Reelworld Film Festival
The Reelworld Film Festival, founded in 2001 by Tonya Williams, is held annually in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The festival screens film and provides professional development for Canadian racially diverse and indigenous filmmakers and media artists.
History
Reelworld was founded by Tonya Williams, who noted the lack of opportunities for minorities to break into the film industry. The festival's mandate states that they showcase diverse work from Canada and abroad while bringing together assorted communities.Reelworld has started a number of initiatives directed towards diverse artists. In 2020 Williams launched Access Reelworld, a casting database to help publicize and promote minority actors.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, the 2020 festival was presented entirely online.
In 2024, Williams was named the recipient of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's Changemaker Award at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards, for her work with Reelworld.