By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

The name Will Packer isn't known to many outside of the confines of what's moving and shaking in Black Hollywood.

But thanks to the savvy folks at leading film industry trade publication Daily Variety, that's about to change.

The Rainforest Films co-founder and chairman has been heralded as one of the "10 Producers To Watch" and will be feted on September 7 in Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival.

"The first thing I thought was 'Wow! Good thing I beat out #11,'" Packer told The BV Newswire. "Then it hit me that it's great to be recognized for doing what I love. Now I just want to continue my mission of making quality films that speak to people. Hopefully this won't be the last time I'm on one of these lists!"

Rainforest Films is the Atlanta based film production and distribution company responsible for producing and overseeing the company's studio-financed and self-financed films and distribution projects.

Some of their most notable vehicles include the tantalizing urban drama 'Trois,' which was the company's first film to be released theatrically. Grossing $1.2 million dollars, the film became the fastest million dollar grossing film distributed by African Americans, according to a spokesperson for Packer.

Based on the initial success as an independent distributor, Packer brokered a profitable partnership in 2001 between Rainforest Films and Sony's Columbia Tri-Star to produce and distribute urban films, including the 'Trois' sequel 'The Escort,' 'Motives' and 'The Gospel.'

Rainforest really hit paydirt earlier this year when 'Stomp The Yard' grossed over $75 million dollars worldwide and became its largest project to date.

Packer and business partner Rob Hardy recently served as executive producers on the the hot and steamy 'Motives 2' and are planning to move forward with 'Bone Deep,' a movie in development with Overbrook Productions.

On November 21, Sony/Screen Gems will release the Packer-produced good natured family film, 'This Christmas,' which stars Regina King, Idris Elba, Lauren London, Mekhi Phifer, Columbus Short, Laz Alonzo, Delroy Lindo, Loretta Devine, Keith Robinson, David Banner, Ricky Harris, and Sharon Leal.

Next year, the Florida A&M University scholar plans to go into production with the urban remake of the classic film, 'The Big Chill.'