Canada's Hot Spot for the Latest and Greatest in the Film Industry

Toronto seems to be Canada's "Hot Spot" for all the latest and greatest in the film industry. They host some of the top film festivals in the world, including a phenomenal annual festival focusing on the city's rich Asian culture.

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival hosts an original potpourri of contemporary Asian cinema and other artistic work from the Asian culture. Films and videos featured in this festival come from East and Southeast Asian artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world.

This amazing non-profit organized festival was founded in 1997 by producer Anita Lee and journalist Andrew Sun and promises the annual crowds in the thousands five phenomenal days of parties, screenings, and workshops.

Reel Asian has been named Toronto's Best Small Festival by NOW Magazine. As quoted on the Reel Asian website: "(Reel Asian) strikes the best balance between cutting edge and community. Strong programming and deep roots attract a super-hyphenated tribe."

The festival is considered Canada's premier Asian international film festival and it strives to "foster exchange of cultural and artistic ideals between east and west." It gives the world's Asian talents a base to meet, exchange ideas and perspective as well as to help nurture the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.

In addition to the movies, attendees get to participate in the various awards filmmakers compete for including:

(1) NFB Best Canadian Film or Video Award: All Canadian work is considered for a pot of $2500 towards the artists' next production project. As well, the NFB will also be granted a first right of negotiation on production, co-production or distribution with regards to the winner's next project.

(2) Centennial College @ Wallace Studios Most Innovative Film Production Award: All films by GTA-based artists can be eligible for $5000 in studio time and an additional $300 in cash prizes toward the competitor's next work made through Centennial College @ Wallace Studios.

(3) Kim Orr Barristers P.C. Best Narrative Feature Film or Video Award: Competition for a $1000 prize.

(4) TSV Visionary Video Award: All GTA-based artists compete for $650 in TSV membership dues and services and a $100 cash prize upon completion of new work made at TrinitySquare Video.

(5) NOW Audience Award: All Feature Films considered to win $500 cash prize.

(6) Lift and FUJI Best Film Award: GTA-based artists compete for $280 in LIFT membership dues and services, $500 credit towards LIFT workshops and courses and 6 rolls of Fuji 16mm 64D film.

(7) Animasian Award: All animated films and videos compete for $500 cash prize.

When you visit the website and see the amazing talent as well as the pictures from the galas, parties and big-ticket red-carpet events, it's easy to see why this festival has become a crowd drawer. Definitely add this festival to your list of fall film festivals to attend.