Filmmakers, apply for a residency at LIFT in Toronto
The call for alumni residency at Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (Canada) is open 1-29 February 2024. The residency is a three-month working period in autumn 2024.
Our residency programmes, aimed at the alumni of the Academy of Fine Arts, support post-graduate studies of visual artists in high-quality residences abroad in periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. The residencies are part of the joint project of Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts and the Saastamoinen Foundation, fostering the dialogue between fine arts education and the international art community.
LIFT – The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers is an artist-run production and educational media arts organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in the moving image. The programme is designed to support the selected artist in an individual production residence to create a film or installation using analog processes in Toronto, Canada. LIFT supports a wide range of production formats including regular 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, Super 16mm, 35mm and HD; film and digital editing; optical printers; contact printers; animation stands; a darkroom and more. Toronto offers a range of lab facilities, a large pool of experienced technicians and talent, a vibrant film community and a dynamic arts environment.
LIFT has specialized in production of different type of analogue films and it provides full equipment for post-production. LIFT has 500 members in Toronto and surroundings and together they possess all the knowledge on film making and moving image one can possibly need. Mentors may be hired when needed, in consultation with the artist. LIFT will also provide the artist access to workshops according to their needs.
Extract from the alumni blog of LIFT grantee 2023, Natalia Kozieł-Kalliomäki:
From the moment I walked into the lab, it was clear to me that this is a place where creativity and professionalism happens. The functionality of the place was exceptional. I was thoroughly impressed by every aspect of the entire studio, working suites, darkroom, equipment, and each machinery that I have fallen in love with. I was especially focusing on mastering animation stands, the JK optical printer, and the Oxberry 1700.
People that I had the pleasure to work with were simply outstanding. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do. Their enthusiasm was very infectious, and it was evident that they genuinely care about the quality of the work that they produce. The entire LIFT team warmly embraced me, creating the best atmosphere that resonated through each day. Despite my printmaking background they valued my project, made me feel included and supported throughout.