If You Ask Me, Youth Filmmaking Program

If You Ask Me (IYAM) is a free program that supports emerging filmmakers (18-30 years old) 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 33rd annual Rendezvous with Madness Festival currently set to run October 23-November 2, 2025.

IYAM will run in-person at LIFT – Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (1137 Dupont Street at Dufferin) on 7 Mondays starting July 14 (except Statutory Holidays) from 2-5 PM. 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!

If You Ask Me 2024 participants: Cai Bell-Jerome, Noor Gatih, Gulzar, Mio Muyoboke, Katrina Rodriguez, Kurtis Watson, Sydney Waters.