Five documentaries are set to receive support from the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund. Hot Docs announced a commitment today of $121,000 in production funding for the documentaries covering different stories about the world of music.
The selected projects include Into the Now with Bruce Cockburn, directed by Robert Lang and produced by Lang and Kim Creelman. The documentary follows the beloved folk singer as he embarks upon a tour across Canada and the United States. Meanwhile, Pisiksaqsiurlanga: I’m Searching for a Song, observes Inuit artist Charlotte Qamaniq as she heads home with plans to renew the pisiit tradition, a form of storytelling that recounts past events through song and dance. Qammaniq serves as director and producer alongside Jamie Griffith.
Two hip-hop documentaries are also among the projects receiving support. Late Toronto rapper King Reign gets his flowers in King Reign to the World Presents. The film tells the story of a group of hip-hop artists who record unproduced music that Reign left behind following his sudden death in 2016. The doc is directed by David Click Cox and Kwame Mason. Cox serves as producer with Shana McCalla, Javiera Quintana, and Stuart Henderson.
Meanwhile, the rise of Brampton’s Punjabi hip-hop scene fuels Brampton Underground as director Anupa Mistry explores intersections between immigration and musical expression. Mistry will produce the doc with Radha Pithadia.
Finally, Rolling with Mat the Alien captures the story of DJ Mat the Alien as he returns to the scene while recovering from a spinal cord injury. River Jordan Easton directs the project and produces alongside Matt Pidutti.
“Finding the funding to get films made is as hard as it’s ever been, which is why partners like The Slaight Family Foundation and funds like the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund are so critical,” Hot Docs executive director Diana Sanchez said in a statement. “This unique Fund provides much needed financial support to projects that showcase Canadian talent on a global scale, helping films move forward with confidence while signalling a belief in our own stories.”
“The Slaight Family Foundation is delighted to continue our partnership with Hot Docs to provide production funding to five projects by Canadian filmmakers that spotlight the creative work of some of this country’s most interesting and talented music artists,” added Gary Slaight, President & CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation. “I look forward to seeing these exceptional projects upon completion.”
Docs previously supported through the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund include Michelle Mama’s Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, which opened the 2026 edition of the festival, and Alexandra Lazarowich’s forthcoming Turtle Island Rap.
