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Actor / Director / Producer / Festival Founder Tonya Lee Williams has established herself as an internationally recognized actor, producer, director, writer, and activist. Best known for her starring role as "Dr. Olivia Winters" on the popular daytime drama The Young and the Restless, Tonya has been honored with two daytime Emmy Award nominations; she is a two time recipient of the coveted NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in both 2000 and 2002; Howard University’s highest award, The Legacy of Leadership Award for her tireless work and success in the entertainment industry; a Positive Impact award presented to her in Toronto, for her years as a positive role model in the Canadian community; the Doctor Bird Award presented to her in Jamaica for outstanding artists of Caribbean descent; the Harry Jerome Award in 2004, and most recently in November 2005, she received one of the highest achievements for Actors in Canada: the ACTRA Award of Excellence. Tonya began her career in Toronto, starring in such shows as The Polka Dot Door, Welcome to My World, Check It Out, and becoming the face of Milk as the Wear-a-Moustache girl. However, she still found it necessary to relocate south of the border to find more opportunities. In the US she worked on many shows including: Falcon Crest, Hill St. Blues, What’s Happening Now, Gimme a Break and several others. Despite working in the States, she kept close ties to Canada, returning when she could, all the while using her success to support initiatives that helped create more opportunities for emerging talent - especially talent of colour in the Canadian Film Industry. Williams soon realized she needed to do more. In April 2001 Tonya revolutionized the Canadian entertainment industry by founding ReelWorld Film Festival, a film event dedicated to creating opportunities for Canadian artists. In six short years ReelWorld has grown into a major film festival, not only on the national map but also on the international map, with support from individuals like Robert Townsend, Shabana Azmi, Erik LaSalle, Sandra Oh, Adam Beach and many others. ReelWorld has proven it is here to stay. The five-day event showcases over 100 features, documentaries, animation, shorts and music videos, industry panels, awards, parties, galas attended by celebrities and film-lovers. Through ReelWorld, the issue of diversity in the Film and Television industry is finally front and centre, and since 2001 Canada has seen a significant shift, awareness and support for the industry’s efforts to open up more opportunities for diverse cultures, particularly from the Aboriginal, Asian, Black, Latino, Middle Eastern, South Asian and multi-racial communities. Tonya is also the President of a Toronto based production company called Wilbo Entertainment, a Toronto based production company dedicated to telling stories that reflect the multicultural landscape of Canada. Through Wilbo, Tonya directed and executive produced Kink in my Hair, an hour long dramedy for Vision TV, as well as executive produced and hosted the Gospel Jubilee in 2004, which aired on the CBC. She is currently in development to produce and direct her first feature film Making Room for Lily. Tonya just completed director Clement Virgo’s film Poor Boy’s Game which she stars in with Danny Glover. As a testament to Tonya's deeply rooted passion to ensure that the many voices of Canada are heard across the globe, she regularly speaks to groups across North America about her experiences in the business, and is presently a mentor to over 30 talented young hopefuls. She is also a strong political lobbyist, using her voice to help change licensing and government policies. Tonya's tireless advocacy work in the entertainment industry has most recently been recognized by Mayor Miller who appointment her to his newly formed Toronto Film Board. Whether through her film festival, foundation or through her production work, Tonya's passion lies in the Canadian entertainment industry and in creating more opportunities for that work to be seen. “Canada has a long and rich history of producing high quality films that have garnered international awards, and I believe that it is also possible for these films to fulfill their commercial potential through proper marketing and distribution, both at home and abroad.”
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