Hot Docs promotes Diana Sanchez from executive director to president

TORONTO — Hot Docs says it’s bolstering its leadership team as it looks to establish long-term growth and stability.

Diana Sanchez, who joined as executive director in March 2025, has been promoted to president.

Canada’s largest documentary film festival has been rebuilding for the past couple of years after financial difficulties led to layoffs, the resignation of its top executive, and the temporary closure of its flagship theatre in 2024.

Since Sanchez joined in 2025, the festival has been focusing on rebuilding and achieving a level of stability that allows the organization to thrive.

Its flagship theatre in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood was purchased last year by an anonymous buyer interested in supporting the local art scene. Hot Docs continues to run the space.

To replace Sanchez in overseeing the daily programming and operations, Hot Docs says it hired industry veteran Mara Gourd-Mercado, who is currently with the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, as executive director starting next month.

Hoc Docs says it has also restructured its cinema operations, resulting in a small number of theatre jobs being eliminated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2026.