Documentary festival Hot Docs is to simulcast the Canadian premieres of two films to cinemas across Canada, giving audiences in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan the chance to see China Heavyweight (pictured) and Indie Game: The Movie at the same time as Torontonians.

The ‘Hot Docs Live!’ event will see 35 Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada premiering the two films on May 2 and 3 respectively, at 9:00 p.m. EST, 8 p.m. CT, 7 p.m. MT and 6 p.m. PT.

The simulcast screenings will feature interactive discussions with the filmmakers and special guests, live from the recently opened Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

“Hot Docs is one of the first festivals in the world to present live cross-country screenings and filmmaker discussions,” said Chris McDonald, Hot Docs executive director. “Festivals are about creating communities and this is a fantastic opportunity to share the unique Hot Docs festival experience in real-time in communities across Canada.”

Anne Frank, Telefilm Canada’s interim regional director of industry promotion for the Ontario and Nunavut region, added: “Our participation underlines our objective to stimulate demand for Canadian screen-based content, including in the regions where the appetite for homegrown cinema is strong. ‘Hot Docs Live!’ is also a unique opportunity to promote our talented filmmakers.”

China Heavyweight and Indie Game both received their world premieres at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, earlier this year.

From realscreen