If You Ask Me (IYAM) is a free program that supports emerging filmmakers with mental health and/or addiction experiences to develop a short film from their point of view in the company of like-minded peers in a supportive environment. Over the summer, a small group of filmmakers will be selected to engage in workshops on aspects of filmmaking and be exposed to professional artists who also take a personal standpoint to filmmaking. This is a paid opportunity and filmmakers will have an opportunity to screen their work at the 31st Annual Rendezvous with Madness Festival currently set to run October 10-20 2023. Participants will also receive a  $500.00 Trinity Square Video credit valid until December 31, 2023. These TSV credits can be used for rental gear, post-production services, workshops and DCPs.

IYAM will run in-person at Trinity Square Video (401 Richmond) July 8th – August 26 2023, every Saturdays 1- 4pm. Filmmakers are expected to take a self-directed approach to create their own films and will receive support and strategies throughout the program. All genres of film are welcome such as documentary, experimental, fiction, and animation; all devices for filmmaking are welcome whether it is phone, tablet, or any variety of camera!

The due date for applications is June 25th, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

We’re happy to introduce our ‘If You Ask Me’ (IYAM) Instructor for the summer, Robin Riad!

Robin Riad (@robinriad) is an Egyptian-Canadian Toronto-based experimental filmmaker. When not making films, she can be found teaching workshops, volunteering with local film festivals, and enjoying her time as a technician at the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.

We’re so excited for you to join Robin and us for the IYAM Program this summer at Trinity Square Video.

If You Ask Me 2022 participants from top left to right: Esteban Powell, Shian Grace, Agnes Wong, Mikaela Cordero,  Gladys Lou, Sanskruti Marathe

Applications are due June 25th, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT.

If you have questions about IYAM submissions, please contact:
Scott Miller Berry
Managing Director
416-583-4339, ext. 5
scott_millerberry@workmanarts.com
If You Ask Me is generously supported by the Aubrey and Marla Dan Foundation:
Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation

– an honorarium for participation
– a screening opportunity at Rendezvous with Madness Festival 2023
– a screening fee
– a festival pass to attend all RWM events
– personalized mentorship
– Access to equipment rentals from Trinity Square Video and $500.00 rental credit towards rental gear, post-production services, workshops and DCPs. Valid until Dec 31. 2023
– connections with film and festival networks and potential collaborators
– future leadership opportunities with IYAM and Workman Arts

Filmmakers who:
– are between the ages of 16-25
– are available from July 8th – August 26th 2023 for in person workshops at Trinity Square Video every Saturdays
– have some basic filmmaking experience
– are keen on furthering their professional experience in filmmaking

Click here to apply online.

Workman Arts also invites submissions in the following format:

  • Paper sent by mail
  • Oral format*
  • ASL

*This includes: an interview by phone or video conferencing (Zoom, Skype, or Meet), a voice recording (MP3 or WAV), or a video recording (MP4, AVI, or MOV)

Please get in touch before June 13th to make accessibility arrangements. Proposals will not be judged based on the format of the submission.