The Toronto Reel Asian Film festival kicks off this week, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since the event’s inception, Reel Asian has developed a mentorship program introducing young Asian Canadians to the world of filmmaking.

Called Unsung Voices, the program gives Asian Canadian youth aged 16 to 24 a chance to learn video production skills and make a film. The finished movies make their screen debut at the Reel Asian Film festival each year.

NOW caught up with some of the participants of this year’s program to talk about their movies and diversity in film.

The films from the Unsung Voices program will screen November 14 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Film footage courtesy Reel Asian. Don’t miss: Local Reel Asian Fest director isn’t too cool for school.

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