Hot Docs Announces 2015 Scotiabank Big Ideas Series Featuring Comedian Tig Notaro, Canadian Politician Danny Williams, Journalist Andy Greenberg, Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Hockey Player Charline Labonte, and Many Others

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - March 17, 2015) - Hot Docs is pleased to announce the third edition of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series, which will offer audiences the opportunity to experience five thought-provoking documentaries and then hear first-hand from the notable subjects and experts on the issues featured in the films. The Scotiabank Big Ideas Series will take place during this year's Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, running April 23 to May 3.

This year's Big Ideas encompass such issues as women's health, Canadian and Haitian politics, crime in the Internet age, and sexual orientation in the world of sports. The series will welcome Grammy-nominated comedian Tig Notaro, subject of TIG; charismatic former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Danny Williams, subject of DANNY; director Alex Winter, WIRED senior writer Andy Greenberg and the parents of Ross Ulbricht, subject of DEEP WEB; Ex-Fugee Pras Michel, who played a key role in the presidential campaign depicted in SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT; and Olympic Gold Medal-winning hockey player Charline Labonté, former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean and American college football player Conner Mertens, subjects of OUT TO WIN.

"This year's Scotiabank Big Ideas series explores diverse frontiers: the internet, pop culture, athletics, equality, Canadian and international politics -- but what binds them together is a remarkable collection of people who are change makers, thought leaders and disruptors," says executive director Brett Hendrie. "We're excited to bring these films and their special guests to the festival for conversations that will surely be animated and inspired."

"We are excited about the return of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series at this year's Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, which allows audiences to engage directly in thought-provoking documentaries with those who either created or inspired the film," said Jacqueline Ryan, Scotiabank's Vice President of Sponsorship and Partnership Programs. "At Scotiabank, we believe that the arts enrich our communities and encourage us to develop new perspectives, inspiring us to pursue our passions. That is why we are so proud to support Hot Docs, which offers filmgoers the opportunity to experience art firsthand and gain a better understanding on a great range of topics, which are important to audiences both here in Canada and around the world."