Hot Docs is actively seeking a new owner for its Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in an effort to stabilize itself following an extended period of financial and governance issues.

The decision was announced in an update on Thursday (Oct. 17) outlining plans for the 2025 Hot Docs Festival and the resumption of year-round cinema programming on Dec. 4, as well as the search for a new owner. The not-for-profit plans to secure a lease-back agreement that will allow its programming to continue.

“Owning the Cinema for the past 12 years has been an incredible opportunity for Hot Docs, allowing us to expand our reach and impact and those of the stories we’ve showcased on our screen,” said Nicolas de Pencier, co-chair of Hot Docs board of directors, in a statement. “But current financial conditions — including rising interest rates and the post-pandemic recovery of audiences — have made it extremely challenging.

“We’re confident that finding the right buyer will allow us to refocus on our mission to support documentary filmmakers and continue to celebrate their work at the Cinema and Festival, while also addressing our deficit and ensuring our long-term viability,” he added.

Hot Docs confirmed that the 32nd edition of the Hot Docs International Film Festival will take place from April 24, 2025 to May 4, with programming director Heather Haynes leading the lineup’s curation. The industry programming will “prioritize intimate networking opportunities, meaningful knowledge sharing and impactful market initiatives,” said the release, with further details to be announced later this month.

The organization’s year-round programming will resume with its Doc Soup screening series, featuring new films from the festival circuit and Q&As with guest directors. The first title will be announced soon.

The organization is still dealing with operating deficits from the past two years, the majority of which can be attributed to the ownership and operation of the cinema, said the release.

Throughout 2024, the organization faced a plethora of issues including a significant financial deficit and the departure of its artistic director along with 10 programmers with the programmers penning a statement alleging “breaches of contracts across various programs,” “a lack of respect for protocol and business communication” and “the dismissal and/or diminishment of team members’ voices.”

Shortly after the 31st edition of the Hot Docs Festival, the organization temporarily shut down its Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema as a cost-cutting measure. That was followed by Hot Docs’ 14-member board being scaled-down to a working board of three members and its president Marie Nelson departing from her role.

In September, The Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema was reopened for third-party rentals and select partner events.

Now, Hot Docs will be rebuilding its board this winter and also begin efforts to recruit a new executive director to lead the organization.

“We are grateful to our steadfast sponsors, donors and public sector stakeholders whose outpouring of support has given us the confidence to move forward,” said Hot Docs interim executive director Janice Dawe in a statement.

Image courtesy of Hot Docs