Shaftesbury is going back to school, with the announcement of a $30,000 sponsorship for the Etobicoke School of the Arts film program.

The Toronto-based producer and distribution house will donate the sum over the next three years to the program.

Additionally, the company launched the inaugural Shaftesbury Student Filmmaker Awards, handed out last week, to recognize achievement at each grade level of the school’s film program.

“Shaftesbury is committed to nurturing young talent – they are the future of our industry,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury, in a statement.

“We look forward to supporting the growth and evolution of ESA’s film program with our renewed sponsorship, and celebrating the creativity of the school’s filmmakers with our awards initiative,” she added.

The award winners were selected by a jury, chaired by film critic Adam Nayman, and received a $500 cash prize and the opportunity to spend the day on the set of a Shaftesbury production.