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 32nd Annual Rendezvous with Madness Festival currently set to run October 2024.
IYAM will run in-person at LIFT – Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (1137 Dupont Street at Dufferin) July 8th – September 9th, 2024, every Monday 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!
The due date for applications is June 19th, 2024 at 11:59 PM EDT.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
We’re happy to introduce our ‘If You Ask Me’ (IYAM) Instructor for 2024, 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 LIFT – Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.
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 19th, 2024 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:
WHAT WILL THE FILMMAKER RECEIVE?
– an honorarium for participation
– a screening opportunity at Rendezvous with Madness Festival 2024
– a screening fee
– a festival pass to attend all RWM events
– personalized mentorship
– connections with film and festival networks and potential collaborators
– future leadership opportunities with IYAM and Workman Arts
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Filmmakers who:
– are between the ages of 18-30
– are available from July 8th – September 9th, 2024 for in person workshops at LIFT – Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (1137 Dupont Street at Dufferin) every Monday
– have some basic filmmaking experience
– are keen on furthering their professional experience in filmmaking
HOW TO APPLY
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.