Reel Asian

This year, Reel Ideas presents From the Ground Up, inviting you to join us in learning from our origins, creative journeys, and the path to forging our unique trajectories. The journey of building a career, honing a practice, and finding your voice all starts with a simple desire to create. Reel Ideas unites industry professionals, including screenwriters, producers, filmmakers, and performers, to engage in candid discussions about the challenges and successes of starting from scratch, all while drawing inspiration from our roots. Together, we’ll work to pave new pathways for today’s storytellers and advocates, celebrating their contributions and giving them their well-deserved recognition.

JOURNEY BACK: EXPLORING ORIGIN IN FILMMAKING AND CREATING CHARACTER OUT OF “HOME”

Delve into the profound connections filmmakers Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams) and Zarrar Kahn (In Flames) forge when revisiting their roots in Pakistan, through a cinematic lens. This in-depth conversation explores how filmmakers turn place into its own dynamic character, and unpacks the emotive pull of returning, despite its tensions and contradictions. Join us as they showcase how "home" can transcend geographical boundaries, ignite stories with new interpretations of place, and animate narratives with the rich tapestry of personal heritage.

9 Nov, 2023 2:30 pm

A BACKSTORY LIVE PODCAST RECORDING FEATURING AUTHOR JEFF YANG (THE GOLDEN SCREEN) AND REPRESENTASIAN PROJECT’S MADELYN CHUNG

12 Nov, 2023 2:00 pm

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BLUE ANT MEDIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS + INFO SESSION

Blue Ant Media is looking for its next hit factual paranormal series with T&E and HauntTV's global free streaming channel. Chosen projects will receive a paid CMF development phase with exact deliverables determined based on the project. Submit your creative proposals by Friday, November 17, 2023.

14 Nov, 2023 3:00 pm

WHAT’S BREWING WITH CMPA

Following our Building Forces: The Director Producer Relationship panel, stay for a reception with Canadian Media Producers Association, a chance to network, ask questions, and enjoy snacks and refreshments. Especially good for Producers!

14 Nov, 2023 6:00 pm

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BUILDING FORCES: THE DIRECTOR PRODUCER RELATIONSHIP

Last fall, the DOC Institute invited creative producers to reimagine a documentary ecosystem that recognizes the needs of BIPOC producers with critically acclaimed projects, and published their thoughts in the “Creative Producer Think Tank Report.” A key point highlighted was producer/director relationships—a partnership constantly in flux. What is required for these roles to work harmoniously? Listen as panelists delve into the critical and vital collaboration that underpins any successful film.

14 Nov, 2023 4:00 pm

TO THE WRITERS’ ROOM: CANADIAN TV WRITERS ON CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION AND RESISTING TOKENISM

Step into the thrilling world of TV writing with a range of talented writers as they share their insights into crafting a successful TV series, advancing careers in the writers' room, and promoting diversity in showrunning. Explore their creative processes, approach to pitching episodes, and how they navigate tokenism and stereotypes while fostering collaborative writers’ rooms. Leave with valuable insights into the future of the screenwriting industry!

15 Nov, 2023 4:30 pm

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HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR: THE CLUMSY ART OF FINDING YOURSELF

Discover the comedically honest and heartwarming story of the CBC Gem original short-form series How to Fail as a Popstar in our panel discussion, ``The Clumsy Art of Finding Yourself.`` Join us as we unravel the creative evolution of the series, which was adapted from Vivek Shraya's hit play and subsequent book, tracing its journey from page to stage to screen. Immerse yourself in Shraya’s story: a young queer brown boy from Edmonton trying (and failing) to achieve pop stardom, a protagonist that is so sincere and overly optimistic, you can’t help but laugh as Vivek stumbles. At the same time, you’re also rooting for them to win.

16 NOV, 2023 7:00 PM

So You Think You Can Pitch? Live Finale

Come celebrate the live So You Think You Can Pitch competition at the 27th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. A fun and exciting way to support emerging filmmakers, watch as the five finalists pitch their projects to our esteemed jurors for a chance to win an amazing prize package toward kickstarting or finishing their film. Cheer on a new generation of filmmakers, and let the future of Asian Canadian cinema inspire you!

19 NOV, 2023 5:00 PM