Hot Docs is proud to announce the confirmed dates for the five-market free community theatrical initiative,
Docs for Schools, and the broadcast premiere of its short doc collection
Citizen Minutes. The second series of shorts highlights ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to make their communities better places. From Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week to noise pollution in Toronto, from the first all-female Muslim softball league to a rapper addressing mental health issues, the second series of Citizen Minutes will inform and entertain. Each free screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with the goal of inspiring collaborative dialogue about civic engagement and the many forms it can take.
“We are incredibly proud to introduce this essential series of short docs crafted by visionary filmmakers to audiences across Canada,” shared
Marie Nelson, Hot Docs’ President. “These compelling films urge us to champion positive change within our communities and remind us of the remarkable influence that individuals have in shaping our world. I am invigorated by these vibrant, youth-driven stories that poignantly reflect life’s hardships—yet radiate with hope—and hope that others will be too.”
Having premiered at Hot Docs Festival earlier this year, all of the shorts will now be available to national audiences on both CBC Gem and Crave beginning October 18, 2023. Four shorts from the second series will also be available on the big screen on a five-city theatrical tour from coast to coast.
Hot Docs will work with national and local partners for each event and engage audiences through post-screening discussions featuring a mix of changemakers featured in the films as well as local changemakers. Official National Impact Partners for the screening tour include the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (CANOO), Samara Centre for Democracy, Tamarack Institute, and TMU’s Democratic Engagement Exchange.
Local screening partners in several cities who will have groups in attendance include Big Brothers and Sisters, Kids Up Front, and Boys and Girls Clubs.
Theatrical Dates
October 16: Rio Theatre, Vancouver, BC, 6:30 pm - Host Angela Steritt
October 25: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Toronto, ON, 6:30 pm - CBC Host Ismaila Alfa and a special guest performance by Akitone.
November 9: Calgary Central Library, Calgary, AB, 6:30 pm - CBC Host Angela Knight
November 27: Cinema Du Musée, Montreal, QC, 6:30 pm - CBC Daybreak Host Sean Henry
November 27: Halifax Central Library, Halifax, NS, 6:30 pm - CBC Host Preston Mulligan and a special guest performance by comedian Janelle Niles.
Docs for Schools
Citizen Minutes will also be made available for free screenings online and for grade 5-12 students across the country through the Docs for Schools program. Each of the films will come with a unique education package with discussion questions, resources and activities to support extended learning about the issues addressed in the film. All education packages will be made available in English and French. Last year, Docs for Schools brought films to over 150,000 students in 98 school boards across Canada.
For more information about the Citizen Minutes short doc collection visit
citizenminutes.ca.