The foremost documentary festival in North America, Hot Docs, has revealed the initial lineup of movies to be shown under its Special Presentations section. The subjects range from acclaimed actor Marlee Matlin, Christo Grozev who is an investigative journalist and co-founder of Bellingcat, Israeli humorist Noam Shuster Eliassi, and Silas Malafaia, a well-known televangelist in Brazil, featured in the latest work by Petra Costa, who was nominated for an Oscar for “The Edge of Democracy.
The deeply personal work “The Nest” by Chase Joynt and Julietta Singh, which delves into the themes of memory, identity, and generational narrative-sharing, is set to have its first performance on stage.
Premieres from around the world feature two significant films: “Deaf President Now!”, a documentary chronicling the groundbreaking student protest that revolutionized accessibility rights within the U.S.; and “Life After,” where filmmaker Reid Davenport delves into the challenging repercussions of assisted suicide laws for individuals with disabilities.
(Or)
Worldwide debuts include “Deaf President Now!”, a documentary about a historic student protest that reshaped accessibility rights in America; and “Life After,” where Reid Davenport explores the problematic effects of assisted suicide regulations on people with disabilities.
Making their debuts in Canada are the following films: “Antidote,” a gripping real-life thriller that follows investigative journalist Christo Grozev and political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza as they confront Russia’s political system; “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” an exploration by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa of the rise of religious fundamentalism in Brazil; “Coexistence, My Ass!,” a humorous take on the Israel-Palestine conflict by comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi; “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” a captivating portrait of groundbreaking Deaf actor Marlee Matlin; and “Saints and Warriors,” which showcases the intense rivalry and camaraderie at the All Native Basketball Tournament in British Columbia.
The event taking place in Toronto from April 24th through May 4th is the festival, and the complete list of movies to be shown at Hot Docs will be unveiled on March 25th.
Antidote”
Director & Producer: James Jones, U.K., 2024, Running Time: 90 minutes, Canadian Premiere
What’s it like to be on Putin’s most-wanted list? Christo Grozev, an investigative journalist and co-founder of Bellingcat, is in hiding, while Vladimir Kara-Murza, a political activist, faces charges for treason. This documentary-thriller tells the story of those who challenge and confront the Russian regime.
Apocalypse in the Tropics”
Director: Petra Costa
Producers: Petra Costa, Alessandra Orofino
Country: Brazil, U.S., Denmark
Year: 2024
Running Time: 110 mins
Canadian Premiere
In this film, “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” Oscar-nominated director Petra Costa, who brought us “The Edge of Democracy,” explores the ascension of Brazil’s prominent televangelist, Silas Malafaia. She delves into the increasing influence of religious fundamentalism on politics and its close association with the far-right nationalist movement.
Title Directors: Amber Fares, Rachel Leah Jones, Producers: Amber Fares, Rachel Leah Jones, Valérie Montmartin, Countries: U.S., France, Year: 2025, Running Time: 95 mins, Canadian Premiere
In this production, Israeli comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi fearlessly tackles the Israel-Palestine conflict through her one-woman show. With a deft blend of wit and humor, she masterfully addresses towering social and political rifts. By presenting tough realities that are far from amusing, she invites audiences to question their assumptions and consider the gravity of the issues at hand.
2024 sees the International Premiere of “Deaf President Now!”, directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim, with production by the same team along with Amanda Rohlke, Jonathan King, and Michael Harte. This 100-minute documentary takes place in the U.S. The story unfolds when, in 1988, Gallaudet University’s board chose a hearing president over two deaf candidates. This decision sparked strong protests from the predominantly Deaf and hard-of-hearing student body, igniting a revolution that significantly impacted the evolution of disability rights.
Life Beyond”
Director: Reid Davenport, Producer: Colleen Cassingham, Country: United States, Year: 2025, Running Time: 99 minutes, International Premiere
Disability filmmaker Reid Davenport delves into the topic of assisted suicide, shedding light on how a practice meant to grant end-of-life autonomy has instead exposed the historical undervaluation of lives with disabilities.
Marlee Matlin: No Longer Solitary”
Director: Shoshannah Stern, Producers: Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, Shoshannah Stern, USA, 2025, 97 minutes, Canadian Premiere
In this film, the groundbreaking Deaf actress Marlee Matlin shares intimate details about her personal life and professional journey. This includes her rapid ascent to stardom following her Oscar-winning portrayal in “Children of a Lesser God.
The Nest”
Director: Chase Joynt and Julietta Singh
Producers: Alicia Smith and Justine Pimlott
Country: Canada
Year: 2025
Running Time: 89 minutes
Premiere: World Premiere
In the final stages of her mother’s life, director Julietta Singh revisits her childhood home. Here, long-forgotten matriarchs from centuries past resurface, sharing tales of resistance and fortitude. The narratives interweave, rooted in a house brimming with secrets, encompassing Indigenous, Deaf, Japanese, and South Asian histories.
Saints and Warriors”
Director: Patrick Shannon, Producer: Michael Grand, Country: Canada, Year: 2024, Duration: 97 mins, Canadian Premiere
For more than six decades, groups have assembled on the Pacific west coast for the All Native Basketball Tournament. With their title under threat, the Skidegate Saints strive to maintain their victory. It’s evident that this event stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and cultural pride.
Read More
- Best Crosshair Codes for Fragpunk
- Enigma Of Sepia Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Monster Hunter Wilds Character Design Codes – Ultimate Collection
- Hollow Era Private Server Codes [RELEASE]
- Wuthering Waves: How to Unlock the Reyes Ruins
- Ultimate Tales of Wind Radiant Rebirth Tier List
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- SWORN Tier List – Best Weapons & Spells
- Skull and Bones Timed Out: Players Frustrated by PSN Issues
- Master Wuthering Waves: Conquer All Dream Patrol Trials in Penitent’s End for Epic Rewards!
2025-03-11 18:19