Hot Docs | Festival : Daily

Favourite Festival Moments

Get a behind the scenes look at all things Hot Docs with Favourite Festival Moments.

Posted: Fri, May 13, 2011 - 4:49 | #

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN Takes People’s Choice Award, Audience Top Ten Announced

After the final screening yesterday, votes were tallied for the Sundance Channel People’s Choice Award. The winner is SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (D: Linda Goldstein Knowlton, USA), which follows four remarkable Chinese-born adoptees as they come of age between two cultures.

The top ten audience favourites as determined by audience vote are:

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (D: Linda Goldstein Knowlton, USA)
GIVE UP TOMORROW (D: Michael Collins, USA/UK)
HOW TO DIE IN OREGON (D: Peter D. Richardson, USA)
WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE (D: Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus, USA)
SENNA (D: Asif Kapadia, UK)
BUCK (D: Cindy Meehl, USA)
JIG (D: Sue Bourne, Scotland)
ECO PIRATE: THE STORY OF PAUL WATSON (D: Trish Dolman, Canada)
BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY (D: Constance Marks, Philip Shane (Co-Director), USA)
KORAN BY HEART (D: Greg Barker, USA)

Posted: Mon, May 09, 2011 - 8:48 | #

Box Office Open May 9 & 10 for Doc Soup Subscriptions and Docs For Schools Special Promotion

The Hot Docs documentary Box Office will remain open Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Purchase Doc Soup subscription at the special discounted Festival rate! Make a donation of $10 or more towards Docs For Schools and get any piece of Hot Docs merchandise for free!

Posted: Sat, May 07, 2011 - 9:53 | #

Special Encore Screenings Added for 2011 Award Winners

Special encore screenings have been added on Sunday, May 8, for FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE, winner of the Best Canadian Feature Award, and DRAGONSLAYER, winner of the Best International Feature Award.

Posted: Sat, May 07, 2011 - 5:20 | #

Hot Docs 2011 Award Winners Announced

Tonight, at a reception hosted by Jian Ghomeshi (CBC Radio One’s Q) at the Windsor Arms Hotel, nine awards and over $72,000 in cash 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
FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE (D: Julia Ivanova; P: Boris Ivanov, Mike Jackson)
Sponsored by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation and Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $15,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation.

Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature (tie)
AT NIGHT, THEY DANCE (D: Isabelle Lavigne, Stéphane Thibault; P: Lucie Lambert)
and
THE GUANTANAMO TRAP (D: Thomas Selim Wallner; P: Thomas Kufus, Amit Breuer, Marcel Hoehn, Christoph Jorg)
Sponsored by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation and Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation.

The Canadian Features Jury also acknowledged the film WIEBO’S WAR (D: David York, P: David York, Nick Hector, Bryn Hughes, Bonnie Thompson; EP: David York, David Christensen) with an honourable mention.

Best International Feature
DRAGONSLAYER (D: Tristan Patterson; P: John Baker, EP: Christine Vachon)
Sponsored by A&E, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

Special Jury Prize – International Feature
THE CASTLE (D: Massimo D’Anolfi, Martina Parenti; P: Massimo D’Anolfi, Martina Parenti; EP: Massimo D’Anolfi, Martina Parenti)
Sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the award includes a $5,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

The International Features Jury also acknowledged the films GRANDE HOTEL (D: Lotte Stoops; P: Ellen De Waele, Co-Producer Denis Vaslin, Volya Films; EP: Ellen De Waele) and HELL AND BACK AGAIN (D: Danfung Dennis; P: Mike Lerner, Martin Herring; EP: Dan Cogan, Karol Martesko Fenster, Gernot Schaffler, Thomas Brunner, Maxyne Franklin) with honourable mentions.

Best Mid-Length Documentary
OUR NEWSPAPER (D: Eline Flipse; P: Eline Flipse; EP: Eline Flipse)
Sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, the award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

The Short and Mid-Length Films Jury also acknowledged the film PEOPLE I COULD HAVE BEEN AND MAYBE AM (D: Boris Gerrets; P: Pieter van Huystee) with an honourable mention.

Best Short Documentary
FLYING ANNE (D: Catherine van Campen; P: Joost Seelen)
The award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

The Short and Mid-Length Films Jury also acknowledged the film SOMETHING TO TELL YOU (D: Pete Gleeson; P: Pete Gleeson; EP: Yvette Coyne) with an honourable mention.

HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award
Michal Marczak for the film AT THE EDGE OF RUSSIA (P: Marianna Rowinska)
Sponsored by HBO Documentary Films.

documentary’s Don Haig Award
Rama Rau
Awarded by the Don Haig Foundation, the prize includes a $20,000 cash prize generously sponsored by documentary.

Lindalee Tracey Award
Honouring an emerging Canadian filmmaker with a passionate point of view, a strong sense of social justice and a sense of humour, the award was presented to Alexandre Hamel.
The award winner will receive a $6,000 cash prize and $3,000 in film stock donated by Kodak Canada.

The Hot Docs Board of Directors acknowledged the Terence Macartney-Filgate as the recipient of the 2011 Hot Docs Outstanding Achievement Award, which was presented to the influential Canadian filmmaker at an event earlier in the day.

The Sundance Channel People’s Choice Award and audience top ten favourite films of the 2011 Festival, determined by audience ballot, will be announced on Monday, May 9. Also announced on this day is the Filmmaker Award, determined by ballots cast by Hot Docs 2011 filmmakers.

Posted: Sat, May 07, 2011 - 1:45 | #

Hot Docs Coverage On The Substream

Visit thesubstream.com for the Morgan Spurlock interview on Hot Doc’s Opening Night!

Also check out Rajo’s Hot Docs Diary for more Hot Docs coverage!

