For those lucky enough to be in Toronto between November 9-18, 2017, the fantastic Reel Asian International Film Festival will be in town. This 21-year-old festival will open with Yukiko Mishima’s moving family drama Dear Etranger 幼な子われらに生まれ and will close with Stand Up Man, a Korean Canadian comedy written and directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Aram Collier.
Patrons will get a chance to watch a variety of films from all over Asia, from the action packed Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield 绣春刀II: 修罗战场 to a tense documentary about animal abuse in A Whale of a Tale おクジラさま〜ふたつの正義の物語. The festival definitely caters to all tastes.
Aspiring filmmakers can take advantage of seminars that could help improve their craft. The ‘So You Think You Can Pitch?’ Live Finale is an eye-opening event to watch potential filmmakers pitch their ideas to gain funding for their films. The OMDC Tax Credits 101 seminar is hosted by Ontario Media Development Corporation Business Officers who will explain tax credits available for people shooting films in Ontario. Check the website schedule for more details as some events require registration and have a limited number of seats.
For those who have children, there are free events on the weekends called Wee Asian. Events include short animation films, crafts and even kung fu lessons to keep the little ones busy! Wee Asian takes place within the Toronto International Film Festival building which means large bathrooms, change tables and space for strollers.
In addition, all films and programmes before 5PM EDT are FREE to students and seniors!
The festival has events all year round, so even if you miss it in November, don’t worry! Sign up to their mailing list to receive the latest news on other film screenings and opportunities to learn about filmmaking.