Conference & Market Event Program

Join us for the World Premiere of Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance including an exclusive Q&A with director Noam Gonick and producer Justine Pimlott with special guests from the film.

Join us as we celebrate the start of our 32nd edition of Hot Docs with a toast to this year's incredible films, market events and love of storytelling. 

We kindly remind all attendees to bring their ID card along with their pass. Your identification will be verified against the name on the pass and is required as proof of legal drinking age. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver’s license, passport, citizenship card, etc. 

Our Works-In-Progress will showcase clips with cinematic potential in late stages of development, production or post-production. Project team members will be available for questions following their presentation. 

Supported by Netflix. 

Deal Maker matches pre-selected projects in development and production with key broadcasters and funders in these one-to-one curated meetings.

Supported by Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates and the City of Toronto. 

Join top broadcast executives for an in-depth conversation about the ever-changing world of television and digital broadcasting. Panelists will share insights into what networks are looking for, how creators can navigate industry shifts, and the challenges posed by budget cuts, censorship and increasing polarization. From securing greenlights to adapting content for diverse audiences, this discussion will offer valuable strategies for filmmakers and producers looking to thrive in today’s broadcast landscape. 

Moderator: Margje de Koning

Panelists: Natasha Negrea (TVO), Chris White (PBS), CBC, Al Jazeera

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with CBC
Panelist: Michelle McCree 

Close Up with Films We Like 
Panelist: Mercy Lam

Close Up with IMAX
Panelist: John Turner

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

Join us for an insightful conversation on YouTube's rise to prominence as one of the largest video platforms to distribute content, and a leading force of the creator economy in Canada and around the world. As YouTube marks its 20th birthday this year, we’ll explore the reasons behind this shift, focusing on the product and content innovations that have captivated audiences. Our discussion will highlight the impact of content creators, including filmmakers, who play a pivotal role in shaping viewer preferences with their authentic connections and diverse offerings. What can we as documentarians take from this? Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the changing landscape of streaming and what it means for the future of documentary entertainment. 

Moderator: Takara Small, CBC 

Panelists: Andrew Peterson, Head of YouTube Canada

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with Bird Street Productions 
Panelist: James Costa 

Close Up with Hollywood Suite
Panelist: Suzanne Marshall

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

The future of documentary storytelling is being reshaped by the rise of streaming platforms, creating new opportunities for filmmakers to reach audiences in innovative ways. This panel brings together leaders from emerging and niche platforms that are transforming how documentaries are distributed and consumed. Panelists will discuss what they’re looking for, how these platforms differ from traditional models, and what filmmakers need to know to successfully pitch and place their work in this evolving digital landscape. 

Moderator: Laurie Townshend

Panelists: Stefania Scarfo (Paramount+), Sharon Stevens (Hollywood Suite), Phillip Webb (OutTV)

Join leading distribution executives as they break down what they’re looking for in new projects, the key factors that influence acquisition decisions and the evolving landscape of film and content distribution. This conversation will explore different distribution models—from theatrical and streaming to hybrid and festival-driven strategies—offering insights into how filmmakers can position their work for success. Whether you're an emerging creator or an industry veteran, this panel will provide valuable guidance on getting your project seen by the right audiences. 

Moderator: Hoda Elatwai 

Panelists: John Turner (IMAX), Val Dowd (Submarine), Michael Boyuk (Films we Like), Jason Resnick (Autlook Films), Bob Hunter (Icarus Films)

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with PBS WGBH
Panelist: Nina Chandry

Close Up with Sundance Institute
Panelist: Evan Neff

Close Up with OutTV
Panelist: Phillip Webb

If you’ve ever worked on a documentary and thought “I’ll just pop over to YouTube to grab some footage…what could possibly go wrong?!” then this talk is for you! You will get to consider the richness that historic materials can bring to your film; hear about the proper process and potential pitfalls of research and licensing; and consider how you could benefit from working with an archival producer.

In today's digital landscape, strategic positioning and marketing are key to a film’s success. Join industry-leading marketing and PR specialists as they explore how to craft compelling narratives, navigate public perception and maximize audience engagement. This discussion will cover everything from leveraging digital platforms to handling public backlash, ensuring your film reaches its full potential. 

Moderator: Jon Reiss

Panelists: Sue Biely (Story Money Impact), Ally LaMere -Shedden (Route 504 PR), Christie Boschman (@ThatDocumentaryGirl)

Deal Maker matches pre-selected projects in development and production with key broadcasters and funders in these one-to-one curated meetings.

Supported by Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates and the City of Toronto. 

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

As AI tools become more sophisticated, filmmakers are faced with complex ethical questions. This panel explores the use of AI in documentary filmmaking, from recreating voices of the deceased to reconstructing historical events. Where is the line between authenticity, exaggeration and exploitation? Join experts as they debate the ethical implications, creative possibilities and industry standards shaping the future of AI-driven storytelling. 

Moderator: Takara Small 

Panelists: Rachel Antell (Archival Producers Alliance), Kelly Wilhelm (Head, Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD)

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with Submarine Entertainment 
Panelist: Val Dowd

Close Up with Al Jazeera
Panelist: Adel Ksiksi

Close Up with Paramount+
Panelist: Stefania Scarfo

Mix and mingle with industry delegates with refreshments. Drink tickets will be provided.

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

In an era of deep political and social divides, documentary filmmakers face increasing challenges in funding, distribution and audience reception. This panel brings together industry experts from public broadcasting companies to explore how polarization is shaping the documentary and markets, what buyers and distributors are looking for, and how filmmakers and journalists can navigate issues of truth, bias and credibility. From finding the right platform to managing audience expectations, panelists will discuss the evolving landscape and provide insights on selling, distributing and sustaining documentary projects in today’s climate. 

Moderator: Anna Maria Tremonti, CBC 

Panelists: CBC, Opal Bennett (PBS), Alexandre Marionneau (Arte), Adel Ksiksi (Al Jazeera)

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with Cineflix Media
Panelist: J.C. Mills

Close Up with Women Make Movies 
Panelist: Debra Zimmerman 

Close Up with Impact Partners Film
Panelist: Kelsey Koenig

In these half-hour sessions, hear directly from industry leaders on how they work with the documentary community and how you can work with them.

This case study features a member of Broken Social Scene and their music producer and publisher. Focusing on showcasing music to filmmakers in a way that emphasizes education and practical takeaways while securing music rights for documentaries, this panel is a discussion that hopes to create opportunities to connect their members directly with filmmakers in a shared space. Presented by Music Publishers Canada. 

Moderator: Laura Holtebrinck 

Panelists: Amy Eligh, Brendan Canning, Kevin Drew, Tonya Dedrick, Danica Bansie 

Passholders can sign up at 9:00 AM on a first come, first serve basis at the Industry Desk in the Willard Room. Connect with industry experts in small roundtable discussions guided by moderators. 

Sign up daily. Up to 10 people per session. 

Moderators: Joan Prowse, Hoda Elatawi, Walter Forsyth

Close Up with Indigenous Screen Office
Panelist: Melanie Hadley 

Close Up with Arte France
Panelist: Alexandre Marionneau

Close Up with PBS (POV)
Panelist: Chris White

Join us to celebrate the award winners for the 32nd edition of Hot Docs. 

7:00 PM: Doors open 
7:30 PM: Awards presentation 
9:00 PM: Reception