Cinema Series

Join author Monica Heisey and some of Toronto's most talented storytellers for a spirited night of live stories and conversation. 

Monica will take the Hot Docs stage with a cast of very funny friends—including Gawker's Sarah Hagi (moderator), Nobody Cares author Anne T. Donahue, Workin' Moms' Dani Kind and Meredith MacNeill of Baroness von Sketch Show and Pretty Hard Cases.

With press freedom under threat in the Philippines, A Thousand Cuts goes inside the escalating war between the government and the press. The documentary follows Maria Ressa, a renowned journalist who has become a top target of President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on the news media.

We’re delighted to welcome Maria Ressa in-person to Hot Docs Cinema on Monday, March 27. Tickets here.

Bring the whole family to this fun interactive event featuring touchable specimens from the ROM's new exhibition T. rex: The Ultimate Predator and a screening of a beloved dino classic.

At a time when a free press has never been more under attack, no one globally has done more to speak truth to power than Maria Ressa, the winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. 

Moderated by award-winning journalist, filmmaker and CJFE Board Member Michelle Shephard.

Featuring an introduction with broadcast journalist and author Carol Off.

Come do the "Time Warp" again with this cult classic, presented with Toronto's own Shadow Cast who perform their satirical version during the screening. 

Jam with The ASD Band, featuring four talented autistic individuals. Life on the spectrum has many individual challenges, but together, anything is possible. 

The April 2 screening will be introduced by Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies, and followed by a live performance by the band and a Q&A moderated by actor and model Lauren Howe.

Jam with The ASD Band, featuring four talented autistic individuals. Life on the spectrum has many individual challenges, but together, anything is possible.

Relaxed screenings offer a sensory friendly environment for those in the neuro-diverse community or for anyone who may benefit from a more informal viewing atmosphere. 

View the film's fact sheet. 

When Ahmad’s life comes under threat by the Taliban in Afghanistan, he leaves home and ends up in Europe’s most notorious refugee camp: Moria. 

Join directors Jawad Mir and Ahmad Ebrahimi (Zoom) for a post-screening Q&A, moderated by Hot Docs programmer Aisha Jamal.

With humour, sensitivity and a healthy dose of adolescent cringe, meet the woman whose trail-blazing books changed the way millions of readers understand themselves. 

Pre-recorded Q&A with directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok after each screening. Moderated by writer and culture critic Amil Niazil

Get ready for a sing-along, pitches! Sing along to the film and delight in a special guest performance from the University of Toronto's award-winning acapella group, Tunes. Beats. Awesome.

Combining gorgeous cinematography with incredible access, filmmaker Zaynê Akyol attempts to understand what motivates now-detained members of ISIS. 

Featuring a pre-recorded Q&A with filmmaker Zaynê Akyol.

Across South America, there are cries for legal, safe and free abortion. Meet some of the many people who have been pushing for change for over 20 years.

Presented in partnership with Planned Parenthood Toronto.

Ten teenagers journey down a path to self-discovery as they adjust to life on a farm in this examination of the stress and alienation of adolescence.

This screening is FREE for everyone as part of National Canadian Film Day, a massive, coast-to-coast-to-coast salute to Canadian cinema!

This incisive, urgent documentary examines the role of Black players in Canadian hockey, all the way to the struggles against racism that continue to this day. 

This screening is FREE for everyone as part of National Canadian Film Day, a massive, coast-to-coast-to-coast salute to Canadian cinema!

A story of friendship and caring that teaches important lessons on animal conservation without ever getting preachy, Free Willy is a perfect family outing for Earth Day.

From flood ravaged villages in Nepal to the Alberta tar sands, discover a powerful vision for the future of our planet and the youth who will lead us there.

In loving memory of friend and colleague Ravi Srinivasan, whom we lost on January 14, 2023, we screen this film that meant so much to him personally and professionally.

For her legions of fans, R.F. Kuang is more than just a writer; she’s a cultural phenomenon, a #1 New York Times bestselling author with her finger on the pulse of what discerning readers want—and need—to read. 

Moderated by Thea Lim, author of An Ocean of Minutes.