#HOTDOCS: “SHAMED” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Canadians may remember the catfishing website and YouTube channel from Windsor, Ont.’s Jason Nassr titled Creeper Hunter. Nassr published his program from 2015 to 2020, and it detailed his efforts in catching those he deemed “creepers” (a title he gave to adults he believed were pedophiles due to their communications with minors). Now, fellow Windsorian Matt Gallagher, the well-known documentarian of Prey, examines the show, its creator, and those targeted by him in this daring Documentary.

For those unaware of the full story, in February 2023, a jury found Nassr guilty of extortion and harassment by telecommunications. This was due to the way he found these men he deemed pedophiles. He sent sexually-suggestive messages back and forth with these men and even put on a high-pitched voice when speaking to them on the phone. He was sentenced to 18 months of house arrest and six months with a curfew.

The brilliance of this Documentary is that Gallagher tells a rounded view. He doesn’t only interview Nassr, he speaks to family and friends of a handful of ‘John Does’ who were targeted on Creeper Hunter and in the aftermath, died from sudden causes. In doing so, Gallagher challenges Nassr’s mission with Creeper Hunter.

Even though Nassr felt he was doing the right thing. He believed that these men were intending to harm these “children” they thought they were speaking to. And many of those who watched the show could easily say that even if he got it wrong some of the time, it was worth the risk to get those who were pedophiles.

Yet, Shamed challenges this thought. Gallagher pulls back the curtain on Creeper Hunter by going beyond Nassr. By giving a platform to the loved ones of those targeted and exposing the aftermath of some targets, it allows for minds to change. And that’s the power of a great Documentary.

Shamed screens at Hot Docs ’25:

April 28 at 8:30 PM at Hot Docs Cinema

May 2 at 2:45 PM at TIFF Lightbox 1

#HOTDOCS: “CLIMATE IN THERAPY” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

There are more than 65,000 climate scientists in the world plotting and graphing in painstaking detail how humans are heading in a catastrophic direction. Despite these experts returning increasingly grim results year after year, many have never been asked how they feel about climate change. Director Nathan Grossman invites seven climatologists to a weekend therapy session to hash out their emotions.

We’ve been hearing about the climate crisis statistics for decades now. However, we rarely get a glimpse at scientists who deliver the grim statistics. That’s what makes Climate in Therapy a standout. It humanizes a community often portrayed through data and policy rather than personal experience.

We watch as the climatologists are at first reluctant to expose their inner emotions to each other. But this initial reluctance by the scientist slowly transforms. The Film captures this powerful transformation as the participants move toward openness, and the psychological burden carried by those on the frontlines of the climate crisis is exposed.

Overall, Climate in Crisis is a reminder of the need for emotional honesty and collective support in facing global existential challenges, not unlike COVID.

Climate in Therapy screens at Hot Docs ’25:

April 26 at 4:45 PM at TIFF Lightbox 4

April 28 at 12 PM at TIFF Lightbox 3

#HOTDOCS: “ANTIDOTE” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

In an era of rising geopolitical tensions and shrinking democratic spaces, Antidote serves as both a warning and a call to vigilance for audiences worldwide.

This riveting Documentary follows investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a Co-founder of Bellingcat. Through open-source investigation, Grozev uncovers and exposes the vast network of Russia’s state-employed assassins who are tasked with eliminating political opponents like Alexei Navalny. But due to this, there is a bounty on his head, and spies all over Europe are trying to assassinate him.

Director James Jones unearths the global impact of Putin’s regime and the real human costs borne by activists and journalists. He takes us behind the scenes to see what it means to be a target of Putin’s regime by following individuals who are current targets. It’s a true look behind the headlines that will leave audiences haunted.

Overall, Antidote is an exploration of the Kremlin’s campaign to silence investigative journalism into Russian government corruption and it weaves together personal stories to give a rounded examination.

Antidote screens at Hot Docs ’25:

April 26 at 6 PM at Hot Docs Cinema

April 28 at 10:45 AM at TIFF Lightbox 1

#HOTDOCS: “ALWAYS” TRAILER

Deming Chen‘s ALWAYS will premiere at Hot Docs ’25 and today we get a glimpse of its Trailer.

Gong Youbin was born into a poor Chinese family. He has not seen his mother since he was three months old. Because of a poetry class in school, he embarks on an emotional journey by learning to write poems through his imagination and exploration.

