Introducing DRIFF’s Pre-Screening Committee!
Each year, DRIFF assembles a cohort of ‘pre-screeners’ to aid in the festival’s film selection process. Pre-screeners are film lovers who volunteer their time by watching and evaluating short and feature films in consideration, and they play an essential part in shaping the Festival’s final line-up.
Too see more information and who the members are, click HERE
2025 Film Submissions are now open!
We are once again reaching out to established and aspiring filmmakers alike! The submissions for the 2025 Durham Region International Film Festival are now open!
By submitting your films, you will have the chance to win cash prizes in the following categories:
Best Student Film - $700 cash prize
Best Canadian Short Film - $700 cash prize
Best International Short Film - $700 cash prize
Best Regional Film - $700 cash prize
People's Choice Award - $700 cash prize
Early Bird submissions will be accepted until March 1st, with regular submissions open until May 1st. The Submissions will close on June 30th. All submissions should be made through Film Freeway.
Click HERE to submit your film!
Meet Our Team!
Click here to meet the amazing team that helps make DRIFF possible!
Meet our Director of Programming!
Jessica Smith is an arts professional with more than twenty years of international film and events programming experience. She is currently serving as both the Programming and Projects Producer for TIFF Lightbox and the Director of Programming for the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF). Throughout her career, Jessica has worked for many esteemed festivals and media organizations including the Tribeca Film Festival, BAMcinématek, the BFI London Film Festival, Sky Cinema, Sky Arts and the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. Prior to rejoining TIFF in 2022, first as the interim Manager of TIFF Cinematheque, Jessica served as the Director of Programming for Toronto’s restored Paradise Theatre where she curated a diverse range of film, music, comedy and multi-arts events.
Dive into the DRIFF Archives
If you've ever been curious about which films have screened at DRIFF, the full catalogue is now available!
Visit the DRIFF archives to see film synopses, trailers and even links to watch films dating back to DRIFF’s inception in 2017.
Connecting communities by the power of film
Since 2017, DRIFF has been dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and community from within the Durham Region. Program offerings have included an annual film festival, monthly shorts programs, a high school film program and outdoor drive-in film screenings. DRIFF recently embarked on a strategic planning process which will serve as a guidepost for the organization in years to come. We hope you join us on this exciting new journey.
Become a
DRIFF Insider
Find us on social media and Film Freeway. Stay connected by clicking on the button below to receive DRIFF email updates.
DRIFF CHAMPIONS
Sponsors and Supporting Organizations
“A ‘must enter’ for any aspiring and seasoned filmmaker. Great people talking, living and loving great movies!”
