Ottawa’s filmmaking community takes center stage December 5-7, 2025 as the Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival returns with three days of local short films, professional development, and networking opportunities for emerging and established creators alike.
For over 20 years, Digi60 has been Ottawa’s premier festival for new and emerging filmmakers, valuing artistic achievement and excellence while providing crucial connections between local talent and industry professionals.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The 2025 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival runs December 5-7 at Ottawa Art Gallery, Arts Court, DARC, and Club SAW. Features short film screenings, 60-Day Challenge films, workshops, panels, and networking. Tickets from $15; festival pass $60.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 5-7, 2025 |
| 📍 Venues | OAG, Arts Court, DARC, Club SAW |
| 🎟️ Tickets | From $15; Festival Pass $60 |
| 🎬 Focus | Local short films, emerging filmmakers |
What Is Digi60?
The Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival is Ottawa’s professional development festival for new and emerging filmmakers. It serves as a gathering point for the local film community, offering:
- Short film screenings showcasing local talent
- 60-Day Challenge – A unique filmmaking competition
- Professional development panels and workshops
- Industry networking opportunities
- Mentorship connections with established professionals
Image: Illustrative image only.
The 60-Day Challenge
A cornerstone of Digi60, this 20-year-old film challenge is designed specifically for Ottawa filmmakers:
- Participants create short films within 60 days
- Films premiere at the festival
- Awards recognize outstanding achievements
- Opportunity to showcase work to industry and public
2025 Festival Program
Screenings
60-Day Challenge Screenings
- Location: OAG Alma Duncan Salon (10 Daly Ave.)
- Content: Short films created through the challenge
- Awards: Recognition ceremony included
Additional Short Film Programs
- Multiple screening blocks throughout the festival
- Diverse genres and styles
- Q&A opportunities with filmmakers
Workshops
“Cents and Sensibility: The Art of the Low-Budget Feature”
- For emerging filmmakers ready to tackle their first feature
- Focus on turning limited resources into creative freedom
- Practical advice for independent production
- Location: Digital Arts Resource Centre (2 Daly Ave. / 67 Nicholas St.)
Panels
“The Freelance Life”
- Exploring realities of independent creative work in Canada
- How creatives pivot during uncertain times
- Building a career in a smaller market like Ottawa
- Location: Club SAW (67 Nicholas St.)
Networking
- After-parties and informal gatherings
- Connections between filmmakers, actors, producers, writers
- Industry professional mentorship opportunities
- Location: Various venues including Arts Court Studio (2 Daly Ave.)
Festival Venues
| Venue | Address | Events |
|---|---|---|
| OAG Alma Duncan Salon | 10 Daly Ave. | Screenings |
| Digital Arts Resource Centre | 2 Daly Ave. / 67 Nicholas St. | Workshops |
| Club SAW | 67 Nicholas St. | Panels |
| Arts Court Studio | 2 Daly Ave. | Networking |
All venues are located in downtown Ottawa’s arts district, walkable from each other.
Who Should Attend
Filmmakers & Creatives:
- Aspiring filmmakers seeking inspiration and connections
- Emerging talent looking for professional development
- Established creators wanting to mentor and network
- Actors seeking filmmaker connections
- Writers exploring visual storytelling
- Producers scouting local talent
Film Enthusiasts:
- Cinephiles curious about local filmmaking
- Short film fans seeking fresh content
- Community members supporting local arts
- Students exploring film careers
Image: Illustrative image only.
Ticket Information
Pricing
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Events | From $15 | Single screening/workshop |
| Festival Pass | $60 | Access to all events |
| Pro Dev Events | Pay-what-you-can | Workshops, panels |
Where to Buy:
- Digi60 website: www.digi60.org
- At venue box offices
Tips:
- Festival pass offers best value for multiple events
- Pay-what-you-can makes professional development accessible
- Book early for popular screenings
Getting There
Location
All venues are in downtown Ottawa’s arts district near the intersection of Daly Avenue and Nicholas Street.
By Transit
- O-Train Line 1: Rideau Station (10-minute walk)
- Bus routes: Multiple routes to Rideau Street
By Car
- Street parking available (metered)
- Parking garages on Nicholas Street
- Arts Court parking nearby
On Foot
- Easy walk from ByWard Market
- Connected to downtown core
- All venues within walking distance of each other
Making the Most of Digi60
For Filmmakers:
- Attend networking events – Connections matter in film
- Ask questions at Q&As – Engage with presenting filmmakers
- Take notes at workshops – Professional development is valuable
- Bring business cards – Old school but effective
- Follow up after the festival – Build on connections made
For Attendees:
- Explore unfamiliar genres – Short films are perfect for discovery
- Arrive early – Small venues fill up
- Stay for Q&As – Insight into creative process
- Support local – Consider purchasing festival merchandise
Why Digi60 Matters to Ottawa
Building Community
Digi60 provides what every creative community needs:
- Gathering space for like-minded artists
- Professional development often lacking in smaller markets
- Recognition for local talent
- Connections to industry opportunities
- Inspiration from seeing peers’ work
Ottawa’s Film Scene
While Toronto and Vancouver dominate Canadian film production, Ottawa has a vibrant independent filmmaking community. Digi60 nurtures this ecosystem by:
- Supporting emerging voices
- Providing professional skills development
- Creating exhibition opportunities
- Building networks within the community
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a filmmaker to attend? A: Not at all! The screenings are open to anyone who enjoys short films. The festival welcomes all audiences.
Q: Are the films family-friendly? A: Content varies. Check individual screening descriptions for ratings and content warnings.
Q: Can I submit a film if I missed the deadline? A: The 60-Day Challenge has specific submission periods. Check digi60.org for next year’s dates.
Q: How long are the screenings? A: Screening blocks typically run 90-120 minutes, featuring multiple short films.
Q: Is there accessibility accommodation? A: Contact the festival directly for specific accessibility needs. Most venues are accessible.
Final Thoughts
The Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival represents the best of what local arts communities can achieve—a space where emerging talent finds recognition, established creators share wisdom, and audiences discover the creative energy thriving in their own city.
In an era of streaming giants and blockbuster franchises, Digi60 reminds us that storytelling starts locally, in communities of passionate creators working with limited resources and unlimited imagination.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker seeking your tribe, an experienced creator looking to give back, or simply someone who appreciates the art of short film, Digi60 offers something valuable: the chance to witness Ottawa’s filmmaking community at its collaborative best.
Source: Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival and Ottawa Tourism – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa arts and culture, visit Ottawa Events or explore our Where to Go section!