By observing his upbringing in the countryside of Hunan, surrounded by dreams and the harsh realities of his family’s struggles, ALWAYS is an allegory for the loss of innocence, as Gong inevitably has to grow up out of childhood and face reality.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Hot Docs Program: World Showcase
Premiere Status: North American Premiere
Countries: USA, FRANCE, CHINA
Runtime: 84 minutes
Language: Chinese Regional Dialects & Chinese
Subtitles: English

Talent attending Hot Docs: Director Deming Chen, Producer Hansen Lin

ALWAYS Hot Docs Public Screenings:
April 26, 1:45 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 4
April 29, 5:15 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

#FIRSTLOOK: “AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT” TO PREMIERE AT HOT DOCS 2025

Italy/US co-production producing partners, Marta Zaccaron, Incipit Film and Christine La Monte, La Monte Productions, in association with Andy Cohen, AC Films Inc. are pleased to announce that Maxim Derevianko feature film directorial debut’s documentary, AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT will have its Canadian premiere at Hot Docs 2025 as part of their Big Idea. ( https://hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival/big-ideas)

AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT is an Italy/US co-production directed by Maxim Derevianko (Ars Erotica, Origen, Le Creature di Prometeo/Le Creature di Capucci), co-written by Michele Cogo (The Red Door) and Derevianko and produced by Co-production producing partners, Marta Zaccaron (The Kiss of the Grasshopper, Family Therapy, Sanremo), and Christine La Monte (VIVA VERDI!), with producer Andy Cohen (To Kill a Tiger) executive produced by Julian Lennon (Maya, Women of the White Buffalo) and Marcie Polier (Two Gun Cohen.)

AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT delves into the artistic journey of renowned Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei, during his groundbreaking operatic directorial debut at the Rome Opera House. Drawing inspiration from Puccini’s renowned opera, Turandot, Ai Weiwei masterfully weaves together the opera’s timeless narrative with contemporary global issues, including the Ukraine war, the refugee crises, tyranny, freedom of speech, and more. The film not only reaffirms the enduring relevance of Puccini’s masterpiece but also serves as a reflection of Ai Weiwei’s life and artistic philosophy. Capturing the meticulous staging, rehearsals, and collaborations that bring this visionary production to life, the film takes viewers on an historic behind-the-scenes exploration of Ai Weiwei’s creative process. According to esteemed choreographer Chiang Ching, a lifelong friend and collaborator of Ai Weiwei who provides insights into the deeply personal connection between Ai Weiwei and Turandot, the opera serves as a reflection of Ai Weiwei’s own life. This fusion of the opera’s stunning visuals, evocative music, and powerful storytelling offers a transformative experience that encompasses the essence of Ai Weiwei’s creative vision and process inviting viewers to witness the convergence of music, activism, and visual art, celebrating the enduring legacy of Turandot and the visionary spirit of Ai Weiwei.

AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT Co-production producing partners Marta Zaccaron and Christine La Monte, producing together with Andy Cohen, remark, “Hot Docs and its arts-forward audience is the perfect festival for AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT to make its North American Premiere. The film celebrates the creative process and the power of collaboration, revealing the transformative impact that art can have on individuals and society at large. Thank you Heather Haynes and your stellar team for embracing our film – we are all thrilled to be Toronto-bound!”

Director Maxim Derevianko adds, “Delighted to have my Canadian premiere at Hot Docs. Working with Ai Weiwei has been a life-long dream realized – through his directorial journey, I’ve been able to explore the intersection of opera, activism, and contemporary challenges. Very happy to be sharing our film with Hot Docs audiences – renowned for appreciating documentaries.”

Cinematography by Maxim Derevianko, editing by Emanuele Bonomi (Croste di Polenta) with consulting editor Kate Amend (Into The Arms of Strangers,) sound editing and mix by Federico Cabula (Una Femmina: The Code of Silence), Marco Falloni (The Eight Mountains) with original music by Marco Guazzone (The Place.)

An Incipit Film and La Monte Production Co-Production in association with AC Film, White Feather Films and Homemade Entertainment, in collaboration with Teatro Dell/Opera Di Roma, Co-financed by Fondo Audiovisivo FVG and Direzione Generale Cinema & Audiovisivo.

Rise and Shine World Sales will be handling international sales for the film.

ABOUT MAXIM DERVIANKO
An award-winning director, Derevianko is based in Rome. In 2023, he directed the docuseries “Ars Erotica” with Euridice Axen, a 5-episode series about Eros in the Arts for Sky Arte, produced by Bottega Finzioni. Previously, Derevianko directed and wrote the feature documentaries “Le Creature di Prometeo/Le Creature di Capucci,” which follows the fashion Maestro Roberto Capucci in his last creations for a show at the Spoleto Festival, presented at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, as well as, “Origen,” about the return of some of the most important choreographers and dancers in Europe after the lockdown within the Origen Festival Cultural in Switzerland, including ballet companies such as the Paris Operà, The Staatsoper of Vienna, the Zurich Ballet and NDT. In 2018, Derevianko directed the feature documentary, “Cellos & Drums” for the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, following renowned cellist, Giovanni Sollima and his Ensemble in Rome and Amsterdam concerts. During his work collaborating with the Rome Opera House, he produced and directed multicam streamings and trailers for all opera and ballet productions, working with internationally renowned directors such as Sofia Coppola, Emma Dante, William Kentridge, for opera and choreography, and dancers such as Roberto Bolle, Eleonora Abbagnato and Angelin Preljocaj. Among his current and ongoing work for top international brands includes directing Netflix’s advertising campaigns for international series “Berlin” with Pedro Alonso and “Emily in Paris” with Lily Collins, as well as Bulgari’s Crafting Magnificence campaign and Octofinissimo campaign, with actor Alessandro Borghi and “Utopia” for Dior. Prior to this, he directed, wrote and produced the multi-award winning sci-fi short film, BODYPIECES.

