Trailblazers

“ReelWorld recognizes many talented artists in Canada who go unnoticed. I am proud of The Trailblazer Award, their cause and what Tonya and her team have achieved, it is more than an award it is an honor.” – Walter Alza, actor/filmmaker, 2005 Trailblazer.

Trail·blaz·er (tral'bla·zer): Someone who blazes a trail to guide others; a pioneer in a particular area who is pointing things in a new direction; an innovator. For ReelWorld, a trailblazer is an up-and-coming voice contributing to Canada's multiethnic framework and entertainment industry, making strides through innovation.

2009 ReelWorld Film Festival Trailblazer Winners

ReelWorld Film Festival (RWFF) announced the six recipients of its 2009 ReelWorld Trailblazer Award: Karla Bobadilla, Diego Fuentes, Zacharias Kunuk, Lisa Ray, Warren Sonada and Mark Taylor.  Created eight years ago by RWFF Founder and Executive Director, Tonya Lee Williams, the Trailblazer Award recognizes the achievements and contributions of Canada’s brightest emerging talents of diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Past recipients include: Oscar nominated Hubert Davis, and producer/musician/actor/filmmaker Sook-Yin Lee. This year’s winners will be profiled in the festival program book and presented with beautiful gifts generously donated by one of ReelWorld’s most valued sponsors, Pierre Laurent Swiss Made Timepieces.  The award ceremony takes place during ReelWorld Film Festival’s Brunch with Brilliance, April 19^th, 2009 at the Manyata Courtyard Café in Yorkville.

"This is what ReelWorld is all about; putting our Canadian talent front and center," says Tonya Lee Williams.  "Congratulations to all the recipients."

Nominees were selected via ballot by their peers, industry professionals and RWFF Board members.  RWFF seeks Trailblazer Award nominees throughout the year. 

To nominate a Trailblazer, simply download the ReelWorld 2008 Trailblazer Nomination Form (466 kb).

To view the complete list of Trailblazers and read the interviews with them, click here.