Posted: Fri, May 06, 2011 - 10:43 | #

People’s Choice Award Top 20 as of May 4

Voted on by audience ballot, here are are the current top twenty films in the running for the People’s Choice Award (as of May 4, 7:00 pm). The winner will be announced on May 9.

Posted: Fri, May 06, 2011 - 10:11 | #

Hot Docs In The Headlines

Check out the latest news and reviews:

The Globe and Mail feature on Tim Hetherington’s RESTREPO screening
The Globe and Mail feature on Terence Macartney-Filgate
CTV News feature on Hot Docs RESTREPO screeing
Toronto Star review of Grinders
CBC special events listing charity screening of RESTREPO
NOW Magazine Hot Docs Festival Wrap Up
NOW Magazine review of Love Shines

Posted: Fri, May 06, 2011 - 8:53 | #

Hot Docs Forum Wraps with Over $40,000 in Cash Prizes

The Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs’ key international co-financing market event, wrapped today after two days of brisk pitching, networking and deal-making. In total, 28 projects representing 12 countries were presented to a panel of over 120 key commissioning editors and other funders.

Over $40,000 in cash prizes were awarded to projects at this year’s Hot Docs Forum.

The Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds Forum Pitch Prize was awarded to Clear Lake Historical Productions’ DOC POMPUS, a feature documentary about one of America’s great songwriters. Disbursed from the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds, the $40,000 cash prize is awarded to the best Canadian pitch at the Forum as voted on by attending international commissioning editors. Shaw Media’s Sarah Jane Flynn presented the award to pitch team member Will Hechter.

The Cuban Hat Award, which offers “real cash, no strings attached” support for powerful and unique projects, was presented to two projects, THE JUNGLE PRESCRIPTION (Nomad Films) and A WHOLE LOTT MORE (Flying V Films/The Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation). Established in 2009 in an impromptu display of collegial support, the Cuban Hat Award is decided from ballots collected from Hot Docs Forum Observers and the cash prize is raised by passing the hat. This year close to $3,500 was raised, which includes a generous $1,000 gift from Jan Rofekamp of Films Transit, a $1,000 gift from Montreal’s EyeSteelFilm, and $500 from the Hot Docs Forum, as well as 924.18 CAD, 100.32 USD, 2 euro 11 cents, 2 Reais Brazil, 1 pence Australian, 1 Shequel, and 1 Toronto transit token. The Cuban hat in which the prize money was collected was presented to BBC’s Nick Fraser (UK), named favourite funder also by Observer ballot. The founders of the Cuban Hat Award, Diego Briceno (Cuibafilms/Pimiento, Montreal) and Giulia Frati (Zelectra Productions, Montreal) announced the winners following the close of this year’s Hot Docs Forum. THE JUNGLE PRESCRIPTION was pitched at the end of the event via the Entertainment One “Mounties’ Hat,” which gives Hot Docs Forum observers the chance to secure a last minute presentation slot.

Posted: Fri, May 06, 2011 - 5:23 | #

Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film Announce $1-Million Production Fund

At this morning’s opening of the Hot Docs Forum it was announced that Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film have partnered to establish the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund. The $1-million production fund will provide financial support to independent documentary filmmakers based in developing African countries, with the goal of increasing the quality and quantity of social, cultural and political documentaries produced in the region. Generously established by Toronto-based Blue Ice Film, the Fund will be administered by Hot Docs and disbursements will be made over the next five years.

The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund will disburse six to ten grants each year to successful applicants for projects in various stages of production. Grants will range from $10,000 to $40,000. In addition to financing, the initiative will also offer valuable resources and industry connections. Through an accompanying mentorship program, selected African producers will team with international production partners to bring their projects to international markets, festivals, broadcast and online audiences.

The first application deadline for the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund will be in the fall of 2011 and guidelines will be available in September. The five-member selection committee will consist of representatives from Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film, in addition to other international industry professionals.

Posted: Wed, May 04, 2011 - 3:00 | #

Distribution Deals Announced for 2011 Official Selections

With the 2011 festival, conference and market in full swing, Hot Docs is pleased to draw your attention to recently announced distribution deals for films in this year’s official selection:

Toronto-based Films We Like acquired Canadian rights to THE BALLAD OF GENESIS AND LADY JAYE (D: Marie Losier, USA)
Toronto-based Films We Like acquired Canadian rights to CONAN O’BRIEN CAN’T STOP (D: Rodman Flender, USA)
Showtime Networks Inc. acquired US exhibition rights for FIGHTVILLE (D: Michael Tucker, Petra Epperlein, USA)
New York-based New Video acquired North American rights to HELL AND BACK AGAIN (D: Danfung Dennis; UK, USA)
Boston-based PBS International acquired worldwide television rights (excluding USA) to THE HOLLYWOOD COMPLEX (D: Dan Sturman, Dylan Nelson, USA)
Los Angeles-based 7th Art Releasing acquired North American and world television rights to IN HEAVEN, UNDERGROUND. THE JEWISH CEMETERY IN BERLIN-WEISSENSEE (D: Britta Wauer, Germany)
Toronto-based Video Services Corp. acquired Canadian rights to LIMELIGHT (D: Billy Corben, USA)
CBC’s documentary acquired Canadian rights to THE TEAM (D: Patrick Reed, Canada)

Posted: Wed, May 04, 2011 - 2:00 | #

Last Call For The Hot Docs Soap Box

We are still seeking participants for Friday’s Hot Docs Soap Box, our annual town-hall discussion. Not just another film festival panel, this popular session is a feisty speaker-a-thon in which delegates present their five-minute (or so) manifestos, pontifications, mastications or defenestrations on the state of things, documentary-wise. Please send your a short blurb describing your short presentation to Tina Zafreen Alam. The panel takes place this Friday, May 6, at 2:00 pm at the Rogers Industry Centre.