INCIPIT FILM (Italy) / INCIPIT FILM, founded and headed by Marta Zaccaron, is an independent production company based in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. It develops, produces and co-produces documentary and fiction projects for the international market that address relevant issues to the society we live in, mostly in co- production with foreign partners. It is a company in constant evolution, born with a purely documentary vocation, that has recently co- produced feature films that have garnered much international acclaim, participating in prestigious festivals and distributed through European channels. It is pursuing more and more ambitious projects and collaborations with very talented artists and with an innovative narrative. Incipit Film works regularly with the FVG Audiovisual Fund, FVG Film Commission, MiC and RAI.

LA MONTE PRODUCTIONS (USA) / LA MONTE PRODUCTIONS is a Los Angeles-based entertainment production company founded and headed by former Universal, Disney and Orion marketing executive, Christine La Monte. In addition to AI WEIWEI’S TURANDOT, current projects on the festival circuit include feature documentary VIVA VERDI!, about Casa Verdi, Milan, home for retired opera singers built by Giuseppe Verdi; and in post-production is FIGLI DEL FIUME, a ‘contemplative’ film that follows three men in search of meaning along Italy’s Po River. THE OTHER SIDE OF 90, which La Monte is directing, and JUSTICE DEFERRED, based on Len Williams’ critically acclaimed legal thriller, are in development. La Monte produced the award-winning short, DANDELION DHARMA; scripted play, “Three Grooms & A Bride”, and syndicated television talk show, “Marilu” starring Marilu Henner. A long-time member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, La Monte is a member of the Television Academy, and the Alliance of Women Directors.

A.C Films is a NYC media production company founded by Andy Cohen, a three-time Emmy nominated independent filmmaker, whose recent films received three Academy Awards nominations spanning both scripted and documentary genres: The Apprentice in 2025 for Best Actor (Sebastian Stan), Best Supporting Actor (Jeremy Strong) and To Kill a Tiger in 2024 for Best Feature Documentary. Cohen directed, wrote, and produced the multi-award-winning feature-length documentaries, Ximei (2019) and Beijing Spring (2021), among others.

#HOTDOCS: ADDITIONAL 2025 HOT DOCS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ANNOUNCED

Hot Docs announced today a slate of seven additional films to screen at the 2025 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival as part of the Special Presentations program, exhibiting a selection of high-profile Canadian and international feature-length documentary premieres. Hot Docs Festival returns to Toronto from April 24 to May 4.

Making its International Premiere, Come See Me in the Good Light follows spoken word artist and poet laureate of Colorado Andrea Gibson after an incurable cancer diagnosis. Alongside their partner and fellow poet Megan Falley, Gibson embarks on a poignant journey filled with humour and love, culminating in a final career-defining performance. Also making its International Premiere is Selena y Los Dinos, a riveting look at the life and legacy of the “Queen of Tejano Music” Selena Quintanilla. Featuring exquisite family archives and intimate testimonies, the film charts the rise of this iconic superstar who broke barriers for women in the genre.

Canadian Premieres include 2000 Meters to Andriivka, the latest from Academy Award–winning filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov (20 Days in Mariupol). This harrowing and immersive documentary follows a Ukrainian platoon as they navigate a heavily fortified forest to liberate the strategic village of Andriivka. Assembly sees interdisciplinary artist Rashaad Newsome turn documentarian, capturing his groundbreaking 2022 exhibition that transformed a historic military facility into a queer, Afro-futurist utopia. Heightened Scrutiny follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he takes on an uphill battle for trans rights, preparing to become the first openly trans person to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Dating Game delves into the consequences of China’s one-child policy, as three men, faced with a skewed gender ratio, enroll in a controversial dating boot camp that promises romantic success through deception. Spreadsheet Champions spotlights six talented students from around the world as they compete in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship—the ultimate test of spreadsheet mastery, where a win could be life-changing.

The full selection of films to screen at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2025 will be announced at a press conference on March 25. Ticket packages are now on sale online. Ticket package redemption and single ticket sales for Hot Docs members are available starting March 25. Single ticket sales open to the public on April 1.  

Descriptions for films in the Special Presentations program appear below. In many cases, filmmakers will be in attendance for post-screening discussions. For more information on the program visit http://go.pardot.com/e/463832/ot-docs-festival-announcements/lcp1f/776304639/h/v7x9SxFvfBXjMpvoRUTcmNrOxK9FsDSM45y6L24dYU8.

Film stills of Special Presentation titles are available at http://go.pardot.com/e/463832/y3p8zknz/lcp1j/776304639/h/v7x9SxFvfBXjMpvoRUTcmNrOxK9FsDSM45y6L24dYU8.

