Carole Pope’s fearless voice redefined Canadian rock and broke barriers for LGBTQ+ artists. ANTIDIVA traces her journey from underground cult figure to celebrated pioneer, revealing never-before-seen archival footage, candid interviews, and a live performance. The film captures her ongoing fight for artistic expression, cultural history, and inter-generational connection in the face of censorship and erasure.

Opening Film, Hot Docs Film Festival 2026

"'Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions' is a raw and rollicking portrait of a taboo-shattering provocateur and Canada’s original queer rock icon... Interviews with k.d. lang, Peaches, Rufus Wainwright, Jann Arden and Jeanne Beker affirm Pope’s place in queer and Canadian cultural history and show how she had kicked the door open for others to walk through." (CBC)

"An affectionate and nostalgic profile of hugely talented, deeply influential Canadian LGBTQ+ hero, singer-songwriter, Carole Pope of the band Rough Trade. Solid archival footage and interviews with celebrity fans like Peaches, Rufus Wainwright and Jann Arden along with Rough Trade co-founder, the late Kevan Staples, make this a feel-good look at a star who never grabbed the international attention — and recording contract — that she deserved. " (NEXT)

Thursday, July 23
Doors 5:30 pm | Film + Q&A 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $20 (includes taxes and fees)

ANTIDIVA: The Carole Pope Confessions (Michelle Mama, 2026 / 83 mins / NR) Carole Pope shattered taboos with raw, unapologetic music and defiant sexuality—Antidiva tells the story of a queer rock icon reclaiming her rightful place in music history.