Posted: Wed, May 04, 2011 - 3:31 | #

People’s Choice Award Top 20 as of May 2

Voted on by audience ballot, here are are the current top twenty films in the running for the People’s Choice Award (as of May 2, 7:00 pm). The winner will be announced on May 9.

Posted: Wed, May 04, 2011 - 3:00 | #

Ford Focus @ The Festival

Check out the all new 2012 Ford Focus at the Hot Docs Festival!

Ford Focus - Fuel Efficiency

Ford Focus - Technology

Posted: Tue, May 03, 2011 - 5:21 | #

Flash Mob at Hot Docs! Singing In The Rain - Hot Docs The Musical

You know the song “Dancing in the Street” but have you heard “Doc-u-men-ta-ries”? Check out these talented singers serenading the rush line outside the Bloor Cinema on Sunday night.

Flash Mob at Hot Docs

Flash mob organized by We Love Documentary

Posted: Mon, May 02, 2011 - 5:43 | #

Favourite Festival Moments

Get a behind the scenes look at all things Hot Docs with Favourite Festival Moments.

Posted: Mon, May 02, 2011 - 3:24 | #

People’s Choice Award Top 20 as of May 1

Voted on by audience ballot, here are are the current top twenty films in the running for the People’s Choice Award (as of May 1, 7:00 pm). The winner will be announced on May 9.

Posted: Mon, May 02, 2011 - 12:36 | #

Favourite Festival Moments

Get a behind the scenes look at all things Hot Docs with Favourite Festival Moments.

Posted: Sun, May 01, 2011 - 2:42 | #

Hot Docs In The Headlines

Check out the latest news and reviews:

Toronto Star’s article on FAMILY PORTRAIT
Toronto Star’s article on YOU’VE BEEN TRUMPED
Toronto Star’s article on Alan Zweig
Toronto Star’s article on WIEBO’S WAR
Toronto Star’s article on SUPERHEROES
Toronto Star’s article on INSIDE LARA ROXX
Now Magazine’s Weekend Tip Sheet
Now Magazine’s Hot Docs Mini-Site with capsule reviews
National Post’s article on THE TEAM
National Post’s Hot Docs Hot Tickets
Macleans article on What’s Hot at Hot Docs
CBC’s Hot Docs Look Ahead
thesubstream.com Opening Night

Posted: Sun, May 01, 2011 - 2:18 | #

Restrepo Screening Added in Tribute to Tim Hetherington; Sebastian Junger to Attend

National Geographic Films, Hot Docs and Realscreen magazine are uniting to pay tribute to filmmaker Tim Hetherington, with a special one-off charity screening of the late director’s Academy Award-nominated Afghanistan war documentary RESTREPO on Saturday, May 7, at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Co-director Sebastian Junger will attend the screening, paying tribute to Tim, his friend and collaborator, and will host a Q&A session after the film. Buy tickets here.

Posted: Thu, April 28, 2011 - 7:54 | #

Hot Docs in the Headlines

Check out the latest news and reviews:

Now Magazine’s Hot Docs Mini-Site with capsule reviews
Now Magazine’s ten hot tickets
Globe and Mail article on FIGHTVILLE
BlogTO Hot Docs preview, parts one and two
National Post article on POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
National Post capsule reviews
Macleans article on BECOMING CHAZ
Toronto Star article on BECOMING CHAZ
Toronto Star article on FIGHTVILLE
Toronto Star 35 capsule reviews
Toronto Star article on HELL AND BACK AGAIN and MAGIC TRIP
Toronto Star overview

Posted: Tue, April 26, 2011 - 10:25 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch wrap up video coverage of the Festival!

B1 screens Sunday, May 9, 9:15pm at the Cumberland Cinema.

MARK screens Sunday, May 9, 9:30pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre.

A SMALL ACT screens Sunday, May 9, 9:15pm at the Bloor Cinema.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 6:18 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 8 of the Festival!

A DRUMMER’S DREAM screens Sunday, May 9, 1:30pm at the Royal Cinema.

THUNDER SOUL screens Sunday, May 9, 1:45pm at the ROM theatre.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:53 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: WHAT’S IN A NAME

WHAT’S IN A NAME (Cumberland Theatre, 4:15 pm)

A riveting portrait of Jon Cory, a charismatic NYC body-art performer whose raw and provocative acts - and their meticulous preparations - challenge society’s limited views on gender. Screening with THE JONESES.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:52 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: THE ABSENCE OF MR. OR MRS. B.

THE ABSENCE OF MR. OR MRS. B (Cumberland Theatre, 2:00 pm)

A childless couple undergoes multiple fertility treatments that drain both their finances and their feelings. A dramatic look at Iran’s second leading cause of divorce, and the unexpected twists and turns a marriage takes on the road to parenthood.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:46 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: MARK

MARK (Isabel Bader Theatre, 9:30 pm)

Meet Mark: punk, activist, transsexual-loving humanist. Mike Hoolbloom’s personal homage to his friend and collaborator lovingly captures the spirit of a soul obsessed with kindness; one who gave everything to others, and then tragically took his own life. Screening with A MOTH IN SPRING.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:33 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: B1

B1 (Cumberland Theatre, 9:15 pm)

This mesmerizing story penetrates Antonio Tenorios’ experiences as a blind professional judo athlete as he prepares to compete for his fourth Paralympic gold medal in Beijing, revealing the emotional, mental, and physical endurance of this tender fighter. Screening with GERAL.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:20 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: A SMALL ACT

A SMALL ACT (Bloor Theatre, 9:15 pm)

For $15 a term, a Swedish stranger sponsors a young Kenyan’s education and transforms his life. Now a Harvard-educated lawyer, he founds a scholarship to pay it forward, but discovers a failing school system that’s leaving it’s children behind.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 5:10 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE

ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE (ROM Theatre, 9:45 pm)

On his 10-year journey to reveal the truth about the Cambodian genocide, journalist Thet Sambath attempts to come to terms with the loss of his family by befriending Pol Pot’s enigmatic lieutenant in this Sundance prize winner.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 4:58 | #

Hot Pick For Sunday, May 9: WHEN I RISE

WHEN I RISE (Cumberland Theatre, 4:00 pm)

Barbara Smith Conrad, a gifted African-American singer, finds herself at the centre of a racial controversy at the University of Texas. Against the odds, she emerges as one of the world’s most respected opera singers.