Hot Docs 2025 Special Presentations include:

2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA
D: Mstyslav Chernov | P: Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, Raney Aronson-Rath | Ukraine | 2025 | 106 min | Canadian Premiere
From the Academy Award–winning director of 20 Days in Mariupol comes an immersive and harrowing look at a Ukrainian platoon on the front lines of the war as they traverse a heavily fortified forest to liberate the strategic village of Andriivka.

ASSEMBLY
D: Rashaad Newsome, Johnny Symons | P: Rashaad Newsome, Johnny Symons | USA | 2025 | 99 min | Canadian Premiere
Interdisciplinary artist Rashaad Newsome adds “documentarian” to his extensive CV with this dazzling record of his titular 2022 exhibition, a multisensory extravaganza that summons a cast of global performers to transform a historic military facility into a queer, Afro-futurist utopia.

COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT
D: Ryan White | P: Jessica Hargrave, Ryan White, Tig Notaro, Stef Willen | USA | 2025 | 104 min | International Premiere
After receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis, spoken word artist and poet laureate of Colorado Andrea Gibson, alongside their partner and fellow poet Megan Falley, embarks on a poignant journey filled with humour and love that culminates in a final career-defining performance.

THE DATING GAME
D: Violet Du Feng | P: Violet Du Feng, Joanna Natasegara, James Costa, Mette Cheng Munthe-Kaas | USA, UK, Norway | 2025 | 86 min | Canadian Premiere
In China, where men vastly outnumber women, three desperate bachelors join a controversial dating boot camp promising romantic success through deception. Their journey exposes the harsh realities of modern dating in a post-one-child-policy world.

HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY
D: Sam Feder | P: Amy Scholder, Sam Feder, Paola Mendoza | USA | 2025 | 85 min | Canadian Premiere
As assaults on trans rights sweep across America, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio must fight legal battles and public opinion pitched against his community as he prepares to be the first openly trans person to argue in front of the Supreme Court.

SELENA Y LOS DINOS
D: Isabel Castro | P: Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, J. Daniel Torres, David Blackman, Simran Singh | USA | 2025 | 106 min | International Premiere
Dubbed the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena Quintanilla was an iconic superstar whose voice continues to resonate across generations. Exquisite family archives and intimate testimonies chart the rise of this vocal powerhouse who broke down barriers for women in the genre.

SPREADSHEET CHAMPIONS
D: Kristina Kraskov | P: Anna Charalambous, Charlotte Wheaton, Nick Batzias | Australia | 2025 | 86 min | Canadian Premiere
Six students from around the world show off their impressive spreadsheet skills as they excel in the hyper-competitive Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship—the most challenging and prestigious Excel competition—where a win could change their life.

Hot Docs (www.hotdocs.ca), North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs will present its 32nd annual edition from April 24 to May 4, 2025, in cinemas across Toronto. Hot Docs will also mount a dynamic series of knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for documentary practitioners and industry delegates, including the renowned Hot Docs Deal Maker and Works-in-Progress screenings. Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar film fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs owns and programs the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.

Starting Tuesday, March 25, Festival ticket package holders, including Doc Soup subscribers, can redeem their ticket packages, and Hot Docs Members can purchase single tickets. Starting Tuesday, April 1, single tickets will be available to the public. Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased and/or redeemed online at www.hotdocs.ca or in person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Box Office, located at 506 Bloor Street West (hours vary daily in accordance with cinema screenings). Single tickets are $20 to regular Festival screenings and $23 to Special Presentations screenings ($18-$20 members). Special events vary in price. A Festival 12-Pack is $209 and a Festival 20-Pack is $299. Hot Docs offers free tickets for all screenings before 4:00 p.m. to seniors and students with valid photo I.D., available online the day of the screening, subject to availability.

#HOTDOCS: 2025 HOT DOCS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED

Hot Docs announced today the first slate of films to screen as part of its highly anticipated Special Presentations program at the 2025 Festival, running April 24 to May 4, 2025 in Toronto. The Special Presentations program, which features high-profile subjects, award-winning films and filmmakers, and masterful perspectives on current events and pressing issues, will screen in cinemas across downtown Toronto during the Festival.

Making its world premiere at Hot Docs Festival 2025 is The Nest, a deeply personal exploration of memory, identity, and intergenerational storytelling by co-directors Chase Joynt and Julietta Singh. International premieres include Deaf President Now!, a powerful chronicle of the landmark student protest that transformed accessibility rights in the US; and Life After, in which celebrated filmmaker Reid Davenport investigates the troubling implications of assisted suicide laws for disabled people.

Making their Canadian premieres are Antidote, a gripping real-life thriller following investigative journalist Christo Grozev and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza as they challenge Russia’s political machine; Apocalypse in the Tropics, Petra Costa’s timely and incisive look at the rise of religious fundamentalism in Brazil; Coexistence, My Ass!, where comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi boldly navigates the Israel-Palestine conflict with razor-sharp wit; Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, an intimate portrait of the trailblazing Deaf actor; and Saints and Warriors, which captures the fierce competition and deep community spirit of the All Native Basketball Tournament in British Columbia. These films, and many more, will be presented as part of Hot Docs Festival 2025.

