Hot Docs Announces A Selection Of Special Presentations To Screen During 2016 Festival

Hot Docs is pleased to announce 15 documentary features that will be a part of this year’s Special Presentations program, a high-profile collection of world and international premieres, award-winners from the recent international festival circuit and works by master filmmakers or featuring some star subjects. These films will screen as part of the 2016 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, running April 28 to May 8.

The complete Special Presentations program and the full selection of films to screen at Hot Docs 2016 will be announced on March 22, including the 2016 opening night film. Ticket packages and passes are now on sale online. Single tickets and package redemption will be available beginning Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

Call for submissions: 2016 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

Submissions for Hot Docs 2016 are now open.

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market. Each year, the Festival presents a selection of approximately 200 cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and around the globe.

The 2016 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival will take place from April 28–May 8.

Hot Docs wraps its 22nd edition with record-breaking audience numbers reaching an estimated 200,500

UNBRANDED NAMED VIMEO ON DEMAND AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER AND
WELCOME TO LEITH WINS FILMMAKER-TO-FILMMAKER AWARD

Hot Docs has wrapped its 22nd edition with record-breaking audience numbers reaching an estimated 200,500. The 11-day event featured 452 public screenings of 210 films on 17 screens across Toronto, an internationally renowned conference and market for documentary professionals, and Docs For Schools, a phenomenally popular education program for youth. The Festival welcomed more than 300 guest filmmakers and subjects from across Canada and around the world to present their films and take part in special post-screening Q&A sessions with audiences. Official film selections were chosen from a total of 2724 films submitted to the Festival.

At the Festival, Hot Docs presented the third edition of the Scotiabank Big Ideas series, featuring screenings and live onstage discussions with prominent documentary subjects, including Grammy-nominated comedian Tig Notaro, charismatic former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Danny Williams, journalist Andy Greenberg, the parents of DEEP WEB subject Ross Ulbricht, Ex-Fugee Pras Michel, Olympic Gold Medal–winning hockey player Charline Labonté, former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean, and American college football player Conner Mertens. This year also saw the launch of the DOCX program, which featured a virtual reality installation of four short films and an interactive live performance launching the final chapter of the NFB’s acclaimed HIGHRISE digital documentary series.

2015 Hot Docs Awards – winners

HOT DOCS AWARDS TOP HONOURS TO HAIDA GWAII: ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD AND THE CLOSER WE GET
$61,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES GIVEN TO FESTIVAL FILMS AND FILMMAKERS

Hot Docs is pleased to announce this year’s award-winning Festival films and filmmakers. The Hot Docs Awards Presentation, hosted by Garvia Bailey, host of Good Morning Toronto! on Jazz.FM91, took place on Friday, May 1, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto. Twelve awards and $61,000 in cash and prizes were presented to Canadian and international filmmakers, including awards for Festival films in competition and those recognizing emerging and established filmmakers.

The Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award was presented to HAIDA GWAII: ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD (D: Charles Wilkinson; P: Charles Wilkinson, Tina Schliessler; Canada), the story of Aboriginal rights activists, newcomer ecologists and quirky islanders uniting to create a sustainable healing community in the beautiful Haida Gwaii. Sponsored by the Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: “We were impressed by the stunning cinematography, the depth of the characters and the beautiful presentation that spoke not just to this gripping story but also to the universal message of how we as a society treat and exploit indigenous people.” HAIDA GWAII: ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD screens again on Saturday, May 2, at 8:15 p.m. at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Sunday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hart House Theatre.

Keep On Keepin' On - An Evening in Honour of Clark Terry, with Performance by Justin Kauflin

KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON: AN EVENING IN HONOUR OF CLARK TERRY
AT THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA ON MAY 11—ONE NIGHT ONLY!
FEATURING A PERFORMANCE BY JUSTIN KAUFLIN

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and The Royal Conservatory of Music are honouring the legacy of the late jazz trumpeter Clark Terry with a magnificent evening filled with music and film. The night kicks off with a screening of Hot Docs 2014 Top Ten Audience Favourite, KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON (D: Alan Hicks, USA, 2014, 84 min, PG), followed by a performance and Q&A, on Monday, May 11, at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West).

Legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry played alongside Charlie Barnet, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and mentored a young Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. At 93 he continued to leave his indelible mark, working with the next generation of young and emerging musicians. KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON is a powerful story about Terry and his mentorship of Justin Kauflin, a 23-year-old blind piano prodigy, which celebrates the wonder of music, perseverance and friendship.

Hot Docs announces 2015 lineup – 210 documentaries from 45 countries

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival announced its full film line-up for the upcoming 22nd edition, April 23–May 3, at a press conference this morning at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. From 2,724 film submissions, this year’s slate will present 210 titles from 45 countries in 12 screening programs.

"This year’s Festival takes us around the world, showcasing stories from 45 different countries and the best in Canadian filmmaking,” says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. “Through even more live and interactive experiences we have more ways than ever for the audience to be a part of the Festival. Bringing this exceptional work to Toronto is a huge honour and we can’t wait to join the filmmakers in sharing their work with our incredible audience.”

This year’s Scotiabank Big Ideas Series will welcome such notable subjects as: Grammy-nominated comedian Tig Notaro (TIG); charismatic former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Danny Williams, subject of (DANNY); director Alex Winter, WIRED senior writer Andy Greenberg and the parents of subject Ross Ulbricht (DEEP WEB); Ex-Fugee Pras Michel (SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT); and Olympic Gold Medal–winning hockey player Charline Labonté, former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean and American college football player Conner Mertens (OUT TO WIN).

Hot Docs announces a selection of 17 Special Presentations for the 2015 festival

Hot Docs is pleased to announce 17 documentary features that will be a part of this year’s Special Presentations program, a high-profile collection of world and international premieres, award-winners from the recent international festival circuit and works by master filmmakers or featuring some star subjects. These films will screen as part of the 2015 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, running April 23 to May 3.

The complete Special Presentations program and the full selection of films to screen at Hot Docs 2015 will be announced on March 17, including the 2015 opening night film. Ticket packages and passes are now on sale online. Single tickets and package redemption will be available beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2015.

Call for submissions: Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program for emerging documentary filmmakers

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Shaw Media are pleased to announce the Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program, which will provide six to eight emerging Canadian filmmakers of diverse backgrounds with training in documentary and factual television production. Taking place during the 2015 Hot Docs Festival, the program will guide participants through an intensive training module and seminar series, career management workshops, and networking events with industry professionals. The Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program will focus on documentary and factual television production and show running, including proposal preparation, the production cycle, financing, co-production, and access to broadcasters.

“Representation of diverse voices in the documentary and television production industries is a vitally important issue for Hot Docs and our community,” said Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs Industry Programs Director. “With Shaw Media’s generous support, this program will help develop core skills of producing and filmmaking.”

Call for submissions: 2015 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

Submit A Film To Hot Docs 2015 Festival

Hot Docs is now accepting submissions for the 2015 Festival! Newly revised submission guidelines and FAQs are available

Film submissions to Hot Docs 2015 are now open. Please note that deadlines and fees have changed from previous years. Please review the below before submitting a film.

Please consult the submissions FAQ page for additional information.

Seven new recipients of Shaw Media–Hot Docs Funds announced

$180,000 IN COMPLETION GRANTS AND DEVELOPMENT LOANS AWARDED TO TOP CANADIAN DOC PROJECTS

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Shaw Media are pleased to announce that seven projects have been chosen to receive a total of $180,000 in grants and no-interest loans from the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds in its thirteenth round of disbursements. Established in April of 2008, the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds consist of a $3-million completion fund and a $1-million development fund that aim to provide Canadian documentary filmmakers with much needed financial support at critical stages in their projects.

With these seven projects, a total of 127 projects have received funding via Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds to date, with funding totalling $2,909,000 in completion grants and no-interest loans. The application process for the second round of 2014 funding will open September 24, 2014. For further information on the application process, eligibility requirements and deadlines, please visit www.hotdocs.ca/shawmedia.

