Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Coverage

Pre-Festival
Festival Preview

Daily Coverage
Day 1 - Tuesday November 15, 2011
Day 3 - Thursday November 16, 2011
Day 4 - Friday November 17, 2011
Day 5 - Saturday November 18, 2011
Day 6 - Sunday November 19, 2011

Special Presentations & Programs
Canadian Spotlight: Lily Eng: Real Asian Canadian Woman Warrior
Trailblazers

Film Reviews - Features
Bleak Night / Pasuggun
Eternity / Tee rak
JUMP ASHIN!
Lover's Discourse /Leun yan sui yu
Pearls of the Far East
Piercing 1
Saigon Electric
Surrogate Valentine
When Love Comes / Dang Ai Lai De Shi Hou

Film Reviews - Shorts
Drummer's Passion, A
Granny's Rock / Babah No Rock
Totte Mitsu, Let's Go to Russia

Post-Festival
Awards
Movie Moxie Podcast 52: Reel Asian Wrap Up
Wrap Up

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 ran from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and also November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Awards

The Award Winners have been announced for the 2011 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, and I again have a strikingly odd luck of going to see all the films *but* the award winners. Well, there is still a possibility in the Audience Award which will be announced soon. Until then, let's look at the results:

2011 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival Award Winners

Reel Asian Audience Award
Winner Announced: JUMP ASHIN!

Animasian Award
Winner: In a Pig's Eye, (Dir: Atsushi Wada)

Fasken Martineau Best Feature or Video Award
Winner: Buddha Mountain (Dir: Li Yu)

National Bank Best First Feature Film Award
Winner: The Journals of Musan (Dir: Park Jungbum)

Movieola Best Short Film or Video Award
Winner: A Winter Song / Une chanson d'hiver (Dir: Aonan Yang)

NFB Best Canadian Film or Video Award
Winner: Muybridge Strings / Les cordes de muybridge (dir: Koji Yamamura)

WIFT-T Award
Winner: The Sugarbowl (Dirs: Shasha Nakhai & Rich Williamson)

So You Think You Can Pitch? Emerging
Winner: Stephanie Law, LITTLE MISS JIHAD

So You Think You Can Pitch? Established
Winner: Keith Lock, THE MAGIC CHARM

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 ran from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and also November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Movie Moxie Podcast 52: Reel Asian 2011, In Time & Immortals

On the 52nd episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast Shannon shares her spoiler-free views on Reel Asian 2011 and reviews In Time & Immortals. Plus dives into another Owned/Unseen title of Duplicity.

This is another open air-ish podcast and if you notice an odd rumbling sound in the background that would be my cat purring. He just likes to be involved in everything!

0:00 - 3:15 Intro
3:15 - 20:40 Reel Asian 2011
20:40 - 28:40 In Time
28:40 - 39:10 Immortals
39:10 - 41:00 Owned/Unseen of the week Duplicity
41:00 - 42:20 Outro

I mention Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural, specifically my sister Suzie's Hal-Con Coverage
and check out my buddy Courtney's coverage or Reel Asian over at Big Thoughts from a Small Mind

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 6: Sunday November 13, 2011

Reel Asian 2011 Day 6 including reviews of Eternity, Surrogate Valentine & Pearls of the Far East (World Premiere)


Day 6 was the final day of Reel Asian and I did another triple bill of afternoon & early evening screenings all of which had a theme of life and love. I started out with the Thai film Eternity which centred not only on life and love and love that persists through our corporeal life into the spiritual realm. Then it was time to hit the road in the American West Coast music & road movie of meta-licious proportions that travelled through from San Francisco to Seattle to LA and had lots talk of and missed encounters along the way and then ended off with the sold-out World Premiere of Pearls of the Far East which was a lovely romance anthology film gorgeously shot & set in Vietnam.

That was the final film I saw for this year but Day 6 closed out with a screening of Buddha Mountain and their awards ceremony and will continue next weekend with screenings up in Richmond Hill on November 18 & 19, 2011.



