The new hire arrives from the Toronto International Film Festival and will start on October 5.

Shane Smith

Current programming manager Sarafina DiFelice will assume the newly created position of associate director of programming.

“Shane has built a well-earned reputation as a champion of original and visionary filmmakers, and his innovative programming reflects his own passion to inspire, inform and entertain filmgoers,” said Hot Docs executive director Brett Hendrie.

“His outstanding eye for great docs will help ensure that Hot Docs continues to bring the most outspoken and outstanding films to the festival every year. I can’t wait for our audiences to meet him.”

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