Hot Docs was founded in 1993 by the Documentary Organization of Canada (formerly the Canadian Independent Film Caucus), a national association of independent documentary filmmakers. In 1996, Hot Docs became a separately incorporated organization with a mandate to showcase and support the work of Canadian and international documentary filmmakers and to promote excellence in documentary production.
With its lively mix of public and professional events, Hot Docs is the ideal North American market and meeting place for the documentary industry. The festival attracts over 2000 delegates, including documentary filmmakers, buyers, programmers, distributors and commissioning editors from around the world.
Hot Docs also owns and operates Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, one of the world's only documentary cinemas and a century old landmark in the heart of Toronto.