News

Hot Docs acknowledges that we are preparing to bring our community together at a time of dire conflict that has raged for many months, which now threatens to expand beyond Gaza and envelop the entire region.

We are appalled at the immense and unacceptable loss of innocent lives, with 13,000 estimated to be children. Along with many others, we want to see an end to the conflict and the devastating humanitarian crisis being suffered by the Palestinian people. 

We call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties, a release of hostages on all sides, and that immediate humanitarian aid be made available to the people of Gaza. 

We stand, as we always do, with innocent victims of war and conflict and for the human rights of all peoples to be respected.

As a documentary organization, we also stand with journalists, media workers and documentary filmmakers who are risking their lives on the ground, of which close to 100 have already been killed.

We recognize that our silence up until now on this crisis has left room for speculation and concern in the minds of our community.

Our senior management team have been meeting with concerned stakeholders, including members of our team, and have grappled for many months with Hot Docs’ role in this moment and how it relates to our mission of supporting documentary filmmakers and creating opportunities for their important work to be shared with audiences.  

Over Hot Docs’ 30 years, our world has experienced many difficult crises and filmmakers have passionately responded with thoughtful and revealing stories that have raised voices and perspectives that are all too often buried, and that have resonated with our audiences.

We are responsible for creating vibrant spaces where this critical exchange of ideas and perspectives can thrive, understanding and empathy can flourish, and marginalized voices can be amplified.  

At our upcoming Festival, Hot Docs is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for filmmakers and audiences from different cultures and diverse perspectives, many of whom may be impacted by this tragic loss and suffering.