Whitby film lovers will get first crack at the Durham Region International Film Festival's milestone 10th anniversary season this week, when a limited batch of discounted all-access passes goes on sale.
DRIFF returns October 22 to 24, with opening night screenings at the Centennial Building in downtown Whitby, according to a Region of Durham news release. Festival passes become available August 15 through Eventbrite and cost $35 plus fees — a pre-program offer that saves buyers $20 off the regular price.
The passes will only be sold from August 15 to September 14. The festival's full 10th anniversary lineup and program will be announced September 15.
The three-day pass covers entry to all festival events. DRIFF has also kept single-day prices low, the release notes: opening night tickets are $15, and admission on days two and three is $20 each, plus applicable fees.
A decade of film in Durham
DRIFF was founded in 2015 and established as a nonprofit in 2017. The festival screens short and feature-length films, hosts filmmaker question-and-answer sessions, and offers red carpet photo opportunities, a local culinary showcase, behind-the-scenes workshops, live music and an annual awards ceremony.
The festival runs across three locations during its October run, with the Centennial Building hosting October 22. The other venue details will be released with the full program.
Alongside this year's screenings, DRIFF will host a free summit titled Myth to Market: The Future of Movie Making, where industry leaders will discuss how artificial intelligence and climate change are shaping the future of film and television.
The festival is supported by Film Durham, the Durham Region Film Commission, which operates under Invest Durham — the Region's economic development and tourism division — and serves as the main point of contact for the film and television industry in Durham Region.
According to the release, DRIFF champions local filmmaking talent, welcomes filmmakers from around the world and promotes Durham Region as a destination for film and creativity, while keeping prices affordable for residents.
Passes can be purchased through Eventbrite beginning August 15. More information about the festival is available at driff.ca.
