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Group of volunteers in Hot Docs Festival shirts
Photo by Joseph Michael Howarth
Hot Docs is thrilled to provide engaging opportunities to hundreds of volunteers each year. Here are just a few of the benefits of volunteering with Hot Docs: 
  • Gain valuable festival experience and knowledge
  • Contribute to Toronto’s vibrant cultural community
  • Join a growing network of filmmakers, students, film lovers and engaged community leaders
  • Access to Hot Docs, Doc Soup and Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema screenings and events
  • Acknowledgement as a valuable team member

Volunteer applications are open for the 2025 Hot Docs Festival, April 24 to May 4, with a deadline of Monday, March 17, 2025, 5:00pm EST. Thinking about joining us? Read our FAQs to find answers to questions asked by new volunteers or contact us at [email protected].

New Volunteer Application Form    

CLICK HERE TO APPLY >> if:
  • It’s your first time volunteering with Hot Docs
  • If you haven’t volunteered with us since our 2022 Festival (i.e., you didn’t volunteer at the 2023 or 2024 Festivals)
  • You volunteered in 2023 or 2024 but did not meet the four (4) shift minimum

Returning Volunteer Applications Closed

Thank you for your interest! The application period for returning volunteers has now closed.
We appreciate your support and hope to see you at the festival!

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Volunteer at Hot DocsVolunteer Award for Arts & Culture

The Volunteer Award for Arts and Culture in Toronto (VAACT) recognizes volunteers who contribute to multiple organizations throughout the year. The awards ceremony takes place on International Volunteer Day. 

Invitations for the December 2024 event have been sent. If you feel you should have received one but haven't, please email [email protected].

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