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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.

Calling all emerging and early career filmmakers interested in directing the third installment of Citizen Minutes! This is an opportunity for emerging directors to have a fulsome experience with film production, exhibition, distribution, and impact. Apply now for Citizen Minutes Series 3.


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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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 cover photo

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Fed up with sleepless nights, a couple of activists fight to change Toronto’s outdated noise bylaws.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

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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woman playing baseball

Sisterhood Softball

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

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Series 1

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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.

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