from vkpr

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, presented by National Bank came to a close on Saturday, November 16 after 12 days of film screenings, parties, panels and networking events and completing its 17th annual edition in Toronto and Richmond Hill.

As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian continues to fuel growing appreciation for Asian cinema in the GTA and presented 60 dynamic titles from 14 countries this year including a new expansion to include South Asian films from India, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Highlights include:

· Sold-out screenings of Opening Gala BOMBAY TALKIES and Closing Gala LINSANITY

· Full houses for the Toronto Premieres of DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY, AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY: THE EVOLUTION OF GRACE LEE BOGGS, and THE GREAT PASSAGE

· Toronto Premiere of Centrepiece Gala TALES FROM THE DARK PART 1 with legendary Hong Kong actor Simon Yam in attendance

· Canadian Premiere of Taiwanese box office hit ZONE PRO SITE: THE MOVEABLE FEAST

· World Premiere of SPRUNG, a film and dance commissioned project performed live with video projections and audience interaction

· New programming expansion to include South Asian feature films BOMBAY TALKIES (India), WITHOUT SHEPHERDS (Pakistan), and FARAH GOES BANG (USA)

Reel Asian’s 8th annual Industry Series brought together Asian filmmakers and industry professionals to engage in unique networking opportunities and stimulating dialogue. With over 40 festival guests and 300 accredited professionals, attendees had the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with high profile speakers including RAVIDA DIN (Director General of English Program, National Film Board), SIMON YAM (Director/Actor, TALES FROM THE DARK PART 1) and RAMONA DIAZ (Director, DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY).

The annual SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH? LIVE COMPETITION featured 7 teams competing for cash and industry prizes in front of a live audience. As Reel Asian becomes the hub for Asian filmmakers to make connections and exchange ideas, the festival will continue to provide essential industry opportunities both at the festival and year-round.

For the 2013 Reel Asian Award Winners please click here