FAQ: Online Streaming

General

• How do I stream a film?

  Hot Docs Members and Hot Docs at Home subscribers can stream year-round at watch.hotdocs.ca.
  
  Festival ticket holders and All-You-Can-Stream Pass holders can stream Festival titles from May 5-9. 
  
  WATCH ON YOUR COMPUTER, MOBILE PHONE OR TABLET
  Currently you can stream through the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. For both PC and Apple computers, we recommend that you use the latest version of your browser.
  Note: Internet Explorer is not supported. For a complete list of compatibility, please click here.

  
  WATCH ON YOUR TELEVISION
  
  Download the Hot Docs app on:

  • AppleTV
  • Roku
  • AndroidTV
  • FireTV

  Follow the instructions on your device. If you are given a pairing code, click on the gear in the top right corner of the Hot Docs at Home portal and click "Watch on My TV" and follow the instructions.

  Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)
  You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Please note: if you are using an Apple mobile device, you cannot Chromecast.
  
  HDMI
  If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.

• Do I need a Hot Docs account to stream films?

  Yes, you need a Hot Docs account. Hot Docs Members and Hot Docs at Home subscribers can stream year-round at watch.hotdocs.ca. You will need to sign in with your Hot Docs username and password. 

  If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one to get tickets and stream films.

• Can I watch a film or event more than once?

  Yes. You can watch a film or event as many times as you like.

• I am receiving the error message: "Your voucher has been redeemed by a different IP address." What do I do?

  You have continued watching your film on a different wi-fi network than the one you started on. Contact [email protected]

• Can I use a VPN while streaming?

  No. If you pause the film and continue watching, you will receive an error. Turn off your VPN before you start watching. If you receive an error after you started watching a stream with your VPN on, please contact [email protected].

• I am not currently in Canada. Can I stream a film?

  It is only possible to stream films from inside Canada. Some special events may be available worldwide.

Festival Streaming

• When can I begin streaming my films?

  Films will be available starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 5. You can stream by clicking the WATCH FILM button in your confirmation email or on the film page, or by going to the My Streams page.

• How long after getting a ticket do I have to stream a film?
  Online streaming is available from May 5 to May 9. Once you start streaming, you have 48 hours to finish watching your film.
• How do I stream a film?

  Ticket buyers can access their streams from May 5-9 via their Hot Docs Account.
  
  All-You-Can-Stream Pass holders can stream at watch.hotdocs.ca from May 5-9.
  
  WATCH ON YOUR COMPUTER, MOBILE PHONE OR TABLET
  Currently you can stream through the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. For both PC and Apple computers, we recommend that you use the latest version of your browser.
  Note: Internet Explorer is not supported. For a complete list of compatibility, please click here.

  
  WATCH ON YOUR TELEVISION
  
  Download the Hot Docs app on:

  • AppleTV
  • Roku
  • AndroidTV
  • FireTV

  Follow the instructions on your device. If you are given a pairing code, click on the gear in the top right corner of the Hot Docs at Home portal and click "Watch on My TV" and follow the instructions.

  Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)
  You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Please note: if you are using an Apple mobile device, you cannot Chromecast.
  
  HDMI
  If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.

• Can I watch a film more than once?

  Yes. Once you begin watching you have 48 hours to view the film. During this 48-hour period, you can watch or restart the film as many times as needed.

• I am not currently in Canada. Why can’t I stream a film?

  All films participating in Hot Docs Festival are geo-blocked to Canada You must be within the country to stream the films.

  With the shift to online, Hot Docs had to create new digital agreements with filmmakers and distributors, and those agreements included limiting Hot Docs Festival Online streaming access to Canada.

• I am in Canada but am unable to stream and keep getting a message that says “Film not available in your region.” How do I fix this?

  Please contact [email protected].

• Is closed captioning available on the films?

  We have endeavoured to ensure that as many films as possible have either closed or open captioning. Captions are indicated on the film pages with CC for closed captioning.

  Closed captions can be turned on or off while streaming the film. To turn them on, select English (CC) in the subtitle window at the bottom right corner of the video player.

• Why are there numbers in the top left corner of my screen? Can I get rid of it?

  These numbers are an anti-piracy watermark.
  
  Hot Docs works with Festival filmmakers to enable anti-piracy measures to ensure that films stream with the highest level of security. The number is an unique visible watermark tied to your ticket and cannot be removed. Under Canada’s Copyright Act, unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted material is illegal.