News

Hot Docs has revealed that its acclaimed annual Made In program will highlight recent documentary films from Ukraine at the 2023 Festival, with a primary focus on stories being told on the ground by filmmakers working in the country since the war began. The program is presented in collaboration with Docudays UA.

"This is the first time Ukraine is the spotlight country, so we are making Hot Docs history!" said Myrocia Watamaniuk, Senior International Programmer. "Made In programs are meant to show audiences what documentary looks like at one point in a nation’s cinema, but this year, Hot Docs is showing what documentary can actually do–define a country’s history. Bringing together films of this calibre, work made at the risk of artists’ lives, is an honour."

"We're incredibly grateful for having Hot Docs as our partner," said Victoria Leshchenko, Program Director of Docudays UA. "These films are telling some of the country's most urgent stories, but they also demonstrate the talent that is at risk.  Connecting these artists with Canadian audiences is so important."

Past Made In programs have focused on films from Chile (2022), Colombia (2021), Northern Ireland (2020), Italy (2019), Mexico (2018), Japan (2017), Australia (2016), India (2015), Denmark (2014), Poland (2013), Southeastern Europe (2012), Italy (2011), South America (2010), South Korea (2009), Mexico (2008), Brazil (2007), Japan (2006), South Africa (2004) and Taiwan (2003).