FAQ: Hot Docs Festival

Tickets

• When can I get tickets?

  Single tickets are now available.
  
  See more and save with a 12- or 20-Ticket Package or 6-Ticket Bundle.

• How do I get tickets?

  The festival full lineup is announced.

  Online
  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. 

  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.
  
  In-Person

  Leading up to the Festival advance tickets may be purchased in-person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday, 12 PM – 6 PM. On days with screenings and events, the box office is open from 30 minutes before the first show until 30 minutes after the last begins, unless otherwise indicated. Check the schedule here. 

  During the Festival, the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office is open daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. 

  During the Festival, same day tickets are available at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema box office up to one hour before the screening time for showings at other venues. Same day in-person tickets are also available at the screening venue’s box office. The screening venue’s box office opens one hour before the first screening of the day at that venue.

• 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 staff 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.

• Are there free tickets for students and seniors?

  Students and patrons 60+ with valid ID can take advantage of free admission to regular Festival screenings that start before 4 PM.

  Free student and senior tickets are only available on the day of the screening and must be picked up at the venue where the film is showing. Tickets may only be claimed for non-concurrent screenings. Subject to availability.

• 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. 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 and events during Hot Docs Festival. They also receive discounts on ticket packages and passes. 
  
  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", 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 a "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.

• Are refunds or exchanges available?

  Refunds or exchanges are not available. Before completing your order, please ensure that your order is correct.

• 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.

• How do I vote for the Hot Docs audience awards and $50,000 Rogers Audience Award?
  You can vote in cinemas only. During the Q&A there will be a voting QR code on the screen. Scan this code to vote for the films you just saw. The QR code will also be posted in the cinema. 
  
  Please note: You must vote immediately following your screening. You will not be able to cast your vote later. 

Packages

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

  20- & 12-Pack holders and Doc Soup subscribers can obtain tickets to regular and Special Presentations screenings, as well as Opening Night and Big Ideas. 6-Ticket Bundle holders can obtain tickets to regular and Special Presentations screenings, but cannot be used for Big Ideas or Opening Night.
  
  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.
  • Beside the $0 - Package Ticket option, select the number of tickets you would like, then "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.
  
  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 send 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.