January 14, 2019 – Toronto
The Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Deanna Wong to the role of executive director. Wong has nearly 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit cultural arts sector in Canada and brings in-depth knowledge of the Toronto film industry and film festival culture.
The appointment is a second term for Wong, who previously served as executive director of the festival between 2005 and 2008, and played a key role in the organizational growth of Reel Asian. In her most recent position as administrative director for REEL CANADA (2011–18), Wong was instrumental in cultivating strategic partnerships. During her tenure in 2017, REEL CANADA launched the very successful National Canadian Film Day 150, the world’s largest one-day film festival, an international, cross-country, multicity initiative.
Wong commented, “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to come back to the festival at this watershed moment, when Asian artists are finally being recognized for their talent and contribution in all areas of film and media. I am excited to bring back the experience I’ve garnered in the sector at large to Reel Asian, to create even greater opportunities for the Asian creative community to tell their stories, see themselves reflected and shape the industry.”
Reel Asian presented the 22nd edition of Canada’s largest Asian film festival in November 2018.
“With the festival celebrating its 25th anniversary in just over two years, we are pleased to have Deanna join our team at this pivotal moment.” -Sidney Chiu, Vice-Chair of Reel Asian’s Board of Directors
“As the Asian creative community in Canada comes of age, and Reel Asian has matured into one of the most important Asian film festivals in North America, Deanna Wong brings senior experience and vision to take the organization into the future.” -Anita Lee, founder/Advisory Chair of Reel Asian, and Executive Producer, National Film Board of Canada
About Reel Asian
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian), presented by National Bank, is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. As Canada’s largest Asian film festival, Reel Asian® provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada. This year’s festival runs in November 2019 in Toronto and North York. Reel Asian will be showcasing special projects featuring prominent artists, content creators, up-and-coming filmmakers and will also include the “Reel Ideas” program for creative minds in the industry to connect. Works presented at Reel Asian include films, videos, and presentations by East, South and Southeast Asian artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. For more information, visit reelasian.com.
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, presented by National Bank, gratefully acknowledges the support of government funders the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Creates, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and Toronto Arts Council.