Michaelle McLean, who directed the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF) at Hot Docs from its inception in 1999, has stepped down, Hot Docs announced on Wednesday. An annual two-day market held during Hot Docs that assists filmmakers from around the world raise international co-financing, the TDF has grown during her tenure to become North America's essential market event for the international documentary community.

"Working with Michaelle for the past nine years has been a highlight of my career," said Executive Director Chris McDonald in a statement. "She had an ambitious vision for the TDF and with her extraordinary drive brought it to fruition. She was an invaluable member of the Hot Docs team and continues to be a tireless champion for the industry. Her hard work, dedication and pursuit of excellence inspire all those around her."

Having facilitated tens-of-millions of dollars in financing over the years for hundreds of social, cultural and political documentary projects, the TDF hit a record high in 2008 with 550 accredited delegates participating, including 190 broadcasters and distributors. Thirty-five projects from 12 countries were selected for presentation from the record 230 submissions from 29 countries. Notable TDF alumnus that were selected for participation during McLean's tenure include Peter Raymont's A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman, which was shortlisted for a 2008 Academy Award; Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott's The Corporation; Sam Green and Bill Siegel's The Weather Underground, which was nominated for an 2004 Academy Award; and Christian Bauer's The Ritchie Boys, which was shortlisted for a 2005 Academy Award.

Although McLean has stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities, she will continue her association with Hot Docs, overseeing such initiatives as the new Canwest-Hot Docs Completion Fund.