Hot Docs

Best of Hot Docs in Vancouver

The Best of Hot Docs is coming back to Vancouver June 21 to 23. Don’t miss your chance to see the Vancouver premieres of seven exceptional documentaries, each one a hit at this year’s Festival. Discover the past and future of funk music, a notorious jewel thief, a legendary NYC bathhouse, a father’s time capsule for his newborn son, the impact of Anita’s Hill’s testimony, the repercussions of keeping whales in captivity, and what it really means each time you click “I Accept” online.

Learn more and buy passes!

Watch 2013 Festival Highlights

Want to relive some of the magic of Hot Docs 2013? Check out these videos from this year’s fest.

Watch now!

Doc Soup Subscriptions Available At Early-Bird Rate

Enjoy the world’s hottest documentaries at Doc Soup, Hot Docs’ monthly screening series that presents Festival hits and award-winning docs at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), from October through April. Subscriptions for the 2013-14 Doc Soup season are now on sale as a special early-bird rate. Get your’s today!

Early-Bird Deadline: July 17, 2013
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Hot Docs 20th Anniversary Sees Audience of 180,000

Hot Docs has wrapped up its 20th anniversary edition with record-breaking audience numbers reaching an estimated 180,000. The 11-day event featured 418 public screenings of 204 films on 16 screens across Toronto, an internationally renowned conference and market for documentary professionals, the phenomenally popular Docs For Schools youth program, a free outdoor screening and the new Scotiabank Big Ideas series, featuring live onstage discussions with documentary subjects Anita Hill, Roméo Dallaire, Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss. A total of 157 screenings went rush, and the Festival welcomed 180 filmmakers and 55 guest subjects from across Canada and around the world to present their films and take part in post-screening Q&A sessions with audiences.

“’Toronto has become a world capital for cinema lovers, and feeding their appetite for 20 years has been great fun,” says Chris McDonald, Hot Docs executive director. “We are very proud of our smart and savvy audience, as well as those razor sharp filmmakers who join us each year.”

After the final screening yesterday, audience votes were tallied for the Audience Award, presented by Netflix. The winner is MUSCLE SHOALS (D: Greg “Freddy” Camalier, USA), the story of a tiny backwater Alabama town’s impact on popular music. Second in the audience poll is BLOOD BROTHER (D: Steve Hoover, USA), in which the director follows his friend’s sudden move to India to care for HIV-positive orphans; and third in the audience poll is A WHOLE LOTT MORE (D: Victor Buhler, UK), which looks at the impact of the auto crisis on a company whose 1200 employees have developmental disabilities. The cash prize for the Audience Award, which will be shared by the top three films in the audience poll, was crowd-funded from audiences through Hot Docs’ Doc Ignite platform. The public can further contribute to this cash prize until Friday, May 10.

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

1. MUSCLE SHOALS (D: Greg “Freddy” Camalier, USA)
2. BLOOD BROTHER (D: Steve Hoover, USA)
3. A WHOLE LOTT MORE (D: Victor Buhler, UK)
4. THE PUNK SINGER (D: Sini Anderson, USA)
5. LAST WOMAN STANDING (D: Lorraine Price, Juliet Lammers; Canada)
6. SPRING & ARNAUD (D: Katherine Knight, Marcia Connolly; Canada)
7. THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (D: Chris Simon, Maureen Gosling, USA)
8. MENSTRUAL MAN (D: Amit Virmani, Singapore, India)
9. THE CRASH REEL (D: Lucy Walker, USA)
10. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE (D: Liz Marshall, Canada)

Also during this year’s Hot Docs Festival, attending filmmakers with official selections in the Festival were invited to vote for their favourite film. This year two films tied for the Filmmaker-to-Filmmaker Award: THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR (D: Tinatin Gurchiani; Georgia, Germany), which looks at the lives Georgian youth through a casting call, and THESE BIRDS WALK (D: Bassam Tariq, Omar Mullick; USA), which looks at a children’s shelter in Karachi.

A full week of industry programming was attended by 2514 delegates from around the world. Hot Docs mounted a roster of three workshops, 12 conference sessions, 18 networking events and parties, three Kickstart panels for emerging filmmakers, 12 micro meetings, 14 new Close Up With… sessions with broadcasters, two new Rent-an-Expert sessions, the Doc Summit, International Co-Production Day panels, and the Hot Docs Awards Presentation. Hot Docs also hosted eight official delegations from China, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, the Nordic Region, Poland, South Africa and the USA.

The Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs’ key international co-financing market event, Hot Docs Deal Maker, Hot Docs’ new one-on-one curated pitch event, and Distribution Rendezvous, Hot Docs’ tailored meeting service for completed films seeking distribution, saw brisk pitching, networking and deal-making. In total, 20 projects representing 12 countries were presented to a panel of over 180 key commissioning editors and funders at the Hot Docs Forum. A total of 55 projects were pitched at approximately 400 meetings during Hot Docs Deal Maker, and Distribution Rendezvous facilitated approximately 530 meetings.

Doc for Schools, Hot Docs’ education program that runs during the Festival and offers free in-theatre and in-school screenings of select Festival films, reached a record number of students in 2013. Close to 78,000 students participated in the program, including schools in Toronto and throughout Ontario.

Netflix Audience Award and Filmmaker-to-Filmmaker Award Announced

After the final screening yesterday, votes were tallied for the 2013 Netflix Audience Award. The top three films are:

• MUSCLE SHOALS (D: Greg “Freddy” Camalier, USA)
• BLOOD BROTHER (D: Steve Hoover, USA)
• A WHOLE LOTT MORE (D: Victor Buhler, UK)

View the top ten audience favourites.

This year the directors of the top three films to will receive a cash prize, crowd-funded 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. This year two films tied for the 2013 Filmmaker-to-Filmmaker Award: THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR (D: Tinatin Gurchiani; Georgia, Germany) and THESE BIRDS WALK (D: Bassam Tariq, Omar Mullick; USA).

Top 20 Audience Picks - May 5

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of May 5, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. MUSCLE SHOALS
2. BLOOD BROTHER
3. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
4. THE PUNK SINGER
5. LAST WOMAN STANDING
6. SPRING & ARNAUD
7. THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC!
8. GOD LOVES UGANDA
9. MENSTRUAL MAN
10. THE CRASH REEL
11. GOOD OL’ FREDA
12. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
13. BLOOD RELATIVE
14. AFTER TILLER
15. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS
16. BLACKFISH
17. THE OTHER SHORE
18. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
19. WHEN I WALK
20. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Encore Screenings Added for Award-Winning Films

Encore screenings of three award-winning films have been added on Sunday, May 5.

• Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award - WHEN I WALK
  Encore: Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
  
  

• Best International Feature Documentary Award - DRAGON GIRLS
  Encore: Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 pm at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

• Inspirit Foundation Pluralism Prize - Director Khoa Lê for BÀ NỘI
  Encore: Sunday, May 5, at 7:30 pm at the Hart House Theatre.

The full list of award winners can be found here.

Top 20 Audience Picks - May 4

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of May 4, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS
2. SPRING & ARNAUD
3. MUSCLE SHOALS
4. BLOOD BROTHER
5. THE PUNK SINGER
6. LAST WOMAN STANDING
7. THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC!
8. GOD LOVES UGANDA
9. THE CRASH REEL
10. GOOD OL’ FREDA
11. BLOOD RELATIVE
12. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
13. MENSTRUAL MAN
14. UNCLAIMED
15. AFTER TILLER
16. CUTIE AND THE BOXER
17. ALPHÉE OF THE STARS
18. BLACKFISH
19. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
20. THE OTHER SHORE

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Hot Docs 2013 Award Winners Announced

Tonight 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.

Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature Documentary
ALPHÉE OF THE STARS (D: Hugo Latulippe; P: Colette Loumède, Éric De Gheldere, Hugo Latulippe; Canada)
Sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada and DGC-Ontario, the award includes a $5000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

documentary Emerging Canadian Filmmaker Award
Director Nicolas Renaud for BRAVE NEW RIVER (Canada)
Awarded to a first- or second-time Canadian filmmaker with a feature film in the Canadian Spectrum program, the award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of documentary.

