Hot Docs Festival Returns This Weekend
- Documentary film festival with premieres, panels and screenings. - When: this weekend (Apr 24–26, 2026) — opening-weekend events across the city. - Where: venues across Toronto including cinemas and cultural centres; see blogto.com.
Hot Docs festival returns to Toronto this weekend, running April 23–May 3, with opening‑weekend events April 24–26 across the city. (hotdocs.ca) (hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival) The 33rd Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival will screen 115 films from 51 countries across nine programs this year. (s3.amazonaws.com) (s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK_FullMediaKit.pdf) That slate includes 80 feature films, 35 short films and 52 world or international premieres announced in the festival media kit. (s3.amazonaws.com) (s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK_FullMediaKit.pdf) Hot Docs opens Thursday, April 23 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema with the world premiere of Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, directed by Michelle Mama. (s3.amazonaws.com) (s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK___FestivalRelease.pdf) Opening‑weekend screenings and panels will take place at city venues including Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St. W.) and TIFF Lightbox (350 King St. W.), among others on the festival venues list. (hotdocs.ca) (hotdocs.ca/venues) Industry programming returns with the Hot Docs Forum international pitch event and the Festival Conference & Market for filmmakers and buyers. (s3.amazonaws.com) (s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK_FullMediaKit.pdf, hotdocs.ca/industry/conference) This year’s roster was chosen from 2,820 submissions, and the festival includes 30 Canadian films and 14 films supported by Hot Docs funds and market programs. (s3.amazonaws.com) (s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK_FullMediaKit.pdf) Single tickets and festival packages are available through Hot Docs; students can claim free rush tickets for screenings before 4:00 p.m. with ID subject to availability. (hotdocs.ca) (hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival, familyfuncanada.com/toronto/hot-docs-festival) The festival runs through Sunday, May 3, with awards and closing‑week events scheduled at the end of the program; check the Hot Docs schedule for showtimes and Q&As. (hotdocs.ca) (hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival, s3.amazonaws.com/assets.hotdocs.ca/releases/HDF26MK_FullMediaKit.pdf)
