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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.


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.

body politics cover photos

Body Politics

Educator, activist and politician Dr. Jill Andrew takes her fight for body justice, human rights, representation, access and equity to the legislature.

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wall covered in posters

Excluded by Design

Writer and activist Dave Meslin shares his vision for a democracy where citizens feel invited and empowered to engage.

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illustration of parent with child

The Gift

A lesson in compassion and generosity results in a lifelong gift as a father passes on important teachings to his daughter.

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Woman in yellow raincoat

Jean Swanson: We Need a New Map

Vancouver city councillor Jean Swanson works alongside the next generation of anti-poverty activists fighting systemic inequality.

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group of Somali-Canadians

Mending a Crack in the Sky

Two Somali-Canadian mothers have organized a group to collectively combat gun violence and hardship while facing cultural and racial barriers.

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woman walking on train tracks

Militant Mother

In 1971, after months of advocating for a safe crossing, twenty-five mothers made their voices heard by blockading CN rail from delivering goods.

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child walking past globe

Nourrir les Rêves

Meet Paul Evra, the young altruistic director of Lasallien Center who is leading the center and their mission to help feed the numerous families in the area who are food insecure.

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Ride Fair

Three fearless community organizers embark on an uphill political fight to regulate Uber and Lyft in Toronto.

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Series 2

In 2023, seven short docs were commissioned for the second series of Citizen Minutes.

ancestral threads cover image

Ancestral Threads

Follow designer Joleen Mitton on her mission to use fashion as medicine for Vancouver’s Indigenous community.

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Do You Hear What I Hear?

Fed up with sleepless nights, a couple of activists fight to change Toronto’s outdated noise bylaws.

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Janelle Niles on stage

Janelle Niles: Inconvenient

Janelle embraces her biracial experience and queer identity, using stand-up to usher in a new era of inclusive, Canadian comedy.

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Women with signs

Loud & Here

With too many cases of sexual violence going unreported or unpunished, 23 teen girls decide to change policy affecting school boards across Quebec.

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Mind Check 1-2, 1-2

Through his vulnerable art, rapper Akintoye inspires young people to use their voices to bring awareness to mental health struggles.

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aerial view of city

Rising From the Ashes

Dépanneur Sylvestre in Gatineau, Quebec, reopens using new models of sustainability to stay relevant for another 20 years and beyond.

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Sisterhood Softball

Follow the first all female Muslim softball league in North America as they empower women through sports.

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Impact Survey

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We want to learn more about how the films made an impact. Please take a moment to fill out our Audience Impact Survey.

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