The 14 participants of ACTRA Toronto’s Asian Performers Showcase were unveiled at a live event at the TIFF Lightbox on May 17, 2024. Supported by TIFF, the live event opened with a discussion with ACTRA Toronto members Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs) and Jasmeet Raina (Late Bloomer), moderated by Deanna Wong (executive director, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival), about how it’s up to all creators — writers, casting directors, producers, directors — to dissolve old tropes and cultivate Asian representation on screen.
“We want to see real people from our real lives on screen. The more nuanced and realistic in your depiction, down to the tiniest mannerisms, the harder the overall story hits.”
Jasmeet Raina
“An event like this makes me so proud because it’s shining a spotlight and elevating incredible Asian performers. In my early days, it was a constant fight to be seen, but now we’re at a point where we can celebrate Asian excellence in the acting community! There is a need for authentic casting, and this event will highlight how talented our community is and how we can address those casting needs.”
Andrew Phung
Asian Performers Showcase
Presented by ACTRA Toronto in partnership with Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and in collaboration with the Casting Directors Society of Canada, the Asian Performers Showcase features a curated catalogue of 14 established and up-and-coming ACTRA Toronto Performers who are from pan-Asian communities and who self-identify as Asian. Performer profiles include a biography, self-tape, demo reel and contact information.