Best International Feature Documentary Award
DRAGON GIRLS (D: Inigo Westmeier; P: Inigo Westmeier, Andreas Simon; Germany)
Sponsored by A&E, 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 Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

Special Jury Prize – International Feature Documentary
CLOUDY MOUNTAINS (D: Zhu Yu; P: Han Lei; China)
Sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the award includes a $5000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award
Director Lotfy Nathan for 12 O’CLOCK BOYS (USA)
Sponsored by HBO Documentary Films, the award includes a $3000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

Best Mid-Length Documentary
THE CIRCLE (D: Bram Conjaerts; P: Kobe Van Steenberghe, Hendrik Verthé; Belgium)
Sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts, the award includes a $3000 cash prize courtesy of Hot Docs.

Best Short Documentary Award
NOTES ON BLINDNESS: RAINFALL (D: James Spinney, Peter Middleton; P: Peter Middleton, Jen Kerrison; UK, Australia)
The award includes a $3000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs.
Hot Docs is an Academy Award® qualifying festival for short documentaries, and as winner of the Best Short Documentary Award NOTES ON BLINDNESS: RAINFALL will qualify for consideration in the Documentary Short Subject category of the Annual Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided it complies with Academy rules.

Inspirit Foundation Pluralism Prize
Director Khoa Lê for BÀ NỘI (Canada)
Selected by the Inspirit Foundation, the award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the Inspirit Foundation.
An additional screening of BÀ NỘI has been added on Sunday, May 5, at 7:30 pm at the Hart House Theatre.

Lindalee Tracey Award
This award honouring an emerging Canadian filmmaker with a passionate point of view, a strong sense of social justice and a sense of humour, was presented to two recipients: Antoine Bourges and Rocco Barriuso, both of Toronto.
Each recipient received a $5000 cash prize from Tides/Lindalee Tracey Fund and $5000 in production services from Technicolour Canada.

2013 Hot Docs Outstanding Achievement Award
Les Blank
Having tragically passed away on April 7, 2013, the award was accepted on his behalf by Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling, his longtime friends and collaborators.

documentary’s Don Haig Award
Winnipeg-based producer Merit Jensen Carr
This award includes a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of documentary.

2013 Doc Mogul Award
Debra Zimmerman (Executive Director, Women Make Movies)

The Netflix Audience Award and audience top ten favourite films of the 2013 Festival, determined by audience ballot, will be announced on Monday, May 6. The public can contribute to a cash prize for the Netflix Audience Award on Hot Docs’ crowd funding service Doc Ignite. Also announced on this day is the Filmmaker-to-Filmmaker Award, determined by ballots cast by Hot Docs 2013 filmmakers.

The 2013 awards for films in competition were determined by three juries.

The Canadian Feature Documentary Jury: Karen Gordon (film reviewer, CBC Radio One’s Metro Morning), Michał Marczak (director, FUCK FOR FOREST), Katherine Monk (national movie writer, Postmedia News Service), Roxanne Sayegh (executive director, Montreal International Documentary Festival).

The International Feature Documentary Jury: Dan Berger (acquisitions, Oscilloscope) Leslie Feist (musician), Raoul Peck (director, FATAL ASSISTANCE), Dawn Porter (director, GIDEON’S ARMY).

The Shorts and Mid-Length Jury: Susan MacKinnon (producer), Ann Pick (producer, director), Rick Salutin (author and journalist, The Toronto Star).

Hot Docs in the Headlines May 3

• The New York Times Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Indiewire 10 Films You Must See From This Year’s Hot Docs
• The Hollywood Reporter Hot Docs: German Kung Fu Documentary ‘Dragon Girls’ Takes Top Prize
• CBC Hot Docs explores New Wave in Russian documentary
• Torontoist Feature on Canadian Spectrum
• Rabble Exploring Canadian Culture and Art Form at Hot Docs
• Realscreen Hot Docs ’13: Dogwoof Global sells “eco-sex activist” doc
• Realscreen Interview with A.J. Schnack (CAUCUS and WE ALWAYS LIE TO STRANGERS)

Hot Docs Forum and Deal Maker Wrap Successful 2013 Edition

The Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs’ key international co-financing market event, and Hot Docs Deal Maker, Hot Docs’ new curated one-on-one pitch meeting program, wrapped after two days of brisk pitching, networking and deal-making.

The Shaw Media-Hot Docs Forum Pitch Prize was awarded to Screen Siren Pictures Inc.’s SOME KIND OF LOVE, a feature-length story of the consequences of obsession, burden of obligation and great divide between art and science told through an aging artist, her brother the scientist and their dilapidated mansion. The new Shaw Media-Hot Docs Deal Maker Prize was awarded to Dodd Motors Creative/Train Hop Productions’ SPITTING VENOM, a feature-length story that will follow a global cast of motley characters into the world of battle rapping. The Cuban Hat Award, which offers “real cash, no strings attached” support for powerful and unique projects, was presented to FRACTURED LAND (Two Islands Films Ltd.), pitched by Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis.

Learn More

Top Audience Picks - May 3

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of May 3, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS
2. SPRING & ARNAUD
3. THE PUNK SINGER
4. LAST WOMAN STANDING
5. BLOOD BROTHER
6. BLOOD RELATIVE
7. THE CRASH REEL
8. GOD LOVES UGANDA
9. GOOD OL’ FREDA
10. UNCLAIMED
11. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
12. MENSTRUAL MAN
13. AFTER TILLER
14. MUSCLE SHOALS
15. CUTIE AND THE BOXER
16. ALPHÉE OF THE STARS
17. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
18. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
19. THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC!
20. BLACKFISH

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Hot Docs in the Headlines May 2

• The Globe and Mail Feature on UNCLAIMED
• The Huffington Post Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Toronto Star Feature on UNCLAIMED
• National Post Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Toronto Star Feature on AMERICAN COMMUNE
• Variety Review of ALCAN HIGHWAY
• The Globe and Mail Interview with Anita Hill from ANITA
• Toronto Star Feature on QUALITY BALLS—THE DAVID STEINBERG STORY
• Society Vernacular Interview with D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus

Celebrate Hot Docs’ 20th with Free Outdoor Screening on May 2

Join us May 2, as we celebrate Hot Docs’ 20th anniversary with a FREE outdoor screening of BROTHERS HYPNOTIC in Burwash Quad (next to Victoria College on the University of Toronto Campus).

The evening will begin at 8:00 pm with refreshments, food truck fare, and a live performance by Toronto singer/songwriter Bryce Jardine. The screening will begin at 9:00 pm, and when dusk turns to dark, be sure to look south to the CN Tower as it’s lit green in honour of Hot Docs’ anniversary.

Learn more

Docs At Dusk is sponsored by the National Film Board of Canada, is part of the Neighbourhood Screening Series sponsored by Sun Life Financial, and is supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the Government of Ontario.

Top 20 Audience Picks - May 2

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of May 2, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS
2. THE PUNK SINGER
3. SPRING & ARNAUD
4. LAST WOMAN STANDING
5. BLOOD BROTHER
6. BLACKFISH
7. BLOOD RELATIVE
8. THE CRASH REEL
9. GOOD OL’ FREDA
10. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
11. MENSTRUAL MAN
12. MUSCLE SHOALS
13. CUTIE AND THE BOXER
14. ALPHÉE OF THE STARS
15. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
16. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
17. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
18. VALENTINE ROAD
19. THE EXHIBITION
20. WHEN I WALK

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

International Documentary Challenge Winners Announced

The winners of this year’s International Documentary Challenge, a timed filmmaking competition where teams have five days to make a documentary, have been announced.

Winners:

• Best Use Of Theme: A Dose for Dominic by Studio Misguided
• Special Award for Best Interview: Mark Mitchell by THE FAMMM
• Best Score: Curiosa by 4KRS Films
• Best Editing: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv
• Best Cinematography: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv; Honorable Mention to Curiosa by 4KRS Films
• Best Direction: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv
• Best Film: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv
• POV Award with $1000 Cash Prize: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv
• DER Award with $1000 Cash Prize: Good Soil by Paul Hinze Kollektiv

Congratulations to all the winners, and to all 12 finalist filmmaking teams.

