FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRIFF 2020 offers safe alternatives to live, in-person film screenings in new virtual and drive-in format

DURHAM REGION, ON, September 9, 2020 - The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) has reimagined how to deliver incredible films to a growing festival audience amidst the challenge of a global pandemic. The festival runs October 1-3 offering three days of carefully selected virtual programming from around the globe with a focus on Ontario and Durham Region productions.

DRIFF will close the festival with a drive-in movie experience at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa.

Offering six feature-length screening programs online over three days, a festival pass can be purchased for $20 to gain access to the entire 2020 line-up. DRIFF 2020 weaves the common theme ‘Community Re-Imagined’ throughout the tapestry of programs which is composed of shorts, features, documentaries and narrative films.

“We’re really excited about this year’s new format,” says Carla Sinclair, DRIFF Chair. “The virtual component of the festival is new and offers Ontario residents a fantastic selection of films at the click of a button. The ability to access this kind of content extends far beyond Durham Region and helps to promote the incredible artists creating this type of work.”

DRIFF DAY 1 kicks off with the world premiere of COMPANY TOWN, a feature documentary that follows the union and workers who mobilize and fight to save General Motors from closing operations after 100 years of building automobiles in Oshawa.

PERCY starring Christopher Walken and Christina Ricci also screens on DRIFF DAY 1, prior to its theatrical release on October 9th. The film follows 70-year-old Saskatchewan farmer, Percy Schmeiser, who takes on a giant corporation after their GMOs interfere with his crops.

DRIFF DAY 2 offers a selection of international films, stories and characters followed by a livestream conversation with filmmakers from around the world.

Kirk Cooper, DRIFF Director of Programming, says the caliber of student films blew him away this year. Don’t miss the Student Showcase on DRIFF DAY 3 and witness the next generation of heavy hitting directors take flight.

“In a time when people are thirsty to gather and connect, DRIFF 2020 offers safe alternatives to live, inperson events,” says Sinclair. “Gather in your living room or host a screening in the backyard. Get creative and set up your ideal movie-viewing space, favourite snacks and beverages. If you are lucky enough to snag one of the limited drive-in spots, cuddle up in your vehicle for an evening of great films by homegrown artists.”

A panel of independent judges will award cash prizes to four films. The winners are to be announced at the closing screening and awards ceremony as the festival wraps up at the drive-in on October 3rd.

DRIFF also provides three days of specially curated screenings for Durham high school students in collaboration with G.L. Roberts C.V.I in Oshawa. This educational component happens November 4-6 and provides students with rich and varied film experiences that challenge them to think critically about wide-ranging issues. This year’s themes include: ‘Isolation and Coping Strategy,’ ‘The Black Experience’ and ‘Environment and Sustainable Food.’ DRIFF EDU programs aim to inspire young, creative minds to contemplate the possibilities provided by today’s age of digital storytelling.

Tickets, festival passes and program information are available now at driff.ca.

About The Durham Region International Film Festival

DRIFF is a local non-profit proudly dedicated to promoting arts, culture, education, and community involvement in Durham Region.

For more information, media contact and interview requests please contact Laurie Turner at info@driff.ca. To learn more about the festival, visit: https://www.driff.ca/ or follow social media channels. Find DRIFF on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CatchTheDRIFF/ or via Twitter and Instagram accounts @catchthedriff. For volunteer opportunities, email Phil La Rosa at volunteer@driff.ca.