Durham Region International Film Festival runs Oct. 23–25, 2025 in Whitby, Ajax and Oshawa
The Durham Region International Film Festival runs October 23 to 25 at the Centennial Building in Whitby, the St. Francis Centre in Ajax and the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa. Tickets are $15 for opening night and $20 for October 24 and 25, plus applicable fees.
The three-day program features film screenings, Q&A sessions, workshops and panels across the three venues. The festival is supported by Film Durham (Durham Region Film Commission).
October 23 — Whitby (Centennial Building): Opening night includes a VIP gala reception ahead of a screening of Nika & Madison. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be followed by a Q&A with director Eva Thomas and lead actor Star Slade.
October 24 — Ajax (St. Francis Centre): The evening begins with complimentary food from the Local Culinary Showcase, followed by a special effects hair and makeup panel discussion. An International Shorts Programme will follow, ahead of the Ontario premiere of the thriller The Things You Kill, Canada’s Oscar submission for Best International Film.
October 25 — Oshawa (Biltmore Theatre): The day starts with a free special effects makeup demonstration by CMU College of Makeup Art and Design, followed by the Homegrown Shorts Programme and a Q&A with filmmakers. The comedy Racewalkers is the closing night feature, followed by the DRIFF Awards Ceremony and an after-party featuring the local band The Nighthowlers.
Tickets and the full schedule are available at driff.ca.