Montreal and Los Angeles-based writer, producer and director Aisling Chin-Yee (Plan B) is one of the industry professionals recognized for this year’s Reelworld Trailblazer Awards.

Each year, the Reelworld Screen Institute honours six racially diverse individuals for their efforts to improve and diversify the media and entertainment industry.

Other recipients for the 2024 awards include Omayra Issa, a journalist and anchor for the Ottawa-headquartered Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC); Toronto-based writer, producer and director Zarrar Kahn (In Flames); Vancouver-based film and TV producer Leena Minifie (Bones of Crows); Saskatoon, Sask.-based author, comedian and creator of Feather Entertainment Ryan Moccasin (The Feather News); and Toronto writer and producer Anthony Q. Farrell (Shelved).

Reelworld also feted and handed out the awards for the previously announced recipients of its Visionary Award and Award of Excellence at the Reelworld Summit, which took place this year from Oct. 22 to 23. The Reelworld Film Festival began on Oct. 21 and runs until Nov. 3.

The Visionary Award, which recognizes an individual for their behind the scenes work was given to FKB Media Solutions and FKB Media Productions Inc. founder Fennella Bruce. The Award of Excellence, which recognizes an individual whose excellence in film and TV has let to more authentic stories being told, was given to screenwriter, actor, director and playwright Sugith Varughese (Kim’s Convenience).

A virtual award show featuring all of Reelworld’s award recipients, including the upcoming 15 festival awards, is set to be streamed on the Reelworld Screen Institute’s YouTube on Nov. 3.

Image courtesy of Reelworld; pictured (L-R): Aisling Chin-Yee, Ryan Moccasin, Omayra Issa, Leena Minifie, Zarrar Kahn and Anthony Q. Farrell