Get ready for one of the most anticipated events in documentary cinema: the Hot Docs Festival returns to Toronto from April 23 to May 3, 2026. Celebrating the art and impact of real-life storytelling, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences for ten days of screenings, conversations and cultural connection.

The full 2026 film line-up and schedule will be announced in March 2026.

A Hub for Documentary Innovation and Global Perspectives

Hot Docs is widely regarded as North America’s premier documentary-film festival, showcasing hundreds of films from around the world and spotlighting bold voices behind the camera. Across its ten-day run, the festival offers feature-length, mid-length and short documentaries — often including premieres and works in competition. It also presents themed programmes that challenge conventional formats, such as interdisciplinary and hybrid works. For filmmakers and viewers alike, Hot Docs is more than a series of screenings; it’s a space where ideas are shared, voices amplified, and connections made.

Importantly, the festival also features an industry dimension: the associated conference and market provide opportunities for creators, funders and distributors to engage, pitch new work and build networks.

Discover Must-See Documentaries and Unforgettable Experiences

Whether you’re a documentary devotee, a curious newcomer or part of the creative industry, Hot Docs 2026 offers something extraordinary. Attendees can expect to discover films that uncover hidden truths, provoke thought and inspire action. Especially noteworthy is the festival’s strong emphasis on Canadian stories alongside global narratives — making it an ideal place to explore our national film culture as well as its international context.

Moreover, being held in Toronto during this time of year adds an extra vibrancy: the city becomes a gathering place for festivals, screenings, panels and side-events. Attending Hot Docs can be as much about the social and professional atmosphere as it is about the films themselves. For industry professionals, the festival’s market and conference present the latest in documentary practice, funding opportunities and networking. For audiences, it’s an invitation to delve into films that unpack real-world issues through creative and impactful forms.

Mark the dates: April 23 to May 3, 2026. Stay tuned for the full list of films and schedule in March — and prepare to immerse yourself in a bold, thought-provoking, and world-class documentary festival experience at Hot Docs 2026.

About Hot Docs

Hot Docs is North America’s largest documentary festival, conference, and market — a not-for-profit organisation devoted to advancing the art of documentary and supporting filmmakers worldwide. The festival features screenings, networking events, and renowned industry programmes such as the Hot Docs Forum, Deal Maker, Distribution Rendezvous, and The Doc Shop. Beyond the festival, Hot Docs provides year-round professional development opportunities and manages a multi-million-dollar fund portfolio supporting Canadian and international creators. It also promotes documentary education through Docs For Schools, a free learning initiative for students. Hot Docs owns and operates the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema — a historic Toronto landmark and the world’s first and largest cinema dedicated exclusively to documentaries — and the Hot Docs at Home streaming platform.