Top 20 Audience Picks - May 1

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of May 1, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. THE PUNK SINGER
2. LAST WOMAN STANDING
3. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
4. BLOOD BROTHER
5. SPRING & ARNAUD
6. BLOOD RELATIVE
7. BLACKFISH
8. GOOD OL’ FREDA
9. CUTIE AND THE BOXER
10. MUSCLE SHOALS
11. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
12. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
13. ALPHÉE OF THE STARS
14. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
15. MENSTRUAL MAN
16. VALENTINE ROAD
17. THE EXHIBITION
18. WHEN I WALK
19. TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE
20. ANITA

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Hot Docs in the Headlines - April 30

• Realscreen Hot Docs ’13: Ondi Timoner Talks Art and Entrepreneurship
• Toronto Star Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Indiewire Feature on THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DORIS PAYNE
• CBC Winnipeg Film Takes Early Award at Hot Docs Festival
• Realscreen Debra Zimmerman on Being a Doc Mogul
• Global Hot Docs Honours Producer Merit Jensen Carr
• Realscreen Indiecan Inks Canadian Deal for OIL SANDS KARAOKE
• Realscreen Exclusive First Look at A WHOLE LOTT MORE
• Indiewire Feature on LUCKY

Top 20 Audience Picks - April 30

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of April 30, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. LAST WOMAN STANDING
2. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
3. SPRING & ARNAUD
4. GOOD OL’ FREDA
5. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
6. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
7. VALENTINE ROAD
8. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
9. THE EXHIBITION
10. WHEN I WALK
11. LET THE FIRE BURN
12. TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE
13. ANITA
14. ALIAS
15. NCR: NOT CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE
16. JUST AS I REMEMBER
17. BENDING STEEL
18. CONTINENTAL
19. EVERYBODY STREET
20. WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Take a Break in the Hot Docs Networking Tent

Need a place to take a break between films, sessions and events? Check out the Hot Docs Networking Tent, located in the Burwash Quad. Open Monday, April 29, to Friday, May 3, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, share a drink with friends and network with fellow Hot Docs lovers.

Hot Docs in the Headlines April 29

• Maclean’s Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Toronto Star Feature on GOOD OL’ FREDA
• Global Interview with Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss (THE UNBELIEVERS)
• The Globe and Mail Feature on UNCLAIMED
• Realscreen Indiecan Captures Marshall’s “Ghosts”
• Indiewire Canadian International Film Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Winnows World’s Best Docs
• Toronto Film Scene New Reviews
• Torontoist Hot Docs Daily
• Cape News South Africa’s Best Head to Hot Docs
• Realscreen Merit Jensen Carr to receive Don Haig Award
• Screen Daily KinoSmith Acquires at Hot Docs
• Toronto Star Merit Jensen Carr Wins Don Haig Award at Hot Docs Fest

Top 20 Audience Picks - April 29

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of April 29, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. LAST WOMAN STANDING
2. THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
3. GOOD OL’ FREDA
4. THE EXHIBITION
5. A WHOLE LOTT MORE
6. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
7. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
8. WHEN I WALK
9. FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS DIE LIKE CHILDREN
10. VALENTINE ROAD
11. ANITA
12. TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE
13. ALIAS
14. JUST AS I REMEMBER
15. BENDING STEEL
16. CONTINENTAL
17. WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?
18. SOFTENING
19. EVERYBODY STREET
20. MAIDENTRIP

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Merit Jensen Carr Named Recipient of documentary’s Don Haig Award

Hot Docs is pleased to announce that Winnipeg-based producer Merit Jensen Carr has been named this year’s recipient of documentary’s Don Haig Award. Re-envisioned for 2013, the Award is presented by the Hot Docs Board of Directors to an outstanding Canadian independent producer with a feature-length film in competition at the Festival. The Award recognizes creative vision and entrepreneurship, as reflected in the recipient’s body of work and Festival film, as well as a track record of mentoring emerging Canadian filmmakers. Jensen Carr is the producer of SPECIAL ED (D: John Paskievich), which will receive its world premiere at Hot Docs on Monday, April 29.

Merit Jansen Carr will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by documentary, at Hot Docs’ Doc Summit on Friday, May 3.

Top 20 Audience Picks - April 28

Voted on by audience ballot, here are the top 20 films in the running for the Netflix Audience Award, as of April 28, 10:00 am. The winner will be announced on May 6.

Love these films? Contribute to this year’s cash prize on Doc Ignite.

1. LAST WOMAN STANDING
2. GOOD OL’ FREDA
3. WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
4. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
5. WHEN I WALK
6. FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS DIE LIKE CHILDREN
7. VALENTINE ROAD
8. ANITA
9. JUST AS I REMEMBER
10. WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?
11. SOFTENING
12. 15 REASONS TO LIVE
13. MERCY MERCY: A PORTRAIT OF A TRUE ADOPTION
14. PUSSY RIOT—A PUNK PRAYER
15. OIL SANDS KARAOKE
16. TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY APPLY
17. WE CAUSE SCENES
18. FATAL ASSISTANCE
19. THE LIFE AND CRIMES OF DORIS PAYNE
20. BEFORE THE REVOLUTION

Get the latest updates on the Doc Ignite blog.

Hot Docs in the Headlines April 27

• National Post Mini Reviews of this year’s Hot Docs Films
• The Globe and Mail Interview with ALIAS director Michelle Latimer
• Indiewire Riveting Strip Club-Set Family Saga ‘The Manor’ Opens Hot Docs In Style
• Global Film about Toronto rappers premieres at Hot Docs
• BlogTO Toronto hip hop scene in the spotlight at Hot Docs
• Torontoist Hot Docs Hub
• CBC Escape from North Korea caught in new doc
• City Preview of Hot Docs 2013

Hot Docs in the Headlines April 25

• NOW Magazine Hot Docs Hub
• Maclean’s What’s Hot at Hot Docs
• The Globe and Mail 20 years later: How Hot Docs avoided becoming Warm Docs
• The Globe and Mail Reviews
• CBC Hot Docs Draws High Profile Guests Anita Hill, Roméo Dallaire
• Realscreen Still Hot After 20 Years
• PBS/POV Hot Docs Preview
• WorldScreen Event Preview
• BlogTO Top 5 Films to See at Hot Docs 2013
• The Grid Hot Docs 2013
• Toronto Star Feature on UNCLAIMED

Hot Docs Festival Opens This Thursday

Hot Docs opens this week, presenting 205 films from 43 countries! Over 45 screenings have gone rush, and tickets and passes are selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to see these incredible docs. FIND FILMS

Tickets, packages and passes can be purchased online, by phone at 416-637-5150, or in person at the documentary Box Office located at 87 Avenue Road, Hazelton Lanes - Lower Level. BUY TICKETS

Doc Ignite Fires Up 2013 Audience Award Campaign

2013 Audience Award presented by Netflix

Each year Hot Docs audiences vote to honour their favourite film with the Audience Award. Last year, audiences contributed to the first-ever cash prize for this award.

This year we’re spreading the love, and aim to raise $10,000 in cash prizes, which will be given to the directors of the top three films to recognize their outstanding work and contribute to the development of their next project. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the winning filmmakers.

Contribute and learn more.

Starting Friday, April 26, check the project blog daily for updates on the top 10 audience favourites!

Hot Docs Programmers’ Picks and Film Trailers on YouTube

Check out Hot Docs on YouTube. Here you can view trailers from this year’s Festival, and view exclusive Hot Docs content, including the 2013 Programmers’ Picks. Subscribe to the Hot Docs YouTube channel for new videos and trailers each week.

Hot Docs Welcomes Special Guests to 2013 Festival

Hot Docs is getting ready to welcome a number of guest filmmakers and subjects to the 2013 Hot Docs Festival, April 25 - May 5. This year’s guest subjects include author and professor Anita Hill, Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire, theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, neuroscientist Richard Davidson, The National frontman Matt Berninger, former Beatles secretary Freda Kelly, photographer Jill Freedman, artists Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, comedian David Steinberg, boxing champions Mary Spencer and Ariane Fortin, and more. In addition to guest subjects, 160 directors - a record number - will be in attendance at the Festival to introduce their films and participate in post-screening audience Q&As.

