Hot Docs Promotes Diana Sanchez, Hires Mara Gourd-Mercado As Festival Seeks To “Future-Proof” Itself
Toronto's Hot Docs documentary festival has restructured its senior leadership, promoting current executive director Diana Sanchez to the newly created role of president while hiring Mara Gourd-Mercado, currently head of industry at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, as her successor as executive director from 19 October. Sanchez will focus on strategic direction, artistic oversight, government relations and major financial partnerships, while Gourd-Mercado, who will report to her, takes charge of day-to-day operations, fundraising and industry programming. The move comes as the nonprofit organisation, which turns 34 next year, seeks to consolidate a recovery from serious financial and governance turmoil in recent years.
Hot Docs nearly collapsed two years ago amid a pandemic-driven financial crisis, temporarily closing its Ted Rogers Cinema and cutting staff; in 2024 it was further rocked by the abrupt departure of ten programmers and the resignation of artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy, along with two board members. Sanchez, who joined after that crisis, points to a well-received 2026 festival (23 April–3 May) as evidence of stabilisation and says future priorities include diversifying earned revenue and improving the industry experience, such as the Forum event and delegate lounge. The festival also named Julie Bristow as board chair and Aaron Zeghers as vice-chair.
In short
- Hot Docs promotes Diana Sanchez to president, a new role
- Mara Gourd-Mercado joins from CPH:DOX as executive director from 19 October
- Moves follow 2024's financial crisis and leadership upheaval at the festival
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The case for
The new division of responsibilities could give Hot Docs clearer strategic leadership while freeing its executive director to focus on operations, fundraising and industry programming. Supporters may see the appointments and planned revenue diversification as practical steps towards financial resilience and a better experience for filmmakers and delegates after a period of serious disruption.
The case against
A two-tier leadership structure could create uncertainty about who is accountable for key decisions, especially as the executive director will report to the president while handling day-to-day operations and fundraising. Given the organisation’s recent financial and governance turmoil, sceptics may question whether new titles and leadership changes will address underlying problems without clearer evidence of sustained financial stability and staff confidence.
Explained simply
Hot Docs is a Toronto-based nonprofit that runs a documentary film festival and industry events, including a forum where filmmakers can meet potential funders and partners. Its senior leaders guide both the public festival and the work that connects film-makers with the industry.
The organisation faced serious financial problems after the pandemic, and in 2024 it also lost ten programmers and its artistic director. Diana Sanchez joined after that period of upheaval; Mara Gourd-Mercado has led industry programming at Copenhagen’s CPH:DOX, another documentary festival.
Leadership changes matter because Hot Docs is working to strengthen its finances and operations after those difficulties. Its plans include finding more sources of income and improving the experience for industry delegates.
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