The full selection of films to screen at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2025 will be announced at a press conference on March 25. Ticket packages are now on sale online. Ticket package redemption and single ticket sales for Hot Docs members are available starting March 25. Single ticket sales open to the public on April 1.  

Descriptions for films in the Special Presentations program appear below. In many cases, filmmakers will be in attendance for post-screening discussions. For more information on the program visit http://go.pardot.com/e/463832/ot-docs-festival-announcements/lcd6y/773667820/h/bcPFH0Dzg_lRW-Nv-XhjxMMqYl_dAHxxXsu_im1L5U8.

Film stills of Special Presentation titles are available at http://go.pardot.com/e/463832/y3p8zknz/lcd72/773667820/h/bcPFH0Dzg_lRW-Nv-XhjxMMqYl_dAHxxXsu_im1L5U8.

ANTIDOTE
D: James Jones | P: James Jones | United Kingdom | 2024 | 90 min | Canadian Premiere
How does it feel to be on Putin’s most-wanted list? Christo Grozev, an investigative journalist and co-founder of Bellingcat, is on the run, while Vladimir Kara-Murza, a political activist, stands trial for treason. A riveting doc-thriller about those resisting and confronting the blood-chilling Russian regime.

APOCALYPSE IN THE TROPICS
D: Petra Costa | P: Petra Costa, Alessandra Orofino | Brazil, USA, Denmark | 2024 | 110 min | Canadian Premiere
In Oscar-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa’s latest excursion into the state of democracy she turns her attention to Brazil’s most prominent televangelist, Silas Malafaia, delving into the rise of religious fundamentalism in politics and its close ties to the far-right nationalist movement.

COEXISTENCE, MY ASS!
D: Amber Fares | P: Rachel Leah Jones, Amber Fares, Valérie Montmartin | USA, France | 2025 | 95 min | Canadian Premiere
Mixing the personal with the political, comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi boldly confronts the Israel-Palestine conflict in her one-woman show. Skillfully navigating massive social and political divides with wit and humour, she challenges audiences with hard truths that are no laughing matter.

DEAF PRESIDENT NOW!
D: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim | P: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim, Amanda Rohlke, Jonathan King, Michael Harte | USA | 2024 | 100 min | International Premiere
When Gallaudet University’s board selected a hearing president over two deaf candidates in 1988, the almost entirely Deaf and hard-of-hearing student body pushed back, sparking a revolution that influenced the future of disability rights.

LIFE AFTER
D: Reid Davenport | P: Colleen Cassingham | USA | 2025 | 99 min | International Premiere
Disability cinema auteur Reid Davenport takes on assisted suicide, exploring how a practice intended to empower end-of-life decision-making has exposed the long-standing devaluation of disabled life.

MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE
D: Shoshannah Stern | P: Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, Shoshannah Stern | USA | 2025 | 97 min | Canadian Premiere
Pioneering Deaf performer Marlee Matlin candidly opens up about her life and career. Her meteoric and tumultuous rise to fame with her Oscar-winning performance in Children of a Lesser God is just one chapter of an iconic legacy that continues to resonate.

THE NEST
D: Chase Joynt, Julietta Singh | P: Alicia Smith, Justine Pimlott | Canada, | 2025 | 89 min | World Premiere
At the end of her mother’s life, director Julietta Singh returns to her childhood home, where centuries of forgotten matriarchs emerge to reveal stories of resistance and resilience. Indigenous, Deaf, Japanese and South Asian histories intertwine, buried in a house full of secrets.

SAINTS AND WARRIORS
D: Patrick Shannon | P: Michael Grand | Canada | 2024 | 97 min | Canadian Premiere
For over sixty years, teams have gathered on the Pacific west coast for the All Native Basketball Tournament. As the defending champions, the Skidegate Saints, battle to keep their title, it’s clear the event has become a symbol of resilience, community and culture.

Hot Docs (www.hotdocs.ca), North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs will present its 32nd annual edition from April 24 to May 4, 2025, in cinemas across Toronto. Hot Docs will also mount a dynamic series of knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for documentary practitioners and industry delegates, including the renowned Hot Docs Deal Maker and Works-in-Progress screenings. Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar film fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs owns and programs the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.

Starting Tuesday, March 25, Festival ticket package holders, including Doc Soup subscribers, can redeem their ticket packages, and Hot Docs Members can purchase single tickets. Starting Tuesday, April 1, single tickets will be available to the public. Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased and/or redeemed online at www.hotdocs.ca or in person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Box Office, located at 506 Bloor Street West (hours vary daily in accordance with cinema screenings). Single tickets are $20 to regular Festival screenings and $23 to Special Presentations screenings ($18-$20 members). Special events vary in price. A Festival 12-Pack is $209 and a Festival 20-Pack is $299. Hot Docs offers free tickets for all screenings before 4:00 p.m. to seniors and students with valid photo I.D., available online the day of the screening, subject to availability.

