In Conversation with Humberly González

2025 Reelworld Trailblazer, actor, and community builder on finding connection, telling stories, and why Reelworld feels like home

Humberly Gonzalez, actor and one of the winners of the 2025 Reelworld Trailblazer Award

Reelworld: Walking into Reelworld this year, what immediately stood out to you?

Humberly González: I walked in and instantly people stopped me to say hello. That’s what I love about Toronto and our industry. You can show up anywhere and find someone who’s either seen your work or known you for a long time. It’s really special to walk into a space and realize you’ve created community, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it. I love that feeling.

Reelworld: Reelworld brings together so many parts of the industry. How does that land for you?

Humberly González: It really does bring everyone together. It’s not just actors. It’s directors, producers, writers, and people working behind the scenes. I love that it’s not focused on one role or one person. You’re right in the middle of it all, and that feels really grounding and inclusive.

Reelworld: You mentioned earlier that Reelworld feels a bit like your TIFF this year.

Humberly González: It really is. I’m usually not in the city when major festivals are happening, so I miss a lot of TIFF. This week, I actually get to be here, watch films, and be part of the conversations. I signed up for as many screenings as I could. Reelworld feels like my festival moment this year.

Reelworld: From what you’ve seen so far, what makes Reelworld impactful for emerging creators?

Humberly González: The access. There are one-on-one sessions and spaces where real professionals demystify the process, from having an idea to getting it seen. The industry can feel confusing, even political at times. Reelworld connects people in a very human way.

What I love is that it shows how interconnected we all are. Film and television aren’t centered on one role. When people feel supported, useful, and connected, it builds a stronger, longer-lasting industry. You leave feeling like you’re not alone and that you can actually reach out to people you’ve met here.

Reelworld: As a Trailblazer, what does that recognition mean to you?

Humberly González: It’s really powerful. Seeing how different all the Trailblazers are, but also how similar we are at our core, reminds me that every voice matters. I moved to Toronto ten years ago from Venezuela not knowing this was possible. I never imagined being recognized in this way or being encouraged to tell my own stories.

That’s something I’m still stepping into. This week, what I really want to take away is the motivation to start. To put ideas on paper, to talk to people, and to trust that my story deserves space.

Reelworld: You’ve built an impressive body of work. Can you share a few highlights?

Humberly González: Early on, I worked on Saving Hope and Orphan Black, and later Working Moms, which feels like such a Toronto staple. I was also on Nurses, which was one of the first shows to continue through COVID. More recently, Ginny & Georgia, Jupiter’s Legacy, and the newest Star Trek film with Michelle Yeoh, who is an absolute icon.

I’ve also done a lot of indie work and, of course, some fun holiday movies. Canada really shaped my career. Only in the last few years have I been able to work internationally, but that’s because of the confidence and community I built here. I always come back.

Reelworld: What are you working on right now?

Humberly González: I just had a film premiere called Match. It’s a horror film and it’s streaming on Tubi, which I love because it’s free and accessible. We filmed it in Cape Town, South Africa, with a Canadian indie company, and it’s exciting to see it out in the world.

Right now, I’m also in a moment of reflection. This is the first time in my career that I intentionally took time off. I’m thinking deeply about what I want to do next, what stories I want to stand behind, and what genres excite me. It’s been a really meaningful pause.

Reelworld: Any final thoughts as you head back into the festival?

Humberly González:Reelworld really feels like my festival this year. I’m grateful for the space, the conversations, and the reminder that community is everything.