Hot Docs closes doors for a review 

By Meredith Poirier

For anyone who’s ever taken a walk along the long stretch that is Bloor Street West you’ve definitely seen the looming Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema sign outside the theatre. 

Its bright green colour and white letters are unmistakable. The bright lights of the sign won’t be shining quite as bright though come June 12. 

After co-owning the venue from 2011 to 2016, Hot Docs purchased the cinema, but the revered theatre opened in 1913 under the name the Madison Picture Palace. 

The historic building and theatre is a staple for documentary filmmakers and those who enjoy documentaries. Hot Docs’ mission is to showcase Canadian and international documentaries. 

On top of regularly scheduled programming, community events, and more, Hot Docs runs an annual festival showcasing unique and eclectic documentaries. 

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival typically takes place in the spring, and this year it ran from April 25 – May 5. 

The festival showcased over 100 films and hosted Q&As with filmmakers both online and in person. 

This year’s festival was quite successful and boasted attendance numbers that almost matched pre-pandemic numbers. 

The box office also saw revenue exceed targets by 12 per cent; however, despite this success, Hot Docs will close its doors on June 12 for about three months while the leadership team creates a strategic plan to increase revenue and allow them to sustainably run operations for years to come. This closure will also mean temporary layoffs for staff. While the announcement of this temporary closure on May 22 may have been a shock to some and a huge disappointment to many loyal fans, the news is not entirely surprising for those who have been following the news surrounding Hot Docs these past few months. 

Early in March, Hot Docs president, Marie Nelson, released a statement that detailed the financial struggles Hot Docs has been experiencing post-pandemic: “We are currently facing a significant operational deficit that threatens our long-term sustainability.” The statement urged audiences to support in whatever way they could. “You are essential to all that we do, and we need your support now more than ever.” 

The statement emphasized that the need for financial support is directly related to the longevity of the theatre. “Hot Docs’ urgent need for support is not just about the festival; it’s about safeguarding a cultural institution and supporting the next generation of storytellers.” 

On top of the post-pandemic financial struggles, Hot Docs missed out on some major funding this year; it was not selected as a recipient for 2024 funding from the federal government. A $38 million investment was made in the arts sector and recipients of that money were the Toronto International Film Festival and the Shaw Festival Theatre. 

Things took a surprising turn in March when news came that Hot Docs artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy was stepping down from his role due to personal reasons. 

Following his departure, 10 festival programmers left their roles as well. 

They released a joint statement via social media saying they “were expected to work in an ever-changing, chaotic, unprofessional and discriminatory environment.” 

In a statement released to the community via their website on April 6 the Hot Docs board of directors reported that, “When issues were raised by the programming team at the end of January, Hot Docs and the board acted in accordance with these policies and procedures, including conducting a thorough internal investigation, with all due diligence and speed to address their concerns. 

Despite numerous proposed solutions to seek a path forward, offers to mediate were declined.” 

Over the next three months programming will not be offered and the leadership team “will undertake an extensive review of the cinema—its mission, programming and operations—to determine a path back to profitability,” as shared in a May 22 announcement via the website. 

For those who are currently members all memberships will be placed on hold. Any tickets purchased for dates after June 12 will be refunded and events are in the process of being rescheduled. 

READ MORE:

• NEWS: Hot Docs cinema seeks support (Mar. 2024)
• CHATTER: 30 years of Hot Docs Cinema (April 2023)
• NEWS: A permanent home for storytelling (July 2016)
• NEWS: Bloor Cinema reopens to the public (March 2012)
• ARTS: The latest premiere: Bloor Cinema opens new era with documentary theme (September 2011)