Hot Docs is temporarily closing its Toronto cinema as it continues to face a financial deficit.

The organization announced in a note to donors on Wednesday (May 22) that the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema will close for three months, beginning on June 12.

The move is to “address our immediate cash flow needs and create a necessary window for the team to regroup and engage in critical strategic planning to address our deficit,” according to the note.

During the closure, Hot Docs’ leadership team will review the Cinema’s mission, programming, and operations to find ways to keep it profitable. The organization’s development team and the board of directors will also “continue key conversations with government partners to further seek solutions.”

Hot Docs is issuing automatic refunds for any tickets purchased for events taking place on or after June 12, and are in the process of either rescheduling or finding alternative venues for select events.

Despite the closure news, the organization said the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival was a success, with box office revenue exceeding its targets by 12% and average attendance close to pre-pandemic levels. The Festival ran from April 25 to May 5.

Hot Docs made its financial situation public in March, with president Marie Nelson making an appeal for support amid a “significant operational deficit.” After the Festival was not included in the 2024 federal budget, it issued a statement that, without support, the 2024 event would be its last.

The organization also saw a mass exodus of programmers ahead of its annual film festival, including the departure of its artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy after only a few months in the role.

Image courtesy of Hot Docs