DRIFF: Alumni Spotlight 2018
In 2018, the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) was building its path to become the film festival it is today by honouring a select few to accept awards for their inspiring work in the film industry. DRIFF wants to shine a spotlight on important alumni, what they have done since DRIFF, and where they are today. This week DRIFF will shine a spotlight on the winners of the Best Short Film, Best Student Film, and the People's Choice Award for that year’s festival.
In 2018 Jérémy Comte won Best Short Film award for his film titled FAUVE, let’s look at what Jérémy has been up to since DRIFF saw him last. Comte has kept busy since showcasing his short, he has been producing music videos, writing shorts and directing his newly released feature film Paradise (2026). Jérémy has won 27 awards for FAUVE including Short Filmmaking Award at Sundance Film festival and Best Live Action Short Drama at the Canadian Screen Awards. On top of that Jeremy has been nominated for 11 awards for FAUVE and even got nominated for Best Live Action Short Film Academy at the 2019 Oscars.
The next alumni we’d like to focus on is Maria Eriksson-Hecht who won Best Student Film for directing Schoolyard Blues. Maria is known for her films Kevlar Jal, If You Leave Me Now, and Annalyn in the years between her beginning, her film presence at DRIFF, and her work today. She has gone on to achieve many accomplishments such as winning Best Short at the Munich International Festival of Film Schools and Juror’s Choice Award, along with 32 separate awards. Maria went on to direct 13 shorts and films, and even a few episodes on 2 shows including Thunder in My Heart.
The final alumni spotlight mention for 2018 is Akash Sherman for the film Clara which won the People's Choice Award. Akash has since written the 2025 film Singhs in the Ring which won 5 awards from festivals across Canada, including Alberta Film & Television Awards, Calgary International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of South Asisa in Toronto. Sherman has also done work in visual effects for multiple music videos, even working with The Tragically Hip for their songs Not Necessary and Ouch.
The achievements of DRIFF’s 2018 alumni reflect the festival’s ongoing commitment to identifying and supporting exceptional creative voices. From Oscar nominated directors to editing music videos for one of the most iconic bands in Canada, these filmmakers continue to elevate the industry, and DRIFF is proud to have been part of their early journeys.