The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto aims to 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. As a member-driven non-profit organization, LIFT exists to provide 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.

2023 has been the first year with no lockdown interruptions since 2019. 

This time last year we posed a question to ourselves and to our community: what does an artist-run-centre need to be in this new paradigm? We think we answered that question in multiple ways with all our activities this last year. And those activities have inspired even more ideas for 2024 and beyond. 

In order to continue to serve our community better, one thing is for certain: we need to do more than to just make ends meet. We need to thrive.

How can you help? Donate. 

Your donations are essential in helping us to continue to provide 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.  

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP

There are as many ways your donation can help support LIFT and independent filmmaking in Canada as there are films out there to be made. You can donate to our General fund but you can also be a bit more specific with where you would like your contribution to go towards. In response to our donors requests to help with specific areas we've outlined four categories you can choose to make a simple donation to:

Supporting the LIFT Capital Fund will see donations put towards capital purchases such as equipment and investment in our facilities. 

Donating to the Mara Da Costa Reis in Support of LIFT Production Grants will fund help LIFT fund our annual Support Grant for members. This fund is dedicated to the memory of Mara Da Costa Reis, a young Toronto actor, artist and filmmaker who passed away suddenly in February 2021 while she was in pre-production of her first short film “Sprout.” Every dollar donated to this fund will go towards supporting independent film projects that reflect Mara’s curiosity and creative spirit.

When you donate to LIFT's Community and Youth Projects you'll be supporting our specialized community programming that goes beyond our regular year-round programming. That means everything from panels to masterclasses, community collaborations, and ensure financial accessibility for all.

You can also donate to our two Artist Awards. 

The Josephine Massarella Artist Award assists female-identifying artists 50 years and older to return to filmmaking after a long absence. Eligible applicants are female-identifying, moving-image artists living within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, who have had to step away from artistic practice for at least five years and need support in the research and creation of a first new work on their return.

The Roberto Ariganello Memorial Fund was established to honour the legacy of Roberto Ariganello, the late LIFT Executive Director who did much to encourage artists to make films, and often reached out to redistribute excess film equipment across the country. Sadly, Roberto suddenly passed away in 2006 after delivering a Steenbeck editing system to the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP) in Halifax.

If you wish to make a donation to establish an award for filmmakers, specifically support another part of the organization, or donate equipment please contact LIFT directly at development@lift.ca