Hot Docs presents
Citizen Minutes
These short doc collections, commissioned by Hot Docs, highlight ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to make their communities better places. Meet bold and unlikely changemakers who inspire us to jump in and get involved in civic issues close to our homes and hearts.
How did the Citizen Minutes films impact you?
Impact Survey
We want to learn more about how the films made an impact. Please take a moment to fill out our Audience Impact Survey.
Series 2
In 2023, seven short docs were commissioned for the second series of Citizen Minutes.
Follow designer Joleen Mitton on her mission to use fashion as medicine for Vancouver’s Indigenous community.
Fed up with sleepless nights, a couple of activists fight to change Toronto’s outdated noise bylaws.
Janelle embraces her biracial experience and queer identity, using stand-up to usher in a new era of inclusive, Canadian comedy.
With too many cases of sexual violence going unreported or unpunished, 23 teen girls decide to change policy affecting school boards across Quebec.
Through his vulnerable art, rapper Akintoye inspires young people to use their voices to bring awareness to mental health struggles.
Dépanneur Sylvestre in Gatineau, Quebec, reopens using new models of sustainability to stay relevant for another 20 years and beyond.
Follow the first all female Muslim softball league in North America as they empower women through sports.
Series 1
In 2021, eight filmmaking teams from across Canada were selected to create short films about bold and unlikely changemakers who inspire us to jump in and get involved in civic issues close to our homes and hearts.
Since their premiere at Hot Docs Festival, the Series 1 shorts have gone on to screen independently at over 25 Canadian and international film festivals, as well as streaming on Crave and Hot Docs at Home.