Eternity
Dir: Sivoroj Kongsakul
Cast: Wanlop Rungkamjad, Namfon Udomletlak, Prapas Amnuay, Pattraporn Jaturanrasmee
Thailand

Eternity is one of the films that I'm really glad I read the programming not, because knowing it was about spiritual beliefs and the connection of love beyond our corporeal life really made a difference going in. The pacing is very gentle, which created an atmosphere that shifted my perception of time as although we spent what felt like a long time with the characters that felt like no where near the actual amount of time that they spend with each other in the same moments, or through their lives and beyond. I thought it was a very sophisticated demonstration of pairing time with emotion and in particular though the shaping of a relationship though a courting phase and how it grows and becomes more strong and substantial the more two people get to know each other. I know that the pace won't suit everyone’s fancy, but if you enjoy getting absorbed in real-time moments of life and relationships, Eternity is one for you. I really enjoyed it.



Surrogate Valentine
Dir: Dave Boyle (White on Rice)
Cast: Goh Nakamura, Lynn Chen, Chadd Stoops
USA

Surrogate Valentine is a road trip/music/romance film that give the feeling that it blurs the line between reality and fiction as it features Goh Nakamura, the musician playing Goh Nakamura, a musician. Going into the film I wasn't sure how that was going to work and I'm not always a fan of meta films when they feature someone playing themselves, but I was completely won over by Surrogate Valentine. It has a charming way of giving you all the little moments that you think couldn't work in this format, shows them not working and then somehow it sneaks up on you and makes them all work. I have no idea how they did it, especially because it has even more meta layers that felt like they could be confusing, but weren't and rather just make me laugh or smile or cheer for the characters and hope that they make it through their troubles along the way. It has some brutal truth as well as beautiful honesty and a fantastic soundtrack to boot. I adored it.


Reel Asian Artistic Director Heather Keung with Surrogate Valentine director Dave Boyle and star Goh Nakamura


Reel Asian Artistic Director Heather Keung with Surrogate Valentine director Dave Boyle and star Goh Nakamura



Pearls of the Far East
Dir: Cuong Ngo
Cast: Ngo Thanh Van, Truong Ngoc Anh, Nhu Quynh, Hong Anh, Kieu Chinh
Canada/Vietnam

It was really exciting to be at the World Premiere of Pearls of the Far East on the closing day of Reel Asian this year, there literally was not an empty seat in the house and the energy was electric. From the moment the film started it had me almost in tears at its beauty, with its lush landscapes and vibrant colours that popped off the screen. And that is just the setting! Add to that the heartfelt stories and gorgeous cast and we are in for a wonderful journey through a beautiful anthology of love stories. Pearls of the Far East showcases stories of love from childhood up to and through adulthood and of many different types of love. It was interesting that most, but not all, were from the perspective of women and I loved how all of the stories dealt with but in so many different ways from childhood love to love found, from forbidden love and lost love. I loved the diversity of stories, the amazing portrayals of a range of emotions and the truly electric chemistry generated by the talented cast. Pearls of the Far East was a true treasure of this year’s festival and will stay fondly in my memory for a long time to come.


Cast & Crew of Pearls of the Far East at World Premiere screening, director Cuong Ngo (centre)


Cast & Crew of Pearls of the Far East at World Premiere screening, director Cuong Ngo (centre)

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 ran from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and also November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 5: Saturday November 12, 2011

Day 5 at Reel Asian was a marathon day at The Royal as I caught three screenings in the middle of the day with the South Korean high school drama/mystery of Bleak Night and then settled into a Taiwanese double bill with the family drama When Love Comes and then JUMP ASHIN! an inspiring based-on-a-true-story (of the directors brother) gymnast turned gangster. Although family and emotions held the strong themes and made it a fantastic day a the festival, I think the most memorable moment of the day (and possibly festival) was all the quiet sighing/giggling during any and ever shirtless-Eddie Peng moments in JUMP ASHIN!. He's pretty freaking fit in the film and the ladies sure seemed to appreciate it!

