Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, faces major leadership changes. Artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy steps down, along with several programmers. Heather Haynes will now lead the programming department for the upcoming 2024 festival.
In a statement, Hot Docs announced Currimbhoy’s departure and the decision of some team members not to participate in this year’s festival. While no specific reasons were provided for the exits, the organization is still grappling with financial challenges post-pandemic.
Senior international programmer Myrocia Watamaniuk shared her decision to leave the festival on Facebook, citing her dedication to fighting for films and filmmakers. She included a list of nine colleagues who have also chosen to step down.
Currimbhoy, with an impressive resume in various film festivals globally, took on his role in November 2023. The festival continues to navigate the impact of the pandemic and financial hardships while preparing for this year’s edition from April 25 to May 5.
As Hot Docs anticipates its upcoming festival and celebrates the power of documentary storytelling, the shifts in leadership underline the challenging landscape faced by the arts and culture sector in a post-pandemic era.
