Think kids can’t enjoy a good documentary? Think again! North America’s largest documentary festival, the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, may not cater specifically to kids, but several films at this year’s festival are suitable for ages 8 and up and are equal parts educational, entertaining, and inspirational.
These include stories of strong girls from across the world, exciting ventures into the world of artificial intelligence, and a visit with perhaps the most beloved TV host of all time, Fred Rogers.
Following are five films to see with kids at Hot Docs this year. Most films are screened at TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W., Toronto), Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St. W., Toronto), or the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W., Toronto); check each film’s schedule for details.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
A tribute to Fred Rogers and his program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which shaped the childhood of young children with messages of acceptance and love for more than 30 years.
Rated GSun. Apr. 29 at 1 pm
Sun. May 6 at 12:45 pm
Chef Flynn
This film profiles teen chef Flynn McGarry, famous for his rapid ascent to the culinary big leagues from the age of 10, his singular focus and dedication to haute cuisine, and his relationship with his mother, the film’s documentarian.
Rated GSat., Apr. 28 at 6:45 pm
Sun., Apr. 29 at 10:45 am
Sat., May 5 at 1:15 pm
Grit
An inspirational story told from the perspective of a young Indonesian girl, Dian, who with her mother and neighbours attempts to challenge corporate injustice in the wake of an environmental disaster.
Rated PGIn Indonesian, with subtitles
Mon., Apr. 30 at 8:30 pm
Wed., May 2 at 12:30 pm
Sun., May 6 at 10 am
More Human Than Human
Artificial intelligence power players from around the world reveal amazing new technologies and talk about the potential dangers of AI for the human race in this fascinating film about the very near future.
Rated GWed., May 2 at 6:30 pm
Fri., May 4 at 10:30 am
Sat., May 5 at 3:15 pm
Amal
The filmmaker follows Egyptian teen Amal over six years (from age 14) as she joins her country’s fight for freedom and becomes a young adult.
Rated PGIn Arabic, with subtitles
Sun., Apr. 29 at 6:45 pm
Mon., Apr. 30 at 3:30 pm
Sun., May 6 at 10:15 am
Inventing Tomorrow
Meet three impressive young students from around the world competing in the world’s largest high-schools science and engineering fair and hoping to change the world.
Rated PGIn English, Spanish, and Indonesian with subtitles
Sun., Apr. 29 at 9:15 pm
Mon., Apr. 30 at 12:45 pm
Sat., May 5 at 8:30 pm
Sun., May 6 at 12:30 pm
