Hot Docs

'Satan Wants You' Shows How the Satanic Panic of the '80s Still Resonates

Directed by Sean Horlor and Steve J. Adams

PUBLISHED Aug 4, 2023

Since watching Satan Wants You, I've been pondering what Michelle Smith and her therapist, Lawrence Pazder, wanted from their book, Michell...

The Inspiring 'Twice Colonized' Is Both Heartrending and Buoyant

Directed by Lina Alluna

PUBLISHED May 9, 2023

Lin Alluna's Twice Colonized follows renowned Inuk lawyer and activist Aaju Peter in her persistent battle for Indigenous rights. Specifica...

'Pure Unknown' Traces the Struggle for Dignity in Death

Directed by Valentina Cicogna and Mattia Colombo

PUBLISHED May 8, 2023

Valentina Cicogna and Mattia Colombo's Pure Unknown begins with the rushing of water, swift and almost glowing, throwing off a soft light t...

'Coven' Explores an Uncommon Magic with Softness and Empathy

Directed by Rama Rau

PUBLISHED May 8, 2023

As Canadian director Rama Rau's camera hovers above the green vastness of, in turn, Scotland and Romania — as hesitantly sweeping drone sho...

'I'm Just Here for the Riot' Tackles a Different Kind of Mob Mentality

Directed by Kathleen S. Jayme and Asia Youngman

PUBLISHED May 4, 2023

"But for the most part, it has to be said that while the numbers have grown with each game, people have behaved themselves relatively well,...

'The Visitors' Exposes the Harshness of Both Nature and Humanity

Directed by Veronika Lisková

PUBLISHED Apr 27, 2023

Longyearbyen, located on the island of Svalbard between Scandinavia and the North Pole, is the world's northernmost settlement with a popul...

'Someone Lives Here' Reveals Society's Broken Safety Nets, and Those Who Are Trying to Fix Them

Directed by Zack Russell

PUBLISHED Apr 26, 2023

Mister Rogers's famous advice to children to "look for the helpers" in moments of tragedy has brought comfort to countless individuals acro...

Toronto's Hot Docs Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 2023 Lineup

PUBLISHED Mar 29, 2023

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival — North America's largest documentary festival, conference and market — is celebrating...