Call for Applications: Guiding The Future – Collaborative Planning for Senior Filmmakers
THE LIAISON OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS OF TORONTO (LIFT)
ANNOUNCES CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:
GUIDING THE FUTURE: COLLABORATIVE PLANNING FOR SENIOR FILMMAKERS
Toronto, June 27, 2025—The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is seeking statements of interest from filmmakers aged sixty-five (65) of age and above to participate in a year-long workshop series that aims to address the needs and opportunities of senior filmmakers.
“Guiding the Future: Collaborative Planning for Senior Filmmakers” is a year-long workshop series and collaborative strategy sessions designed to address the specific needs of Senior Filmmakers. The workshops will cover practical skills and facilitate peer-to-peer discussions on a variety of topics. We will select up to ten (10) filmmakers to join us at LIFT in Toronto from August 2025 to August 2026 to partake in workshops and discussion sessions.
NOTE: 65 is not a hard number. If you are near that age and feel these workshops can apply to you, we encourage you to submit an application.
Topics will be varied, and can include:
– Aging, Illness and Filmmaking
– Using New Digital Tools
– Applying for Grants and other Arts Opportunities via Online Portals
– Archiving Your Films and Collections Management
– Reigniting Interest in Older Projects
– Future Proofing Your Legacy
– Donating Your Creative Practise Archive
– Estate Management for Filmmakers
These topics can fluctuate according to selected participants’ requests.
Meetings will occur in-person on a bi-weekly basis during LIFT’s business hours (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm). The exact time of the meetings will be determined by participants’ availability at the start of the workshop series.
LIFT will serve light refreshments during the discussion sessions and will support participants’ travel expenses to and from the LIFT facility.
Applicant Eligibility:
– Be a filmmaker aged sixty-five (65) of age and above.
– However, 65 is not a hard number. If you are near that age and feel these workshops can apply to you, we encourage you to submit an application.
– There is no location restriction, however the program is best suited for those living near the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area areas (GTHA) or within commuting distance from the city in order to participate. A modest travel subsidy is available to selected participants.
Interested filmmakers should submit the following:
– Statement of Interest (500 word limit)
– Include how you heard about the call for this program
– Some hurdles they face as senior filmmakers
– If necessary, please identify any necessary accommodations you need so we can support you through the application process and into the workshop phase
LIFT welcomes applicants from all creatives, and strongly encourages applications who identify as candidates from equity priority groups; using the current Toronto Arts Council definition as outlined in the TAC’s Equity Framework.
Application Deadline: 10:00am ET on Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, July 25, 2025
All questions and applications should be sent to:
LIFT Summer 2025 Conference and Meeting Planner Ben Compton at bcompton@lift.ca
Subject Heading: Call for Applications: Guiding the Future 2025 – First and Last Name
Alternatively, you can mail applications to:
Guiding the Future: Collaborative Planning for Senior Filmmakers
c/o Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)
1137 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Mailed applications must reach LIFT no later than Wednesday, July 23, 2025
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).
Starting: Friday 27 June 2025 00:00
Non Members: Free to apply.
Members: Free to apply.
Location:
Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)
1137 Dupont Street
Toronto Ontario