Posted: Sun, May 09, 2010 - 4:54 | #

Saturday Night’s Rooftop Docs Screening Rescheduled for Sunday, May 9

Unfortunately, Saturday’s Rooftop Docs: Shorts Film Program has been postponed due to inclement weather. It is now scheduled for Sunday, May 9, at 8:00 pm, at the Citipark Cumberland Garage, across from the Cumberland Cinemas. A selection of shorts from the programme will screen with HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award Winner MARWENCOL. Tickets purchased for Saturday can be used for admission to today’s screening.

If you are unable to attend the Sunday replacement screening, you may exchange your ticket at the documentary Box Office (55 Avenue Road, Lower Level - Hazelton Lanes) for a voucher good for any regular Hot Docs screening or at one of our screening venues for a ticket to any non-sold out screening.

If you have any questions, please call us at 416-637-5150. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 8:20 | #

2010 Hot Docs Awards Announced!

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival capped off a week of industry programming and film screenings with its 2010 Awards Presentation. Ten awards and over $72,000 in cash prizes were presented to local and international filmmakers, including awards for Festival films in competition and those recognizing emerging and established filmmakers. The Hot Docs Awards Presentation was hosted by Jian Ghomeshi, host of Q on CBC Radio One.

Best International Feature Award
A FILM UNFINISHED (D: Yael Hersonski; P: Noemi Schory, Itay Ken Tor; Israel)
The award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

The Special Jury Prize - International Feature
THE OATH (D: Laura Poitras; P: Laura Poitras, Nasser Arrabyee, Aliza Kaplan, Jonathan Oppenheim; USA, Yemen)
Sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the award includes a $5,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

Best Canadian Feature Award
IN THE NAME OF THE FAMILY (D: Shelley Saywell, P: Shelley Saywell, Deborah Parks, Habiba Nosheen; Canada)
Sponsored by the Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $15,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation.

Special Jury Prize - Canadian Feature
LEAVE THEM LAUGHING (D: John Zaritsky, P: Montana Berg, Canada/USA)
Sponsored by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, the award features a $10,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation.

Best Mid-Length Documentary Award
I SHOT MY LOVE (D: Tomer Heymann; P: Barak Heymann, Tomer Heymann, Carl Ludwig Rettinger; Israel, Germany)
Sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, the award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

Best Short Documentary Award
TUSSILAGO (D: Jonas Odell; Sweden)
Sponsored by Playback, the award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award
Jeff Malmberg for MARWENCOL
The Emerging Artist Award is sponsored by HBO Documentary Films.

2010 Hot Docs Outstanding Achievement Award
Presented to Kim Longinotto by Hot Docs Board of Directors

documentary’s Don Haig Award
Presented to Toronto’s Philip Lyall and Vancouver’s Nimisha Mukerji (65_REDROSES - Official Selection 2009)
Awarded by the Don Haig Foundation, the prize includes a $20,000 cash prize generously sponsored by documentary.

The Lindalee Tracey Award
Ayanie Mohamed (Toronto)
Includes a $6,000 cash prize and $3,000 in film stock donated by Kodak Canada.

The Hot Docs Audience Award and audience top ten favourite films of the 2010 Festival, determined by audience ballot, will be announced on Monday, May 10.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 8:19 | #

Video Coverage: 2010 Hot Docs Awards Ceremony

Watch video coverage from the 2010 Hot Docs Awards Ceremony.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 8:15 | #

Photo Gallery: 2010 Hot Docs Awards Ceremony & Reception

View our photo coverage from the 2010 Hot Docs Awards Ceremony & Reception.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 8:10 | #

Last Chance To Subscribe To Doc Soup At The Festival Price

Subscribe now and save! Get your 2010/11 subscription to Doc Soup, our monthly film series, before May 10th and take advantage of the special Festival price! Doc Soup begins October 2010 and screens at the Bloor Cinema.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 8:00 | #

Hot Docs Coverage On The Substream

Visit thesubstream.com for the last entry in Rajo’sHot Docs Diary Series!

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 7:58 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: LEAVE THEM LAUGHING

LEAVE THEM LAUGHING (Bloor Cinema, 3:15 pm)

Lou Gehrig’s disease may be taking the life of Carla Zilbersmith, but it’s not going to defeat the mother, performer, and darkly funny smart-ass in this hilarious pre-mortem by Academy Award-winning director John Zaritsky.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 8 of the Festival, featuring LEAVE THEM LAUGHING, and footage from the first Rooftop Docs screening of THE PARKING LOT MOVIE.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:03 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 8 of the Festival, featuring AU CHIC RESTO POP, DIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE, and EYES WIDE OPEN: EXPLORING TODAY’S SOUTH AMERICA.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:02 | #

Hot Docs Coverage On The Substream

Visit thesubstream.com for more exciting video coverage of this year’s Hot Docs. Just posted a new entry in Rajo’sHot Docs Diary Series, and a spotlight on BABIES!

