The Driff 2024 Experience: A Review
Opening Night Gala at DRIFF 2024
On October 24, 2024, I had the exciting opportunity of attending DRIFF’s opening night VIP Gala. The reception was warm and welcoming with various snacks and treats for both filmmakers and volunteers alike–bringing them together to intermingle and connect. After the reception, it was followed by the screening of a short film by The Canadian Dream paired with the film Atomic Reaction. This was an unforgettable experience because of how the two complimented each other. One focusing on the obstacles migrants face in pursuing their Canadian dream and the obstacles that come their way. The other was about Canada’s contribution to the Manhattan project and the way it has impacted the health of Canadians growing up near the uranium mines. The messages of these films and the craft involved made it a night to remember.
What made the night all the more special was sharing this experience with one of my friends. On the day of the event, we arrived at the venue and were greeted at the doors with signage stating VIP Entrance written in bright and beautiful golden letters. Inside the room, we were welcomed by DRIFF filmmakers, sponsors, board members and a community of friends.
The VIP Gala officially started on the stage with beautiful speeches made by DRIFF’s guests, representatives and filmmakers. Hearing producer Mitchell Jaramilo talk about his passion project Unfamily was especially exciting as I had the pleasure of interviewing him for DRIFF earlier in the year about this very film.
After watching all the inspiring speeches, we proceed downstairs to watch the screenings of the night at Whitby Centennial Building’s beautiful theatre–an intimate and cozy place. My guest and I made sure to sit in the front row to have the best viewing experience. The night’s program included a short film followed by a feature film. The first one The Canadian Dream which was a heartbreaking film to watch. It was a 8-minute short film that was about a Canadian farmer seeking a better life in Canada. The film shows the conditions of migrant farm workers and the inhuman conditions of their occupation. At the same time, the movie showed the resilience it took to endure such struggles.
My friend and I were touched by The Canadian Dream and how it showed the realities of migrant farmers and the struggles they had on their families. This film was followed by Atomic Reaction, a full-length documentary about Canada’s involvement in the Manhattan Project, a scientific endeavor that contributed to the creation of the world’s first atomic bombs–a significant weapon of mass destruction.The movie was compelling to watch due to the depiction of first-hand interviews and testimonials from people involved and impacted by the project.
Following the screenings, we had the pleasure of hearing from the filmmakers as they answered questions the audience had about the movies. I felt privileged to be able to share this experience with my friend. To attend this whole night and experience filmmakers sharing their films and issues that concerned them was very inspirational. I can’t wait to see how DRIFF grows and what this celebration of arts and culture will become.