2014 Hot Docs Audience Awards – winners

HOT DOCS WRAPS 21st EDITION WITH RECORD-BREAKING AUDIENCES OF 192,000
THE BACKWARD CLASS NAMED AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER AND
NE ME QUITTE PAS WINS FILMMAKER-TO-FILMMAKER AWARD

Hot Docs has wrapped its 21st edition with record-breaking audience numbers reaching an estimated 192,000. The 11-day event featured 452 public screenings of 197 films on 16 screens across Toronto, an internationally renowned conference and market for documentary professionals, and Docs For Schools, a phenomenally popular education program for youth. The Festival welcomed 176 guest filmmakers and 60 guest subjects from across Canada and around the world to present their films and take part in special post-screening Q&A sessions with audiences. Official film selections were chosen from a total of 2435 films submitted to the Festival.

2014 Hot Docs Awards – winners

HOT DOCS AWARDS TOP HONOURS TO
OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT AND WAITING FOR AUGUST
$66,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES GIVEN TO FESTIVAL FILMS AND FILMMAKERS

Hot Docs is pleased to announce this year’s award-winning Festival films and filmmakers. The Hot Docs Awards Presentation, hosted by award-winning broadcaster and best-selling author Jian Ghomeshi, host of CBC Radio’s Q, took place on Friday, May 2, at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto. Thirteen awards and $66,000 in cash and prizes were presented to Canadian and international filmmakers, including awards for Festival films in competition and those recognizing emerging and established filmmakers.

The Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award was presented to OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT (D: John Kastner; P: John Kastner, Deborah Parks, Silva Basmajian; Canada), the story of patients at the Brockville Mental Health Centre struggling for control of their lives in the face of a society that fears and demonizes them for their violent acts. Sponsored by the Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: “For finding deep empathy and humanity in one of the most physically and emotionally harrowing environments imaginable, and for bringing insight to the emotional complexity surrounding the issue of mental illness, we award the Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award to OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT. This film is important.” OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT screens again on Sunday, May 4, at 1:00 pm at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Hot Docs announces complete lineup for 2014 festival, Apr 24-May 4

197 DOCUMENTARIES FROM 43 COUNTRIES TO SCREEN AT NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST DOC FEST

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival announced its full film line-up for the upcoming 21st edition, April 24–May 4, at a press conference this morning at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. From 2,435 film submissions, this year’s slate will present 197 titles from 43 countries in 12 screening programs.

“We are so proud to be showing these incredible films and combining them with amazing live events and experiences.” says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. “We truly hope it will be a festival of ideas, discussion and amazement and we’re looking forward to bringing the best filmmaking in the world to the world’s greatest audience.”

Call for submissions: Lindalee Tracey Award

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and White Pine Pictures has put out a call for submissions for the 2014 Lindalee Tracey Award.

The Lindalee Tracey Award honours an emerging Canadian filmmaker with a passionate point of view, a strong sense of social justice, and joie de vivre.

Lindalee Tracey was an award-winning filmmaker, author, and entertainer, as well as a beloved wife and mother. Through her extensive body of work and indefatigable personality, Lindalee brought great joy to the world. She was passionate about bringing issues of social justice into her work, and championed people who are often ignored, underestimated or forgotten. Equally, she celebrated those who rise above disadvantage.

Lindalee passed away on October 19, 2006, at age 49, after a five-year battle with breast cancer. At the time of her passing, Lindalee’s family, friends and admirers created this award in her honour.

ASIFA-Hollywood's 41st annual Annie Awards – winners

Walt Disney Animation's 'Frozen' took top honors as Best Animated Feature at the 41st Annual Annie Awards held Saturday, February 1 at UCLA's Royce Hall. The Best Animated Special Production was awarded to 'Chipotle Scarecrow' (Chipotle Creative Department, Moonbot Studios); Best Animated Short Subject 'Get A Horse!' (Walt Disney Animation Studios); Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial 'Despicable Me 2' (Cinemark-Illumination Entertainment/Universal); Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children 'Disney Sofia the First' (Disney Television Animation); Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Children's Audience 'Adventure Time'(Cartoon Network Studios); Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production 'Futurama' (20^th Century Fox Television); Best Animated Video Game 'The Last of Us' (Naughty Dog); and Best Student Film 'Wedding Cake' (Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg - Viola Baier, Iris Frisch).

Often a predictor of the annual Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Annie Awards honor overall excellence as well as individual achievement in a total of 30 categories ranging from best feature, production design, character animation, and effects animation to storyboarding, writing, music, editing and voice acting.

