Technical Orientation 2026: Introduction to the Darkroom
LIFT TECHNICAL ORIENTATION 2026:
INTRODUCTION TO THE DARKROOM
February 10, 2026—The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is happy to announce our Technical Orientation series, specifically designed to assist our membership to gain experience with our wide range of equipment and facilities.
Join LIFT’s Technical Department and Finnish Visiting Artist Lotta Hurnanen for an introduction to our Darkroom. The LIFT Darkroom is our most popular facility, but it’s also our most mysterious! Have you wanted to rent the darkroom, but weren’t sure where to start? Do you need a refresher after taking a processing workshop? This is the perfect opportunity for you!
This is an opportunity for members to get hands-on experience in LIFT’s Darkroom and learn the necessary skills in order to book this facility and successfully develop their own motion picture films. This Technical Orientation will cover all the basics of darkroom etiquette and how to develop a roll of 16mm black and white motion picture film in a Lomo tank.
Participants are welcome to bring in an exposed, but unprocessed, roll of Kodak 3378 16mm High-Contrast Black and White Film or Kodak 7222 16mm Double-X Black and White Negative Film.
Participants are encouraged to bring the following items:
– Black and white negative 16mm film stock to develop
– Protective gear (gloves, apron, goggles)
There will be some protective gear available, but it may be limited and the condition of the gear will vary. LIFT will provide black and white chemistry (developer and fixer), as well as the necessary tools needed to develop 16mm film stock.
Note: This is not a general 16mm overview, so there will be no instruction on 16mm cameras. This Technical Orientation is designed for filmmakers who are looking to be introduced to, or a refresher on, the Darkroom and will be a basic overview on the Darkroom. For more in-depth information about film processing, we highly recommend taking one of our Seasonal Workshops.
Details:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
LIFT Facility
1137 Dupont Street
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost:
$50.00 per participant. Space is limited to 5 participants.
Theis orientation is only open to LIFT Individual Members (any level).
Any non-renting members will have to upgrade their membership to a renting level in order to rent the Darkroom after the Orientation is completed.
Must register in advance via our online system. No drop-ins.
Registration link coming soon.
Registration deadline is 5:00pm ET on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Facilitators:
Lotta Hurnanen is an artist and a gardener working in Helsinki, Finland. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree from the Time and Space department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki in 2024. She works in the fields of analogue filmmaking, photography, and printmaking. Her practice revolves around the theme of connecting with landscapes and the more-than-human world, delving into questions of agency, materiality, and representation.
Robin Riad is an experimental filmmaker and arts administrator. Robin works with analogue mediums, and enjoys exploring the materiality of film in her work. When not making films, Robin spends her time teaching workshops and volunteering at local arts organizations.
The LIFT Facility is accessible. Please email us know if you require additional accommodations not listed on our website: https://lift.ca/accessibility-at-lift
Questions and accessibility inquiries should be emailed to:
LIFT Special Project Manager Robin Riad at specialprojects@lift.ca
Subject Heading: Technical Orientation Darkroom Session – First and Last Name
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).
Please consider donating to our 45 for 45 campaign at https://lift.ca/donate
Tuesday 10 February 2026 – Wednesday 18 February 2026
Non-members: Not available
Members: $50.00
Location:
Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)
1137 Dupont Street
Toronto Ontario