Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is an artist-run charitable organization dedicated to facilitating excellence in the moving image through media arts education and production resources. 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. Founded in 1981 by a small collective, LIFT has since grown to become one of the foremost centres of its kind globally.

Vision

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto will be the primary community hub for film-related practices and will facilitate the sustainability and production of media art on a local, national and international level.

Mission

LIFT is a member-driven non-profit organization that provides affordable access to equipment, education and space for those who want to make films, out of a passion for, and commitment to, the practice of filmmaking.

Values

• Diversity in all its manifestations, including race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexuality, class, age, disability, immigration status, film genre and level of experience as a filmmaker.
• Affordable and equitable access to services and programs that minimize economic barriers to creating films.
• The materiality and technology of working with celluloid as a medium.
• Developing and cultivating the “cinematic” qualities within digital cinema and new platforms.
• Serving as a community hub for filmmakers and artists.
• Providing quality service to an engaged and participatory membership.
• Providing a space for diverse communities to produce representations on their own terms.

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto is supported by its membership, Canada Council for the Arts (Media Arts Section), Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ontario Arts Foundation, the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.