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: TEENAGE PAPARAZZO

TEENAGE PAPARAZZO (Bloor Cinema, 9:00 pm)

Who better to expose the world of the paparazzi and star-worship than a celebrity? Actor Adrian Grenier turns the camera onto 13-year-old shooter Austin Visschedyk, and stalks famous friends Alec Baldwin, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: WISTFUL WILDERNESS

WISTFUL WILDERNESS (Isabel Bader Theatre, 2:00 pm)

The Island of Tiengemeten is getting a makeover. Originally cleared to serve as agricultural land, it is now being abandoned to the elements, left to revert back to wilderness. A profound portrait spanning fifteen years of transformation, loss and lament.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: I’M DANGEROUS WITH LOVE

I’M DANGEROUS WITH LOVE (Bloor Cinema, 11:45 pm)

After his experience with the illegal hallucinogen ibogaine cures him of his heroin addiction, Dimitri Mugianis leaves New York for West Africa on a quest to harness the healing power of this extremely unpredictable drug.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: GAEA GIRLS

GAEA GIRLS (Bloor Cinema, 12:30 pm)

Powerfully visceral, this doc exposes the gruelling, brutal, and often humiliating training regime of female professional wrestlers in Japan as they struggle to pass the test to join the famous Gaea Girls team.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Saturday, May 8: THUNDER SOUL

THUNDER SOUL (Bloor Cinema, 6:00 pm)

Big Afros, funk arrangements, and a super tight stage show put the Kashmere High School Band on the map in the 1970s. Thirty-five years later, the band reunites to honor their mentor, Conrad “Prof” Johnson.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Toronto Documentary Forum: Award Announcements

The eleventh edition of the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF) wrapped after two days of brisk pitching, networking, and deal making at its beautiful new venue Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Over $55,000 in cash prizes were awarded to projects at this year’s TDF.

The Canwest-Hot Docs TDF Pitch Prize was awarded to EyeSteelFilm’s THE FRUIT HUNTERS.

The NFB Digital Development Deal was offered to Storyline Entertainment’s THE HOUSE THAT HERMAN BUILT.

The Cuban Hat Award was also presented to Storyline Entertainment’s THE HOUSE THAT HERMAN BUILT.

Posted: Sat, May 08, 2010 - 4:40 | #

Hot Pick For Friday, May 7: WHEN I RISE

WHEN I RISE (Bloor Theatre, 6:30 pm)

Barbara Smith Conrad, a gifted African-American singer, finds herself at the centre of a racial controversy at the University of Texas. Against the odds, she emerges as one of the world’s most respected opera singers.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Audience Award Tally: As Of Wednesday May 5, 5pm

The Hot Docs 2010 Audience Award will be tallied throughout the Festival.

Your vote counts! Don’t forget to rate the film(s) after each screening, and stay tuned to the Hot Docs Daily for the latest results.

The top 20 below are current as of Wednesday, May 5, 11:59pm.*

*N.B. votes for BLANK CITY, COMPLAINTS CHOIR, and THE FABULOUS FIFF AND FAM have not yet been tabulated.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Pink Milk Crate: A Festival Blog To Watch

In case you missed it, do check out the Festival musings of Pink Milk Crate, an avid Hot Docs attendee who’s as excited about this year’s Festival as we are. She’ll be sharing her insights, observations and anecdotes about the Hot Docs experience.

Read it at: http://www.pinkmilkcrate.blogspot.com

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Last Chance To Get Your 2010/11 Doc Soup Subscription at the Special Festival Price!

Subscribe now and save! Get your 2010/11 subscription to Doc Soup, our monthly film series, before May 10th and take advantage of the special Festival price! Doc Soup begins October 2010 and screens at the Bloor Cinema.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick For Friday, May 7: SHADOW PLAY: THE MAKING OF ANTON CORBIJN

SHADOW PLAY: THE MAKING OF ANTON CORBIJN (Bloor Theatre, 9:15 pm)

Photographer Anton Corbijn transforms stars into icons. Music’s glitterati - from Bono to the late Kurt Cobain - share their thoughts on his shots, but it’s the candid footage on Corbijn directing his first feature, Control, that truly reveals the man behind the lens.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Docs Coverage On The Substream

Visit thesubstream.com for more exciting video coverage of this year’s Hot Docs. Just posted: Spotlight on Dr. NakaMats!

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 7 of the Festival, featuring HOUSE OF SUH, STEAM OF LIFE, and THEIVES BY LAW.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Meet The Filmmakers: THE HOUSE OF SUH

Iris K. Shim, Director, and Gerry Kim, Producer.

THE HOUSE OF SUH A brother murders his sister’s boyfriend, shocking the Korean-American community. THE HOUSE OF SUH paints the portrait of a boy raised to be loyal and his sister who manipulates his family bond.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Industry Conference Panels: Friday May 7

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, returns for its 17th year as an essential meeting place for the international documentary industry.

All panels take place at the Rogers Industry Centre, Victoria College, 93 Charles Street West.

Panels for Friday May 7

09:00am
NFB Doc Summit 2010

2:00pm
Conference Session 7: The Soap Box

4:00pm
Conference Session 8: Interactive State Of The Nation

View the full industry schedule

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 7 of the Festival, featuring KINGS OF PASTRY, MONICA AND DAVID, and SELTZER WORKS.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Last Chance To Get Your Festival Merchandise

Have a piece of Hot Docs all year round! Be sure to stop by the Hot Docs’ documentary Box Office to purchase canvas bags, water bottles, umbrellas, program books and more.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Meet The Filmmakers: A MOTH IN SPRING

Yu Gu, Director.

A MOTH IN SPRING In the midst of production on a dramatic film about her father’s departure from China during the 1989 Student Democracy Movement, Yu Gu was shut down by China’s National Security Bureau. Chronicling her filmmaker process in China, issues of artistic freedom rise to the fore and confirm a daughter and father’s common histories.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 4:59 | #

Photo Gallery: May 6

View our photo coverage from day 7 of the Festival.

Featuring Toronto Documentary Forum, industry conference sessions,and THE PARKING LOT MOVIE at Rooftop Docs.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 4:58 | #

Hot Pick For Friday, May 7: SONA, THE OTHER MYSELF

SONA, THE OTHER MYSELF (ROM Theatre, 1:30 pm)

A follow-up to her festival hit Dear Pyogyang, Yang Yonghi returns with a loving, poignant portrait of her niece, whom the filmmaker hasn’t seen since being banned from North Korea five years ago.

