Ontario promoting documentary film industry

#Ontario; #DocumentryFilmIndustry; #HotDocs; #HotDocsFilmFestival; #TedRogersCentre

Toronto, Mar 10 (Canadian-Media): Ontario's world-class film and television industry is being supported since 2018 by Ontario's over $928,000 in funding to Hot Docs, including $525,000 in 2019-20 to raise the profile of documentary filmmakers by ​driving local tourism spending, and build Ontario's reputation as a cultural hub, media reports said.​

Hot Docs, an organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary film, is a major economic driver for the Canadian documentary film sector, and plays a key role in Ontario's film and television production industry through its signature annual festival and year-round activities.

​The annual Hot Docs documentary film festival is the largest of its kind in North America. It runs this year from April 30 to May 10.

Hot Docs Festival.  Image credit: Facebook page

According to a recent economic impact study done by Hot Docs,  the festival contributed over $39 million to Ontario's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study also found that business deals struck during the festival are worth just under $10 million.

Nearly 660 jobs and $19.4 million in tax revenue for the province had been generated on a year-round basis by Hot Docs’ activities, including non-festival activities.

Before speaking at an event at part of the Hot Docs - Curious Minds Series, an annual festival that includes a week-long program of inspiring conversations with internationally renowned thinkers, taste makers and bestselling authors, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries toured today Hot Docs Ted Rogers cinema and facility.

"Hot Docs is a proud Ontario success story — reinforcing our reputation for innovation in the creative industries. Investing in Hot Docs is an investment in our province's...boosting our financial bottom line...as well as...our cultural identity and pride of place...I want to thank Hot Docs for allowing new audiences to discover the wonder of documentary film, highlighting how Ontario truly offers the world in one province," said Lisa MacLeod.