Call for submissions: 2014 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival has put out a call for submissions for their 2014 festival which takes place in the spring.

The Hot Docs festival is the largest documentary festival in North America, and a critical launch pad for films. The festival is an Academy accredited festival, and the winner of the Best Short Documentary award automatically becomes qualified for consideration at the next Academy Awards.

The deadlines and fees have changed this year. The Early Bird Deadline is November 22, 2013, the regular deadline is December 13, 2013, and the late deadline is January 3, 2014. Fees range from $25-50 for short documentaries and $50-$150 for feature-length documentaries.

Hot Docs 2013 Award Winners Announced

Friday night at a reception hosted by Jian Ghomeshi (CBC Radio One’s Q) at the Windsor Arms Hotel, 11 awards and $89,000 in cash and prizes were presented to Canadian and international filmmakers, including awards for Festival films in competition and those recognizing emerging and established filmmakers.

Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award
WHEN I WALK (D: Jason DaSilva; P: Jason DaSilva, Alice Cook; USA, Canada)
Sponsored by the Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
An additional screening has been added on Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre.

Hot Docs announces programming for 2013 festival

Toronto, March 19, 2013 – Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival announced its full film line-up for the upcoming 20th edition, April 25 - May 5, at a press conference this morning at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. From 2,386 film submissions, this year’s slate will present 205 titles from 43 countries in 11 screening programs.

"This year’s festival is about looking back and celebrating our 20th anniversary, and also looking forward,” says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. “This year we are celebrating, big ideas, innovation and the future. We will have many new and exciting experiences at the festival to give back to the local, and filmmaking, community that have supported us for two decades. This festival is for them."

In addition to the opening night World premiere of Shawney Cohen’s THE MANOR, a first-time filmmaker’s intimate tragi-comic family portrait, other notable films in the Special Presentations program include: Gus Holwerda’s THE UNBELIEVERS, which follows renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss advancing the importance of science and reason; AJ Schnack’s CAUCUS, a behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 Iowa Caucus; Malcom Ingram’s CONTINENTAL, a stylish portrait of the legendary NYC gay bathhouse; Lucy Walker’s THE CRASH REEL, a high adrenaline look at snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s fighting for his life; Penny Lane’s OUR NIXON, a revealing look at one of the most controversial presidencies in US history; Marta Cunningham’s VALENTINE ROAD, depicting a heartbreaking tragedy in which at an eighth-grader fatally shoots his LGBTQ classmate; and Raoul Peck’s FATAL ASSISTANCE, a portrayal of the failure and corruption behind international aid post-disaster.

Hot Docs announces 28 films for Special Presentations program

Toronto, March 6, 2013 – Hot Docs is pleased to announce 28 documentary features that will be a part of this year’s Special Presentations program, a high-profile collection of world and international premieres, award-winners from the recent international festival circuit, and works by master filmmakers, and featuring some star subjects. These films will screen as part of the 2013 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, running April 25 to May 5.

The full selection of films to screen at Hot Docs 2013 will be announced on March 19, including the 2013 opening night film.

“We are thrilled to be announcing this year's Special Presentation films,” says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. “We are especially proud to be announcing three fantastic world premieres: CAUCUS is AJ Schnack's intimate and fascinating behind the scenes look at the Republican candidates of the Iowa caucus, PREPARE FOR THE WORST is Barry Avrich's portrait of comedy icon David Steinberg, and Gus Holwerda's THE UNBELIEVERS, which follows renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss as they spread the message of the importance of science and the power of reason.”

Call for submissions: Connect the Docs

A call for submissions has been announced by the Cuban Hat Project in conjunction with the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival for transmedia and interactive documentary projects to pitch at the upcoming edition of Hot Docs.

Connect the Docs is open to all Canadians with an idea for a documentary that uses non-traditional media. Applicants can submit a 3-minute video pitch online. Selected participants will receive the opportunity to present their idea at Hot Docs, as well as possibly win cash plus goods and services.

The deadline for submissions is March 22. A pre-selection committee will then select 12 projects that will be put online from March 29 to April 12 for viewing and public voting. The top five teams will then be given a free accreditation to attend the Hot Docs Industry Conference and will pitch their projects live to an audience of delegates and industry professionals.