Posted: Fri, May 07, 2010 - 4:40 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 6 of the Festival, featuring 12TH AND DELAWARE, THE CANAL STREET MADAM, FEATHERED COCAINE, MARWENCOL, SONA,THE OTHER MYSELF.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 3:24 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: 12TH AND DELAWARE

12th & DELAWARE (Isabel Bader Theatre, 2:00 pm)

In Fort Pierce, Florida, a pro-life centre opens up directly across from an abortion clinic, igniting America’s most uncompromising war in unexpected ways.12TH & DELAWARE delivers unprecedented access behind the frontlines and to the women caught in the crossfire.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: FEATHERED COCAINE

FEATHERED COCAINE (Isabel Bader Theatre, 4:30 pm)

What do you do when you walk into a room and see a falcon and a terrorist? A falconer enters a whirlpool of international intrigue and obsession when he takes on the smuggler market for coveted birds of prey.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: STRANGE POWERS: STEPHIN MERRITT AND THE MAGNETIC FIELDS

STRANGE POWERS: STEPHIN MERRITT AND THE MAGNETIC FIELDS (Bloor Cinema, 6:30 pm)

Shot over 10 years, this captivating film delves in to the unusual world of misanthropic genius Stephin Merritt, a notorious indie-rock curmudgeon who’s also lauded as the Cole Porter of independent music.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Docs Coverage On The Substream

Visit thesubstream.com for more exciting video coverage of this year’s Hot Docs. Just posted: Rajo’s Hot Docs diary and a spotlight on BHUTTO.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: AUTUMN GOLD

AUTUMN GOLD (Isabel Bader Theatre, 11:30 am)

Hold on to your hip replacements and brace your funny bones! Aged 80 and up, a group of top senior track and field athletes train for the World Masters Championships, battling injury and upset in their quests for personal bests.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN

AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN (Bloor Cinema, 9:00 pm)

As a devoted son of Holocaust survivors, a disgraced academic, and a fierce critic of Israeli policy, it’s never been easy for Professor Norman Finkelstein. This intimate portrait captures the lonely fight of this passionate and complex provocateur.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Thursday, May 6: LEAVE THEM LAUGHING

LEAVE THEM LAUGHING (Isabel Bader Theatre, 9:15 pm)

Lou Gehrig’s disease may be taking the life of Carla Zilbersmith, but it’s not going to defeat the mother, performer, and darkly funny smart-ass in this hilarious pre-mortem by Academy Award-winning director John Zaritsky.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Industry Conference Panels: Thursday May 6

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, returns for its 17th year as an essential meeting place for the international documentary industry.

All panels take place at the Rogers Industry Centre, Victoria College, 93 Charles Street West.

Panels for Thursday May 6

09:30am
NFB Coffee Talks: Women Directing Justice

11:00am
Conference Session 4: Poetics of Online Documentary

2:00pm
Conference Session 5: Longinotto on Longinotto

2:30pm
Micro Meeting: Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund

4:00pm
Conference Session 6: Engage My Film

View the full industry schedule

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 4:59 | #

Photo Gallery: May 5

View our photo coverage from day 6 of the Festival.

Featuring Toronto Documentary Forum, and Kickstart sessions.

Posted: Thu, May 06, 2010 - 4:58 | #

Hot Docs in the Headlines

Torontoist recommended capsule reviews of NEIGHBORS, GRACE, MILLY, LUCY… CHILD SOLDIERS, and FREETIME MACHOS
National Post interview with WASTE LAND director Lucy Walker
Macleans article featuring LIFE WITH MURDER and TALHOTBLOND
Eye Weekly the T.O. To Do List featuring STEAM OF LIFE
The Chronicle Herald feature on A DRUMMER’S DREAM
CTV.ca story on DISH: WOMEN, WAITRESSING & THE ART OF SERVICE
The Victoria Times Colonist article on pitches at the Toronto Documentary Forum indieWIRE Dispatch from Toronto feature
Tandem story on THE MIRROR
National Post article featuring NENETTE
Torontoist review of THE HOUSE OF SUH
cp24 story on AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN
CBC News article feature of THE KINGS OF PASTRY
Eye Weekly the T.O. To Do List featuring AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY
Film School Rejects review of CANDYMAN: THE DAVID KLEIN STORY
National Post Q&A with Jennifer Arnold, director of A SMALL ACT
The Toronto Star recommended capsule reviews of MONICA & DAVID, ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE, A DIFFERENT PATH, BLANK CITY, AMERICA: THE BILL HICKS STORY
Winnipeg Free Press feature article on LIFE WITH MURDER
The Epoch Times review of GENERAL ORDERS NO. 9
indieWIRE article on pitches at the Toronto Documentary Forum
indieWIRE article on winners of TDF
Film School Rejects review of BABIES
The Gazette review of BABIES
Film School Rejects review of WASTE LAND
City TV interview with director George Tsioutsioulas THE STORY OF FURIOUS PETE
Chart Attack review of THE “SOCALLED” MOVIE
Film School Rejects review 12TH & DELAWARE

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 6:50 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 5 of the Festival, featuring CANDYMAN: THE DAVID KLEIN STORY, HIS & HERS, and THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:30 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 5 of the Festival, featuring B1, CONGO IN FOUR ACTS, ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE, NATIONAL PARKS PROJECT: GROS MORNE, and RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:30 | #

Audience Award Tally: As Of Tuesday May 4, 5pm

The Hot Docs 2010 Audience Award will be tallied throughout the Festival.

Your vote counts! Don’t forget to rate the film(s) after each screening, and stay tuned to the Hot Docs Daily for the latest results.

