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Special Events

Check out these upcoming special events and screenings at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema!

Thursday, May 9, 7:00 PM

a woman next to a book cover

Ruth Reichl on The Paris Novel Curious Minds Author Talks

Join bestselling author and beloved former restaurant critic of the New York Times as she unveils her mouthwatering new novel: A dazzling, heartfelt adventure through 1980s Paris. 

In conversation with writer and editor Ceri Marsh.

Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada.

Friday, May 10, 9:00 PM

two women hugging

Q

Where do we draw the line between love and devotion? This intimate and haunting portrayal depicts the insidious influence of a secretive matriarchal religious order in Lebanon.
  • D: Jude Chehab
  • Lebanon & USA
  • 2023
  • 91 min
More details

Saturday, May 11, 10:00 AM

a collage of photos of dogs at a dog show

Westminster Dog Show: Canine Celebration Day: Free Live Broadcast

Celebrate hot dogs at Hot Docs! The perfect weekend activity for dog lovers young and old, don’t miss canines of all kinds performing incredible feats on the big screen.

This livestream will be on the big screen from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Stay for the day or pop in at any time. Be sure to book your free ticket in advance!

Sunday, May 12, 2:00 PM

three women singing into microphones

Mamma Mia Mother’s Day Sing-Along

Put the mamma in Mamma Mia for Mother’s Day and celebrate your motherly figures with a perfect post-brunch sing-along!
  • D: Phyllida Lloyd
  • Germany, United Kingdom & USA
  • 2008
  • 109 min
  • OC
More details

Sunday, May 12, 5:00 PM

two women looking to the left

Bye Bye Tiberias Mother's Day

Filmmaker Lina Soualem captures stories from four generations of daring Palestinian women in her family, including her mother Hiam Abbass.
  • D: Lina Soualem
  • Palestine, Belgium, Qatar & France
  • 2023
  • 82 min
More details

Sunday, May 12, 7:30 PM

a woman with a knit headscarf looking to the left

Grey Gardens Mother's Day

Dry clean those fur coats and come down to the cinema for a special Mother's Day screening of the documentary cult classic featuring Big and Little Edie Beale.
  • D: David Maysles, Albert Maysles, Ellen Hovde & Muffie Meyer
  • USA
  • 1976
  • 94 min
More details

Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 PM

an eye with the film title Vertigo overlayed

Vertigo The Art of the Title – That’s Saul, Folks!

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterworks, featuring a hypnotic opening title sequence created by Saul Bass, with spirographic images by effects artist John Whitney. 

Presented with an introduction by series host Lola Landekic.

  • D: Alfred Hitchcock
  • USA
  • 1958
  • 128 min
More details

Thursday, May 16, 7:30 PM

a group of men posing together for a photo

You Never Walk Alone: A Night of BTS Music, Friends and Fanship

Join Lainey Lui, Ann Pornel and Hannah Sung on this Spring Day as they share how their Map of the Soul changed through loving BTS, the biggest band in the world.

Opens Friday, May 17

a woman with round glasses wrapped in a shawl

Iris Special Tribute

With this classic doc portrait, Hot Docs pays tribute to the inspiring life of iconoclastic fashion maven Iris Apfel, who passed away earlier this year at the tender age of 102.
  • D: Albert Maysles
  • USA
  • 2014
  • 79 min
More details

Friday, May 17, 9:00 PM

a man and a woman embraced in front of a bunch of fans

Crazy Rich Asians Asian Heritage Month

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month by seeing yourself on screen! It’s been just over five years since this powerhouse film changed the game for Asian representation. 

Join Madelyn Chung, founder of the RepresentAsian Project and Stacy Lee Kong of Friday Things, for a special pre-screening discussion.

  • D: Jon M. Chu
  • USA
  • 2018
  • 121 min
More details

Saturday, May 18, 1:00 PM

an anime character in the water underneath a bubble

Ponyo Asian Heritage Month | Family Screening

From maestro Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, this dazzling animated film features a symphony of colour and whimsical character design which should not be missed on the big screen. 

The English dubbed version of the film will be presented.

$7.50 for 12 and under.

  • D: Hayao Miyazaki
  • Japan
  • 2008
  • 103 min
More details

Sunday, May 19, 1:30 PM

a woman writing on a cardboard sign

Reason Year of the Vote

Anand Patwardhan’s intimate yet epic film brings us eight stories of injustice in India, the world’s largest democracy, where the battle between faith and reason relentlessly rages. 

