at the Brunch with Brilliance award ceremony sponsored by Cineplex Media at the Manyata Courtyard Café, Hazelton Lanes. ReelWorld is committed to nurturing and celebrating talented artists and investing in their future. The Festival recognizes individuals within the industry who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their craft with awards that acknowledge their achievements.

“Our awards are an integral part of ReelWorld. It’s an opportunity to give back something really tangible to the filmmakers…not only a trophy honoring them, but in many cases resources to sustain their dreams,” says Tonya Lee Williams, ReelWorld founder and president. “These prizes would not be possible without the support of our sponsors Cineplex Media, TD Bank Financial Group, Pierre Laurent Timepieces, Audio Vision, Kodak Canada Entertainment Imaging, Movieola, Star! TV, Stoltz family, National Film Board (NFB) a big thanks to all of them”

The Tonya Lee Williams Award for Outstanding Canadian Feature was awarded to “The Limits”, Directed by Ben Mazzotta, Produced by Maria Kennedy and Drazen Baric presented by Chantelle Nicholls, District vice-president, on behalf of proud Closing Night sponsor TD Bank Financial Group. Honorable Mention “Freaky Useless Spicy Story” (Faltu Utpatang Chutpati Kahani) Directed and Produced by Kalpesh Patel.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Short Film went to “Souvenirs from Asia" Directed by Joyce Wong, Produced by S. Brent Martin;

Honorable Mention goes to “Darkness Calls in Gitxsan” Directed by Anthony Wong, Produced by Sean Muir, Presented by Sasha Stoltz, Publicist.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Documentary went to “Midnight Ballads” Directed by Diego Briceno-Orduz, Produced by Yanick L’etourneau, presented by Anita Lee, National Film Board Producer.

Star! ReelChoice Audience Award went to “Ocean of Pearls” Directed by Sarab S. Neelam, Produced by Jim Burnstein, Jeff Dowd, Sarab S. Neelam, and Jaspal K. Neelam; Runner Up: “This is the Life” Directed by Ava DuVernay, Produced by Ellene V. Miles presented by Star! TV’s Husein Madhavji.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Music Video was awarded to “Compton to Scarboro” by The Carps, Directed by Marc Ricciardelli. Honorable Mention: “Haven't Seen U Smile” by Imann Faith, Directed by Gobi; Presented by Diego Fuentes, ReelWorld Music Video Programmer.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Feature Film went to “Namibia” Directed by Charles Burnett, Produced by Abius Akwaak, Steve Gukas, and Uazuva Kaumbi. “Namibia” is a visually compelling film that examines the Namibian people’s long struggle for independence with brutal honesty. Award presented by Rob Trimbee, Audio Vision Canada.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Short went to “Pariah” Directed by Dee Rees, Produced by Nekisa Cooper. “Pariah” is a poignant drama that explores the duality between who you are and who you are thought to be. Presented by Rob Trimbee, Audio Vision Canada

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Documentary was won by “Welcome To Nollywood”, Directed by Jamie Meltzer, Produced by Cayce Lindner and Henry S. Rosenthal. Honorable Mention “Nosaltres” Directed by Moussa Toure, Produced by Les Films du Crocodile. “Welcome To Nollywood” takes place in the Nigerian Film Industry. Presented by Hayet BenKara, ReelWorld Programming and Industry Series Director.

Well respected Broadcaster, journalist, television program director and administrator, and a radio television and feature film producer Fil Fraser received this year’s Tony Stoltz ReelWorld Visionary Award. Presented by Lynne Stoltz, Author and screenwriter, Producer for Have Faith Productions. The Tony Stoltz award recognizes organizations and individuals who pioneer to create opportunities for others, to open doors and to make change happen.

Accomplished artist Charles Burnett received the ReelWorld Award of Excellence. Director Charles Burnett has risen to the top of the film industry and has established himself as a strong voice in the American Cinema. Presented by Salah Bachir, President, Cineplex Media.

Also recognized at the ceremony were the 2008 ReelWorld Trailblazers. Presented by Actress, Producer and Founder of the ReelWorld Film Festival Tonya Lee Williams

Andre Beraud, TF1, Artistic Director of Fiction, KC Collins, Actor, Jani Lauzon, Freelance Artist, CO-Managing Artistic Director for Turtle Gals Performance Ensemble; CO-chair of ACTRA Toronto and ACTRA National Diversity Committees; Actor

Lisa Mahal, National Communications Manager, Directors Guild of Canada

Austin Wong, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Rhombus Media