematographers Award (2024), received the Jean-François Bourassa Award for Outstanding Cinematography (2023), and won the Spark Project at the Nanlite International Competition (2023), showcasing his passion for his craft, keen eye for detail, and collaborating effectively with directors and other creatives.
Calvin’s approach to cinematography balances raw realism with poetic abstraction, blending documentary intimacy with an artistic, highly composed aesthetic. His experience in both narrative fiction and documentary cinematography allows him to strike the perfect balance between efficiency and artistic vision on set. He is drawn to artists who are passionate, curious, and unafraid to be vulnerable, whether in narrative, documentary, commercial, or experimental work.
Instagram: liu.ca
Anushay Sheikh
Anushay Sheikh is an artist working in photography, film, and multidisciplinary installations. Drawing on their experiences and identities, their work is heavily process-based and rooted in anti-oppressive practices, highlighting vulnerability as a form of resistance and empowerment. They have made a number of short documentaries, including Reclamation (2023), an exploration of tattoos as a form of gender affirmation, which has screened at festivals across North America. Sheikh’s first installation, The Test, explored the mental health experiences of eight Queer Muslim participants and was exhibited at The Image Centre (Toronto) from June to August 2024. Sheikh holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from McGill University and an MFA in Documentary Media from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), where they received the TMU Gold Medal, the University’s highest honour. When they’re not working, Anushay loves swimming and hanging out with their two cats!
Instagram: anushaysheikh
Devin Lee
Devin Lee is a graduate of NYU Tisch Drama represented by The Talent House. Born and raised in Toronto, he is an actor/writer/director of Korean and Italian heritage. His credits include narrative work for studios such as Apple TV+ and Dhar Mann, as well as commercials for companies including Snickers and Popeyes. He is a recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant and is currently developing several projects. Inspired by Korean cinema, Devin loves to make films that challenge convention and genre. He also starred in a film that premiered at Reel Asian last year, and is excited to continue working with the festival.
Instagram: devin.lee999
Jordan Tsering
Jordan Tsering is a Tibetan-Quebecois multidisciplinary artist living in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal exploring intimate narratives of death and dharma. Often viewing culture through cuisine and writing about the absence of light felt in communities longing for the idea of a traditional Homeland.
His stories are rooted in the everyday yearning for a better tomorrow and fleeting moments of freedom found in regret and respite.
Instagram: tsering.jordan
Michelle Ash Yee
Michelle Ash Yee (she/they) is a Cantonese-Canadian filmmaker, story editor, and writer based in Toronto. They are passionate about character-driven storytelling, especially narratives that confront social taboos and challenge cultural stereotypes. Her student project Courage (2015), about a teen struggling with an eating disorder, won First Place at the Shanghai Student Film Festival. Michelle holds a dual degree in Advertising and Film & Television from Boston University, along with a Master’s in Producing & Writing for TV. She has worked internationally across Asia, the U.S., and Canada with experience in development, marketing, and digital short-form content. In her work, she enjoys crafting stories that explore the intricacies of human nature in creative ways, from sprinkles of magical realism to fully developed fantasy worlds.
Instagram: mitchi.mov
Ammar Keshodia
Filmmaker & Curator
Ammar Keshodia is a Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker and curator based in Toronto. He has worked on the programming teams for festivals such as TIFF, SXSW, and Reel Asian. Ammar graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Political Science & Cinema Studies and has written for publications like Bright Wall/Dark Room, NANG Magazine, and Peephole Journal.
Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller
Screenwriter & Director
Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller is a Mixed-Race Palestinian Screenwriter & Director based in Tkaronto. Her work explores themes of fragmented identity, grief, isolation and connection through grounded “oh no, should I laugh?” comedy. Fateema’s background in Improv and Clown greatly influences her Writing and Directing process as she strives to create with integrity, depth and a sense of humour. Fateema embraces comedy to explore the pains and joys of being human and believes in resilience and resistance through laughter. She is passionate about creating more inclusive and accessible sets that uplift diverse communities and provide space for individuals to bring their fullest selves.
Chrisann Hessing
Filmmaker
Chrisann Hessing is a documentary filmmaker and impact producer based in Toronto. She has produced award-winning films that have screened at Hot Docs, RIDM, Global Impact Film Festival and the London Asian Film Festival. Her work has been supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Inspirit Foundation, BravoFACT! Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent and Telefilm Canada.
Chrisann’s short film, Turning Tables, won Best Short Documentary at the 43rd American Indian Film Festival, and has screened in over 30 film festivals internationally. Her debut feature, We Will Be Brave, premiered at the Calgary International Film Festival and won Audience Choice Feature Film at the 2023 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. In 2024, the film was also nominated for a Heritage Toronto Public History Award.
Recently, Chrisann directed all six episodes of Unrigged, a new doc series from TVO that explores the challenges facing modern democracy in Canada while highlighting simple, creative, and proven ways to strengthen democratic institutions and processes.
She is passionate about using visual storytelling as a tool to educate, raise awareness, and inspire positive change, and has collaborated with a number of community arts organizations including TIFF, Hot Docs, and the Doc Institute. She currently sits on the board of POV Magazine.
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