The top 20 below are current as of Tuesday, May 4, 5pm.*

*N.B. votes for SINS OF MY FATHER and THE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND have not yet been tabulated.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:20 | #

Toronto Documentary Forum May 5 & 6

Widely regarded as the most effective international documentary market in North America, the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF) is a dynamic pitching event that stimulates international co-production financing for projects at various levels of completion.

Selected documentary producers publicly pitch their projects to over 150 key international broadcasters and financiers from Europe, Australia, Japan, the USA and Canada and to a gallery of accredited observers.

For buyers, the TDF offers a curated slate of projects in development or production by elite international filmmakers. Observers gain prime industry intelligence and valuable networking opportunities with commissioners, buyers, financiers and other filmmakers.

Find out more about TDF

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:15 | #

Hot Pick for Wednesday, May 5: THE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND

THE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND (ROM Theatre, 1:30 pm)

A pioneering group of Greenpeace activists, the crew of the famous ship The Rainbow Warrior, form a community on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Best described as a “rest home for burnt-out greenies”, the friends revisit their legacy of protest.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Wednesday, May 5: HORSES

HORSES (ROM Theatre, 9:15 pm)

The diminutive underdog, the sensitive wild card and the gentle giant: all three amazing athletes vie to become top racer at Ireland’s Toberona Stables; always one race away from a win, and one injury away from retirement.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Wednesday, May 5: INTO ETERNITY

INTO ETERNITY (Isabel Bader Theatre, 9:45 pm)

The fascinating scientific minds behind Finland’s massive underground nuclear waste storage facility, where radioactive waste must sit untouched for at least 100,000 years to neutralize its potential danger, are probed in this unique and stylish film.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Wednesday, May 5: ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE

ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE (Isabel Bader Theatre, 11:30 am)

On his 10-year journey to reveal the truth about the Cambodian genocide, journalist Thet Sambath attempts to come to terms with the loss of his family by befriending Pol Pot’s enigmatic lieutenant in this Sundance prize winner.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Industry Conference Panels: Wednesday May 5

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, returns for its 17th year as an essential meeting place for the international documentary industry.

All panels take place at the Rogers Industry Centre, Victoria College, 93 Charles Street West.

Panels for Wednesday May 4

09:30am
NFB Coffee Talks: Music Docs

11:00am
Micro Meetings: Seneca College Documentary Filmmaking Institute

11:00am
Conference Session 3: Crafting 3D

1:00pm
Kickstart Panel 1: Funding It

2:30pm
Micro Meeting: Italian Documentary Screenings

2:30pm
Kickstart Panel 2: Making It

4:00pm
Kickstart Panel 3: Selling It

4:00pm
Micro Meeting: DJ Woods presents Stereoscopic 3D From Script to Screen

View the full industry schedule

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Wednesday, May 5: THE INVENTION OF DR. NAKAMATS

THE INVENTION OF DR. NAKAMATS (Isabel Bader Theatre, 1:45 pm)

At a mere 81, Ig Nobel-winning inventor Dr. NakaMats fully intends to live to the age of 144. Holding 3,300 patents for everything from floppy disks to aphrodisiacs, the quirky Japanese icon delightfully champions imagination and the limitlessness of innovation.

Posted: Wed, May 05, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Docs in the Headlines

National Post interview with the filmmakers of BHUTTO
Cinematical story on female directors at the festival
Torontoist capsule reviews for THE “SOCALLED” MOVIE, DAVID WANTS TO FLY and MARWENCOL
Shalom Life capsule review of A SMALL ACT

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 8:04 | #

Photo Gallery: May 4

View our photo coverage from day 5 of the Festival.

Featuring industry conference sessions and events, SONA, THE OTHER MYSELF, and THE KIDS GROW UP.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 6:10 | #

Meet The Filmmakers: THE KIDS GROW UP

Doug Block, Director.

THE KIDS GROW UP Doug Block (51 Birch Street) focuses his lens on his only child, Lucy, now 17, as she leaves home for college in this tender, funny, and endearing exploration of the complexities of modern-day parenting and the hardship of letting go.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 6:12 | #

Meet The Filmmakers: THE REGRETTERS

Marcus Lindeen, Director.

THE REGRETTERS. In this riveting dialogue, the gender flip-flops of two Swedish men, now in their sixties, form the basis for provocative reflections on sexuality, expectations, and regrets.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:52 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 4 of the Festival, featuring LISTEN TO THIS, SEX MAGIC, MANIFESTING MAYA, THE SOCALLED MOVIE, and TALHOTBLOND.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:40 | #

Video Coverage: Festival Highlights

Watch video coverage from day 4 of the Festival, featuring JOAN RIVERS - A PIECE OF WORK, I BOUGHT A RAINFOREST, and A SMALL ACT.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:30 | #

Industry Conference Panels: Tuesday May 4

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, returns for its 17th year as an essential meeting place for the international documentary industry.

All panels take place at the Rogers Industry Centre, Victoria College, 93 Charles Street West.

Panels for Tuesday May 4

09:30am
NFB Coffee Talks: Digital Doc Production

11:00am
Conference Session 1: Ripping Reality - Creativity and the New Documentary

1:00pm
Micro Meeting: Thought Equity Motion presents Anatomy of a Trailer

2:30pm
Micro Meeting: Gardiner Roberts LLP presents Do’s and Don’ts in Financing

4:00pm
Micro Meeting: Front Row Insurance presents What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

4:00pm
Conference Session 2: Distribution Now - What’s Working?

View the full industry schedule

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:10 | #

Industry Announcement: Soap Box Line Up Announced!

The Soap Box line-up Announced! Come hear Festival All-Stars and contribute to the conversation on the future of documentary at THE SOAP BOX conference session. Friday May 7, 2:00pm - 3:15pm at The Rogers Industry Centre, 2nd Floor Chapel.

You must be an industry delegate to attend.

