FAQ: Hot Docs Festival

Tickets

• When can I get tickets?

  Festival ticket packages are on sale now.
  
  Members, Doc Soup subscribers and ticket package holders can access tickets beginning on March 28, 2023. 
  
  Single tickets will be available to the public starting on April 4, 2023.
  
  Just like the live Festival, we have a limited number of tickets, which will be released on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

• How do I get tickets?

  The full list of films will be announced March 28, 2023.

  When you find something you’d like to watch, click on the film title. Once on the film page, click on "Tickets" beside the desired screening time, or the "Stream" button. 

  Package holders and Doc Soup subscribers must sign in first to use their pass/package. Members must sign in first to receive their member discount.

• What are rush tickets?

  When there are no advance tickets remaining, rush tickets may still be available for purchase at the venue. Typically, the rush line starts to form outside the cinema about an hour before the screening. Approximately 15 minutes before the screening, Festival will count the empty seats and sell a select amount of tickets to patrons in the rush line. Please note that being in a rush line does not guarantee a ticket to the screening.

  A patron may hold a spot in the rush line for themselves and one other person while standing in the line. If tokens are used, only persons standing in the rush line when the tokens are handed out will receive a token. One rush token per person.

• Do I need a Hot Docs account?

  Yes, you need a Hot Docs account.

  If you have purchased tickets online to Hot Docs Festival or Hot Docs Cinema, you should already have an account. You can sign in with your member number, email address or user name.

  If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one to get tickets and stream films. Click the text that says “New to Hot Docs? CLICK HERE to sign up” on the sign in page.

• Do Hot Docs Members receive member pricing or free tickets?

  Hot Docs Members receive member pricing on all films screening as part of Hot Docs Festival.

  Remember to sign in before purchasing. The special member pricing option will not appear until you are signed in.

• I have a Promo Code. Can I use it to get tickets?

  Yes. After clicking on "Tickets" or "Stream" you will be prompted to enter your promo code. Once you have entered the code, you will see a promotional ticket price option. Select this option and continue to check out. 
  
  If you do not see the prompt, there is "Promotion Code?" button. Click this button and enter your promo code. Once you have entered the code, you will see a promotional ticket price option. Select this option and continue to check out. 
  
  Your order will be complete once you have clicked "Finalize Order."

  Note: Only one promo code can be used per film.

• I have not received my confirmation email. What should I do?

  Confirmation emails are sent automatically when you complete your purchase. If you do not recieve a confirmation email within a few minutes of completing your purchase, please check your spam or junk mail folders.

Packages

• I have a ticket package or Doc Soup Subscription. How do I get tickets?

  Package holders, as well as Doc Soup subscribers, have an early booking window to use their packages. The early booking window starts March 28 and runs until Monday, April 3. To get tickets:

  • Sign in with your username and email
  • Browse the list of films, select the one you'd like to see.
  • Click on "Tickets" beside the time of the screening you'd like to attend.
  • Select your seat(s), select the $0 - Package option, and add to cart.

  After adding to your cart, you can return to the film list and get more tickets. Once you have selected all your films, proceed to checkout and FINALIZE your order.
  
  After you check out, you will receive a confirmation email with your tickets/streaming instructions.
  
  In-Cinema Screenings: Please arrive early. Your ticket is only valid until 15 minutes before showtime. If you arrive less than 15 minutes before the start of your screening, your seat is not guaranteed. Arrive early for best seating. Latecomers not admitted to the screening will not be issued a refund.

• Can I share my package tickets with friends?

  You can use as many package tickets as you like for each in-person screening. 
  
  Forwarding In-Cinema Tickets: To forward in-cinema tickets to family and friends, SIGN IN to your Hot Docs account. Choose "Forward Tickets" from the My Account section. Select the tickets you wish to forward, enter the recipients name and email, and sent them their tickets. Note: After forwarding, you will receive a new email with your remaining tickets. Please note, the previous tickets will no longer be valid.

• Can I exchange package tickets?
  Yes! Ticket package holders can exchange tickets prior to the start time of the in-cinema screening or the start of the online streaming window. SIGN IN and view the My Calendar section to exchange your tickets.