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.
Specifically, the Pre-Screening Committee is tasked with viewing films submitted to DRIFF via the FilmFreeway platform; they may also be asked to give a second look to solicited films, which are those that DRIFF's Director of Programming seeks out. Typically, we appoint six pre-screeners each year and they are divided into pairs and then assigned a selection of films. We always have at least two people watching the same film given artistic judgment is inherently subjective. Then, the Director of Programming will watch any recommended films and those marked as a ‘maybe’ to make a final decision.
The Committee is made up of mostly Durham Region residents and we invite an award winner from the previous year’s festival to take part. This year’s participating award-recipient is Minerva Navasa, who took home last year’s Best Student Film prize for her short film Desync.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to this year’s Pre-Screening Committee, who shared a little about themselves, including why they volunteer their time with DRIFF and a favourite film.
Ross Mendigorin
Ross is a filmmaker and photographer from Pickering with a Film and Media Arts degree from York University. He’s worked on everything from professional sets to student projects and personal films. When he’s not making short films for his YouTube channel, 'Painted Post,' you can usually find him in a theatre, absorbing as many films as humanly possible.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
I wanted to support DRIFF because it provides a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with a passionate audience. It also allows me to meet future collaborators, and keep an eye on the up-and-coming!
A favourite film: It's hard to pick one. So, 'It’s a Wonderful Life', 'The Fabelmans', or 'Good Will Hunting'.
Emily Nighman
Emily is a film professional and writer whose experience includes supporting the coordination of the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards with the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the “In Conversation with…” series at TIFF 2024. Other recent roles include Contributing Writer at The Film Magazine, Features Programming Committee Member at the Grand River Film Festival, and Researcher at the Film Music Foundation. She also holds an MA in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
I’m very excited to be a part of the DRIFF pre-screening committee for this year’s festival. I’m passionate about uplifting the stories of emerging and established filmmakers from Canada and around the world, and sharing excellent films with the community. I’m pleased to contribute to the 2025 festival and can’t wait to see you all in October!
A favourite film: It’s so hard to choose just one favourite film, so this time I’ll say Casablanca.
Daniel Mikla
Daniel Mikla believes in change for the betterment of people. He recognizes the impact of film and media, and uses it to educate and create discussion. However, he believes film should also make you feel emotions while telling a fun, heart-racing, and dramatic story. Daniel’s goal is to create things worthy of the eyes of his peers and the souls of the hurting, to make people think deeper about the simple things in life.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
I suddenly became driven to fulfill my dream of becoming a filmmaker (and working with Pedro Pascal), so I began writing short films. With the support of my close friends, I plan to be able to contribute to next year's DRIFF. As someone who grew up in the Durham Region, I am honoured to be involved this year and am excited to see the creative works of people who share the same passion.
A favourite film: Good Will Hunting (1997) Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Jennifer O’leary
Jennifer O'Leary is the Creative Director at East 1760 Photography & Co and blends her expertise as a photographer with over two decades of Arts education. Her Masters in Communication and Culture from York University & TMU enriches her creative approach.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
I was interested in getting involved with DRIFF because I think we need to support film festivals outside of TIFF as not all film fans want to go into Toronto for TIFF.
A favourite film: I always say I have two as I can't decide between Café de Flore and Incendies.
Minerva Navasca
Minerva Navasca is a Filipina-Canadian filmmaker focused on exploring stories of cultural dysphoria and girlhood with intimate specificity. She grounds her films in her own experiences, stating “I want to make films about subjects that make me uncomfortable”. And so, Minerva delves into perspectives steeped in anxiety and internalized shame, using the medium to interrogate the socio-political roots of these beliefs. In sharing these narratives, she hopes to stir empathetic discourse and self-compassion within audiences.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
As a filmmaker, I always wanted to learn more about festival programming and how film festivals work behind the scenes. I was lucky enough to screen at DRIFF last year, and thought it would be a great learning experience to get involved!
A favourite film: Currently torn between Bones and All and Days of Heaven!
Helaina Wood
Helaina is the supervisor for Kats Cleaning Service and an active volunteer with multiple organizations, including Second Marsh and DRIFF. She has been passionate about nature and movies from a very young age. In her free time, Helaina enjoys curling up with her cats to watch a movie, kayaking, cooking, and crafting stories.
Why are you interested in supporting DRIFF?
I have attended DRIFF in a Jiff for many years, where I have been able to join others in discussing and reviewing movies. DRIFF’s Chair, Karen Burwell, encouraged me to become a Pre-Screener and I am honoured to hold this position. Movies have always been a source of inspiration, joy, and an escape for me. I am fascinated with the stories, worlds, and characters created by the film industry. I love all the aspects of it and truly appreciate all the different fields and work that go into the making of a film or TV series.
A favourite film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
We are grateful for the contributions and insights of this year’s Committee members!
If you’re interested in becoming a Pre-Screening Committee member for next year’s Festival, please reach out to programming@driff.ca.