Hot Docs plans layoffs and temporary closure

‘Urgent financial challenges’ force festival to shut theatre for three months

- JOSHUA CHONG

After months of internal strife and questions surrounding its financial sustainability, Hot Docs, Canada’s largest documentary film festival, announced it will begin “temporary” layoffs and a three-month closure of its landmark cinema in Toronto.

Hot Docs announced the layoffs and closure of its Ted Rogers Cinema on Wednesday afternoon, changes that it says are necessary “to address urgent financial challenges.”

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it’s crucial for us to take this step now,” said Robin Mirsky, co-chair of Hot Docs’ board of directors, in a statement. “This temporary closure will enable us to pause, recalibrate and strategically plan a sustainable future for this beloved organization.”

Hot Docs said its cinema in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood will shutter temporarily beginning June 12. It will also begin temporary layoffs of “a portion of its staff,” according to a news release.

The move comes after leaders at Hot Docs sounded the alarm this year about the significant financial pressures the organization has faced since the pandemic, warning that this year’s edition of the festival could be its last.