The 2007 Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival will celebrate its 11th year as Canada's longest-running showcase of contemporary Asian cinema.

The five-day festival, which runs until Nov. 18, will feature films and videos from Far East and Southeast Asian artists living in North America and across the globe.

"For the past 11 years, Toronto's Reel Asian has been showcasing the best in Asian cinema here in Canada and internationally," says Patricia Lee, industry series co-ordinator. "Reel Asian is committed to expanding opportunities for filmmakers to exhibit their films, network and provide a training ground for emerging filmmakers to make those crucial industry contacts while providing opportunities for established filmmakers to share and exhibit their work."

This year, more than 70 groundbreaking selections will be screened at the Reel Asian Film Festival.

Here's a look at a few films already creating a Hollywood North buzz.

 

DARK MATTER (2007 U.S.A.)

This is the Canadian premiere of director Chen Shi-Zheng's stark drama. Inspired by the 1991 tragedy when a young Chinese student opened fire at an American University. Liu Xing (Liu Ye, Curse of the Golden Flower), who is the professor's protege, is drawn to the unseen substance that shapes the universe. But when his theories threaten his professor's model, his dissertation is rejected. Too proud to accept help from a patron-friend (Meryl Streep) and unwilling to return home to his parents, Liu Xing is pushed to the margins of American life and ultimately beyond his darkest limits.

 

SAKURAN (2007 Japan)

Director Mika Ninagawa's debut feature is a sensually stunning film that brings to life the courtesan world of the 1700s with a decidedly 21st-century attitude. A classic story of a reluctant prostitute (played by Japanese idol actress Anna Tsuchiya) forced to move up the ranks within the competitive world of brothels. Ninagawa and her crew of women creators purposefully ditch any adherence to period accuracy, instead favouring cheeky anachronisms by using vivid splashes of red and gold as visual background and blaring Ringo Shiina's modern rock music soundtrack.

 

The Total Pen-ek Presentation (Reel Asian Exclusive)

For the first time ever, Thai director Pen-ek Ratanaruang's short films and commercials will be gathered together for a special Reel Asian one-time viewing.

"Reel Asian," Lee says, "aims to be the first stop for film and television producers, networks and distributors looking for Asian-Canadian talent and content."

With this sentiment in mind, the festival will also present an industry series that aims to be the hub of training, mentorship and networking for Asian-Canadian filmmakers at home and internationally.

An exciting series of panel discussions, salon sessions, workshops and mentorship opportunities await all those who take part in this exciting opportunity. Participants will even have the chance to pitch their movie ideas and win $10,000 through the 'Hear Me! See Me! Pitch Me! Competition sponsored by Reel Asian and Charles Street Video.

This year's Reel Asian festival promises to continue a decade-long tradition of success in entertainment. Visit www.reelasian.com for more information on screenings, industry sessions and events.

 

Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.