Hot Docs is proud to include Rogers as its Founding Partner; Netflix as its Presenting Partner; and Telefilm Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Canada Media Fund as its Major Supporters. Full list of sponsors and partners: http://go.pardot.com/e/463832/about-partners/lcd65/773667820/h/bcPFH0Dzg_lRW-Nv-XhjxMMqYl_dAHxxXsu_im1L5U8

#HOTDOCS: 2025 HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL RUNS APRIL 24 to MAY 4, 2025

Hot Docs announced today that the upcoming Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2025, April 24 to May 4 in Toronto, will boldly expand the scope of its popular Made In program, shifting the spotlight from a single country to instead celebrate the powerful voices of filmmakers and protagonists in exile.

For the first time in the program’s history, Made In will showcase documentaries created by filmmakers and participants who, driven from their homelands by war, conflict, or humanitarian crises, continue to tell stories that demand to be heard. This year’s lineup will include deeply personal and timely narratives from Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine and beyond, offering audiences a rare and resonant perspective on survival, displacement and the enduring strength of the creative spirit.

“This special program has been years in the making. With each festival, we’ve seen a growing number of projects addressing exile and displacement, and it feels as though we’ve reached a boiling point in history. We deeply believe in the power of documentary filmmaking to build bridges, foster empathy and bear witness to the world’s most urgent realities,” shared Heather Haynes, Hot Docs’ Director of Programming. “Through the Made In Exile program, we urgently amplify the critical work of filmmakers and participants who, despite unimaginable challenges, continue to tell their stories and bring them to the public. These are stories of survival, courage and unyielding hope that must be heard.”

Titles in the Made In Exile program will be announced at the Hot Docs Festival 2025 Press Conference on Tuesday, March 25.

Past Made In programs have showcased the vibrant documentary traditions of countries including Spain (2024), Ukraine (2023), Chile (2022), Colombia (2021), Northern Ireland (2020), Italy (2019), Mexico (2018), Japan (2017), Australia (2016), India (2015), Denmark (2014), Poland (2013), Southeastern Europe (2012), Italy (2011), South America (2010), South Korea (2009), Mexico (2008), Brazil (2007), Japan (2006), South Africa (2004) and Taiwan (2003).

Hot Docs (www.hotdocs.ca), North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs will present its 32nd annual edition from April 24 to May 4, 2025, in cinemas across Toronto. Hot Docs will also mount a dynamic series of knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for documentary practitioners and industry delegates, including the renowned Hot Docs Deal Maker and Works-in-Progress screenings. Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar film fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs owns and programs the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.

Starting Tuesday, March 25, Festival ticket package holders, including Doc Soup subscribers, can redeem their ticket packages, and Hot Docs Members can purchase single tickets. Starting Tuesday, April 1, single tickets will be available to the public. Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased and/or redeemed online at www.hotdocs.ca or in person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Box Office, located at 506 Bloor Street West (hours vary daily in accordance with cinema screenings). Single tickets are $20 to regular Festival screenings and $23 to Special Presentations screenings ($18-$20 members). Special events vary in price. A Festival 12-Pack is $209 and a Festival 20-Pack is $299. Hot Docs offers free tickets for all screenings before 4:00 p.m. to seniors and students with valid photo I.D., available online the day of the screening, subject to availability. Free screenings for students courtesy of CBC and CBC Gem.

#HOTDOCS: HOT DOCS ANNOUNCE FEBRUARY-MARCH 2025 PROGRAMMIMG

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema has announced an exciting lineup of screenings, special events and new releases running from February 23 to March 29, 2025. Highlights include The Last Republican, a gripping new documentary on young Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and Falls Around Her, part of the Spotlight on imagineNATIVE series celebrating Indigenous filmmaking. From anime classics to sing-alongs and thought-provoking documentaries, this season at Hot Docs Cinema delivers a diverse lineup for all audiences.

To view the Hot Docs Cinema calendar, please visit www.hotdocs.ca.

NEW RELEASE

The latest from Hollywood comedy director Steve Pink, The Last Republican delves into an unexpected rapport between Pink and young Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

Stick around after the screenings for a pre-recorded Q&A with the director.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine pays tribute to an overlooked pioneer of slide guitar. Director Alfonso Maiorana joins for a post-screening
Q&A.

SERIES

On March 5, the Doc Soup screening series presents Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?, a documentary about the extraordinary life of Regina Jones—both shaped by history and instrumental in making it. Pregnant and married at 15, she navigated the 1965 Watts Rebellion and later became the groundbreaking publisher of Soul newspaper, cementing her legacy in American history.
Art of Anime presents Cowboy Bebop: The Movie—a visually stunning and genre-defining film that expanded the beloved anime universe and shaped Japan’s global anime scene.

Spotlight on imagineNATIVE—the new collaborative series showcasing groundbreaking films by Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit filmmakers—screens Falls Around Her, the story of a legendary Anishinaabe singer who retreats to her reserve to recharge, followed by a Q&A with director Darlene Naponse.

