Theatre closed in the summer plans a ‘limited’ reopening in Toronto

A movie theatre that closed for the summer amid financial concerns is planning a slow reopening this fall.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema announced it will reopen later this month for third-party rentals and select partner screening events.

The limited reopening starts Sept. 28.

For now, the Hot Docs documentary screenings are not on the schedule but the theatre expects a return to normal soon.

“In the upcoming months we anticipate being able to share with you our plans for the resumption of regular Hot Docs programming at the Cinema, and details of our 2025 Festival,” the statement from Hot Docs said.

Staff members who were laid off during the closure will be asked to return.

“We are also thrilled to be able to gradually welcome back members of our Cinema team who were placed on temporary layoff with this summer’s closure,” the statement said.

The theatre closed in June due to financial and governance issues. Janice Dawe, interim executive director, and Heidi Tao Yang, managing director, said staff have worked through the summer on the issues.

“Significant work has been done to stabilize Hot Docs and establish a solid foundation for a sustainable path forward,” they said in the statement.

A scaled-down, focused three-person working board was established in June. The board has laid the groundwork to welcome new directors needed for effective future governance.

This fall, they will also search for a new executive director for Hot Docs.

“Of critical importance, the team has also been actively addressing the organization’s deficit by implementing plans to right-size the organization, reducing operating costs and prioritizing core programming and initiatives in our future planning,” the statement said.

They have also engaged with major sponsors, partners and funders at all levels of government. Many have confirmed their ongoing support.

The theatre thanked the public for their patience during the restructuring.

“We truly value the support of our audiences over this difficult period and are committed to preserving this much-loved cultural institution and the unique experience it offers you and our filmmakers,” the statement said.

The reopening starts with a third-party rental showing Dan Savage’s 2024 HUMP! Film Festival.

For more information on events at the theatre, see the website here.

Lead photo: Pixabay