HOT DOCS FORUM WRAPS SUCCESSFUL 2012 EDITION
OVER $41,000 IN CASH PRIZES AWARDED
Toronto, May 4, 2012 – The Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs’ key international co-financing market event, wrapped after two days of brisk pitching, networking and deal-making. In total, 25 projects representing 14 countries were presented to a panel of over 170 key commissioning editors and other funders.
“The past two days showcased a collection of exceptional projects,” says Hot Docs Forum and market director Elizabeth Radshaw. “And despite global changes in doc industry financing, the filmmakers and their projects were met with enthusiasm, excitement and keen interest from international buyers.”
Over $41,000 in cash prizes were awarded to projects at this year’s Hot Docs Forum.
The Shaw Media-Hot Docs Forum Pitch Prize was awarded to Storyline Entertainment/Maremoto Productions’ SHADOW GIRL, a feature-length story of a filmmaker who is losing her sight. 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 buyers. Shaw Media’s Sarah Jane Flynn presented the award to pitch team members Lisa Valencia-Svensson and Maria Teresa Larrain.
The Cuban Hat Award, which offers “real cash, no strings attached” support for powerful and unique projects, was presented to SVALKA: YULA’S JOURNEY (Hanna Polak Films/Goats Hill), pitched by Hanna Polak and Jan Rofekamp. 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’s prize includes $500 from Films Transit International, $250 from Syndicado, $849.09 CAD, $38 USD,$15 EU, $100 Kwacha (from Malawi), $1000 Pesos (from Colombia), 20£, 100 Yuans and 55 cents, two Kroner, and one Toronto transit token, as well as two 2013 Hot Docs Forum Passes, two I Heart Docs t-shirts, and Eyesteel will watch and assess the rough cut of the film. 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 winner at the Hot Docs Forum’s closing reception.
Hot Docs Forum is regarded as the most effective international co-production market in North America for the documentary industry with invaluable market intelligence and excellent opportunities for exclusive industry networking. The Hot Docs Forum aims to stimulate international co-production financing for feature, series and interactive documentary projects at various levels of completion. Selected documentary producers publicly pitch their projects to a round-table of international commissioning editors, distributors, foundations, charities and cross media platforms, while accredited observers look on. For buyers, the Hot Docs Forum offers a slate of pre-selected projects in development or production by elite international filmmakers. Observers gain both direct industry intelligence and networking opportunities with financiers and other filmmakers. For pitchers, this experience and exposure can catapult their project into the market and complete their financing.
Hot Docs is North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market. From April 26 to May 6, Hot Docs will present an outstanding selection of 189 documentaries from Canada and around the world to Toronto audiences and international delegates. Hot Docs will also mount a full roster of conference sessions, market events and services for documentary practitioners, including the renowned Hot Docs Forum, May 2 and 3, and The Doc Shop.
Hot Docs is proud to include Scotiabank, Rogers Group of Funds, Telefilm Canada and documentary as its Presenting Partners.
Media Contact:
Virginia Kelly
V Kelly & Associates
Email: info@vkpr.ca
Phone: 416-466-9799
