FAQ Index

MEMBERSHIPS

I bought a Membership. How long is it valid for?

Your membership will be valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Your membership renewal will be valid for one year from your previous expiry date.

If you are a Hot Docs at Home Monthly Member, your membership is valid for one month. Unless cancelled, it will auto-renew each month.

How do I access my membership benefits in person?

To reduce contact points, we are no longer printing Membership Cards. To access your member benefits at concessions, you can either present the digital version of your membership card, which can be stored in Apple Wallet or downloaded too your device. You may also give our staff your membership number or name.

How do I access my membership benefits online?

When you sign up, you will receive a confirmation email that includes your member number. You can use this to sign in to your account and access all your online benefits. Once logged in, your member benefits will appear on all applicable screenings. You may order complimentary tickets or tickets at the member rate online.


If you are logged in but do not see the member price, it is possible that your session has timed out. This can be resolved by logging out of your account, then logging back in.

I have opted to have my Membership auto-renewed. When will I be charged?

Your Hot Docs Membership will automatically be renewed and your credit card will be charged three days before your membership expiry.

Your Hot Docs at Home Monthly Membership will auto-renew each month one day before expiry.

You will be sent a confirmation email with a payment receipt. If you wish to cancel your auto-renewal, you may do so by logging into your Hot Docs Account.

I am a Hot Docs at Home Monthly Member. Do I get benefits at the Cinema or Festival?

Hot Docs at Home Monthly Members receive access to free exclusive films and events, and discounts on new films and Curious Minds on Hot Docs at Home. They also receive discounts and early-access windows to Hot Docs Documentary Festival.

Please note Hot Docs at Home members do not receive any in-person benefits at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. To access these, upgrade to one of our year-round membership options here.

How do I cancel my Hot Docs at Home Monthly Membership?

Sign in to your member account.

Select “My Benefits”, then disable your Automatic Renewal by clicking the ‘Automatic renewal is enabled’ button, located beside the Monthly Membership listing. Once the button turns red, your membership will be cancelled.

If you’d like to take your credit card out of our system, go back to the main account page and click “edit payment methods.”

Will I receive a tax receipt with my membership purchase?

We do not issue tax receipts for membership purchases because they are directly linked to the value of the benefits (complimentary tickets, popcorn, etc). However, there is an option to add a donation of $250, $500 or $750 to your membership order and receive a full tax receipt. For further giving opportunities, including the Hot Docs Founder’s Circle, contact us a [email protected].

ONLINE STREAMING

How do I purchase a streaming ticket?

Click here to browse what we currently have available to stream on Hot Docs at Home. When you find something you like, click the “Learn More” button. Once the film page opens, press the “Get Tickets” button to purchase your stream.

Note: Members must sign in first to receive their member discount.

Do I need a Hot Docs account to stream films?

Yes, you need a Hot Docs account. If you have purchased tickets online to Hot Docs Festival or Hot Docs Cinema, you should already have an account. You can sign in with your member number, email address or user name.

If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one to get tickets and stream films.

How long after I purchase do I have to stream a film?

Unless otherwise indicated, all streams will be available for 48 hours from when the moment you begin watching.

Can I watch a film or event more than once?

Yes. You can watch a film or event as many times as you like within your 48-hour window.

Do Hot Docs Members receive member pricing or free online tickets?

Hot Docs Members receive discounted pricing on all films and events on Hot Docs at Home.

Remember to sign in before purchasing. The special member pricing option will not appear until you are signed in.

Unfortunately, members will not be able to utilize their free screening tickets to stream films.

Can I use a promo code to stream a film?

Yes. Click the GET TICKETS button on the film page and enter the promo code when prompted. Once you have entered the promo code, your $0 ticket option be be available.

I have not received my confirmation email. What should I do?

Confirmation emails are sent automatically once your purchase is complete. If you do not receive your email within a few minutes of completion, check your Spam and Junk Mail folders.

If you still cannot find the email, stream by going either to the film page or to your My Streams and press the “Watch Now” button.

Are refunds or exchanges available?

Once you have completed your purchase, refunds or exchanges are not available. Before completing your order, please ensure that you check your order is correct and that your browser and computer are compatible.

What is streaming?

In this case, streaming simply means watching a video over your internet connection (instead of downloading a file to your computer). It’s immediate and available on demand with any device that’s connected to the internet. Anytime you watch a film on Netflix, or a video on YouTube, you’re streaming!

How do I stream a film?

After getting a ticket, simply click the WATCH NOW button. This button appears on the confirmation page after purchase, in your confirmation email and on the film page. You can also access your film(s) on your My Streams page.

You will be required to Sign In with your member number, emails, or username.

Watch on your computer, mobile phone or tablet:
Currently you can stream through the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. For both PC and Apple computers, we recommend that you use the latest version of your browser.

Note: Internet Explorer is not supported.

For a complete list of compatibility, please click here.

Watch on your television:

Hot Docs app on Apple TV (Generation 4 or higher only)
On the Hot Docs website, cick on the “WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV” button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code. Open the Hot Docs app and enter the code to stream the film.

If you do not already have the Hot Docs app downloaded, search for “Hot Docs” in the App store and click “Get the App.”

Hot Docs App on Roku
On the Hot Docs website, cick on the “WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV” button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code. Open the Hot Docs Channel and enter the code to stream the film.

If you do not already have the Hot Docs app downloaded, search for “Hot Docs” in the Roku channel store and click “Add Channel.”

Alternatively:

Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)
You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Instructions for screen sharing using your Apple TV using AirPlay can be found here. For information on screen sharing using your Chromecast, click here.

HDMI
If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.

I am not currently in Canada. Can I stream a film?

It is only possible to stream most of our films from inside Canada. Our Curious Minds courses and lectures are available worldwide and can be streamed from anywhere.

I am receiving the error message: “Your voucher has been redeemed by a different IP address.” What do I do?

You have continued watching your film on a different wi-fi network than the one you started on. Contact [email protected]

IN-CINEMA SCREENINGS

When will Hot Docs Ted Rogers reopen for in-cinema screenings?

Given the ongoing rise of COVID cases in the city, and the concerns of Toronto Public Health around the uncertainty of the next few months, we have not yet set a date to reopen the Cinema. The ongoing safety of our audiences and staff is always our top priority.

ACCESSIBILITY

Do screenings have captioned content?

At Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and on Hot Docs at Home, we are pleased to offer select screenings with subtitles and open and closed captions for the hard of hearing.

Screenings with captions are indicated on the film pages and are also listed here.

On Hot Docs at Home, closed captions can be turned on or off while streaming the film. To turn them on, select English (CC) in the subtitle window at the bottom right corner of the video player.

In-person screenings at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema offer Captiview devices for personal viewing of closed captioned content. In order for closed captions or descriptive sound to be available, the prints that we receive from distributors must have been formatted as such.

Please note that the equipment is subject to availability and you may be asked to leave a form of ID to ensure the safe return of the equipment.

Is the cinema wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Hot Docs is committed to providing accessible environments, and made this a priority for our recent renovations. There is designated wheelchair seating in the cinema and a washroom on the main floor. Please let our friendly staff know if we can do anything else to help make sure you have a great experience at the movies.

Do you accept Access-2-Entertainment Cards?

Yes. With the card, a patron can receive a complimentary ticket in addition to their regular-priced ticket for their companion.

Is the Cinema scent free?

Your fellow patrons may have allergies and/or chemical sensitivities. Please be considerate by avoiding perfume, cologne and other scented products.

HOT DOCS FESTIVAL

I have questions about attending the Hot Docs Festival.

For any questions regarding Hot Docs, please visit our Festival FAQ page here.