FAQ: Health & Safety

Hot Docs Cinema

• How do I reserve my seat online?

  We strongly encourage booking tickets online, in advance of your screening. All seats are reserved-only. 

  To book your online ticket, visit our in-cinema schedule to select the film of your choice and then choose the screening time that is best for you and your preferred seat(s). You will be required to create or sign-in to your Hot Docs account. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted for all online sales.
  
  Please have your ticket ready for scanning (print-at-home copy, or on your phone). Our volunteers will scan your ticket and direct you to your reserved seats upon arrival.

  Hot Docs is committed to keeping our cinema accessible to all guests and has made every effort to ensure accessibility and companion seating is still available. On our seat selection page, there is a button that asks if accessible seating is needed. Clicking on that button will give you access to our accessible seats, which are physically distanced from other available seats.

• I have a ticket to a film, how early will I be able to enter the cinema to find a seat?

  We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled screening. Doors will open approximately 30 minutes before showtime, allowing for a thorough cleaning of the cinema in between screenings.

• What if I’m not feeling well and I already have a ticket?

  If you are not feeling well, please stay home and contact us at [email protected] prior to the start of your movie showtime. We will gladly issue a refund.

• Is it mandatory for everyone in the theatre to wear masks?

  It is optional to wear a mask that covers your mouth, chin and and nose during your visit. 

• Are food and drinks available at the Cinema?

  Our concessions stand will be open for all screenings. When open, a selection of drinks and snacks will be available for purchase, including popcorn, drinks, candy, and licensed beverages including beer and wine. You can view our menu here.
  
  Please consider sending one person from your group to make your order. 

• What is Hot Docs Cinema doing to ensure safety at for staff and audiences at concessions?

  To maximize safety precautions at concessions, we have taken the following steps:

  • Concessions staff are practicing enhanced sanitation and disinfection protocols, in accordance with Toronto Public Health.
  • We will be strongly encouraging contactless debit or credit transactions (including American Express)