Latest News
Hot Docs Nominated for Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts
Hot Docs has been nominated for the 2012 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The Festival is honoured to receive this nomination, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of artists and arts organizations and their contributions to arts and culture in Ontario over a significant period of time. The award winners will be announced at a reception on Thursday, June 7.
CHASING ICE Named People’s Choice and THE IMPOSTER Takes Filmmakers Award
After the final screening yesterday, votes were tallied for the Hot Docs 2012 People’s Choice Award. The winner is CHASING ICE (D: Jeff Orlowski, USA), which follows renowned National Geographic photographer James Balog on a harsh Arctic expedition where he captures a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers. View the top ten audience favourites.
New this year, the People’s Choice Award winner will receive a cash prize, crowd-funded on Doc Ignite. Show your support for CHASING ICE and contribute to the 2012 People’s Choice Award campaign on Doc Ignite.
Also during this year’s Hot Docs Festival, attending filmmakers with official selections in the Festival were invited to vote for their favourite film. The winner of the 2012 Filmmakers Award is THE IMPOSTER (D: Bart Layton, UK).
Hot Docs’ Largest Festival Ever Sees Audience Over 165,000
Hot Docs has wrapped up its most successful Festival to date with audience numbers reaching an estimated 165,000. The 11-day event featured 395 public screenings of 189 films on 14 screens across Toronto, an internationally renowned conference and market for documentary professionals, two Hot Docs Live! screenings simulcast to 37 cinemas across Canada, and Docs for Schools, a phenomenally popular education program for youth. A total of 143 screenings went rush, and the Festival hosted nearly 200 filmmakers and special guest subjects from across Canada and around the world to present their films and take part in post-screening Q&A sessions with audiences. Check out Festival highlights, videos, galleries, and more!
Hot Docs 2012 Award Winners Announced! Encore Screenings Added!
Tonight, at a reception hosted by Jian Ghomeshi (host, Q CBC Radio One) at the Windsor Arms Hotel, ten awards and $71,000 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
THE WORLD BEFORE HER (D: Nisha Pahuja; P: Cornelia Principe, Nisha Pahuja, Ed Barreveld)
Sponsored by the Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
Encore screening added Sunday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature
PEACE OUT (D: Charles Wilkinson; P: Tina Schliessler)
Sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada and the DGC-Ontario, the award includes a $5000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
Inspirit Foundation Pluralism Prize
Awarded to a film in the Canadian Spectrum program that presents an accessible perspective (or perspectives) of one or more belief systems in such a way as to contribute to the development of mutual understanding, respect and inclusion among young people in society.
THE BOXING GIRLS OF KABUL (D: Ariel J. Nasr; P: Annette Clark)
The award comes with a $10,000 prize courtesy of the Inspirit Foundation.
Encore screening added Sunday, May 6, at 6:15 p.m. at the Cumberland Cinemas.
Best International Feature
CALL ME KUCHU (D: Malika Zouhali-Worrall, Katherine Fairfax Wright; P: Malika Zouhali-Worrall; USA)
Sponsored by A&E, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
Encore screening added Sunday, May 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.
Special Jury Prize – International Feature
THE LAW IN THESE PARTS (D: Ra’anan Alexandrowicz; P: Liran Atzmor, B.Z. Goldberg; Israel)
Sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the award includes a $5000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
Best Mid-Length Documentary
MY THAI BRIDE (D/P: David Tucker; Australia)
Sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, the award includes a $3000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
The Shorts and Mid-Length Jury also gave an honourable mention to NESSA (D: Loghman Khaledi; P: Katayoon Shahabi; Iran).
Best Short Documentary
FIVE FRAGMENTS OF THE EXTINCT EMPATHY (D: Anna Nykyri; P: Joonas Berghäll; Finland)
The award includes a $3000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
The Shorts and Mid-Length Jury also gave an honourable mention to FAMILY NIGHTMARE (D/P: Dustin Guy Defa; USA).
HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award (tie)
Bill Ross and Turner Ross for the film TCHOUPITOULAS (P: Bill Ross, Turner Ross; USA)
Benjamin Kahlmeyer for the film MEANWHILE IN MAMELODI (P: Boris Frank; Germany, South Africa)
Sponsored by HBO Documentary Films.
