09/02/2026
Hot Docs Bolsters Executive Leadership Team to Champion the Future of Canadian Documentary
Hot Docs is pleased to announce that Diana Sanchez has been elevated to President of Hot Docs, effective immediately. Alongside Hot Docs’ Board of Directors, Sanchez has restructured the executive leadership team to better accomplish the organization’s long-term strategic goals and growth.
Accordingly, Sanchez has appointed Mara Gourd-Mercado (currently at CPH:DOX) to Executive Director of Hot Docs.
In her new role as President, Sanchez will concentrate on the organization's strategic direction—artistic oversight, government relations, business development, and major financial partnerships—while safeguarding Hot Docs' long-term health and stability. Gourd-Mercado will lead day-to-day operations and fiscal management of the organization and the festival, including festival and industry fundraising, with an additional focus on industry programming, a revitalized Hot Docs Forum, and ties with the Francophone doc community in Canada and abroad.
Additionally, Julie Bristow (Catalyst) and Aaron Zeghers (The Infinite Image), have been named Board of Directors Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
Learn more here: https://ow.ly/s6bI50ZI1Bf
