2022 Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship, supporting the development of scholarship or research-creation that activates the archive. For over four decades, TIFF has been committed to transforming the way people see the world through film. Central to this commitment is their pledge to preserve and promote Canada’s moving-image culture through educational initiatives and learning opportunities. The application

About 2022 Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship

TIFF encourages proposals from scholars, researcher-creators, and artists whose project would benefit from the unique collections of the FRL. Applications were previously accepted from MA, PhD, and post-doc students exclusively. In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of film and media research, and the diversity of methodological approaches within the field, we have expanded the eligibility requirements to include those enrolled in any master’s program who are pursuing related research.

This Scholarship provides the recipient access to the extensive resources and collections of the FRL for one month between January 2023 and July 2023. On-site access to research materials will be conducted safely and in line with COVID-19 protocols. Digital research may be possible, depending on the Special Collection and the research material requested. The successful applicant will be provided with a stipend of $1,000 CAD, a designated office space, and access to the FRL’s collections in support of their research.

Special Collections of particular interest may include the

• archives of experimental filmmaker Mike Hoolboom;
• Conquering Lion Pictures Archive of materials related to the works of filmmakers Clement Virgo and Damon D’Oliveira;
• Deepa Mehta Archive;
• Prospector Films Collection;
• Divani Films collection;
• Patricia Rozema Collection;
• Bruce McDonald Collection; and
• archives of score composer Christopher Dedrick.

Eligibility Criteria for Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1.  Enrolment in a full-time master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral programme at an accredited post-secondary institution.
2.  A proposal for research or a creative project that activates the archive and deepens knowledge about Canadian film and media. It must be clearly demonstrated through the application that the applicant’s project would benefit from access to the FRL collections.
3. Legal eligibility to work in Canada as part of studies.

As part of TIFF’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the Canadian film and media industries, TIFF encourages and prioritizes applications from equity deserving groups. We encourage you to self-identify in your application.

Selection Criteria for Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship

TIFF will use the following criteria to determine the successful candidate:

1. The relevance of the project as it relates to the current field of cinema and media studies, cultural studies, archival studies, or other areas of specialization.
2. The originality and sophistication of the methodological approach.
3. The feasibility of the research objectives.
4. The applicant’s need for access to the FRL’s collection.

Application Components

To be considered for the Jeffrey and Sandra Lyons Canadian Film Scholarship, applicants should supply the following:

1. A statement of interest of no more than 500 words describing your project and how you believe the FRL holdings and resources will benefit you.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Two letters of recommendation sent directly to TIFF from two references. Appropriate references include past or current employers, or faculty members who can speak to your scholarly work. References must state how long they have known the applicant and in what capacity.
4. A timeline of the research project and a list of the topics you are researching.
5. Optional: A writing sample or portfolio work that demonstrates an ability to communicate research. Please provide a Vimeo or Google Drive link to any moving-image clips (no more than 10 minutes long in total).