On March 9, Let’s Sing-Along & Shout-Along hosts a Chicago Sing-Along, a high-energy screening of the hit movie musical starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Mockumentary series returns with Waiting for Guffman, Christopher Guest’s hilarious cult classic.

The beloved Disney/Pixar classic Inside Out screens as part of our Relaxed Screenings series, designed to be accessible for neuro-diverse audiences. House lights remain dim, volume is lowered and audience movement is welcome.

Stitches & Scenes invites crafters to a cozy screening of A League of Their Own. Bring your knitting, crochet, or coloring books and participate in a craft supply swap before the film.

New series A Year of Austen, in celebration of the iconic author’s 250th birthday, screens Autumn DeWilde’s colourful adaptation of Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy.

Cinema Ticket: $15 (Members: $10, $8, FREE) *

• Unless otherwise specified.

NEW RELEASE

THE LAST REPUBLICAN
D: Steve Pink | USA | 90 min |
2024
Hollywood comedy director Steve Pink develops a surprising rapport with young Republican Congressman Adam
Kinzinger.

Stick around after the screenings for a pre-recorded Q&A with director Steve Pink, moderated by Hot Docs’ Gabor Pertic.

Friday, March 7 / 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 8 / 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 9 / 7:45 PM

SERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Mockumentary
WAITING FOR GUFFMAN
D: Christopher Guest | USA | 84 min |
1996

An impresario (Christopher Guest) enlists local amateurs (Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard) to put on a show.

Sunday, February 23 / 5:45
PM

Doc Soup
WHO IN THE HELL IS REGINA JONES?
D: Billy Miossi, Soraya Sélène | USA | 99 min |
2024
The extraordinary life of Regina Jones is one not only shaped by history, but also one that made history. Pregnant and married at 15, she went straight through the middle of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, eventually emerging as the groundbreaking publisher of Soul newspaper, Jones is a testament to the American experience.

Wednesday, March 5 / 6:30 PM

• Tickets: $17 (non–member), $15.30
  (member)
• Doc Soup Subscribers and Streaming Pass holders can view online starting Thursday, March 6, in an exclusive 4-day streaming window. During this time, the film will be available on the watch.hotdocs.ca portal. Please sign in with your email and password.

Art of Anime
COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE
D: Shinichiro Watanabe | Japan | 115 min | 2001
Released in 2001, the film expands Cowboy Bebop, a visually stunning and influential anime that shaped Japan’s global anime scene.

Friday, March 7 / 9:00 PM

Relaxed Screenings
INSIDE OUT
D: Pete Docter | USA | 95 min | 2015
When 11-year-old Riley and her family move to San Francisco, her emotions guide her through the life-changing event.

Open to everyone, this screening offers a sensory friendly environment for those in the neuro-diverse community or for anyone who may benefit from a more informal viewing atmosphere.

• Throughout the screening, house lights will remain on a low level and the volume will be slightly turned down.
• No trailers will be shown.
• Audience members will be free to move around, leave the theatre, or take a break in a designated “quiet” area.
  View the venue guide to the Cinema. For any questions or requests, contact our box office.

Relaxed Screenings are supported by Warner Bros. Discovery Access.

Saturday, March 8 / 2:00 PM

Special Event
TWILIGHT FANGIRL PICTURE SHOW
D: Catherine Hardwicke | USA | 122 min | 2008
The Twilight Fangirl Picture Show is back and more chaotic than ever! Relive the vampire romance that sparked a generation of fangirls and queer awakenings in a theatre full of fellow Twihards.

Hosted by Carley Thorne and Ben Sosa-Wright.

Saturday, March 8 / 9:00 PM
*Tickets: $20 / Members: $15

Special Screening
GODDESS OF SLIDE: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF ELLEN MCILWAINE
D: Alfonso Maiorana | Canada | 96 min | 2024
An intimate look at a largely forgotten pioneer performer whose lengthy career deserves a place in music history.

Stick around after the film for a Q&A with director Alfonso Maiorana.

Sunday, March 9 / 12:30 PM

Let’s Sing-Along & Shout-Along
CHICAGO SING-ALONG
D: Rob Marshall | USA | 103 min | 2002
Gather your fellow merry murderesses and join Hot Docs Cinema and sing along—and all that jazz—to the hit movie musical.

Sunday, March 9 / 4:30 PM

Stitches & Scenes
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
D: Penny Marshall | USA | 128 min | 1992
Stay warm this winter with a cozy craft-along screening of A League of Their Own, the inspiring story of WWII’s all-women baseball league!

The film will be played with house lights on for the duration of the film. Guests can bring their own portable crafting lamps for extra light.

BYOC—Bring your own craft: crochet, knitting, or a colouring book.

Don’t forget reusable cups and containers for a 10% discount on non-alcoholic beverages and popcorn.

Arrive early to participate in a craft supply swap! Have a ball of yarn you haven’t thought about in ages? Paint you bought for that one project you never got around to using? Give your new or lightly used craft supplies a new life and swap them for something old but new to you. Supplies left over at the end of the event will be donated to Creative Reuse Toronto.

