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ReelWorld’s goal is to encourage and train diverse artists of all facets of the entertainment industry so that they will feel accepted, supported and prepared to achieve ultimate success. ReelWorld Foundation was incorporated as a charitable foundation in 2002 because there was a lack of positive diverse stories being showcased, as well as a lack of creative diverse talent behind the camera. Training Emerging Talent ReelWorld Foundation was conceived out of the realization that diverse emerging talent in the entertainment industry needed more than the 5 days of the activities the annual ReelWorld Film Festival provided. The Foundation provides training, support, mentorship, inspiration and bursaries through year-round initiatives and activities that enable primarily Aboriginal, Asian, Black, Latino, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Multi-racial talent in the Canadian entertainment industry to garner success and respect. Founded on the vision of Canadian actress Tonya Lee Williams, herself a Canadian black actress with 30 years in the entertainment industry, the Foundation’s aim is to provide assistance to the diverse talent in front of and behind the camera. Telling Diverse Stories Canadians need to understand that exposing themselves to the stories from Aboriginal, Asian, Black, Latino, South Asian, Middle Eastern communities can only broaden their understanding of the world, and what it means to be Canadian. ReelWorld intends to reflect the multi-racial and multi-cultural concept of Canadian society, and provide these communities with the tools of self-expression and empowerment. Canadians needed to understand that these diverse stories make up the fabric of Canada, that all people need to be reflected with respect and that the screen are a powerful tool that must be used to this end. Educating Young People Exposing youth to the many facets of the entertainment industry is vital for ReelWorld Foundation. Many young diverse individuals have no understanding that tradespeople are a vital part the entertainment industry and they have a rightful and gainful place there. While the glory of being an actress or a director is evident to tomorrow's generation, they must understand the many facets of the industry. ReelWorld believes that Canada shouldn’t help diverse individuals out of some politically correct need, but in order to sustain the economic growth of the Canadian entertainment industry. ‘Visible Minorities’ are the fastest growing demographic in Canada and there must be a place for them in the entertainment industry. The future of the entertainment industry in Canada rests in the hands of the next generation. The arena that they are entering has the odds stacked against them. ReelWorld has dedicated itself to ensuring that these individuals receive the assistance that they need and that the playing field is truly level, benefiting both the community and the sector as a whole.
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