Who We Are

Our Mission

The Durham Region International Black & Diversity Film Festival (DRIBDFF) is dedicated to celebrating, amplifying, and empowering Black and diverse voices in cinema. We provide a platform where filmmakers from underrepresented communities can share their stories, connect with audiences, and gain recognition for their creative contributions. Through film, we foster dialogue, bridge cultures, and create opportunities for meaningful representation.

“DRIBDFF celebrates and amplifies Black and diverse voices in cinema through storytelling, culture, and creativity.”

A caption sense the film workshop

Our Vision

We envision a world where cinema reflects the richness of every culture and identity. DRIBDFF aspires to be a leading international hub for diverse storytelling where emerging and established filmmakers alike can showcase their work, inspire change, and shape the future of inclusive cinema. Our goal is to ensure that voices historically left out of the mainstream are seen, heard, and celebrated on the global stage.

1 (Direct & Clear)

🎬 “DRIBDFF celebrates and amplifies Black and diverse voices in cinema through storytelling, culture, and creativity.”

2 (Inspiring & Bold)

🌍 “Our mission is to spotlight diverse stories and empower underrepresented filmmakers on a global stage.”

3 (Community-Focused)

🤝 “DRIBDFF is a platform where Black and diverse filmmakers share their stories, connect with audiences, and inspire change.”

Caption for a recent accomplishment

Our Statement

The Durham Region International Black & Diversity Film Festival (DRIBDFF) is a nonprofit cultural platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black and diverse voices in cinema. We believe film is a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and cultural connection.

Our festival was created to empower underrepresented filmmakers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work, engage with audiences, and build meaningful industry relationships. Through our programming, we highlight stories that reflect the richness of identity, culture, and lived experiences that are too often left out of mainstream narratives.

At DRIBDFF, we are guided by our commitment to:

Diversity & Representation – elevating stories from a wide spectrum of communities.
Creativity & Innovation – celebrating bold, original, and boundary-pushing cinema.
Community & Connection – fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers and audiences.
Equity & Empowerment – creating space for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.

Our vision is to build an international hub for inclusive storytelling, where every voice has the chance to inspire change, spark dialogue, and leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.