Heidi Tao Yang has been appointed as the new managing director of Hot Docs, effective immediately.

Having spent more than eight years with the Toronto-based documentary festival, Yang has been tasked with shaping the organization’s future, overseeing financial health, improving programming standards and expanding the brand, both nationally and internationally. Her role includes translating Hot Docs’ vision into operational roles and fostering stakeholder engagement.

In her previous role as director of Funds & Labs, Yang oversaw the disbursement of more than $4 million in funding to filmmakers. She also designed and developed the inaugural Hot Docs Incubator, a Netflix-supported program tailored for documentary filmmakers seeking growth and showcasing creative and market potential.

Over the past 18 months, she has executive produced 15 short films – including seven for the second series of Citizen Minutes, a Hot Docs-produced collection of short Canadian social impact docs now streaming on Crave and CBC Gem, as well as eight for Roads to Regeneration, a series spotlighting individuals worldwide striving for a more sustainable, equitable and hopeful life.

“Heidi has been an integral part of the Hot Docs family for over eight years, where she has demonstrated her commitment to elevating the art of documentary and provided unwavering support to filmmakers,” said Hot Docs president Marie Nelson in a statement. “With values that perfectly align with our mission and immeasurable contributions to the organization, we are certain she will lead our team to new heights.”

Image courtesy of Hot Docs