Special Events Check out these upcoming special events and screenings at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema! Thursday, May 9, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details Friday, May 10, 9:00 PM 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 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! More details Sunday, May 12, 2:00 PM 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 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 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 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 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. More details Opens Friday, May 17 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 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 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 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 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 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. 60 min More details Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details Friday, May 24, 9:00 PM 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 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 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. 60 min More details Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 PM 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. More details Friday, May 31, 9:00 PM 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 60 min More details Friday, June 28, 9:30 PM 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 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 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 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 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
Thursday, May 9, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details
Friday, May 10, 9:00 PM 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 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! More details
Sunday, May 12, 2:00 PM 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 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 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 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 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. More details
Opens Friday, May 17 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 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 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 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 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 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. 60 min More details
Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details
Friday, May 24, 9:00 PM 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 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 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. 60 min More details
Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 PM 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. 60 min More details
Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 PM 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. More details
Friday, May 31, 9:00 PM 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 60 min More details
Friday, June 28, 9:30 PM 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 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 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 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 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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