Release - Oct 26, 2007

Call for Nominations: THE ROBERTO AWARD

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is dedicated to supporting the independent film community and celebrating the medium of film. LIFT provides an enthusiastic and respectful environment within which members can share their talents, knowledge, and resources in order to express themselves creatively through film.

Roberto Ariganello was LIFT former Executive Director from 2003 until 2006 when he passed away. His tireless work in the community and his enthusiasm for film affected countless artists, arts organizations, administrators, students, and film lovers. A regular feature at Toronto screenings and art events, he brought humour, generosity, and eagerness to debate current arts issues.

Roberto spent many years working and advocating on behalf of media artists through his employment at LIFT and his volunteer board contribution to the arts community in Toronto. He became LIFT's ED in April of 2003 and prior to this was LIFT's Equipment and Workshop Coordinator. Roberto contributed to such organizations as the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (CFMDC), Pleasure Dome, Cultural Careers Council of Ontario (CCCO), Humber College, Workman Theatre and the Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA). Roberto graduated from Ryerson University and was a practicing filmmaker and photographer who exhibited his work internationally.

THE ROBERTO is an annual cash award presented to an individual who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the film community through devoted volunteerism, selfless mentorship, and/or the introduction of bold initiatives while maintaining his/her own art practice using celluloid in a stubbornly revolutionary and celebratory way.

An individual can nominate no more than one (1) person per submission. The successful recipient will determined by a jury of community members and will receive a cash award of $1000. THE ROBERTO 2007 will be presented at our annual Silent Auction and Holiday Party to be held in mid December.

To submit a nomination, please send the following information:
- Your name
- Your contact information (mailing address, telephone, e-mail)
- Nominee's Name
- Nominee's Contact Information (mailing address, telephone, e-mail)
- What the nominee does in the film community
- Why are you nominating this person (maximum 1 page)
- While is not mandatory please provide samples of the nominee's work, if possible

DEADLINE: Monday, November 19, 2007

Send to submissions to the office:
THE ROBERTO Award
c/o Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto
301–171 East Liberty Street
Toronto, Ontario M6K 3P6

Or by e-mail: submissions(at)LIFT.on.ca (put "THE ROBERTO Award" in subject heading)