Hot Docs Wishes Managing Director a Fond Farewell

After nearly 11 years of exceptional leadership and service, managing director Heidi Tao Yang will be departing Hot Docs to pursue her next professional chapter.

Heidi has been an integral member of the organization throughout some of its most consequential periods in the organization’s history.

A producer-turned-executive, Heidi brought a 360-degree perspective spanning media production, business affairs, industry programming, and experience effectuating post-secondary media certificate programs. During her time at Hot Docs, she held progressively senior leadership positions. From 2015 to 2023, Heidi oversaw a portfolio that included the film production funds, professional development labs, and film productions. She played a central role during the portfolio's expansion from $4 million to $13 million across 10 programs, which channeled external grants directly to hundreds of films and supported filmmaker development nationally and internationally. She also executive produced series 2 of the Citizen Minutes collection, as well as Roads to Regeneration, and designed and launched the Hot Docs Incubator fund and training program.

As managing director, Heidi provided leadership across operations, production, HR, finance, and IT, while also supporting select industry programs. She led change management initiatives, developed financial forecasting models, strengthened organizational efficiency, and played a key role in the execution of the organization's deficit-reduction plan and financial stabilization. She also oversaw the financial and legal processes associated with the sale of the Hot Docs Cinema.

Heidi has shared her deep gratitude for the talented filmmakers and dedicated colleagues she has had the privilege to work alongside, and values the community she helped shape.

We are deeply appreciative of all Heidi has contributed over nearly a decade of dedicated service. Her contributions to Hot Docs' turnaround and stabilization will have a lasting impact on the organization. We wish her every success in what comes next.