Featured guests are listed below. In most cases, the guests will be present at one or more screenings.

• Anita Hill from ANITA (D: Freida Mock | USA | 2013 | 84 min) – Best-selling author and professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies at Brandeis University, Anita Hill speaks about the testimony that shaped her life for the first time on film.
• Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire from FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS DIE LIKE CHILDREN (D: Patrick Reed | Canada | 2012 | 83 min) – Celebrated author and humanitarian LGeneral (ret’d) Roméo Dallaire travels to four countries on a new mission: to end the use of child soldiers.
• Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss from THE UNBELIEVERS (D: Gus Holwerda | USA | 2013 | 76 min) – Renowned scientists and authors Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss travel the globe as they speak publicly to sold-out halls, advancing a thoughtful dialogue about the importance of science and reason in the modern world.
• Matt Berninger from MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS (D: Tom Berninger | USA | 2012 | 80 min) – Matt Berninger is the frontman for indie rock band The National.
• David Steinberg from QUALITY BALLS—THE DAVID STEINBERG STORY (Barry Avrich | Canada | 2013 | 80 min) – Raised in Winnipeg, David Steinberg is a Canadian comedian, actor, writer, director, and author who influenced a generation of comedians from John Belushi to Larry David.
• The 16 fascinating subjects who share their stories in 15 REASONS TO LIVE (D: Alan Zweig | Canada | 2012 | 83 min).
• Alkatraz, Trench, Knia Singh, Keon Love, and Alias DonMillion from ALIAS (D: Michelle Latimer | Canada | 2013 | 67 min) – Five rappers in Toronto’s street hip-hop scene.
• Ed Ackerman from SPECIAL ED (D: John Paskievich | Canada | 2013 | 100 min) – Ed Ackerman is an engaged citizen from Winnipeg’s North End.
• Iceis from OIL SANDS KARAOKE (D: Charles Wilkinson | Canada | 2013 | 83 min) – An oil sands worker who eases loneliness at a karaoke bar in Fort McMurray.
• Noriko and Ushio Shinohara from CUTIE AND THE BOXER (D: Zachary Heinzerling | USA | 2013 | 82 min) – Husband and wife Noriko and Ushio Shinohara are Japanese artists living and working in New York.
• Chris Schoeck from BENDING STEEL (D: Dave Carroll | USA | 2012 | 93 min) – Chris Schoeck is a Queens, New York native who is training to become a professional oldetime strongman.
• Felix Pfeifle from FELIX AUSTRIA! (D: Christine Beebe | USA | 2012 | 76 min)– Felix Pfeifle is an exquisite American dandy and amateur historian of Viennese aristocracy.
• Josephat Torner from IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN (D: Harry Freeland | UK | 2012 | 85 min) – Josephat Turner is a Tanzanian born with albinism and is an activist who travels the world to shed light on the plight of Africans with albinism.
• Richard Davidson from FREE THE MIND (D: Phie Ambo | Denmark | 2012 | 80 min) – Renowned neuroscientist Richard Davidson works with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder to explore the possibility of changing the brain through the power of thought.
• Jill Freedman from EVERYBODY STREET (D: Cheryl Dunn | USA | 2013 | 83 min) – Jill Freedman is a highly respected and award-winning New York City documentary photographer.
• Pamela Masik from THE EXHIBITION (D: Damon Vignale | Canada | 2013 | 93 min) –Pamela Masik’s is the artist behind the controversial monumental series of large scale portraits of the 69 women who were murdered, or missing, from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside.
• Freda Kelly from GOOD OL’ FREDA (D: Ryan White | USA | 2013 | 86 min) – Freda Kelly is the former Beatles loyal secretary, fan and friend.
• Vinay Shetty from BLOOD RELATIVE (D: Nimisha Mukerji | Canada | 2012 | 73 min) – Vinay Shetty is the vice president of Think Foundation, which coordinates blood and platelet donation in India, and runs a program for the awareness, prevention and care of Thalassaemia.
• Robin Reineke from WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL? (D: Marc Silver | UK, Mexico | 2013 | 86 min) – Robin Reineke and her forensic team developed the Pima County Missing and Unidentified Persons Project in 2006 to solve the cold cases of unidentified migrant bodies of those entering the U.S. through the Sonoran Desert.
• Mary Spencer and Ariane Fortin from LAST WOMAN STANDING (D: Lorraine Price, Juliet Lammers | Canada | 2013 | 88 min) – Two Canadian championship boxers who fight to win the coveted spot on Canada’s Olympic team.
• Eleanor Squillari from IN GOD WE TRUST (D: Victor Kubicek, Derek Anderson | USA | 2013 | 82 min) – Eleanor Squillari was Bernie Madoff’s personal assistant for 20 years and an unwitting victim who lost everything, and became an invaluable witness for the prosecution.
• Heikki Tolonen, John Ayres, and Rhys Palmer from ALCAN HIGHWAY – A dreamer and the friends he made on his 4,000 kilometre journey across North America.
• Roger Cohen, Brenda Cohen, and Sammy Cohen from THE MANOR (D: Shawney Cohen (Director), Mike Gallay (Co-Director) | Canada | 2013 | 78 min) – Roger, Brenda, and Sammy Cohen are at the heart of director Shawney Cohen’s intimate tragi-comic family portrait.
• Reanne Presley, Steve Presley, and Dan Lennon from WE ALWAYS LIE TO STRANGERS (D: AJ Schnack, David Wilson | USA | 2013) – Branson, Missouri, residents who help tell the story of this kitschy town include Mayor Reanne Presley, her husband Steve, and Dan Lennon, the former vice president of Marketing & Public Relations at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Patrick Cummins from THE IMPERMANENCE OF THE ORDINARY (D: Dale Sood | Canada | 2013 | 13 min) – Photographer Patrick Cummins documents a history of Toronto by capturing the changing surfaces of buildings over time.

Hot Docs Honours the Passing of Les Blank

Les Blank, acclaimed director, producer, cinematographer and recipient of Hot Docs 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award, passed away on Sunday at the age of 77.

“Les Blank was one of a kind,” says Hot Docs director of programming, Charlotte Cook. “His impact, and legacy, on documentary cinema is enormous and is one that we will all cherish forever. We are absolutely honoured to be showing many of his films at Hot Docs this year, and encourage everyone to come and celebrate Les with us at the Festival. An incredible and glorious man.”

Les Blank is known for his poetic work, which offers intimate, idiosyncratic glimpses into the lives, culture, and music of passionate people at the periphery of American society. Blank worked on over 35 films throughout a career spanning more than 50 years. He is perhaps best known for his feature-length BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982), documenting the chaotic production of Werner Herzog’s 1982 film FITZCARRALDO in the jungles of South America. The documentary won the 1983 BAFTA for Best Documentary, and was also named “Best of Festival” at the San Francisco Film Festival the same year. Blank’s credits as director include BLUES ACCORDIN’ TO LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS (1969); CHULAS FRONTERAS (1976); ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE (1978); GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS (1980); IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER? (1984); GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN (1987); and ALL IN THIS TEA (2007). Major retrospectives of his films have been mounted worldwide and he has been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association, the American Film Institute’s Maya Deren Award for outstanding lifetime achievement as an independent filmmaker, and the Edward MacDowell Medal.

As part of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Hot Docs will screen a retrospective during the 20th annual Festival, April 25 to May 5, celebrating Blank’s distinguished career. Learn more.

Hot Docs 2013 Films and Schedule Announced!

Hot Docs 2013, April 25 to May 5, will open will the World Premiere of Shawney Cohen’s THE MANOR. View the full film schedule

2013-14 Doc Soup Subscriptions on Sale At Special Festival Price

Subscriptions for the 2013-14 Doc Soup season are now on sale as a special Festival rate. Get your’s today! Festival Price Deadline: May 7, 2013
Subscribe Now

documentary Box Office Now Open For Ticket, Package and Pass Sales

2013 Festival tickets, passes and ticket packs are now on sale. With 10- and 20-ticket packages, a new student ticket pacakge, and four great pass options to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding the right one for you. 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.

