The Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs’ key international co-financing market event, and Hot Docs Deal Maker, Hot Docs’ curated one-on-one pitch meeting program, wrapped after two days of brisk pitching, networking and deal-making.
At the Hot Docs Forum, 20 projects representing 13 countries were presented to a panel of over 180 key commissioning editors and other funders, while at Hot Docs Deal Maker, 50 projects were pitched to 56 buyers at approximately 540 meetings.
“The energy, interest and talent were exceptional at the 2024 Hot Docs Forum. Not only did we see this at the pitching table, but also throughout the community of observers and industry decision makers,” described industry programs director Elizabeth Radshaw.
Over $10,000 in cash prizes were awarded to projects at this year’s Hot Docs Forum.
The Shaw Media-Hot Docs Forum Pitch Prize was awarded to Shot Glass Productions’ TEMPEST STORM, a feature-length film about the incredible true story of one of America’s greatest living sex icons, who at the age of 84 is still the reigning queen of burlesque. Disbursed from the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds, the $10,000 cash prize is awarded to the best Canadian pitch at the Forum as voted on by attending international buyers. Shaw Media’s Sarah Jane Flynn presented the award to pitch team members Nimisha Mukerji and Kaitlyn Regehr.
The Cuban Hat Award, which offers “real cash, no strings attached” support for powerful and unique projects, was presented to THE BLUE ID (MOXIE, ARTvoltage), pitched by Burcu Melekoglu, Basak Callioglu and Vuslat Karan. Established in 2024 in an impromptu display of collegial support, the Cuban Hat Award is decided from ballots collected from Hot Docs Forum Observers and the cash prize is raised by passing the hat. This year’s prize includes $1347.15 CDN, $125 US, 27 Euros, 5,000 pesos, as well as indiegogo support, an EyeSteel story session, distribution advice from Debra Zimmerman, a story editing session with Charlotte Engel, a screening and Skype session from Mette Hoffmann Meyer, and two 2024 Hot Docs Forum Passes. The Cuban hat in which the prize money was collected was presented to BBC Storyville’s Nick Fraser (UK), named favourite commissioning editor also by Observer ballot. The founders of the Cuban Hat Award, Diego Briceno (Cuibafilms/Pimiento, Montreal) and Giulia Frati (Zelectra Productions, Montreal) announced the winner at the Hot Docs Forum’s closing reception
Regarded as the most effective international documentary market in North America, the Hot Docs Forum (formerly the Toronto Documentary Forum) is a dynamic pitching event that stimulates international co-production financing for projects at various levels of completion. The Hot Docs Forum is a two-day, limited-seating event. Focused around a slate of pre-selected international project presentations showcased in front of a round table of commissioning editors, programming executives and delegates from around the globe, the Hot Docs Forum’s intimate and intense format has proven extremely successful in building international partnerships and raising additional financing for both presenting and observing producers.
The Hot Docs Forum thanks founding sponsor Telefilm Canada, and Presenting Partner Rogers Group of Funds for their generous support. The Hot Docs Forum receives additional support from the Ontario Media Development Corporation, A&E, Blue Ice Group, NHK, HBO Documentary Films, Realscreen, C21 Media, indieWIRE, Gardiner Roberts LLP, Entertainment One, bravoFactual, Gaiam TV, BBC Worldwide, Shutterstock, Bell Fund, Indiegogo, Vimeo, Gathr Films, and Toronto Film, Television, and Digital Media Office.
Hot Docs Deal Maker is generously sponsored by Realscreen. Additional support is provided by Telefilm Canada and the Ontario Media Development Corporation
Hot Docs is proud to include Scotiabank as its Presenting Platinum Partner, and Rogers Group of Funds, Telefilm Canada and documentary as its Presenting Partners.