Piercing 1 ended off Day 5 with a late night screening, see my review of it here.



Bleak Night
Dir: Yoon Sung-Hyun
Cast: Lee Je-Hoon, Seo Jun-Young, Park Jung-Min
South Korea

Bleak Night is a fascinating exploration into the world of teen years and friendships, especially when they tip off-balance, and takes an unusual approach by aligning understanding a trio of friends as if it is a mystery solve. I found using the mystery structure a brilliant choice for structure as the essence of the friendship truly did feel like a mystery and therefore sometimes it felt like it worked too well as I wasn't always confident that I knew exactly what was going on although that does make me want to watch it again. What I am confident about is that the film strives and rides high on its true portrayal of the weight & complexity of the emotions entwined with the friendship between Dong-yoon, Ki-tea and Hee-june. From the air of jealousy that arises when best friends becomes a trio of friends to the competing loyalties and staying with a current group of friends of switching to another all rings strongly of high school drama and dynamics. It's astonishing the young cast are all non-actors as they display a huge amount of talent in this high stakes drama. I highly recommend checking it out.

Bleak Night also plays next Saturday November 19, 2011 at 4:00PM with A Drummer's Passion at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. See more about the upcoming screening here.



When Love Comes
Dir: Chang Tso-Chi
Cast: Lee Yi-chieh, Ho Tzu-hua, Lin Yu-shun, Lu Hsueh-feng
Taiwan

When Loves Comes starts off with a restaurant running family with an unusual make up that's multi-generational and complex on many levels, we see the film most often from the perspective from 16 year old Lai-chun (Lee Yi-chieh) who is usually doing her best to get attention outside the family while also often being on the receiving end of complaints and insults from her family. Although the story technically does follow here I felt that it's truly an ensemble cast and provides many beautiful moments, insights and development with and between all of the characters in the family throughout family dramas that continually shift and upset their day to day life. I loved seeing the little moments between the characters as the emotional support ebbed and flowed in suprizing ways (as did the power dynamics). A beautiful family portrait with fantastic performances and strong emotional resonance. When Love Comes really got to me on an emotional level and it's another film that I would highly recommend checking out.



JUMP ASHIN!
Dir: Lin Yu-hsien
Cast: Eddie Peng, Lawrence Ko, Hsia Ching-ting
Taiwan

JUMP ASHIN! was easily one of my most anticipated films of this years festival as it has many elements of films I love from being an inspirational sport film, a martial arts film and based on a true story which makes it all the more inspiring. It stars Eddie Peng as Ashin, who feels a strong calling to gymnastic and works and trains hard for many years to work towards being a world-class competitor. One of the amazing things about JUMP ASHIN! is that it has the ability to shake up and fuse the patterns of sports films & martial arts films, in part through how it follows the nose of the true story where Ashin turns to a life of crime, but somehow although this showcases many hardships also provides lots of opportunity for comedy and romance. The miraculous way it blends elements from so many genres is formidable, and it easily won over the crowd. The story in it's earnest and inspiring nature through the good and the bad easily won me over as well. I'd say it's easily my current favourite of the festival and I wouldn't be surprized is it takes home the audience award this year to add to it's win as Audience Choice Award at the Taipei Film Festival (2011). JUMP ASHIN! is a truly inspiring and entertaining film.

JUMP ASHIN! also plays next Saturday November 19, 2011 at 7:00PM at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. See more about the upcoming screening here.





The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 4: Friday November 11, 2011

Heading out to Day 4 of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival for taking in their Friday Night screening of Saigon Electric and wow, it reminds me why this is usually the last festival I go to of the year is it was a chilly night hanging out at line outside The Royal, but the film was a lot of good hearted dance film fun so it was totally worth it. And I got a moment to say hi to director Stephane Gauger, who also directed Owl and the Sparrow /Cú và chim se sẻ which was at the festival in 2007 and I really enjoyed.



