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Whitby, ON: The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) is seeking applicants for its second incubator program, which will provide one emerging filmmaking team with $10,000 cash, as well as in-kind services, to produce a short film to be screened at DRIFF 2024. The chosen filmmakers will also receive mentoring from industry experts.
We present DRIFF’s Emerging Filmmaker Incubator with additional funding from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation’s Maada’ookii Committee, Shaftesbury and Film Durham. The prize also includes a filmmaking equipment loan courtesy of William F. White International Inc., as well as in-kind audio post-production services from SoundLab and access to ACTRA Toronto’s Low Budget Guideline program. The re-launch of this program after a year’s hiatus reflects DRIFF’s commitment to building a vibrant film culture in Durham Region that promotes inclusiveness while inspiring young filmmakers and providing them with a launch pad to success.
“We were inspired and delighted by the number and the quality of the submissions we received from filmmakers for our first incubator program,” says Karen Burwell, Chair of DRIFF’s Board of Directors. “Supporting and connecting local talent is one of DRIFF's core values, and thanks to the vision shared by local sponsors, we are thrilled to be able to offer it again in 2024. Can’t wait to see some more of the great new talent right here in Durham!”
To apply for the Emerging Filmmaker Incubator program, candidates must have previously produced, directed and/or written at least one short film and they are only eligible if they have not been previously broadcast or screened nationally. The selection committee encourages applications from individuals self-identifying as Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour and/or LGBTQS+ communities, to increase participation for emerging film creators from under-represented communities.
“Durham Region plays a special and important role in Ontario’s film industry,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for the Regional Municipality of Durham. “We are so proud to show our continued support for DRIFF’s Incubator and its partners from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation’s Maada’ookii Committee and Shaftesbury; to champion emerging filmmakers who represent unique and diverse voices, from within Durham Region and beyond. DRIFF’s Incubator is helping to build and promote Durham’s vibrant film culture; making our region a place where talented industry professionals live, work, create and thrive.”
The sixth edition of DRIFF made its return October 19-21, 2023. Full details on DRIFF’s 2024 Emerging Filmmaker Incubator program and application information will be posted on driff.ca beginning on November 1, 2023, until the deadline for applications on Feb. 2, 2024.
About DRIFF: DRIFF is a not-for-profit film festival rooted in the communities of Durham. DRIFF will engage a diverse network of audiences, filmmakers, and collaborators to promote film as a form of creative expression and a catalyst for community building. Find out more at driff.ca.
Media contact:
Eileen Kennedy at Eileen.Kennedy@durham.ca
Durham Region International Film Festival
driff.ca
@catchthedriff