Peter Wintonick | Filmmaker (Canada) presents Future Soapbox ; A 20 point pecha kucha MANIFIESTA on the Future of Docmedia

Tahani Rached | Hot Docs “Focus On” Filmmaker (Egypt) presents New Motivations for Stories Yet to Be Told

Tim Sparke | CEO, Mercury Media (UK) presents the Documentary Distributors Association – a new lobby for documentary

John Zaritsky | Filmmaker, Leave them Laughing (Canada) presents The Filmmaker’s Guide to Documenting Death

Danya Alhamrani and Dania Nassief | Founders, Eggdancer Productions (Saudi Arabia) presents What the World needs to know about the Arab doc industry

Karen Dougherty | Director of Development, Q Media Solutions (Canada) presents The Camera that’s Changing the Whole Game: The Canon 5D Mark II DSLR

Tobias Wilner | Composer, Tankograd, Twilight, Miami Vice (Denmark) presents The Nuances of Composing for Doc and Fiction Features – a designer speaks

Stephanie McArthur | TDF and Market Coordinator, Hot Docs (Canada) presents A Hard-Core Lesson: What the Documentary industry can learn from the Porn Industry

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:08 | #

Photo Gallery: May 3

View our photo coverage from day 5 of the Festival.

Featuring Industry conference sessions, International Co-Production Day, SEX MAGIC, MANIFESTING MAYA, SOUNDTRACKER, THE SOCALLED MOVIE, and NATIONAL PARKS PROJECT: GROS MORNE.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:06 | #

Hot Pick for Tuesday, May 4: DREAMLAND

DREAMLAND (Isabel Bader Theatre, 2:00 pm)

With its hydroelectric and geothermal power surplus, Iceland’s clean energy initiatives have ironically attracted heavy industries whose pollution decimates the natural vegetation. A troubling tale of sabotage from the front lines of the green revolution.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Tuesday, May 4: MARWENCOL

MARWENCOL (Isabel Bader Theatre, 9:45 pm)

Seeking solace after a brutal beating, Mark Hogencamp constructs a miniature WWII-era town in his backyard. But when his talent is discovered, the instant “artist” must choose between his fantasy life and the real world he’s carefully avoided.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Tuesday, May 4: FEATHERED COCAINE

FEATHERED COCAINE (Bloor Cinema, 6:30 pm)

What do you do when you walk into a room and see a falcon and a terrorist? A falconer enters a whirlpool of international intrigue and obsession when he takes on the smuggler market for coveted birds of prey.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Tuesday, May 4: FAREWELL

FAREWELL (Isabel Bader Theatre, 4:15 pm)

Through stunning archival footage and intimate journal entries, Lady Grace Drummond-Hay’s exhilarating yet tumultuous journey around the world is recreated, revealing her experiences as the only female passenger on board the 1929 maiden voyage of the Graf Zeppelin.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Pick for Tuesday, May 4: DAVID WANTS TO FLY

DAVID WANTS TO FLY (Bloor Cinema, 9:00 pm)

The director follows filmmaking idol David Lynch to seek enlightenment through Transcendental Meditation, his tumultuous journey ending in a pilgrimage to discover the elusive truth about the technique’s famous founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Posted: Tue, May 04, 2010 - 5:00 | #

Hot Docs in the Headlines

About.com capsule reviews including FREETIME MACHOS, JOAN RIVERS - A PIECE OF WORK, ITO - A DIARY OF AN URBAN PRIEST, THE OATH, and 12TH & DELAWARE.
About.com capsule reviews of National Film Board of Canada titles screening at Hot Docs, including THE “SOCALLED” MOVIE, LIFE WITH MURDER, FLAWED, and GRACE, MILLY, LUCY… CHILD SOLDIERS.
Torontoist capsule reviews of AISHEEN (STILL ALIVE IN GAZA) and ITO - A DIARY OF AN URBAN PRIEST.
indieWIRE reports in the sale of THE “SOCALLED” MOVIE to Lorber Films.
CTV.ca feature on THE STORY OF FURIOUS PETE.
Film School Rejects grade A review of THE PARKING LOT MOVIE.
Citytv News interview with John Walker, director of A DRUMMER’S DREAM.
Eye Weekly capsule review of A PORTRAIT OF A MAN.
Rabble.ca feature on Ripping Reality title THE CORPORATION.

Posted: Mon, May 03, 2010 - 10:21 | #

Audience Award: Tally For Sunday May 2, 5pm

The Hot Docs 2010 Audience Award will be tallied throughout the Festival.

Your vote counts! Don’t forget to rate the film(s) after each screening, and stay tuned to the Hot Docs Daily for the latest results.

The top 20 below are current as of Sunday, May 2, 5pm.*

*N.B. votes for MADE IN INDIA have not yet been tabulated.

Posted: Mon, May 03, 2010 - 10:00 | #

Photo Gallery: May 2

View our photo coverage from day 4 of the Festival.

Featuring Big Bite in the Park, A SMALL ACT, and TALHOTBLOND.

Posted: Mon, May 03, 2010 - 9:00 | #

Hot Pick for Monday, May 3: STEAM OF LIFE

STEAM OF LIFE (Isabel Bader Theatre, 7: 00 pm)

Naked men in saunas talk straight from the heart. The heat from rusty stoves cleanses their bodies, while drawing profound emotional catharses from several of these typically reserved Finnish men.

Posted: Mon, May 03, 2010 - 8:40 | #

Hot Pick for Monday, May 3: THE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND

THE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF WAIHEKE ISLAND (Bloor Cinema, 9:15 pm)

A pioneering group of Greenpeace activists, the crew of the famous ship The Rainbow Warrior, form a community on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Best described as a “rest home for burnt-out greenies”, the friends revisit their legacy of protest.

Posted: Mon, May 03, 2010 - 8:38 | #