Toronto’s Hot Docs film festival has officially wrapped for 2010, citing record-breaking attendance numbers and a 10% increase in box office sales. An estimated 136,000 theater-goers lined up to take in screenings of over 170 films over the course of the 11-day event.

‘This was by far our most successful Hot Docs to date,’ said Hot Docs executive director Chris McDonald in a statement. ‘Our job is to source the best documentaries in the world, then pack local cinemas with eager film fans. We’ve accomplished both of these goals again this year, and, in the process, have seen larger audiences and more sold-out screenings than ever before.’

The Hot Docs audience award went to Thunder Soul from American director Mark Landsman, about the reunion of the Kashmere High School band 35 years after its initial run, to honor its mentor Conrad Johnson.

Among the top 10 favorite films of 2010 are A Drummer’s Dream from John Walker (Canada), My Life with Carlos from German Berger (Chile/Spain/Germany), Autumn Gold from Jan Tenhaven (Austria/Germany), Leave Them Laughing from John Zaritsky (Canada/U.S.), Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage from Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn (Canada), Listen to This from Juan Baquero (Canada), A Small Act from Jennifer Arnold (U.S.), Waste Land from director Lucy Walker (U.K./Brazil) and Marwencol from Jeff Malmberg (U.S.).

This year also introduced a new prize, the filmmakers award, which gave attending filmmakers the chance to vote for their favorite film. The inaugural recipient was Autumn Gold.

From Realscreen Online