Reel Asian

Reel Ideas presents a rich programme of conversations, panels, and networking sessions for filmmakers and artists at every stage of their careers. Go behind the scenes of projects like the workplace comedy 18 to 35 and Kid Koala’s animated feature Space Cadet, discovering the craft, creativity, and collaboration that bring these stories to life. Hear from experienced writers, animators, and filmmakers, and gain practical insights for advancing your career and developing your creative practice. Sessions also explore important topics such as accessibility, advocacy, and sustaining a creative practice.

From cheering on finalists in this year’s So You Think You Can Pitch? competition to participating in behind-the-scenes masterclasses, Reel Ideas is a space to connect, learn, and celebrate the many ways our communities create meaningful stories.

Space Cadet: Artist Talk with Kid Koala and Lillian Chan

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.

THURS NOV 6 AT 2:00PM

Filmmakers Talk on Co-Production

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.

SUN NOV 9 AT 1:30PM

IMAA Mini-Conference (in partnership
with IMAA)

In collaboration with the Independent Media Arts Alliance, Reel Ideas will co-host a three-day mini-conference focused on artist advocacy, fair pay, and building an equitable arts ecosystem.

TUES NOV 11 - THURS NOV 13

Impact Producing Without Access: When Critical Films Struggle to Find Distribution

This panel will explore how racialized and independent creators bring their films to communities often excluded from mainstream distribution. The conversation will shed light on the barriers to access and the inventive strategies filmmakers use to ensure their stories are seen and heard.

TUES NOV 11 AT 3PM

Accessibility and Festivals: Rethinking How We Engage Audiences and Artists

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.

TUES NOV 11 AT 4:30PM

What's Brewing with IMAA

In partnership with IMAA, join a discussion on artist labour conditions and funding challenges, followed by a reception and mingling portion. Free and open to the public!

TUES NOV 11 at 6PM

Building Sustainable Careers in Screenwriting

Join us and the Writers Guild of Canada present a candid conversation on the pathways and pitfalls of building a sustainable career in screenwriting.

WED NOV 12 AT 2:30PM

18 to 35: Behind-the-Scenes Masterclass

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.

WED NOV 12 AT 6:30PM

The Undertone: Artist Talk with Ian Tuason and Ana Serrano

Filmmaker Ian Tuason’s debut feature The Undertone, recently acquired by A24, transforms the intimacy of caregiving and the eerie power of audio into a chilling, single-location horror story.

FRI NOV 14 AT 7:30PM

So You Think You Can Pitch? Live Finale

Join us for the live So You Think You Can Pitch competition at the 29th Reel Asian Film Festival! Watch the five finalists compete for an incredible prize package to help launch or complete their films. Come cheer on the next generation of talent and get inspired by the future of Asian Canadian cinema!

SAT NOV 15 AT 7PM

Space Cadet: Artist Talk with Kid Koala and Lillian Chan

Filmmakers Talk on Co-Production

IMAA Mini-Conference (in partnership
with IMAA)

Impact Producing Without Access: When Critical Films Struggle to Find Distribution

Accessibility and Festivals: Rethinking How We Engage Audiences and Artists

What's Brewing with IMAA

Building Sustainable Careers in Screenwriting

18 to 35: Behind-the-Scenes Masterclass

The Undertone: Artist Talk with Ian Tuason and Ana Serrano

So You Think You Can Pitch? Live Finale

Special Partner

Funded by

Community Partner

You May Also Like...

SPACE CADET: Artist Talk with Kid Koala and Lillian Chan

So You Think You Can Pitch? Live Finale

Impact Producing: How Films Find Their Audiences in a Post-Truth Era

Subscribe to the Reel Asian newsletter and never miss a beat!

reelasian