The final day of the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) brought a vibrant close to a weekend of celebration, artistry, sustainability, and community spirit.
The three-day event wrapped up with the premiere of Racewalkers at the Biltmore Theatre.
The move is about a racewalking coach who can’t compete due to a disability. He finds a burned-out baseball pitcher with an impeccable racewalking stride whom he starts to coach and almost has to convince to compete in the first place.
The movie, shot in Hamilton and Toronto, uses quick-paced slapstick and physical comedy throughout, which had the audience laughing out loud, with some even crying.
With plenty of inspiration from classic sports comedies, the film dives into the eccentric world of racewalking, a long-distance speed walking competition, with humour and sincerity.
The film is written, directed, and produced by its lead actors, Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz, from Toronto. Canadian-born actor Robbie Amell stars as the antagonist, adding a sharp edge to the film’s playful tone.
Audience member Spike Universe reflected on the film’s emotional themes and compared it to his journey in becoming a musician.
“It actually brought tears to my eyes too because it kind of related to pretty much any creative or anybody who’s in an industry like sports,” he said. “Everybody knows how much effort you have to put in.”
Teyama Alkamli called it “a really fun, feel-good film that also has a hopeful message.”
Her friend Tara Hakim added, “It was a very feel-good, like happy film. Very sweet moments in there.”
Earlier in the day, there was a demonstration by CMU College of Makeup Art & Design, showing off practical effects.
A Homegrown Shorts program also featured a curated selection of short films from Durham Region filmmakers.
Sustainability took centre stage before the closing movie with a presentation by Ontario Green Screen, which demonstrated an initiative focused on reducing the environmental impact of film production.
For example, adding solar panels to trailers to avoid using generators and reducing waste on sets.
The night concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing standout films and contributors, followed by a closing party featuring live music from The Night Howlers.