Saigon Electric
Dir: Stephane Gauger (Owl and the Sparrow /Cú và chim se sẻ)
Cast: Van Trang, Quynh Hoa, Zen 05, Khuong Ngo
USA/Vietnam

I always keep dance films on my radar, and when looking through the festival calender this year Saigon Electric popped out at my right away as I loved director Stephane Gauger previous film Owl and the Sparrow /Cú và chim se sẻ, I love dance films - especially ones in the vein of people from different sides of the tracks working together. The very 2 different sides of the tracks include a girl who is a ribbon dancer and moves to the city from the countryside to audition for a dance school, and a group of disadvantaged but good-spirited hip hopping city kids who train at a youth centre. That's going to get me every time, and I actually loved the sweet nature of the film even though it still pairs as a coming of age film and has it's own fair share or romances. There is a beautiful kind-heartedness as the central spirit and driving force behind the teens, whether they are battling other hip hop dance crews or conflicts with their landlords. Thinking of it as a dance film, I would have loved to see a little more dancing but overall the human stories are the ones that carry us through over the killer moves and dance rivalries. It certainly made me smile and I was present with the characters through their trials & tribulations, dance or otherwise. Very sweet, tender and refreshingly optimistic to boot. I really enjoyed Saigon Electric.

Saigon Electric also plays next Saturday November 19, 2011 at 1:30PM at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. See more information on that screening here and see more about Saigon Electric at the films website


Reel Asian Artistic Director Heather Keung with Saigon Electric director Stephane Gauger

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 3: Thursday November 10, 2011

On Day 3 of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival I caught the Canadian Spotlight which this year featured Lily Eng showcasing films, excerpts and documentation of her dancing, choreography, performance art and kung fu works though out the years. I loved the variety of arts that Reel Asian continues to acknowledge and celebrate and this program certainly did that. Along with the films, excepts, stills and moderated discussion, the presentation also included a live performance by Lily Eng and was kicked off with a lion dance, and I have to say - how many festivals can you go to where your leg is nibbled on my a dancing lion? Not enough I say, not enough!




Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar

Canadian Spotlight: Lily Eng: Real Asian Canadian Woman Warrior
Including short films, film excepts, performance documentation, performance of a new piece called 'The Now', moderated discussion with Lily Eng, Peter Dudar and spotlight co-curator Coman Poon plus a lion dance

This was one of my most anticipated works of the festival, being a lover of dance, movement, martial arts and film I couldn't have been more excited to see each of those present and represented in the program. And, wow, did it ever deliver on so many levels! The showcase has a huge array of inspiring works from conceptual to performance art documentation, to film excepts, all of which were engaging, intriguing and made me think. They made me think about movement, energy, the body, sound and the entangled presence that lives with them in one moment, time and place.

It's always interesting to first be introduced to an artist but seeing a huge body of their work and therefore being treated to highlights over such a long period of time. I found it interesting that the subject matter often varied in the works, but the energy and intensity was always there; a kinetic building energy that was often released as well as being received. I found seeing energy received very interesting and unusual, which made it very exciting. And absolutely formidable presentation that was beautiful, intense and inspiring.


Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar


Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011: Piercing 1 & Trailblazers

Piercing 1
Dir: Liu Jian
Animated
China

Following a down on his luck young man who isn't able to make any ends meet and constantly gets mixed up in trouble that has nothing to do with him, Piercing 1 is an unique fit of content to format. I found it unusual to watch an animated film that for most intents and purposes is a drama, I'm not sure I've seen that before as I'm used to animation being used to demonstrate seeing the fantastical in some way shape or form but here we are centred in reality and following a dark drama with an edge into crime world. Although I found it a challenge to be with characters so down on their luck, or in the case of the criminals (and cops) very mean-spirited, but I loved the animation style. The visuals are very interesting, and I loved the repeating themes of the moon as well as the fun use of lights with things like neon signs & cell phones which provided great contrast to the stark situations. Very different, and a lot darker, than I expected but a very interesting watch.

