Photo: hotdocsfest on Instagram 

For Canuck documentary lovers who are looking to catch the latest films, the Canadian International Documentary Festival opens today in Toronto and runs until May 8. Most commonly known as Hot Docs, the annual event describes itself as North America’s largest documentary festival, and claims to present over 200 Canadian and international films.

This year, the festivities kick off at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema with an exclusive reception, which includes cocktails and a screening of the burlesque documentary League of Exotique Dancers.

Guests may want to catch Angry Inuk, a new documentary from Iqaluit-based director Alethea Arnaquq-Baril. The film takes a closer look at the anti-seal hunting campaigns which have become popularized by celebrities, and examines the importance of the seal hunt in the Inuit culture.

Globally-minded film buffs can also stay tuned for director Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami’s Sonita, which shares the story of 18-year-old Afghani refugee Sonita. As the titular character of the documentary, Sonita lives with her conservative family in Iran and has secret aspirations of becoming a rapper. When her family tries to sell her into an arranged marriage, Sonita must fight for a chance at her musical career.

If you’ve ever considered the thought of escape, Tim De Keersmaecker’s No Man Is An Island brings viewers to the small Mediterranean Sea island of Lampedusa. As a gateway destination for African refugees who are looking to build new lives in Europe, this island can be an isolating locale. The film focuses on 16-year-old Adam from Ghana and 21-year-old Tunisian Omar, who are facing issues of racism and adjustment to a new culture.

Meanwhile, Kate Trumbull-LaValle and Joanna Sokolowski’s Ovarian Psycos looks at the Los Angeles bicycle brigade Ovarian Psycos, which consists of disadvantaged young women of colour. Other notable screenings include Swedish director Johan Palmgren’s documentary The Sex Temple and Look Love, a film by Yun Ye which examines issues of family separation in China.

Whether you’re most intrigued by international premieres or prefer the works of Canadian documentary filmmakers, Hot Docs 2016 promises to bring issues of sexuality, poverty and education to the big screen.