A soft reopening is planned for third-party rentals

By Rose Haberer 

Since its closing in the heat of mid-June, questions about the fate of the Toronto gem and documentary film-scene staple, Hot Docs, have been left open-ended, until now. 

Despite support from film enthusiasts and the success of their 31st annual film festival, Hot Docs could not withstand the financial repercussions of COVID-19 that still loom as a heavy miasma over the city. Other complications affecting the organization’s stability included a missed grant opportunity and complaints by former staff about the company’s inner turmoil. All these factors contributed to the closing of the Hot Docs curtains. As well, one month after the closure, Hot Docs released a public announcement saying that Marie Nelson, Hot Docs’ president, had taken her leave. 

The statement said that as “Hot Docs navigates its next chapter, we are fortunate to have the continued stewardship of Interim Executive Director Janice Dawe and Managing Director Heidi Tao Yang. The Board has full confidence in them to capably steer the organization through this period.” 

Finally, three months after their catastrophic storm of complications, an official statement has been released to the public, providing new information about the corporation’s future and its desire to achieve sustainable operations.  

“Significant work has been done to stabilize Hot Docs and establish a solid foundation for a sustainable path forward,” stated the organization.  

A new three-person board, formed at the beginning of the closure, has been entrusted with working towards stability. This fall, their focus is on finding new directors, as well as a new executive director. Additionally, the team is on the path to improving the company’s financial governance.

Hot Docs reports recent engagements with major sponsors, partners, and funders, highlighting a desire for the organization to survive. 

As a result of successful attempts at financial damage control, Hot Docs has officially announced a temporary reopening for “third-party rentals and select partner screening events.” 

Upcoming films include:

For Viola: We Will Be Brave: Free Screening

A documentary written and directed by Chrisann Hessing focusing on the intricate tapestry of mental health in Black and POC males. Their experiences and emotions are conveyed through various art forms.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Toronto Shadowcast

Directed by Jim Sharman, the quirky, classic Rocky Horror Picture Show is performed by Toronto’s shadowcast, Excited Mental State. They implore you to wear your favorite costume and join them for some spooky fun. 

Stop Making Sense

Experience Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense, in collaboration with A24. Every Saturday, Hot Docs celebrates the irresistible rhythms of Talking Heads by inviting you to groove to the band’s classic songs.

Hot Docs’ statement said that they hope to share further plans on the resurrection of routine Hot Docs programming but no other details were given. In terms of their 2025 film festival, which is usually held every year in May, no additional information was provided other than the prospect of updates in October. With minuscule amounts of information about these events, documentary, and Hot Docs devotees are left at a cinematic crossroad with many questions still left unanswered.

READ MORE:

• NEWS: Screen now dark at the Hot Docs Cinema (June 2024)
• 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)