We hope you had a great summer. Over the past weeks we’ve received many inquiries about Hot Docs’ next steps, and we are pleased to share this update with you.
Since temporarily closing Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in June, the team has been working tirelessly throughout the summer to address the financial and governance issues that led to its closure.
Significant work has been done to stabilize Hot Docs and establish a solid foundation for a sustainable path forward.
A scaled-down, focused three-person working board
established in June has laid the groundwork to welcome new directors needed for effective future governance.
This fall, they will also embark on a search for a new executive director for Hot Docs.
Of critical importance, the team has also been actively addressing the organization’s deficit by implementing plans to right-size the organization, reducing operating costs and prioritizing core programming and initiatives in our future planning.
We’ve regularly engaged with major sponsors, partners and funders at all levels of government, who’ve unanimously expressed their desire for the organization to survive and thrive, and many have confirmed their ongoing support.
In light of this progress, we’re pleased to announce the limited reopening of Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema later this month for third-party rentals and select partner screening events. We are also thrilled to be able to gradually welcome back members of our Cinema team who were placed on temporary layoff with this summer’s closure.
In the upcoming months, we anticipate being able to share with you our plans for the resumption of regular Hot Docs programming at the Cinema and details of our 2025 Festival.
Sincerely,
Janice Dawe
Interim Executive Director
Heidi Tao Yang
Managing Director