“It Comes in Waves” Dominates Reelworld Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary, Winning Five Major Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – October 21, 2025 – Opening Night Film It Comes in Waves, the powerful debut feature from Haitian Canadian filmmaker Fitch Jean, claimed five prestigious awards — including Outstanding Feature Film — at the 25th Anniversary Reelworld Film Festival, solidifying its position as one of Canada’s most compelling cinematic achievements of 2025. The film premiered as the Opening Night selection at The Royal Theatre in Toronto on October 16, 2025.

Festival Triumph

It Comes in Waves earned top honors in multiple categories: Outstanding Feature Film for director Fitch Jean, Outstanding Feature Actor for Adrian Walters, Outstanding Feature Producer for Amir Zargara, Outstanding Feature Cinematographer for Jelan Maxwell, and Outstanding Feature Writer for Sammy Mohamed. The win follows the film’s Audience Award at the Sidewalk Film Festival and a warmly received Canadian premiere at Cinefest Sudbury.

“Having It Comes in Waves open Reelworld’s 25th anniversary was an incredible honor, and to win five major awards including Outstanding Feature Film is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Fitch Jean. “Reelworld has always been a beacon for stories that might otherwise go untold. I hope audiences see themselves in these characters’ struggles and recognize that healing isn’t linear — it truly comes in waves.”

About the Film

Set against the backdrop of the Rwandan diaspora in Canada, It Comes in Waves follows Akai (Adrian Walters), a young man caring for his sister Zera (Nendia Lewars) after their mother’s health declines. Having fled Rwanda’s genocide, the family rebuilds their lives in Ottawa while confronting intergenerational trauma, family duty, and displacement.

The film — Jean’s first feature-length narrative — represents a major creative evolution for the filmmaker, who has screened work at 50+ international festivals. Shot over 14 days across Ottawa, Perth, and Toronto, the production features authentic Kinyarwanda dialogue performed by members of Ottawa’s Rwandan community for cultural accuracy and emotional authenticity.

Cast and Crew Highlights

The ensemble cast includes Olunike Adeliyi (Flashpoint, Titans), Brandon McKnight (The Flash, The Shape of Water), Emmanuel Kabongo (Outer Banks, Star Trek: Discovery), Marium Carvell (Schitt’s Creek), Ryan Rosery, McKenzie Small, and Nendia Lewars. Walters delivers a breakout performance in his first feature role after notable TV work in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Porter.

The film was produced by Amir Zargara, with executive producers Fitch Jean, Weggon Allen, Sam Ibrahim, Franckie Francois, and Lovell Adams-Gray. The screenplay was written by Sammy Mohamed from a story by Jean, with cinematography by Jelan Maxwell.

Distribution and Festival Run

It Comes in Waves has secured Canadian distribution through Mongrel Media, one of the nation’s leading independent distributors. Following its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Miami (June 2025), the film continues its festival run with upcoming screenings at the Austin Film Festival, Urbanworld Film Festival (New York), Windsor International Film Festival, and the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival.

About “It Comes in Waves”

It Comes in Waves is a deeply personal Canadian independent film exploring themes of memory, grief, identity, and spiritual transcendence. Through its intimate portrait of the immigrant experience, the film becomes a universal story of resilience and healing, brought to life by an exceptional ensemble and Jean’s visionary direction.

About Reelworld Film Festival

Founded in 2001 by award-winning actress and producer Tonya Williams, the Reelworld Film Festival promotes racial equity and career advancement for Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Colour in Canada’s screen industries. Now celebrating 25 years, Reelworld remains a cornerstone of Canadian cinema, championing diverse voices and transformative storytelling.