2023 Fire Horse Award Ceremony

On May 31st, Reel Asian wrapped up Asian Heritage Month with its second annual Fire Horse Award reception and ceremony, celebrating film editor Mary Stephen.

Stephen’s work is extensive, with over 52 credits and four best editing nominations to her name. Most well known for being the film editor and occasional co-composer for renowned French New Wave director Eric Rohmer, Mary has always followed her intuition across borders, taking storytelling beyond convention, and approached her work expansively with care and connection.

Through several anecdotes in her acceptance speech, Stephen takes us through moments that remind us to be fearless in exploring the complex tapestry of our being without being defined only by our differences.

“We’ve come a long way, but there is still a long way to go! And as we all know, we are constantly being shoved back to the starting block. Reel Asian provides a precious, safe place and a mutually motivated community to keep us going strongly and bravely on this long journey. This award will certainly motivate me to continue my work in exploring our specific heritage but also our way of belonging to a larger human community.”

Stephen’s artistry, grit, constant mentorship, and collaboration with the next generation of filmmakers is something to both celebrate and emulate. For her career and ongoing work as a mentor, filmmaker and trailblazer, we at Reel Asian are honoured to present Mary Stephen with the 2023 Fire Horse Award.

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

Watch Mary Stephen’s tribute video below.

Watch Mary Stephen’s acceptance speech below.

View all speeches from the 2023 Fire Horse Award Ceremony here.