ShopLIFT

On Thursday, March 17th the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) calls all closet movie stars to trot out their best acting chops and live out their wildest movie-geek dreams during its annual fundraising event, ShopLIFT. Hosted by critically acclaimed Canadian actor, writer, and director Anand Rajaram, the event will celebrate LIFT’s 30th anniversary with a live silent auction and one of Toronto’s most popular movie karaokes.

Items to be auctioned include a myriad of cinematic and non-cinematic treats for everyone. Film production services, gallery memberships, tickets to dance and theatre shows, dinners for two, and yoga passes are among the 100+ items.

There will also be one-of-a-kind donations from local musicians and film professionals. Buck 65, Tony Dekker (from Great Lake Swimmers), Gentleman Reg, Oh Susanna, Andrew Scott (from Sloan) and Andrew Whiteman (from Broken Social Scene and Apostle of Hustle) will each score a credit sequence for a 2–4 minute segment of film for the highest bidder. Other priceless items include two 2-hour sessions with award-winning director/producer Ingrid Veninger (Modra, Only), a 30 minute session with leading Canadian entertainment lawyer Michael Levine, and a spaghetti dinner for 4 cooked by the Torontonians, a youth collective of Parkdale artists.

The silent bidding will be paired with a Movie-oke, one of the only film karaokes in town, offering the chance for anyone to perform the dialogue of scenes from cinematic classics to pop clichés. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Bob Wiseman (piano), Glenn Fraser (guitar), Mark Hundevad (percussion), Stacey McLeod (saw), and Jordan O’Connor (bass).

All ShopLIFT proceeds will go towards LIFT and its commitment to supporting independent filmmaking. The event will take place on Thursday, March 17th, 2011 at 9:00pm at The Garrison, 1197 Dundas Street West (just West of Ossington Avenue). Tickets are $8 General and $5 LIFT Members and Students. For a full list of items check http://auction.lift.on.ca

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is Canada’s foremost artist-run production and education organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in the moving image. LIFT exists to provide support and encouragement for independent filmmakers and artists through affordable access to production, post-production and exhibition equipment; professional and creative development; workshops and courses; commissioning and exhibitions; artist-residencies; and a variety of other services. http://www.LIFT.on.ca