Hot Docs Faces Leadership and Financial Crisis Ahead of 2024 Festival

The Canadian International Documentary Festival grapples with significant operational challenges and a mass resignation of programmers.

The artistic director and 10 programmers have resigned from the Hot Docs festival, citing personal reasons and operational challenges.
Hot Docs president Marie Nelson acknowledges a significant operational deficit, threatening the festival's long-term sustainability.
The festival is seeking financial support from government partners to address the deficit and ensure its future viability.
Despite the leadership and financial crisis, the festival aims to proceed with its 2024 edition, featuring 168 films from 64 countries.
The mass resignation and financial struggles reflect broader challenges faced by Canadian festivals recovering from pandemic-era disruptions.