#FIRSTLOOK: 2024 REELWORLD FILM FESTIVAL + SUMMIT KICKS OFF OCTOBER 22, 2024

Reelworld, the longest running organization for Black, Indigenous, Asian and People of Colour in
the Canadian Screen Industries, brings back the Reelworld Film Festival+Summit for its 24th
year continuing to provide audiences the best and brightest of diverse Canadian talent and
shining a spotlight on issues around diversity, inclusion and equity in the Canadian screen
landscape.

The summit will take place on October 22nd and October 23rd at the Marriott Courtyard in
downtown Toronto featuring keynote speeches, industry discussions, fireside chats, research
presentations, pitch opportunities and networking events. The film festival, which will include
film screenings, filmmaker mixers and the annual awards presentation, will feature in-person
screenings from October 21st to 27th, with the films available to watch online for an additional
week, until November 3rd.

“Reelworld has always been about more than just showcasing films—it’s about amplifying
voices that are too often underrepresented in mainstream cinema,” says Tonya Williams,
Founder and Executive Director of Reelworld Screen Institute. “This year, we’re thrilled to
continue this tradition by providing a platform for these important stories and facilitating
essential industry conversations.”

The festival will kick off with the Canadian heist film, STEALING VOWS, directed by Bobby Singh
Brown, on October 21st at 7:00 PM EST at The Royal Theatre (608 College St, Toronto, ON).
The Opening Night screening is sponsored by TD Bank Group.

Inspired by true events, this gripping film delves into the South Asian wedding industry,
following four disgruntled wedding vendors (an emcee, a photographer, a caterer and a
decorator) as they embark on a summer heist spree, robbing their wealthy clients’ homes
during the wedding receptions in the hopes of buying their own happily-ever-afters.
“Director Bobby Singh Brown’s matrimonial-themed heist film set in the summer of 1998 has all
the notes of a classic caper, the stakes of a crime action drama, and the high energy of a South

Asian wedding,” said Reelworld Senior Film Programmer, Marina Hanna. “With its grand
wedding sequences, multiple dance scenes, and an extensive ensemble cast led by Fuad Ahmed,
Gia Sandhu, Anand Rajaram, and Ali Hassan, weaving this film together with unstoppable
momentum was a feat in and of itself. And it promises viewers as much fun as the goodies and
baddies are having onscreen. Co-written by Brown and Ali Hassan, Stealing Vows is destined to
become a Canadian caper classic.”

What makes this project so special is the remarkable journey Bobby Singh Brown took to get it
made. A labour of love and determination, STEALING VOWS was crowdfunded by friends,
family, and supporters from the South Asian community, raising a budget of $250,000 CAD.
Brown’s innovative spirit shone through as he pulled together resources, including in-kind
contributions of gear, locations, and VFX support from his extended network. His passion for
this project was evident in every step, as he fought against the odds to bring this unique story
to life during the height of the pandemic.

“I’m a huge fan of heist films and ensemble casts,” said Bobby Singh Brown. “I wanted to create
something where we could show off a talented group of actors, but create something fresh and
new. You don’t get Indian heist films.”

The cast includes a powerhouse ensemble featuring Gia Sandhu, Fuad Ahmed, Anand Rajaram,
Ali Hassan, and Amrit Kaur. This unique narrative, inspired by true events, is a testament to
Brown’s visionary filmmaking and dedication to championing diversity both on and off the
screen.

Opening Night tickets can be purchased here. The remainder of the screenings for this year’s
festival will take place at Paradise Theatre (1006c Bloor St W). The full festival lineup will be
announced on September 26th.

Every year, Reelworld recognizes the contributions of individuals who have made a significant
impact on the Canadian screen industry. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary
Award to Fennella Bruce and the Award of Excellence to Sugith Varughese.

The Reelworld Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime of work behind the
scenes has shaped the Canadian media industry. Through advocacy, entrepreneurship and
leadership they have contributed to advancing our industry and making it a more inclusive and
equitable place for all. Past recipients include Anita Lee, Shirley Cheechoo, Raja Khanna and
Nick Davis. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary Award to Fennella Bruce.
Fennella is a veteran television producer and writer who is now at the helm of FKB Media
Solutions, a media consulting company, and FKB Media Productions Inc, a television and film
production company. As one of Canada’s first Black news producers, her decision-making has
contributed to the Canadian media landscape. Most recently, as a media consultant, Fennella
has elevated Black voices in print, radio and television. Her production company is now
developing its first documentary on the legendary Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro Fresh Wes,

which is also telling the story of the early days of rap music in Canada. To celebrate this award
and honour her achievements, Fennella will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 22nd.

The Reelworld Award of Excellence recognizes individuals whose decades of creative excellence
in film and series have led to more authentic stories being told on screen, inspiring new
generations of young artists in the process. In the past, this award has honoured writers,
directors, producers and actors such as Jennifer Podemski, Clement Virgo, Graham Greene and
Mina Shum. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Award of Excellence to Sugith
Varughese. Sugith is an award-winning actor, television writer, and short film and children’s TV
director, best known for writing the famed Muppet TV series Fraggle Rock and starring as Mr
Mehta in Kim’s Convenience and Dr Ajay Singh in Transplant. He was the first recipient of an
MFA in Film from a Canadian university and the first visible minority to attend the prestigious
Canadian Film Centre as a writer-director, and is also a produced playwright. To celebrate this
award and honour his achievements, Sugith will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 23rd.

The Visionary Award and the Award of Excellence luncheon events are generously sponsored
by Paramount+ in Canada.

Additionally, renowned director, writer, producer, and actor Jennifer Podemski will be the
Keynote Speaker at the Reelworld Summit on October 23rd. Hailing from Toronto but calling
Barrie, Ontario, her home, Jennifer’s artistic journey has been shaped by her rich Anishinaabe
(First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) heritage. A registered member of Muscowpetung Saulteux
Nation in Saskatchewan, Jennifer has dedicated her career to amplifying authentic Indigenous
stories and perspectives through her work as a storyteller.

The Reelworld Summit will be held at the Marriott Courtyard (475 Yonge St) on October 22nd
and October 23rd. Passes can be purchased here.

With a focus on diverse works by diverse people, the Reelworld Film Festival showcases and
supports Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Colour producers, directors, screenwriters,
actors and all on and off-screen talent. The festival programming reflects strong and authentic
voices from across Canada, championing filmmakers with a unique point of view. As the
country’s largest socially impactful film festival, Reelworld has reached a diverse audience of
over 350,000 engaged individuals to date.