28 Films Announced in 2013 Special Presentations Program

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, QUALITY BALLS – THE DAVID STEINBERG STORY 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.”

Star subjects featured as part of the Special Presentations program include Roméo Dallaire (FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS DIE LIKE CHILDREN), Gael García Bernal (WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?), David Steinberg (QUALITY BALLS – THE DAVID STEINBERG STORY), Kevin Pearce and Shaun White (THE CRASH REEL), Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman and Bono (MUSCLE SHOALS), and Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss (THE UNBELIEVERS).

Award-winners from the recent international festival circuit include BLOOD BROTHER (Grand Jury Prize: Documentary, and Audience Choice Award: Documentary, Sundance 2013), GIDEON’S ARMY (Documentary Editing Award, Sundance 2013), PUSSY RIOT – A PUNK PRAYER (World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Prize, Sundance 2013), THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR (World Cinema Directing Award: Dramatic, Sundance 2013), and WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL? (World Cinema Cinematography Award: Documentary, Sundance 2013). The program will also include the international premieres of AFTER TILLER, ANITA, GIDEON’S ARMY, and MUSCLE SHOALS, and the North American premieres of FATAL ASSISTANCE, LET THE FIRE BURN, and RENT A FAMILY INC.

“We are also extremely proud to be screening D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus’ THE WAR ROOM in partnership with the Cinema Eye Honors, at which it was awarded this year’s Legacy Award,” says Cook. “Being able to screen The War Room is especially meaningful for us as the film shares its birthday with Hot Docs and will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary. In addition, this year D.A. Pennebaker was the first documentarian to receive an Honorary Academy Award, so we hope you can join us to celebrate the numerous achievements and milestones that this film represents.”

The Special Presentations program will present a special 20th Anniversary screening of THE WAR ROOM, with filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus in attendance.

Special Presentation titles appears below, ordered alphabetically:

AFTER TILLER
D: Martha Shane, Lana Wilson | USA | 2013 | 88 min | International Premiere
Personal struggles, compassion and moments of deeply rooted self-doubt reveal a deeply human portrait of the only four remaining doctors willing to provide third-trimester abortions in the U.S.A.

ANITA
D: Freida Mock | USA | 2013 | 84 min | International Premiere
In 1991, Anita Hill’s powerful testimony against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas brought sexual harassment into America’s national spotlight. For the first time on film, she speaks about the testimony that shaped her life.

BLOOD BROTHER
D: Steve Hoover | United States | 2012 | 93 min | Canadian Premiere
Surprised by his friend’s sudden move to India to care for HIV-positive orphans, the director follows on what he suspects is a self-centered journey of self-discovery, only to find both their lives forever changed in this Sundance award-winner.

CAUCUS
D: AJ Schnack | United States | 2013 | 109 min | World Premiere
Republican leadership hopefuls compete at the 2012 Iowa Caucus amidst a battlefield of county fairs and petting zoos. This is a different behind-the-scenes look at politics, offering remarkable access to candidates and a very unlikely underdog story.

CONTINENTAL
D: Malcolm Ingram | United States, Canada | 2013 | 95 min | Canadian Premiere
Continental is a stylish portrait of the legendary NYC gay bathhouse that became a force for a sexual revolution, where Bette Midler honed her chops and straight celebs rubbed shoulders with hunky men in towels.

THE CRASH REEL
D: Lucy Walker | USA | 2013 | 100 min | Canadian Premiere
At the height of his career, just days away from the Olympics, championship snowboarder Kevin Pearce was left fighting for his life after a major brain trauma. THE CRASH REEL is a high adrenaline film about discovering what’s most important.

FATAL ASSISTANCE
D: Raoul Peck | France, Haiti, United States, Belgium | 2013 | 100 min | North American Premiere
The director, Haiti’s former minister of culture, reveals international aid to be a resounding failure rife with organizational ineptitude, broken promises and hidden agendas in this eye-opening condemnation post-disaster naiveté.

FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS DIE LIKE CHILDREN
D: Patrick Reed | Canada | 2012 | 83 min | Canadian Premiere
When you’ve been to hell and back, how do you shake the memories? Celebrated author and humanitarian LGeneral (ret’d) Roméo Dallaire travels to four countries on a new mission: to end the use of child soldiers.

GIDEON’S ARMY
D: Dawn Porter | USA | 2013 | 96 min | International Premiere
In this study of exceptional grace under extreme pressure, a trio of public defenders makes considerable personal sacrifices to shield their indigent clients from the full weight of the judicial system.

GOD LOVES UGANDA
D: Roger Ross Williams | United States | 2013 | 83 min | Canadian Premiere
Uganda has become a battleground between human rights groups and the American Evangelical movement, which uses money and fabrications to promote anti-homosexuality laws, many of which carry mandatory death sentences and create a modern theocracy.

HIGH FIVE: A SUBURBAN ADOPTION SAGA
D: Julia Ivanova | Canada | 2012 | 95 min | Toronto Premiere
A suburban Canadian couple travel to Ukraine to adopt five siblings, ages 6-16. The successful adoption, however, is just the beginning of a four-year odyssey to create a family.

LET THE FIRE BURN
D: Jason Osder | United States | 2013 | 93 min | International Premiere
Why did Philadelphia police bomb a row house occupied by radical group “MOVE” in 1985? What caused authorities to stand idly by for over an hour before fighting the blaze? Using archival material, this film investigates the ultimately tragic conflict.

THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR
D: Tinatin Gurchiani | Georgia, Germany | 2012 | 97 min | Canadian Premiere
In her home country of Georgia, the director organizes a casting call. Collecting a series of “auditions,” she captures extraordinary stories about war, love, dreams and poverty through the eyes of modern-day Georgian youth.

MUSCLE SHOALS
D: Greg ‘Freddy’ Camalier | USA | 2013 | 111 min | International Premiere
Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman, Bono and more share how the tiny backwater town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, made them stars in one of the greatest untold American music stories.

NARCO CULTURA
D: Shaul Schwarz | USA | 2012 | 103 min | Canadian Premiere
With the rise of Mexican drug wars has come a musical culture that glamorizes the violence and those who perpetrate it. Following a new kind of superstar, Narco Cultura delves into the tragic and disturbingly glorified conflict.

OUR NIXON
D: Penny Lane | United States | 2013 | 85 min | Canadian Premiere
500 reels of long-forgotten super 8 footage unwittingly recorded by three of Richard Nixon’s most trusted associates form the raw material for this revealing behind-the-scenes look at one of the most controversial presidencies in U.S. history.

PUSSY RIOT – A PUNK PRAYER
D: Maxim Pozdorovkin, Mike Lerner | United Kingdom | 2012 | 86 min | Canadian Premiere
This candid look at Pussy Riot unmasks the brains behind the balaclavas of the next wave of Russian revolutionaries, and shows how one act of protest led to a show trial that captured the world’s attention.

QUALITY BALLS – THE DAVID STEINBERG DOCUMENTARY
D: Barry Avrich | Canada | 2013 | 80 min | World Premiere
Second only to Bob Hope for guest appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, David Steinberg influenced a generation of comedians from John Belushi to Larry David-not bad for a Jewish kid from Winnipeg.

REMOTE AREA MEDICAL
D: Jeff Reichert, Farihah Zaman | USA |2013 | 79 min | International Premiere
Hundreds wait in line for days, hoping for a chance at free basic eye, dental and medical care. This is not Haiti or Darfur, but less than 100 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, in the heart of the U.S.A.

RENT A FAMILY INC.
D: Kaspar Astrup Schroder | Denmark | 2012 | 77 min | North American Premiere
I Want To Cheer You Up Ltd. is a one-man operation in Japan. He offers stand-in family members for business or social engagements to those who have secrets, while hiding his own from his family.

