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A Film Festival Goes Where No Film Festival Has Gone Before
The ReelWorld Film Festival - A Diverse Film and Video Festival Breaks New Ground in Toronto
by Wendy Vincent
On a very cold, typically Canadian morning in November inside the world-renowned CN tower a press conference is taking place. Dont let the cold, foreboding wind fool you though. Inside are some of the hottest names in Canadian film today. These are people of color who have gathered to celebrate one another and launch a never before seen Canadian festival rich in diversity.
What is the furor? Enter business entertainment entrepreneur Tonya Lee Williams and the heavy hitting ReelWorld Film Festival. Tonya, a native of Toronto is one of many Canadian actors who have gone on to make a name for themselves in Hollywood over the years. Ms. Williams is a first generation Canadian who was born in Jamaica. The award winning soap star is changing the course of TV, film production, web directories and of course, publicity. In splitting her time between shooting in L.A. and business in Toronto, it is no surprise that Ms. Williams has chosen to partner her professional experience with her interest in diversity to found and spearhead this unique festival.
The brainchild of Ms. Williams, ReelWorld Film Festival is described as a direct response to the absence of a forum for Canada's racial and cultural presence and the need for accurate portrayal of Canadian culture in mainstream media. The festival objectives are:
To showcase the work of diverse film and video makers to domestic and international audiences
To facilitate a forum where film and video makers can pitch their work
To provide a supportive network for racially and culturally diverse film and video makers
To provide training through workshops and seminars
And Toronto is perfectly primed for a 'ReelWorld' experience. Canada has been considered one of the best countries in the world to live. Toronto has been voted the most multicultural city in the world and is a growing metropolis where culturally diverse Canadians are successfully penetrating the mainstream.
Features of the festival include industry forums, designed to demonstrate the marketability of diverse films to distributors, producers and film financiers and Gala Screenings. The ReelWorld pitch session will be particularly attractive to screenwriters, producers and directors.
Another feature of the upcoming festival is a cover art contest. In line with the goal of providing artists with opportunities, the festival program book cover art will be determined by an open competition. A selection committee will be looking for work embodying the festival theme of excellence and diversity.
Yet another unique feature is the inclusion of music videos. As a forum for emerging artists, the programming of music videos is a distinct feature of ReelWorld Film Festival. This is an important and rare opportunity for emerging film and video makers.
The moniker for ReelWorld Film Festival is "Excellence and Diversity". This philosophy runs through every nuance of the festival, from its filmmakers and partners to its Board and staff. Although April is a few months away, the ReelWorld players have been hard at work for months.
For ReelWorld Film Festival, excellence and diversity mean having the best men and women in film and video emerge on a level playing field to lend their talent and support to one another and to investors and most importantly their time to the Canadian public.
ReelWorld consists of celebrated board directors, executive partnerships and a growing contingent of staff and volunteers. Reel World Film Festival's Boards represent a rich blend of talented, racially diverse and successful entertainment executives. From Women In Film and Television Toronto, Executive Director, Joan Jenkinson and Fireworks Entertainment CFO, Blake Tohana, to actors Gloria Reuben and Graham Greene, ReelWorld Film Festival's leadership epitomizes business savvy and creativity.
Key partnerships throughout the Toronto and Canadian business community play an important role in the Reel World Film Festival process. Communications firm Mediatropolis an online marketing, new media, and e-commerce provider for the entertainment industry, is a strategic ReelWorld partner. A collaborative effort, the official festival website, www.reelworldfilmfest.com is part of the overall branding strategy.
Other strategic alliances include top Toronto publicity firm, The Publicity Group. The Publicity Group has established itself as a formidable public relations and event planning machine in Toronto and provides a perfect compliment to the ReelWorld leadership and staff.
No exception to the excellence in diversity maxim, the staff itself, is representative.
Co-Executive Director Rudi Quammie Williams is an established Toronto artist, whose portfolio includes filmmaking, music composition, community involvement and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.
ReelWorld Film Festival's Behind The Scenes concept is Williams' personal stamp on the festival. Designed as an ongoing feature, this year's "scene", Sound Mall will treat visitors to interactive audio demonstrations by post-production facilities, Foley experts, composers, sound engineers, manufacturers and designers. In future years Behind The Scenes will explore cinematography, set design and make-up.
With a BSc. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Co-Executive Director, Horace Wright brings to the Festival his proven financial and fundraising expertise. Having worked as a consultant within the human services field, Horace helps to cultivate a balance between all stakeholders and is responsible for business development and community outreach.
From April 5-9th, 2001, Toronto audiences will enjoy ReelWorld features, shorts, animation, documentaries and music videos from Canadian, international and student participants. Trade forums and galas will all be taking place as well.
The submission deadline of February 1, 2001 is fast approaching. Diverse film and video makers from Canada and around the world are welcome to apply and can even do so online at www.reelworldfilmfest.com.
By Wendy Vincent
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