Piercing 1 plays on Saturday November 12, 2011 at 10:30 PM at The Royal in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Buy Tickets here.

Trailblazers Shorts Presentation

Enthusiastic set of shorts featuring earnest and often funny stories in the lives of lively seniors. let's take a look at a selection from the presentation that screened on Wednesday Nov 9, 2011 at Innis.

Totte Mitsu, Let's Go to Russia
Dir: Brian Lye
Canada, 8 minutes

Very quirky DIY fun-spirited 2 shorts centred on ladies who try and steal cameras from each other. It took me a while to find the rhythm of these but knowing that they are 'spontaeous' films really helps as they have a great free-spirited energy that are a really fun once you realize that you, like the films subjects, are along for the ride.

Granny's Rock / Babah No Rock
Dir: Satoru Yasuda
Japan, 21 minutes

A portrait of artist Miya Yumemi whose know around Tokyo as much for her fantastic free-flowing and line heavy portraits as much as her crazy, often intoxicated, behaviour. Fascinating look at the artist, her work, and the impressions she's made throughout the years in her work and with her lifestyle. I loved the earnestness of this documentary as how it didn't shy away from either her zaniness, or her talent.

A Drummer's Passion
Dir: Mingu Kim
Canada, 12 minutes

Fantastic portrait of 70-year old South Korean drummer Kwon Soon Keun who 50 year (and growing) career has influenced, entertained and delighted people with his enthusiastic & eccentric style. I loved his openness and dedication to his craft and the continue, ongoing desire to keep drumming. Loved it.

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 1: Tuesday November 8, 2011

The Isabel Bader theatre was buzzing with excitement last night for the Opening Night Gala Screening of Lover's Discourse which opened the festival for it's 15th anniversary year. Red was the colour of the evening with from red carpet & photo op space in effect, to friendly voluneteers sporting red t-shirts to of red balloons to guide people to the opening night party. Honestly, how cool is that? I think it's awesome, as was the audience being sereaded to by Choir Choir Choir who chose a song to 'take us back 15 years to 1997' when the festival began. Wow. I've been attending the festival for 5 years now and I was won over right from the very first screening of Finishing the Game in 2007 and continued to be impressed by the extremly strong and diverse programming that brings a fantastic set of films to Toronto each an every year. If Lover's Discourse is any hint of what's to come for 2011 we are in for another stellar year at the festival. And I'd expect nothing less.

In addition to the review below, make sure to check the Movie Moxie Facebook FanPage for photos & videos from the festival.





Lover's Discourse
Dirs: Derek Tsang Kowk Cheung, Jimmy Wan
Cast: Eason Chan, Karena Lam, Kay Tse, Eric Tsang, Eddie Peng, Kit Chan, Eric Tsang, Jacky Heung, Mavis Fan
Hong Kong

Lover's Discourse is sectioned off to 4 seemingly separate shorts that deal with slightly darker areas of love and shines a shimming light on a multitude of shades of grey from themes of desire, distanced adoration, fantasy, and every borderline stalker behaviour. But at the heart of the film is always love, even if it's unrequited or from the perspective of jealousy, it always comes back to love. And I loved this film. I particularly enjoyed the first two segments which were lighter on the surface than the final two, but all of them were carefully constructed, beautifully acted and had a sizzling emotional strength. The acting is so strong and we are giving a refreshingly large cast of characters to response to whether it be by identifying with them, empathizing with them, laughing with (or at) them or not agreeing with them you certainly have a strong reaction to each and every one. I was particularly impressed with the acting in section one with Eason Chan and Karena Lam who literally pulled me right into their world. Lover's Discourse was a beautiful way to open the festival, and I thoroughly enjoyed the with tales of love, longing and desire.


Lover's Discourse co-director Derek Tsang Kowk Cheung with Reel Asian Artistic Director Heather Keung


Lover's Discourse co-director Derek Tsang Kowk Cheung with Reel Asian Artistic Director Heather Keung

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.

