Hot Docs Postpones Festival

The Hot Docs festival, which was scheduled for April 30 to May 10 in Toronto, is being postponed, as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer has called for the immediate suspension of gatherings with more than 250 people.

Each year, Hot Docs brings together an audience of over 220,000, along with thousands of filmmakers and industry delegates from over 55 countries. The organizers are currently reaching out to filmmakers, audiences, registered delegates, partners, funders, suppliers and other stakeholders involved with the 2020 festival.

“We remain committed to bringing these outstanding documentary films to our audiences and are currently investigating ways that we can do so at a later date,” the festival said. “We also intend to replace the onsite industry events, scheduled to take place during the festival.

“Plans are currently underway to bring together filmmakers, producers and industry decision-makers in an online environment and to virtually deliver the event’s valuable pitch presentations and one-on-one meetings.

“While we are deeply disappointed by having to make these announcements, these decisions were made after consultations with major partners, stakeholders and local public health authorities.”