Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2025: A Global Lens on Real Stories
Toronto is set to host one of the world’s most respected documentary festivals this spring. The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2025 runs from April 24 to May 4, bringing compelling non-fiction films and deep conversations to local screens.
A Showcase of Global Stories
This year’s festival features 113 docaumentaries from 47 countries, carefully selected from over 2,600 submissions. Expect 35 world premieres, 14 international, and 26 North American debuts. The films span genres, themes, and global issues, offering a rare window into different lives and perspectives.
Opening Night: Parade: Queer Acts Of Love & Resistance
The festival opens with the world premiere of Parade: Queer Acts Of Love & Resistance, a powerful new film by Noam Gonick and Justine Pimlott. It captures pivotal moments from Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ movement and sets the tone for a bold and thought-provoking lineup.
Highlights from the 2025 Lineup
This year’s program is divided into 11 themed sections, including:
- Canadian Spectrum Competition: Don’t miss #skoden, Casas Muertas, and Shamed—all world premieres that explore themes of identity, resilience, and justice from Canadian voices.
- International Spectrum: Look out for Heritage, I Dreamed His Name, and I, Poppy—three emotionally charged world premieres.
- World Showcase: Featuring Aisha’s Story, Betrayal, and other documentaries that reflect urgent stories from around the globe.
- Persister: Spotlighting women-led stories that confront power structures and spark dialogue.
- Artscapes: A creative dive into the minds of artists, performers, and visionaries.
- Tipping Point: Tackling pressing issues from around the world, with raw, investigative storytelling.
- Nightvision: A cult-favorite section for edgy, genre-bending, and visually bold documentaries.
Plus, Big Ideas talks will include appearances by filmmakers, artists, and subjects from standout films like Antidote, The Dating Game, and Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.
Where and How to Watch
Venues include:
- Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor Street West)
- TIFF Bell Lightbox
Most screenings start at 8:00 AM and run through the evening. Free daytime tickets are available for students and seniors (60+) with valid ID, on the day of the show.
Tickets and Passes
- Single tickets: $20–$23 (or $18–$20 for members)
- 6-Ticket Bundle: $99 (or $89 for members)
- 12-Pack: $209 ($188 for members)
- 20-Pack: $299 ($269 for members)
Passholders get early access, discounts up to 30%, and the ability to share tickets with friends or family. Visit hotdocs.ca for full ticketing details and to reserve your seat.
Rush tickets are also available on the day of screenings for sold-out shows—arrive early and line up at the venue.
Quick Details
Date: April 24 to May 4, 2025
Venues: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema & TIFF Lightbox
Tickets & Packages: hotdocs.ca
Info: (416) 203-2155 | info@hotdocs.ca
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