LIFT Newcomer Filmmentor Program 2025 Presentations
LIFT NEWCOMER FILMMENTOR 2025 PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS
Toronto, May 6, 2026—The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto’s (LIFT) is pleased to welcome the newcomer filmmakers from our Newcomer Filmmentor 2025 Program to do a small presentation of their works in progress. We will get to see how their projects developed over the past year and get an idea of their future plans.
This was our fifth iteration of the Newcomer Filmmentor program since 2017. The project began when we became aware of an increased interest from newcomers who were either looking to translate their film experiences into a Canadian context or looking to transition into filmmaking. We look forward to sharing the results from the 2024 program.
Monday, May 11, 2026
LIFT Main Classroom
1137 Dupont Street
Presentations run from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
FREE for LIFT Members and non-members.
Space is limited to 30 spaces so seating is first come, first served.
Presentations by the following 2025 Newcomer Filmmentor pairings:
Experimental: Diwen Xu (mentee) and Faraz Anoushahpour (mentor)
Narrative: Odianosen Iyomon (mentee) and Martin Edralin (mentor)
Full details about the 2025 program can be found in the announcement from last year.
We are in the process of securing funding for future Newcomer Filmmentor Programs. Information on the next iteration of the program will be advertised upon successful acquisition of funding.
The 2025 edition of the Newcomer Filmmentor mentorship program is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council’s Grant for Newcomer and Refugee Arts Engagement, the Ravi Subramaniam Fund, and donated proceeds from the film “Rex vs. Singh,” directed by Richard Fung, John Greyson, and Ali Kazimi.
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The Toronto Arts Council’s Grant for Newcomer and Refugee Arts Engagement provides targeted funding to Toronto non-profit organizations and artist collectives engaging newcomers and refugees through the arts, supporting the integration and inclusion of newcomer communities to Toronto.
The Ravi Subramaniam Fund is a charitable fund that honours the legacy of Ravi Subramaniam and his interest in the arts and film. The fund was established by his colleagues on the occasion of his retirement as the Partnership and Hubs Development Lead at The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) in Toronto, Canada. Ravi is a leader in building innovative partnerships and cross sectoral collaborations involving the health, newcomer and social services sector.
Rex vs. Singh Based on the 1915 case of two Sikh mill workers who were entrapped by undercover police in Vancouver and accused of sodomy, “Rex vs. Singh” is a speculative exploration of the interplay between homophobia and racism in this little-known chapter of Canadian history. The piece is distributed by Vtape.
The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is Canada’s foremost artist-run production and education organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in the moving image. LIFT exists to provide support and encouragement for independent filmmakers and artists through affordable access to production, post-production and exhibition equipment; professional and creative development; workshops and courses; commissioning and exhibitions; artist residencies; and a variety of other services. http://lift.ca
LIFT is supported by self-generated revenue as well as the following year-round funders: the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), Ontario Arts Foundation, the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council (TAC).
As a charitable organization, LIFT graciously accepts donations via our CanadaHelps page. If you would like to support our filmmaking community, please visit https://lift.ca/donate
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For additional information please see https://lift.ca or email Education and Outreach Administrator Iman Abbaro at iabbaro@lift.ca
Follow this project on social media: #LiftFilm #LiftMember #LiftFilmmentor
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