The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival’s UNSUNG VOICES Video Production Workshop provides selected emerging artists the chance to express themselves through film and media art, learn from professionals in the field, and to produce a distinct story for the screen.
This select group will be provided an opportunity to produce their film (8 mins maximum), in any genre (eg. fiction, documentary, experimental, etc). The cohort’s collection of films will receive a world premiere at the 29th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival in November 2025.
* While there are no fees to apply and be part of the program, depending on the nature of your project you may have to contribute to costs associated with your production (ex. props, materials, talent, etc.)
Unsung Voices is an intensive, summer-long filmmaking program under the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, designed for emerging Asian-Canadian filmmakers with little to no prior experience. Over several months, participants undergo rigorous training in all aspects of filmmaking—writing, directing, production, and editing—while receiving mentorship from industry professionals. This is not an easy course; it is extremely challenging and requires dedication. Participation in weekly sessions is mandatory, and the workload is demanding. Through hands-on workshops, tight production schedules, and intense post-production work, participants are pushed to their creative and personal limits. By the end, each filmmaker completes a short film, which premieres at Reel Asian. Unsung Voices is more than just a learning experience—it’s a transformative journey that tests endurance, resilience, and storytelling ability.
Participants should expect one-to-two online sessions per week (approx 4-8 hrs/week) and 2-3 hours of consultation/meeting time with an assigned mentor over the course of the program, as well as additional and necessary time to work on and complete their project.
UV is open to Asian-identifying young people (age 18-29) from anywhere in Canada. Apply and tell us more about you and your ideas! If you need assistance with your application or are experiencing barriers to applying, please contact unsungvoices@reelasian.com.
Selected participants’ film projects will be premiered at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival in November 2025 as part of a final presentation and Q&A. Participants receive full accreditation to the festival, and travel and accommodations will be provided to those from outside the Greater Toronto Area.
* All dates are subject to change
Applications NOW CLOSED
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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