SALMA
D: Kim Longinotto | United Kingdom/India | 2013 | 89 min | Canadian Premiere
Locked in her home for 25 years, a Tamil woman achieves overnight success for a book of poetry illuminating the struggle for independence in a repressive village. Salma exemplifies the perilousness and the necessity of non-conformity.

THE UNBELIEVERS
D: Gus Holwerda | United States | 2013 | 76 min | World Premiere
With their (r)evolutionary creed “believe in science, not God,” renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss court controversy, enraging as many as they enlighten. Witness them crusade to replace religion and politics with a far more powerful idea: reason.

VALENTINE ROAD
D: Marta Cunningham | United States | 2013 | 87 min | Canadian Premiere
In 2008, an eighth-grader shot and killed an LGBT youth at point blank range for asking him to be his Valentine. This heartbreaking film explores the tragedy and the shocking aftermath.

THE WAR ROOM
D: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker | USA | 1993 | 96 min | Special 20th Anniversary Screening
One of the greatest political documentaries of all time, and winner of this year’s Cinema Eye Legacy Award, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus’ THE WAR ROOM celebrates its 20th anniversary with Hot Docs. The filmmakers will be in attendance for this special screening.

THESE BIRDS WALK
D: Bassam Tariq, Omar Mullick | USA | 2012 | 77 min | Canadian Premiere
The Edhi children’s shelter is a rare safe haven for Karachi’s runaways. Over three years, its cranky founder, a spirited child, and a gold-hearted ambulance driver are filmed, creating a tender portrait of where a city’s most vulnerable and dedicated souls meet.

WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON
D: Sebastian Junger | United States | 2013 | 78 min | Canadian premiere
In April 2011, filmmaker and photographer Tim Hetherington was killed covering the Libyan civil war. In an intimate portrait by those closest to him, he’s revealed to be as much a humanitarian as he was an artist.

WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?
D: Marc Silver, Marc Silver | UK, Mexico | 2013 | 80 min | Canadian Premiere
Arizona’s desert claims another migrant’s life. With only the tattoo “Dayani Cristal” as a clue, a search begins across the continent to discover his identity and the people he may have left behind. With Gael García Bernal.

WRONG TIME WRONG PLACE
D: John Appel | Netherlands | 2012 | 80 min | Canadian Premiere
The young survivors of the 2011 Norway attacks recall the tragic events and the role that chance played in placing them in harm’s way, but also in their ultimate survival.

Hot Docs is proud to include Scotiabank as its Presenting Platinum Partner, and Rogers Group of Funds, Telefilm Canada, documentary and MiiScan as its Presenting Partners.

Doc Soup Season Wraps with LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM

Hot Docs’ 2012-13 Doc Soup season will close with the international premiere of LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM. A remarkable film about the power of family, it is the story of one family’s determined fight to save their only son from progeria, a fight that turns into a campaign to save children around the world who share this extremely rare and devastating disease.

LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM will screen at 6:30 pm and 9:15 pm on Wednesday, April 3, and at 6:45 pm on Thursday, April 4, at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Special guests will be in attendance for post-screening discussions.

Learn more!

April’s Doc Soup Calgary: ROOM 237

On March 6, Doc Soup Calgary will screen ROOM 237, an exploration of the numerous theories about the hidden meanings within Stanley Kubrick’s film THE SHINING

The film will screen on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:00 pm at the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas, Screen 2, 200 Barclay Parade Southwest. Buy tickets!

Distribution Rendezvous Deadline Next Week

Coming to Hot Docs with a finished, nearly finished and rough cut film? Registered industry delegates can take advantage of Distribution Rendezvous, pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with distributors, sales agents and festival programmers. The meetings will be followed by an opportunity to mingle and network with participating buyers.

Pass Level Required: Conference and Networking, All-Access
Application Deadline: April 2, 2013

APPLY NOW

Tell Your Friends About LOST & FOUND On Doc Ignite

LOST & FOUND, the newest project on Hot Docs’ successful crowd-funding service Doc Ignite, has already raised over $16,000 of the $30,000 goal. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed.

Love the project? Already contributed? Tell your friends about LOST & FOUND so they can help support this amazing film.

Watch the campaign video and read the LOST & FOUND blog to learn more about this incredible project.

Host Hotel Sold Out! Book At Partner Hotel Courtyard By Marriott

Hot Docs host hotel is now sold out. Book your stay now at our partner hotel, the Courtyard Toronto Downtown by Marriott. Book Now!

Support LOST & FOUND on Doc Ignite

Hot Docs is thrilled to announce the newest Doc Ignite campaign LOST & FOUND, a project about reuniting objects lost in the 2011 Japanese tsunami with their rightful owners, produced and co-directed by Nicolina Lanni, and co-directed by John Choi. For 36 days, LOST & FOUND will campaign on Doc Ignite, Hot Docs’ crowd-funding service, with the goal of raising $30,000 in production funds.

Watch the campaign video and discover the incentives available in return for your support.

When waves devastated the eastern shore of Japan, 25 million tonnes of debris was washed into the Pacific Ocean. Some debris sunk, some was rescued in the early days of clean up, and the rest slowly floated across the world, landing on the shores of North America. Strangers, continents apart, are coming together to salvage the memories amid the debris, as these lost belongings are returned to their rightful owners.

Support LOST & FOUND on Doc Ignite.

Last Chance to Register For 2013 Conference at Regular Rate

Register for the 2013 Hot Docs Festival! Choose from three great industry passes:

• the Conference Pass offers access to valuable industry intelligence, professional development opportunities, and an overview of the art, craft and business of documentary;
• the Conference and Networking Pass provides the opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the Hot Docs industry experience, while gaining insight into the latest industry trends and developments;
• and the All-Access Pass offers access networking and market events, including the renowned Hot Docs Forum.

Click here to register and learn more about pass options and pricing.

Hot Docs 2013 Industry Schedule Now Available

Ready to start planning your Hot Docs 2013 industry experience? This year’s industry schedule is now available online.
Stayed tuned for updates in the weeks leading up to the Festival.

Realscreen West Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for Realscreen West, taking place June 5-6, at the Fairmont Miramar, Santa Monica. Register Today!

TVO Doc Studio Screening Series presents Two Issues, Two Films, Two Discussions

Be a part of TVO’s Doc Studio Screening Series at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on March 20, during Canada Water Week, with advance screenings of the Water Brothers’ NO WOMAN, NO WATER, followed by SUPERFISH: BLUEFIN TUNA, featuring renowned marine biologist and filmmaker Rick Rosenthal. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers. For tickets and information visit tvo.org/docstudioscreeningseries.

Media Sponsor: Toronto Life

2013 Hot Docs Forum Projects Announced

Hot Docs is pleased to announce the 19 projects that will be pitched at this year’s Hot Docs Forum, North America’s essential market for the international documentary community. The Forum will take place the mornings of May 1 and 2, during the 20th edition of the Hot Docs Festival, April 25 to May 5. This year’s projects represent 13 different countries and were selected from 149 submissions.

Each morning of Hot Docs Forum pitches will be followed by Deal Maker meetings and Close-Up With… round tables. Both opportunities provide key pre-arranged and impromptu connections with broadcast financiers, funders and buyers.

View the 2013 selected projects.

Want to attend the Forum? Register for an All-Access pass.

EDN Financing Guide Discount For Forum Delegates

The European Documentary Network Financing Guide is an essential tool for filmmakers containing detailed profiles for over 100 European and international broadcasters acquiring documentaries, as well as information on film funds, distributors, VoD platforms, crowd-funding tools and more.

For further details, visit: www.edn.dk

As a Hot Docs Forum delegate, you will receive a 25% discount and can purchase the Guide for 75 Euro. (Please note that if you live in an EU country and do not have an international VAT number, 25% VAT will be added to the 75 Euro.)

To order, email edn@edn.dk by Monday, April 11, 2013. Include “HDF delegate” in the subject line and your contact info in the e-mail. You will be able to pick up your copy of the guide at the Industry Registration Desk during the Festival.