Saturday, March 15 / 4:00 PM

Truth and Dare
SO UNREAL
D: Amanda Kramer | USA | 101 min | 2023
Debbie Harry narrates this historical examination and philosophical exploration of cyberspace cinema from 1981 to 2001.

Join us before the screening to receive a wild zine specially designed for the event AND catch a screening of the locally-made short film T-POSE: To Dance With One’s Hands, directed by Steven Sych.

Stick around after the screening for a Q&A with director Amanda Kramer.

Presented with community partner Insomniac Film Festival.

Saturday, March 15 / 8:30 PM

A Year of Austen
EMMA
D: Autumn de Wilde | UK | 124 min | 2020
Autumn de Wilde paints Austen’s signature humour, romance and social critique with bold colours and a whimsical score.

Sunday, March 23 / 4:00 PM

Spotlight on ImagineNATIVE
FALLS AROUND HER
D: Darlene Naponse | Canada | 100 min | 2018
A legendary Anishinaabe singer retreats to her reserve to recharge, but fame and the outside world refuse to let go.

Join director Darlene Naponse and Hot Docs’ director of programming, Heather Haynes, for a post-screening Q&A.

Saturday, March 29 / 3:00 PM
*Free for members

Owned and operated by Hot Docs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is the world’s largest documentary cinema. A historic, century-old landmark located in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, the Cinema is a year-round home for non-fiction film and storytelling, presenting first-run international and Canadian documentaries, curated film and speakers series, signature events including Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Hot Docs Podcast Festival and Curious Minds Weekend, as well as hosting for some of the city’s premier festivals and events. Since assuming management in 2012, Hot Docs has screened over 1,425 films to audiences of more than 1.3 million. In 2016, a generous $5-million donation from Rogers Foundation enabled Hot Docs to purchase venue.

#FIRSTLOOK: HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA PRESENT “A WEEKEND WITH BOB MACKIE”

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is thrilled to present A Weekend with Bob Mackie, a two-day celebration honouring the life, artistry and immense cultural impact of the iconic American designer who brought sparkle to the worlds of fashion and entertainment. On January 18 and 19, 2025, the Cinema will screen the Canadian Premiere of the enthralling new documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion (Matthew Miele | USA | 105 min. | 2024), offering unprecedented access into Mackie’s world and delving into his unique upbringing and the pivotal relationships that shaped his life and career. Both screenings will feature exclusive and insightful Q&As with Mr. Mackie and Joe McFate, who has served as Bob Mackie’s Design Director for over 26 years.

Bob Mackie is a legendary American costume and fashion designer whose illustrious career spans over six decades. Known for his daring, innovative designs, Mackie has dressed some of the world’s most iconic entertainers, including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Tina Turner and Zendaya. His creations have left an indelible mark on both fashion and entertainment, from stage and television to film and the red carpet. With nine Emmy Awards, three Oscar nominations, and a Tony Award for his work on The Cher Show on Broadway, Mackie’s work continues to inspire and influence generations of designers, performers and fans around the world.

Directed by Matthew Miele, the acclaimed director behind Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013) and Always at The Carlyle (2018), Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion showcases the six-decade career of the award-winning costume and fashion designer. And like his costumes, Bob Mackie is wholly unique and unfiltered, which makes for a compelling and candid subject. The film examines Bob’s unique upbringing, those whom he has held dear within his inner circle, and the familial surprises in his life that have all contributed to the optimism and audacity present in his work.

The film gives access to the full Bob Mackie archive, which has been meticulously kept and curated with many rare and unseen artifacts, including the outfits that didn’t make the cut. It also captures the over-the-top costumes as they get sequined and beaded from sketch to stage. Specific highlights include some of the soon-to-be lost art methods by old-world artisans that help make each outfit Mackie conjures something to behold and remember.

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion includes original interviews with Bob Mackie clients and collaborators, along with those he has inspired—designers, stylists, comedians and actors—as well as Mackie’s first-person account of some of his most iconic looks from The Carol Burnett Show’s Scarlett O’Hara dress to Cher’s 1986 Academy Awards look and Tina Turner’s iconic concert costumes. Bob Mackie is a truly peerless and timeless designer, with interviews from Cher to Pink, to Tom Ford and Miley Cyrus, to RuPaul and Carol Burnett a testament to that fact.

A CONVERSATION WITH BOB MACKIE: NAKED ILLUSION
D: Matthew Miele | USA | 105 min | 2024
Bob Mackie, a six-decade costume and fashion designer, received the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award and Tony nomination for The Cher Show. His unique, unfiltered style has been showcased in a new documentary.

Saturday, January 18 / 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 19 / 2:00 PM

Tickets for Hot Docs Members will be available starting Tuesday, December 17, at 1 PM, with sales opening to the general public on Thursday, December 19, at 1 PM.

To buy tickets and learn more, please visit www.hotdocs.ca