Short Film News (SFN) - Hot Docs announced partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival and the Whistler Film Festival to launch its popular Doc Soup screening series in Calgary and Vancouver this fall.

"We're thrilled to have these dynamic partners helping us to cultivate wider Canadian audiences for documentaries," says Chris McDonald, Executive Director of Hot Docs. "Both festivals have developed loyal followings and we're certain that they'll embrace Doc Soup as Toronto audiences have done."

Launched in 2001, Hot Doc's monthly Doc Soup screenings have become must-attend events for Toronto's film-loving public.

Running October to April, the series showcases the latest Canadian and international documentaries, and has premiered for Toronto audiences such notable Academy Award-nominated films as Capturing the Friedmans (2003), Jesus Camp (2006), and No End in Sight (2007).

Films selected for Doc Soup in Calgary and Vancouver will be premieres in those markets and guest directors will also be present at select screenings. Films will be programmed by Sean Farnel, Hot Docs' Director of Programming, and his team, in consultation with the Calgary International Film Festival and the Whistler Film Festival.

Toronto's Doc Soup will launch its eighth season in October. Screenings will take place at the Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West. Screening dates are: October 29, November 19, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 11 and April 15.

Vancouver's Doc Soup will run from October to March. Screenings will take place at the Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street. Screening dates are: October 16, November 13, December 18, January 15, February 19 and March 19.

Calgary's Doc Soup will run from November to May. Screenings will take place at the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market, 200 Barlay Parade, S.W. Screening dates are: November 5, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6 (no screening in December).

Subscriptions for all three Doc Soup series are currently available at www.docsoup.ca.