DRIFF turns 10 with a lineup worth celebrating

Whitby, Ontario – The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) celebrates a decade of film and storytelling with a new lineup of Canadian and international films and special events at venues across the region.

Supported by Invest Durham through Film Durham’s work to grow and strengthen Durham Region’s film sector, DRIFF returns October 22 to 24, opening with Sundance Audience Award-winner Hold Onto Me. Closing night features Take Me Home, the 2025 recipient of the Tribeca Festival AT&T Untold Stories grant. Canadian talent is also in the spotlight, with the Ontario premiere of Prince Edward Island filmmaker Jenna MacMillan’s The Snake, alongside multiple Canadian entries in DRIFF's short programmes. 

There’s more to experience than what’s on screen at DRIFF’s 10th anniversary celebration. Festival-goers can connect with filmmakers during Q&As, enjoy red carpet photo opportunities and sample food from across the region at the Local Culinary Showcase. Go behind the scenes of movie making with an interactive workshop on creating period makeup looks and acting tips for film.

New this year, Myth2Market: The Future of Movie Making Summit on October 23 explores what’s next for the screen industry, from artificial intelligence and virtual production to visual effects, sustainable filmmaking and opportunities to grow film production and investment in Durham Region.

Festival highlights include:

October 22: Opening night at the Centennial Building in Whitby featuring Hold Onto Me, winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival.

October 23: The Peak Pressure shorts programme at the Ajax Centre for the Arts followed by the Ontario premiere of Canadian feature The Snake.

October 24: The Push Back shorts programme, closing-night feature Take Me Home, the DRIFF Awards Ceremony and anniversary celebration at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa.

Tickets are $15 for opening night and $20 for each of the second and third days. For a limited time, ticket purchases also come with the chance to win one of six Night-Out Giveaway packages, featuring a one-night hotel stay, a restaurant gift card or voucher and two DRIFF tickets.

Tickets and full programme information are available at DRIFF.ca.

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About Film Durham:

Film Durham is a part of Invest Durham, the Region’s Economic Development and Tourism division, and is the main point of contact for the film and television industry in Durham Region. The region plays an important role in Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar film and TV industry due to its proximity to Toronto's production hub, film industry workforce, supporting businesses, studios and unique blend of filming locations. Durham Region’s film and TV production sites include a dedicated film studio, Canada’s largest filming backlot, post-production facilities and one of Canada’s top 10 filming locations.

About DRIFF: 

DRIFF is a not-for-profit film festival rooted in the communities of Durham. DRIFF engages a diverse network of audiences, filmmakers and collaborators to promote film as a form of creative expression and a catalyst for community building. Find out more at driff.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.