Participants Announced for 2013 OMDC-DOC Toronto Mentorship Program @ Hot Docs

The Documentary Organization of Canada, Toronto Chapter, has come together once again with the OMDC to offer an incredible opportunity for high potential emerging and mid-career documentary filmmakers to make the most of their Hot Docs experience. Congratulations to the eight selected participants!

Learn more!

Deadline For ASTOUND Business Model Canvas Workshop Applications This Week

Registered delegates can take advantage of Hot Docs hands-on workshops at this year’s Industry Conference. In the ASTOUND Business Model Canvas workshop CFC Media Lab and facilitators will walk participants through creating a “business model canvas” for their documentary projects. Using the Alexander Osterwalder method and the work of his book Business Model Generation, the CFC Media Lab team will lead participants in a series of exercises to help each project team identify their various business models.

Access: All Industry Passes
Application deadline: April 12, 2013

Registered delegates can apply through the Online Community

Hot Hacks with Mozilla and Secret Location Application Deadline Extended

Registered delegates can take advantage of Hot Docs hands-on workshops at this year’s Industry Conference. Hot Hacks with Mozilla and Secret Location invites documentary producers to submit projects for participation in a two-day documentary workshop modeled after the “hack day” format of the open source community. This event will bring documentary storytellers and technologists together for two days to produce an original web documentary.

Access: All Industry Passes
Application deadline: March 28, 2013

Registered delegates can apply through the Online Community

Hot Docs Forum Project and 2012 Official Selection INOCENTE Wins Oscar®

Congratulations to directors Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, whose film INOCENTE – a Hot Docs Forum project and 2012 Hot Docs Official Selection – received the Oscar® for Documentary Short at this year’s Academy Awards®.

Hot Docs Named Academy Award® Qualifying Festival

Hot Docs is thrilled to announced that it has been chosen as an Academy Award® qualifying festival for short documentaries (documentaries no longer than 40 minutes). Recipients of Hot Docs’ Best Short Documentary award will qualify for consideration in the Documentary Short Subject category of the Annual Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.

2013 Industry Workshop Applications Open Today

Registered delegates can take advantage of Hot Docs hands-on workshops at this year’s Industry Conference. Applications for both workshops opens Friday, March 8, 2013.

Hot Hacks With Mozilla and Secret Location
Presented as part of the Living Docs Project
Access: All Industry Passes
Application deadline: March 25, 2013

Hot Docs, Mozilla, and Secret Location invite documentary producers to submit projects for participation in a two-day documentary workshop modeled after the “hack day” format of the open source community. This event will bring documentary storytellers and technologists together for two days to produce an original web documentary.

ASTOUND Business Model Canvas
Access: All Industry Passes
Application deadline: April 12, 2013

CFC Media Lab and facilitators will walk participants through creating a “business model canvas” for their documentary projects. Using the Alexander Osterwalder method and the work of his book Business Model Generation, the CFC Media Lab team will lead participants in a series of exercises to help each project team identify their various business models.

Registered delegates can apply through the Online Community starting March 8, 2013.

MORE INFORMATION

Submission Deadline for 2013 Festival Doc Shop Next Week

The deadline for submissions for The Festival Doc Shop is next Monday. The Doc Shop offers an interactive, on-demand viewing experience for programmers, distributors and buyers from around the world. During the Hot Docs Festival, April 25-May 5, The Festival Doc Shop’s fully digital, on-site video library will offer users access to 1500+ documentaries at one of the 40 on-site computer terminals. Following the Festival, registered buyers can still view your film at The Doc Shop Online.

Deadline: March 25, 2013
Submit your film today!

TROUBLE IN THE PEACE at Doc Soup Today

Hot Docs is pleased to announce that March’s Doc Soup will present the Toronto premiere of TROUBLE IN THE PEACE. An unflinching look at the impact of Big Oil and Gas on the Peace River region, this is the story of a community fracturing under the pressure, and one man who embarks on a startling plan to save his town and its residents.

TROUBLE IN THE PEACE will screen at 6:30 pm and 9:15 pm on Wednesday, March 6, and at 6:45 pm on Thursday, March 7, at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Director Julian T. Pinder will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions following the screenings.

Learn more!

March’s Doc Soup Calgary: PORTRAIT OF WALLY

On March 6, Doc Soup Calgary will screen PORTRAIT OF WALLY, a history of Egon Schiele’s tender picture of his mistress from when it was stolen by Nazis in 1939, to its surprising reappearance in Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art and the ensuing legal battle.

The film will screen on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:00 pm at the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas, Screen 2, 200 Barclay Parade Southwest. Buy tickets!

2013 Hot Docs Conference: Rule Breakers and Innovators

Hot Docs is pleased to announce the 2013 Hot Docs industry conference theme Rule Breakers and Innovators, a conference program that will offer interactive sessions and practical tools for working within the rapidly changing landscape of documentary filmmaking. Highlights include:

• A keynote presentation by Ondi Timoner (DIG!, WE LIVE IN PUBLIC), focused on how innovative technology is transforming our lives and what this means for non-fiction media;

• The Masters’ Feedback series, where two docs-in-progress will receive candid feedback from acclaimed masters Kirsten Johnson (cinematographer, THE INVISIBLE WAR; director, DEADLINE) and Per K. Kirkegaard (editor, ARMADILLO, TPB-AFK).

In addition to these programs, the conference will include International Co-Production Day, Kickstart sessions, Micro Meetings, the Doc Summit and a variety of workshops. The conference will also provide delegates with opportunities for one-on-one and small-table meetings with leading thinkers and industry experts.

Rule Breakers and Innovators will take place April 29-May 3, during the Hot Docs Festival April 25-May 5.

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Get The Most Out Of Hot Docs 2013 Info Session

Join DOC Toronto and Hot Docs on March 5, and learn how to get the most out of Hot Docs! Receive tips, advice and an overview of Hot Docs industry programs and opportunities right from the Festival organizers. Hot Docs industry programs director Elizabeth Radshaw and Festival programmers will be on hand to answer questions, and Ed Barreveld and Lisa Valencia-Svensson from Storyline Entertainment, the production company behind 2012 Festival hits HERMAN’S HOUSE and THE WORLD BEFORE HER, will share tips for pitching and approaching decision makers at the Festival.

March 5, 2013, 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West)

This event is FREE and open to DOC members and non-members.

Register today!

Call For Doc Ignite Submissions

Hot Docs is currently accepting submissions for Doc Ignite, an innovative program which allows projects in production to raise funds from public audience contributions through the Doc Ignite website. Hot Docs will provide promotional support and work closely with selected projects to determine realistic campaign objectives and set the financing goal. Learn more about past projects and how to apply.

Outstanding Achievement and Focus On Honourees Announced

The Hot Docs Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has selected masterful American filmmaker Les Blank as the recipient of its 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award. As part of the honour, Hot Docs will screen a retrospective during the 20th annual Festival, April 25 to May 5, celebrating Blank’s distinguished career as a director, producer and cinematographer. Hot Docs will also pay tribute to Canadian filmmaker Peter Mettler, subject of this year’s Focus On retrospective.

Born in Tampa, Florida, on November 27, 1935, Les Blank is known for his poetic work, which offers intimate, idiosyncratic glimpses into the lives, culture, and music of passionate people at the periphery of American society. Blank has worked on over 35 films throughout a career spanning more than 50 years. He is perhaps best known for his feature-length BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982), documenting the chaotic production of Werner Herzog’s 1982 film FITZCARRALDO in the jungles of South America. The documentary won the 1983 BAFTA for Best Documentary, and was also named “Best of Festival” at the San Francisco Film Festival the same year. Blank’s credits as director include BLUES ACCORDIN’ TO LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS (1969); CHULAS FRONTERAS (1976); ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE (1978); GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS (1980); IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER? (1984); GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN (1987); and ALL IN THIS TEA (2007). Major retrospectives of his films have been mounted worldwide and he has been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association, the American Film Institute’s Maya Deren Award for outstanding lifetime achievement as an independent filmmaker, and the Edward MacDowell Medal. Blank is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Peter Mettler is known for a diversity of work in image and sound mediums, but also a photographer and groundbreaking live audio and visual mixing performer. As a key figure in the critical wave of 80’s Canadian filmmakers, he produced works which elude categorization. His films bridge the gap between experimental, narrative, personal essay, and documentary. He has collaborated with an extensive range of international artists and has been honoured with awards and retrospectives worldwide. Mettler’s documentary film credits include PICTURE OF LIGHT (1994); GAMBLING, GODS AND LSD (2002); MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES (as cinematographer and creative consultant, 2006); and the recently completed feature length documentary THE END OF TIME (2012).

