We’re thrilled to share that four films made with the support of WMM’s Production Assistance Program received awards at Hot Docs 2025! Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who premiered, screened in Works in Progress, and took meetings. WMM staff members Debra Zimmerman, Kendra Hodgson, and Kyra Brands were happy to get the chance to see so many lovely filmmakers in person. Read about the award winners below:
2 Production Assistance Program films were recognized for the HOT DOCS JOAN VANDUZER SPECIAL JURY PRIZE;
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
🏆Winner: RIVER OF GRASS
(dir. Sasha Wortzel, prod. Danielle Varga, Sasha Wortzel)
Presented to a standout film in the International Spectrum Competition selected by the jury. The award comes with a $5,000 case prize, in memory of Joan VanDuzer, a longtime Hot Docs supporter.
⭐Jury Mention: I DREAMED HIS NAME
(dir. Ángela Carabalí; prod. Sandra Tabares Duque, Ángela Carabalí)
Recognized by the jury for its powerful storytelling and unique vision.
WRITING HAWA was recognized in two categories:
🏆 Winner: HOT DOCS STUDENT CHOICE AWARD &
🏆 Jury Mention: BEST SOCIAL IMPACT DOCUMENTARY
(dir. Najiba Noori, Rasul Noori; prod. Christian Popp, Hasse van Nunen, Renko Douze)
The Hot Docs Student Choice Award is chosen by students participating in Docs for Schools and comes with a $5,000 cash prize, courtesy of Scotiabank. The Best Social Impact Documentary is awarded to a documentary that creatively and innovatively portrays a challenging topic.
THE BLUE SWEATER WITH A YELLOW HOLE was one of three projects to win First Look prizes after participating in the Works in Progress screenings:
🏆 HOT DOCS FIRST LOOK AWARD – WORKS-IN-PROGRESS
(dir. Tetiana Khodakivska; prod. Elena Saulich, Tetiana Khodakivska)
Awarded through a curated access program for philanthropic and documentary-loving supporters that grants behind-the-scenes access to new projects in development. It comes with a $5,000 cash prize.
We would also like to give a special shoutout to WMM Program alum Cornelia Principe, recipient of the 2025 Don Haig Award for her new film SHAMED. The Don Haig Award honors an outstanding Canadian producer with a strong track record of mentorship and creative vision.
