News

Hot Docs proudly announces the recipients of its latest funding initiative: seven Canadian music documentary projects will receive a total of CAD 170,000 from the esteemed Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund. Launched in May 2020 as Canada’s first dedicated music documentary fund, this initiative supports filmmakers dedicated to crafting compelling, high-quality narratives that celebrate music in all its forms. The Fund highlights the transformative power of Canadian music on the global stage while also embracing international stories told through the unique perspective of Canadian filmmakers. To date, the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund has supported 19 projects with a combined investment of CAD 510,000.

“We are thrilled to support this incredible group of filmmakers who bring bold, imaginative storytelling to the world of music documentaries,” said María José Arauz, Hot Docs’ Industry Programs Manager. “These projects illuminate the transformative power of music to inspire, connect and challenge us while showcasing the unique voices and perspectives of Canadian creators on both local and global stages.”

“Once again, the quality of the submissions to the Slaight Fund this year were staggeringly good, making the selection process a real challenge. It’s incredible to see so many talented filmmakers working on projects that fit our mandate—reviewing these applications with the rest of the committee was an absolute pleasure, and I can’t wait to see the completed films on screen,” shared Barnaby Marshall of The Slaight Family Foundation.

Eligible projects were considered by the selection committee, which included Barnaby Marshall (Slaight Music), Christina Piovesan (Producer, First Generation Media), Elizabeth Radshaw and María José Arauz (Hot Docs).

Development Funds

SALOME BEY: FIRST LADY OF THE BLUES
D: Simone Maurice
P: Simone Maurice
Production company: Enomistar Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Discover the extraordinary life of Salome Bey, from her musical roots in New Jersey to a transformative legacy within Canada’s cultural landscape. This charismatic icon’s artistry illuminates the screen, revealing the inspiring cultural gems of a soon-to-be lost generation.

LEE AARON: TEST YOUR METAL
D: Scott Dobson
P: Charlotte Engel, Scott Dobson
Production company: Rock Yenta Productions
Province: British Columbia
Lee Aaron, a small-town girl with a big voice, became Canada’s pre-eminent and loudest female rocker while battling the sexism and misogyny of the music video age. So she pushed back hard and found her own way to rock.

SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE STILL LIKE ME: BERNIE FINKELSTEIN AND THE TRUE NORTH STORY
D: Joel Goldberg, Liam Romalis, Jason Charters
P: Joel Goldberg, Liam Romalis, Jason Charters
Production company: Riddle Films
Province: Ontario
From 1960s Yorkville to more than 600 albums and a thriving Canadian music scene, Some People Out There Still Like Me recounts the history of True North, one of Canada’s most iconic record labels, and its larger-than-life founder, Bernie Finkelstein.

Production Funds

humanNATURE
D: Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier
P: Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, Tyler Levine
Production company: Human-Nature Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
humanNATURE is a feature documentary that follows virtuoso guitarist and composer Donna Grantis as she makes a genrebusting album of songs in collaboration with nature, environmental thought leaders and other celebrated musicians

LAUDA, I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK
D: Lian Morrison, Wanda Nolan
P: Annette Clarke
Production company: Ruby Line Productions Inc.
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Inside a church basement in one of the oldest working-class neighbourhoods in downtown St. John’s, a neurodivergent-led ensemble makes beautiful music. Lauda, I like the way you think invites us inside this Shallaway Youth Choir’s creative process.

THE BLIND COUPLE FROM MALI
D: Ryan Marley
P: Katie Lafferty
Production company: Makers
Province: Ontario
The Blind Couple from Mali is a feature documentary that captures the extraordinary journey of blind African duo Amadou & Mariam as they record a new studio album, reconnecting with their roots and redefining their legendary sound.

LHASA
D: Sophie Leblond
P: Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre
Production company: Metafilms inc.
Province: Quebec
A feature documentary on the work, life, and artistic vision of Lhasa de Sela, the internationally celebrated singer-songwriter who died too young at the age of 37 and left behind three remarkable albums.


Photo: Lee Aaron: Test Your Metal project