Films in the 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award Retrospective and the Focus On Peter Mettler programs will be announced in March. Hot Docs is pleased to announce that Peter Mettler will be in attendance at this year’s Festival.

Eight Official Delegations Confirmed for Hot Docs 2013

Eight official delegations have been confirmed for Hot Docs 2013. Official delegations from China, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, the Nordic Region, Poland, South Africa and the USA attending this year’s Festival will take part in International Co-Production Day, a day-long gathering of Canadian and international producers that focuses on networking and facilitating new co-production opportunities.

New this year, Hot Docs introduces International Co-Production Day producer-to-producer meetings, allowing delegates to meet one-on-one with potential producing partners from attending international delegations.

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2013 Made In Program Showcases Poland

This year’s Made In program will highlight recent documentaries from Poland, and film titles will be announced in March. Past Made In programs have focused on films from Southeastern Europe (2012), Italy (2011), South America (2010), South Korea (2009), Mexico (2008), Brazil (2007), Japan (2006), South Africa (2004) and Taiwan (2003).

Distribution Rendezvous Applications Now Open

Registered industry delegates can take advantage of the new pitch-meeting service, Distribution Rendezvous.

Distribution Rendezvous
Pass Level: Conference and Networking, All-Access
Application Deadline: April 2, 2013
Finished and rough cut films can solidify their future in these pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with distributors, sales agents and festival programmers. The meetings will be followed by an opportunity to mingle and network with participating buyers.

Registered delegates can now apply via the Online Community.

Lindalee Tracey Award Submission Deadline Today

The submission deadline for the 2013 Lindalee Tracey Award is March 8. The Lindalee Tracey Award honours an emerging Canadian filmmaker with a passionate point of view, a strong sense of social justice, and a sense of humour. Apply now!

Hot Docs Hits Global Visions

Hot Docs industry programs manager Stephanie McArthur will be in attendance at the Global Visions Film Festival, February 27 to March 3. Stephanie will be speaking at the Doc 101: A Documentary Filmmaking Workshop and GVFF Presents: Pitchfest LIVE 2013.

Claim Your Exclusive 25% Hot Docs Discount to Crossmedia Toronto

Crossmedia Toronto is back with 26 innovative speakers in an exciting, rapid-fire full day event on Thursday, February 21, from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library. Join hundreds of experts in digital media, tech and entertainment, including Reddit, Bit.ly, Youtube, Vodo, Uber. Lover.ly, Trendrr, InSparq, Chartbeat, Get Set Games, Arts & Crafts, Bitcoin, Pressly and more.

For the full schedule and event details visit crossmediato.com

For the 25 per cent discount, enter the code HOTDOCSPROMO when registering.

Last Week to Support SECRET TRIAL 5 ON Doc Ignite

Congratulations to the THE SECRET TRIAL 5 filmmaking team who exceeded their goal of $15,000. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed.

There is still one week left to contribute to the project. Any funds raised past the original goal will be used for post-production costs, and will help to make this an even better film.

Love the project? Already contributed? Tell your friends about THE SECRET TRIAL 5 so they can help support this incredible project.

Introducing Hot Docs’ New Market Programs

Coming to Hot Docs with a project in development, production or completion? Registered industry delegates can take advantage of the new pitch-meeting services at this year’s Festival. Applications for both services accepted starting February 19, 2013.

Deal Maker
Pass Level: All-Access
Application Deadline: March 14, 2013
This pitch-meeting program for works-in-progress will put your project in front of leading international decision-makers. The Hot Docs selection committee will choose the most original projects submitted to receive valuable one-on-one meetings with commissioning editors and other film financers, as well as online profile and promotion.

Distribution Rendezvous
Pass Level: Conference and Networking, All-Access
Application Deadline: April 2, 2013
Finished and rough cut films can solidify their future in these pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with distributors, sales agents and festival programmers. The meetings will be followed by an opportunity to mingle and network with participating buyers.

Registered delegates can apply through the Online Community starting February 19, 2013.
A preliminary list of participating buyers will be available once applications open.

Registration Open for International Doc Challenge

Registration is now open for the International Documentary Challenge, a timed filmmaking competition where filmmakers are given five adrenaline-filled days to shoot and edit a short documentary film. More than 20 awards will be given and the top 12 films will premiere at the 2013 Hot Docs Festival. The Challenge takes place February 28 to March 4, 2013. Details and registration.

STOLEN SEAS at Doc Soup This Week

Hot Docs is pleased to announce that February’s Doc Soup will present the Canadian premiere of STOLEN SEAS, a chilling story of a 13-man crew held hostage by Somali pirates. Called “a head-spinning, pulse-pounding thriller,” by Variety, STOLEN SEAS is an eye-opening refutation of preconceived ideas on how and why piracy has become the world’s most frightening multi-million dollar growth industry.

STOLEN SEAS will screen at 6:30 pm and 9:15 pm on Wednesday, February 6, and at 6:45 pm on Thursday, February 7, at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Director Thymaya Payne will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions following the screenings.

Learn more!

February’s Doc Soup Calgary: THE HOUSE I LIVE IN

On February 6, Doc Soup Calgary will screen THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, a penetrating look inside America’s War on Drugs that capture the heart-wrenching stories of individuals at all levels of the country’s longest war.

The film will screen on Wednesday, February 6, at 7:00 pm at the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas, Screen 5, 200 Barclay Parade Southwest. Buy tickets!

Debra Zimmerman to Receive Doc Mogul Award

Hot Docs will present Debra Zimmerman with the 2013 Doc Mogul Award, recognizing an individual who has made an essential contribution to the creative vitality of the documentary industry. Executive director of Women Make Movies, Zimmerman will be presented with the Doc Mogul Award at a luncheon in her honour, to be held during the 2013 Hot Docs Festival, April 25 to May 5.

Learn more.

Support THE SECRET TRIAL 5 On Doc Ignite

Help support Doc Ignite campaign THE SECRET TRIAL 5, a documentary about the human impact of Canada’s “War on Terror” and its controversial use of security certificates, produced and directed by Amar Wala, and produced by Noah Bingham. THE SECRET TRIAL 5 will campaign on Doc Ignite, Hot Docs’ crowd-funding service, with the goal of raising $15,000 in post-production funds.

Watch the campaign video and discover the incentives available in return for your support.

Love the project? Already contributed? Tell your friends about THE SECRET TRIAL 5 so they can help support this incredible project.

Doc Summit Agenda-Setting Soiree a Success

A huge thank you to the over 100 participants who joined us in person and online for the Doc Summit Agenda-Setting Soiree last Wednesday! We heard your concerns and ideas around funding, audience development and innovation in Canada’s documentary industry. In the months leading up to the Doc Summit, May 3, we look forward to continuing the conversation with you.

A video of the event can be viewed here

Additional comments and feedback can be send to etang@hotdocs.ca.

Call for Applications: 2013 OMDC-DOC Toronto Mentorship Program at Hot Docs

The Documentary Organization of Canada, Toronto Chapter, has come together once again with the OMDC to offer an incredible opportunity for high potential emerging and mid-career documentary filmmakers to make the most of their Hot Docs experience. A group of seven program participants will gain knowledge from an established documentary producer and will have access to guest mentors leading up to and during the Hot Docs Festival, April 25 to May 5, 2013.

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Doc Accelerator Offers Mentor Classes in February

Join some of Canada’s top film and television professionals as they lead four free mentor classes. Classes take place at Manifesto, 37 Bulwer Street.

February 6: Mastering the Art of Pitching
February 13: Business Rights and Legal Issues
February 20: Production A to Z
February 27: Critical Thinking and Documentary

More Information