For more information, check out the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival: Website, 15th Anniversary, How to Buy Tickets, Buy Tickets, Full Festival Schedule, Industry Series Information and Venue Information and Festival Awards & Jury Information. Also see the Reel Asian Facebook Page and you can follow the festival on Twitter.

Movie Moxie Podcast 51: Toronto After Dark 2011 Wrap Up!

The Movie Moxie Podcast is back to chat about the 2011 Toronto After Dark Film Festival and pick my favourites & the best of the festival and how I think of those things differently. I also go through a whack ton of DVD release from the past few weeks including from Dylan Dog: Dead of Night to Winnie to Pooh to Beginners to High Plains Invaders. Plus I catch one more Owned/Unseen with The Cake Eaters and chat being in Theatrical Film Withdrawl.

This one was recorded out and about so please mind the difference-ness of the audio quality and the occasional clack-clack-clack of heels in the background.

Time Coding:
0:00 - 1:30 Intro
1:30 - 25:30 Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011 Faves & Best
25:30 - 27:30 Owned/Unseen: The Cake Eaters
27:30 - 42:00 DVD Reviews of Releases from Oct 25, Nov 1 & Nov 8 2011
42:00 - 43:23 Outro

• Check out my full coverage of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival here
• DVDs mentioned include: Mothman, Winnie the Pooh, Dylan Dog: Dead of Night, Beginners, High Plains Invaders, Assassins' Code, Peepers and Cave of Forgotten Dreams (see latest DVD reviews here)
• I mention my owned/unseen challenge
• I mention the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival which I'll be covering here at the site all week.
• I also mention my recent Immortals giveaway and if you want to stay on the up and up on any contest join any one of my mailing lists.
• Also check out my Facebook Page for lots of pics, vids & fun.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Preview

This week the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival hits town and celebrates its 15th anniversary. I've been attending the festival since 2007 (it's year of the pig!) and it's been exciting to see the festival grow each and every year. This year they continue extend their film branches with screenings in Richmond Hill next week (Nov 18-19, 2011) as well as the hometown Toronto edition which runs from November 8-13, 2011.

The festival kicks off tonight with the Opening Night Gala screening of the genre-being Hong Kong film Lover's Discourse at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Note for festival regulars, this year again has the Toronto edition is at several locations including the Bader, NFB, Innis & Royal but all evening/weekend screening are at one location which makes this festival goer happy with not needing to account for any travel time! Especially or the Closing Night Film & Awards Ceremony which is on Sunday at 8pm with the highly acclaimed Buddha Mountain screening at the Royal, and all of Sundays films are at The Royal. I don't think I've even spent the entire day there before - a new experience happens every year!

UI'm looking forward to many of the films in this years line up, and considering one of my not quite a genre, but close enough sub-specialties is bodies in motion (i.e. dance, martial arts & sport) I'm very keen on seeing JUMP ASHIN! which is inspired by a true story of a young man who wants to become a gymnast. I'm also anxiously awaiting seeing performance piece LILY ENG: REAL ASIAN-CANADIAN WOMAN WARRIOR.

The festival also brings us many shorts to enjoy with the Canadian set Seize the Moment, Youth Presentations including Creatures, Crossroads and Resident Aliens plus a look at the stories of the lives of seniors with Trailerblazers. But is features are more your thing the festival has films from all over the world including Tibet, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan as well as USA & Canada.

I hope your curiosity is piqued! You can check out trailers for many of the films in this years line up over at the Real Asian Film Fest YouTube page & see the festival trailer below:



I'll be covering the festival all week here at Movie Moxie so be sure to check back for my daily for reviews. I can't wait for another great year of film at Reel Asian!

For more information, check out the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival: Website, 15th Anniversary, How to Buy Tickets, Buy Tickets, Full Festival Schedule, Industry Series Information and Venue Information and Festival Awards & Jury Information. Also see the Reel Asian Facebook Page and you can follow the festival on Twitter.

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada