The schedule has gone to print (even as we continue to get calls from people wanting to submit!). This Tuesday, March 24, we’ll announce the full programme via a press conference and media releases. The entire team is thrilled with the programme. Festivals claim each year is their best year, but I have to say it, because I believe it to be true….This is the strongest programme that Hot Docs has ever presented.
Beyond being professionally satisfied that we’ve achieved all of our goals, I’ve never been involved with a programme in which I was so personally moved, entertained, in awe, challenged and inspired by such a high percentage of the filmmaking and stories. I always have some favourites, but this year I have too many. We’ve also never declined so much good work that rightfully deserved to be presented, which is a bummer, and has made this week rather bittersweet.
Above is the 2009 schedule board, or as I like to call it, my personal Sudoku game. Playing Sudoku is the closest analogy I know to scheduling a film festival. Noah Cowan at TIFF was a genious at this, and I learned much from watching him work the board (or “cross-hatch” in Sudoku lingo). The TIFF schedule board is a work of graphic art, crazily complex with lovely, intricate 2″ x 2″ cards for each title, all the relevant tech info inscribed. Our Hot Docs board is rather low rent in comparison, employing the Post-It and Sharpie system…..though I do find it graphically appealing against my otherwise spartan office walls.