In Hindi, Marathi and English, with English subtitles.

Featuring a pre-recorded intro from director Anand Patwardhan.

  • D: Anand Patwardhan
  • India
  • 2018
  • 104 min
More details

Opens Sunday, May 19

a woman waving at a podium

Invisible Nation Year of the Vote

With unprecedented access to Taiwan’s first female president Tsai Ing-wen, discover a fascinating portrait of Taiwan’s struggle to preserve its hard-won democracy.
  • D: Vanessa Hope
  • Taiwan & USA
  • 2023
  • 85 min
More details

Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 PM

a woman next to a book cover

Carley Fortune on This Summer Will Be Different Curious Minds Author Talks

Clear your calendars and buckle up for this exclusive first glimpse at the glorious and tantalizing new romance novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author. 

Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada.

Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 PM

a woman next to a book cover

Paige Layle on But Everyone Feels This Way Curious Minds Author Talks | Relaxed Event

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

With over two million followers on TikTok, Paige Layle is one of the world’s most influential advocates for a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Presented in partnership with Hachette Book Group Canada.

Friday, May 24, 9:00 PM

a person with makeup and wearing a veil sitting in a car

The Last Year of Darkness Asian Heritage Month | Pride on the Big Screen

Discover a bass-heavy and neon-coloured portrait of the alternative Chinese youth in a country in constant state of change that now threatens the underground club Funky Town.

In Mandarin, with English subtitles.

  • D: Ben Mullinkosson
  • China & USA
  • 2023
  • 95 min

Sunday, May 26, 4:00 PM

a man with sunglasses and a beard sitting in a car

Manufacturing the Threat

Help us shine a light on the murky world of police infiltration, incitement and agent provocateurs in Canada with this groundbreaking film and discussion. 

Join us for an illuminating post-screening discussion featuring director Amy Miller and other special guests.

  • D: Amy Miller
  • Canada
  • 2023
  • 84 min
More details

Monday, May 27, 7:00 PM

a man next to a book cover

Kevin Kwan on Lies and Weddings Curious Minds Author Talks // Asian Heritage Month

Join the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy for the exclusive Canadian debut of his new novel: a juicy, hilarious and thrilling comedy of manners. 

In conversation with Shinan Govani, a columnist with the Toronto Star, and long-time observer of all things society and celebrity.

Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada.

Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 PM

a woman next to a book cover

Nahlah Ayed on The War We Won Apart Curious Minds Author Talks

Join award-winning writer and broadcaster Nahlah Ayed, the beloved host of CBC’s Ideas, to discuss her new book: a true story of star-crossed lovers and wartime intrigue. 

In conversation with broadcaster and journalist Anna Maria Tremonti, former host of CBC's The Current and voice of the CBC Podcast, More with Anna Maria Tremonti.

Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada.

Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 PM

two bearded mermen having a picnic

Freestyle Socials

Hosted by The Nature of Things’ Anthony Morgan, 'Lonely No More' unpacks the loneliness epidemic. Movie clips and live interviews dive in to charmingly quirky communities you had no idea existed.

Friday, May 31, 9:00 PM

a shirtless man yelling

Enter the Clones of Bruce Asian Heritage Month

Bring all the slaps, chops, roundhouse kicks and "hi-yah"s to the screen with this wild examination of Bruce Lee mega fandom that spawned its own film genre. 

  • D: David Gregory
  • USA
  • 2023
  • 100 min
More details

Opens Saturday, June 1

a sculpture of a fetus wrapped in a plastic bag

Plastic People

Follow acclaimed author and science journalist Ziya Tong as she takes a personal approach to uncover the truth about the growing threat of microplastics to our health. 

Join directors Ben Addelman and Zia Tong for Q&As after both screenings.

  • D: Ben Addelman & Zia Tong
  • Canada
  • 2024
  • 84 min
More details

Opens Friday, June 7

two women standing next to each other

It's Only Life After All Pride on the Big Screen

Fusing decades of home movies with intimate present-day verité, track 40 years of revolutionary music-making with legendary folk-rock band and queer icons Indigo Girls.
  • D: Alexandra Bombach
  • USA
  • 2023
  • 123 min
More details

Saturday, June 8, 9:30 PM

two people about to kiss each other

Glitter & Doom Pride on the Big Screen

In a fantastical summer romance set to the hits of the Indigo Girls, two young aspiring performers fall in love at first sight.
  • D: Tom Gustafson
  • USA & Mexico
  • 2023
  • 115 min
More details

Wednesday, June 12, 7:30 PM

a group of people smiling and laying down together

Shortbus Pride on the Big Screen

Join Handsome Johnnie (Boylesque) for an evening celebrating sex-positivity and queerness with John Cameron Mitchell’s heartwarming and shameless film. 

