Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Wrap Up

Every year Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival goes by so quickly! I caught films on almost every day of the fest and enjoyed each and every one of them, and I especially enjoyted the Canadian Spotlight: Lily Eng: Real Asian Canadian Woman Warrior that included short films, excerpts and live performances. Overall, there were so many films and experiences to enjoy from the World Premiere of Pearls of the Far East to the inspiring based on a true story gymnast/gangster flick JUMP ASHIN! and lots of fun Q&A's to boot. Here's a look at some of my my faves and final thoughts on this years festival.

Best Features: Pearls of the Far East and JUMP ASHIN!

Best Short: A Drummer's Passion

Still Has Me Thinking: Eternity and Bleak Night

Most Inspiring: JUMP ASHIN! and Saigon Electric

Favourite Program: Canadian Spotlight: Lily Eng: Real Asian Canadian Woman Warrior

Best Performances: Lee Je-Hoon, Seo Jun-Young & Park Jung-Min in Bleak Night

Best Day: Day 5 with Bleak Night, When Love Comes and JUMP ASHIN!

Fullest Screenings: Pearls of the Far East and Lover's Discourse

Repeating themes: Love, Shifting Power Dynamics, Family and Beauty

Funnest collective experience: Opening Night serenade by CHOIR!CHOIR!CHOIR! (see here and here)

Wish I hadn't missed: Shorts Programs & Overheard 2

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.