The Hot Docs Board of Directors acknowledged Michel Brault as the recipient of the 2012 Hot Docs Outstanding Achievement Award, which was presented to the influential Canadian filmmaker at an event earlier in the day.
documentary’s Don Haig Award
Mia Donovan (INSIDE LARA ROXX, Hot Docs 2011 Official Selection)
Awarded by the Don Haig Foundation, the prize includes a $20,000 cash prize courtesy of documentary.
Director Charles Officer (MIGHTY JEROME, Hot Docs 2011 Official Selection) received an honourable mention.
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 Halifax filmmaker Jasmine Oore.
The award winner will receive a $5000 cash prize from the Lindalee Fund and $5000 in equipment rental donated by SIM Video International.
The Hot Docs People’s Choice Award and audience top ten favourite films of the 2012 Festival, determined by audience ballot, will be announced on Monday, May 7. The public can contribute to a cash prize for the People’s Choice Award on Hot Docs’ crowd funding service Doc Ignite. Also announced on this day is the Filmmaker Award, determined by ballots cast by Hot Docs 2012 filmmakers.
Shaw Media-Hot Docs Forum Pitch Prize and Cuban Hat Award Announced
At the closing reception of 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. Also, 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.
Hot Docs in the Headlines May 1
- Now Magazine Hot Docs micro site with reviews, daily coverage, schedules and more
- CBC Metro Morning preview
- CBC interview with Nisha Pahuja (THE WORLD BEFORE HER)
- Indiewire review of BIG EASY EXPRESS
- National Post feature on BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING
- Toronto Star feature on RADIOMAN
- CTV interview with Rick Springfield (AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART)
- Torontoist daily picks
- Post City feature on SHADOWS OF LIBERTY
Hot Docs in the Headlines April 29
- Now Magazine Hot Docs micro-site with daily news, reviews and more!
- Torontoist daily picks
- Hollywood Reporter feature on SHADOWS OF LIBERTY
- Toronto Star feature of THE FINAL MEMBER
- CBC overview of international selections
- Citytv festival picks
Programmer Blog Now Live!
New this year, the Hot Docs Programming Team has a blog where they will be posting pictures, film tips, behind-the-scenes updates and more!
Follow Hot Docs on Twitter and Facebook!
For all the latest Festival updates, follow us on Twitter and like us Facebook.
Doc Ignite People’s Choice Award Campaign hits $1400
The Doc Ignite Campaign to fund a cash prize for this year’s People’s Choice Award winning film has hit $1400! Audience members can contribute to the prize by pledging at Doc Ignite in exchange for fantastic Hot Docs incentives. View the campaign video and check back daily starting Saturday, April 28, for updates of the top ten films in the running for the prize.
Hot Docs in the Headlines April 27
- Now Magazine Hot Docs micro-site with reviews, daily coverage, schedules and more
- Now Magazine cover story on AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY
- Globe and Mail capsule reviews
- BlogTO capsule reviews
- Realscreen feature on BEAUTY IS EMBARASSING
- Toronto Star capsule reviews
- Toronto Star feature on AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART
- Toronto Star feature on John Kastner
- Macleans hot picks
- Torontoist daily picks
Meet the Programmers at the documentary Box Office this Sunday!
Come out the Nescafé Dolce Gusto café at the documentary Box Office on Sunday, April 29, at noon, and meet director of programming Charlotte Cook and members of the Hot Docs programming team. Have a coffee, chat about docs, and get inside tips on what’s hot at this year’s Festival!
Hot Docs Live! Adds Halifax Theatre
Hot Docs is pleased to announce that Hot Docs Live! is coming to Halifax. The Canadian premieres of CHINA HEAVYWEIGHT! and INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE, special interactive discussions with the filmmakers and special guests, all simulcast live from the newly opened Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on May 2 and 3. Tickets for Halifax screenings can be obtained at www.empiretheatres.com
Check Out The Doc Talk Series
Doc Talks is an exciting series of hour-long conversations with festival filmmakers offering their insights into documentary filmmaking and storytelling. This year’s sessions will highlight innovative technology for documentary filmmaking, the challenge of creating cinematic impact, and long form story-telling with director Stacy Peralta (BONES BRIGADE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY). Doc Talks will be hosted by AJ Schnack on May 2, 3 and 4, and are presented by the National Film Board of Canada.