Featuring a pre-show Q&A with Sook-Yin Lee.

  • D: John Cameron Mitchell
  • 101
  • 2006
  • USA
More details

Saturday, June 15, 9:00 PM

a man with a microphone singing in a phone booth

For Viola: We Will Be Brave Free Screening

Follow the journey of Toronto's 'Good Guise' collective, who are committed to sparking conversations around healthy masculinity through art.

  • D: Chrisann Hessing
  • Canada
  • 2023
  • 78 min
More details

Sunday, June 16, 1:00 PM

a little girl and an extra-terrestrial

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial with ROM Family Screening

For space lovers and extra-terrestrial enthusiasts young and old, join Hot Docs and the ROM for a special screening of Steven Spielberg’s heartfelt family masterpiece. 

Presented in partnership with ROM.

$7.50 for 12 and under

  • D: Steven Spielberg
  • USA
  • 1982
  • 115 min
More details

Opens Thursday, June 16

the top of a man's face with glasses

Nobody Wants to Talk About Jacob Appelbaum

Once called "the most dangerous man in cyberspace," discover the story of Jacob Appelbaum in this spy story and cautionary tale-of-our-times, fueled by exclusive interviews and original investigation. 

Join director Jamie Kastner for a Q&A after the Thursday, June 13 screening.

  • D: Jamie Kastner
  • Canada
  • 2024
  • 104 min
More details

Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 PM

a person with facial piercings looking directly at the camera

Bittersweet Becoming & RE:GEN(D)ERATION Pride on the Big Screen

Don't miss the theatrical premieres of two made-in-Toronto films celebrating the love and support of chosen family in Toronto's trans community. 

Stick around for a post-screening chat with special guests from both films.

  • D: Polina Teif & Hanlon Uafas-Álainn
  • Canada
  • 2023
  • 89 & 33 min
More details

Thursday, June 20, 7:00 PM

two men next to a book cover

Better In Every Sense with Dr. Norman Farb and Dr. Zindel Segal Curious Minds Author Talks

Join renowned neuroscientist Dr. Norman Farb and clinical psychologist Dr. Zindel Segal for an evening of conversation and mindfulness, celebrating the release of their new book. 

Presented in partnership with Hachette Book Group Canada.

Friday, June 28, 9:30 PM

three people in front of a microphone

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Come do the "Time Warp" again with this cult classic, presented with Toronto's own Shadow Cast who perform their satirical version during the screening.
  • D: Jim Sharman
  • United Kingdom & USA
  • 1975
  • 100 min
More details

Opens Friday, July 5

a man in purple in a motorcycle by a staircase

Purple Rain 40th Anniversary

The eternal Artist Formerly Known As Prince returns to the big screen in an explosion of lavender paisley and sensual charm with this 40th anniversary re-release.
  • D: Albert Magnoli
  • USA
  • 1984
  • 111 min
More details

Saturday, July 13, 1:00 PM

a young witch riding a broom with a black cat

Kiki's Delivery Service Family Screenings

Overflowing with charm, humour and the familiar woes of growing up, spend a summer afternoon reliving this Studio Ghibli classic from two-time Oscar winner, Hayao Miyazaki. 

The English dubbed version of the film will be presented. 

$7.50 for 12 and under

  • D: Hayao Miyazaki
  • Japan
  • 1989
  • 102 min
More details

Wednesday, July 17, 6:30 PM

a circle with the film title Grand Prix overlayed

Grand Prix The Art of the Title – That’s Saul, Folks!

"The best film ever made about professional auto racing,” John Frankenheimer’s 1966 achievement features a mesmerizing multi-frame opening sequence from Saul Bass. 

Presented with an introduction by series host Lola Landekic.

  • D: John Frankenheimer
  • USA
  • 1966
  • 176 min
More details

Sunday, August 11, 1:00 PM

a young girl running after a woodland spirit

My Neighbour Totoro Family Screenings

In one of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s most beloved classics, adorable sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the Japanese countryside and discover a neighbourhood of playful woodland spirits. 

The English dubbed version of the film will be presented. 

$7.50 for 12 and under

  • D: Hayao Miyazaki
  • Japan
  • 1988
  • 98 min
More details

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