Huge international documentary festival returns to Toronto with over 100 films

Hot Docs is returning to Toronto for its 33rd edition in 2026 with a crucial and thought-provoking lineup starting this week.

North America's leading documentary festival runs from April 23 to May 3, with 115 documentaries from 51 countries in this year's lineup.

Documentary enthusiasts will discover nine diverse programs filled with more than 50 world and international premieres. There will also be knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for industry delegates and filmmakers to check out.

"Documentary filmmaking offers a way to engage more deeply with the world around us—through stories that are thoughtful, complex and deeply human," said Diana Sanchez, Executive Director of Hot Docs, in a release.

"This year's Hot Docs Festival celebrates documentary filmmaking through 115 globe-spanning films, connecting this important work to audiences and bringing us together in ways that deepen our understanding of the world we share."

Hot Docs 2026 opens on Thursday, April 23, with the world premiere of Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, directed by Canadian filmmaker Michelle Mama, at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. 

Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions

Queer rock icon Carole Pope gets the spotlight as she reclaims her rightful place in music history. The film received funding for its development stage from the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund.

Audiences will also want to check out The Big Ideas series for insightful conversations with notable guests.

The series will include Love Apptually director Shalini Kantayya, Myspace director Tommy Avallone, A War on Women director Raha Shirazi, and Steal This Story, Please! director Tia Lessin.

A total of 30 Canadian films will screen as official selections at the 2026 Hot Docs, and 14 films received support from Hot Docs' film funds and market programs.

Hot Docs

Make sure to stay tuned for details about the free encore screening, where the recipient of the 2026 Rogers Audience Award for Best Canadian Documentary will be unveiled and receive a $50,000 cash prize.

Hot Docs takes place from April 23 to May 3, 2026. Check out the festival's full schedule and purchase tickets online.