Hot Docs Live! May 2 & 3
Director of Programming Charlotte Cook discusses the Hot Docs Live! program which will screen the Canadian premieres of two Hot Docs 2012 Festival films CHINA HEAVYWEIGHT and INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE in 35 Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada on May 2 and 3.
These screenings, as well as special interactive discussions with the filmmakers and special guests, will be simulcast live from the newly opened Bloor Hot Docs Cinema via Cineplex Entertainment’s Front Row Centre Events to participating theatres across Canada.
Tickets for Hot Docs Live! can be purchased at participating theatre box offices and online
Advance Tickets Selling Fast; Find Out What’s Gone Rush!
Advance tickets are selling fast, and many films have gone rush. Tickets for these films may be available on the day of the screening for those who join the rush line.
Hot Docs Live! Presents Two Festival Films in 35 Theatres Across Canada
Get your tickets for Hot Docs Live! simulcast screenings of CHINA HEAVYWEIGHT and INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE. Use promo code ALT0011234512345 and save $2 on your online order.
Hot Docs Live! presents the Canadian premieres of CHINA HEAVYWEIGHT and INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE, as well as interactive discussions with filmmakers and special guests, which will be simulcast live from the newly opened Bloor Hot Docs Cinema via Cineplex Entertainment’s Front Row Centre Events to participating theatres across Canada.
Learn more about Hot Docs Live!
Hot Docs 2012 Schedule Announced - Opening with AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY
Hot Docs 2012, April 26 to May 6, will open will the Canadian Premiere of Alison Klayman’s AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY. View the full film schedule
Michel Brault Named Hot Docs 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient
The Hot Docs Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has chosen masterful Québécois filmmaker Michel Brault as the recipient of its 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award. As part of the honour, Hot Docs will screen a retrospective during the 19th annual Festival celebrating Brault’s distinguished career as a director and cinematographer.
Learn more about Michel Brault.
Presented by the National Film Board of Canada.
Southeastern Europe Spotlight for 2012 Hot Docs Festival
This year’s Made In program will showcase films from Southeastern Europe. The Made In Southeastern Europe program will champion the renewed strength and artistry of the area’s documentary community. The program will include films from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia.
John Kastner Honoured with Focus On Retrospective
Hot Docs is pleased to pay tribute to Emmy-winning director John Kastner with this year’s Focus On retrospective, an annual program showcasing the work of a mid-career Canadian filmmaker. The Focus On John Kastner retrospective will screen during the 2012 Festival, April 26 to May 6.
Presented by the National Film Board of Canada.
Hot Docs documentary BOX OFFICE OPENS TODAY
Newly located at 783 Bathurst Street, the Hot Docs documentary Box Office opens today for advance ticket package and pass sales. With special early-bird prices until March 19, don’t wait to find the package or pass that’s right for you!
Hot Docs Passes and Packages Now On Sale!
Hot Docs 2012 ticket packages and passes are now available at special early-bird prices! With two ticket packages, two Kickstart packages, and three great pass options to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect present for the doc lover in your family. This year there are a limited number of passes available, so hurry and purchase your ticket package or pass online or by phone at 416-637-5150.
Doc Soup Calgary Screens FIGHTVILLE In March
On March 7, Calgary’s Doc Soup will screen FIGHTVILLE, the Hot Docs 2011 hit that reveals the raw power and focused determination it takes to emerge a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion.
Doc Soup Toronto Screens THE VANISHING SPRING LIGHT In March
On March 7, Doc Soup Toronto will screen THE VANISHING SPRING LIGHT. In the West Street of the World Cultural Heritage Site of Dujiangyan (southwest China), Grandma Jiang and her family attempt to live according to Chinese tradition while facing the constant threat of relocation. THE VANISHING SPRING LIGHT tells the story of a family’s love and loss, obligation and attachment, guilt, transformation, and destiny.
