The Hot Docs International Documentary Festival returns to Toronto this week for its biggest year yet.

Founded in 1993, Hot Docs has grown into North America’s largest documentary festival. The re-vamping of Toronto’s classic Bloor Cinema has given the event a swanky new home base in 2012 and, as always, a select handful of the city’s other theatres will also host screenings. Nearly two hundred titles fill the eleven day schedule, with topics ranging from the “hacktivist” collective Anonymous to the history of the Yugo. Not surprisingly, many music-focused films are among those garnering the highest anticipation.

Hot Docs runs from April 26th-May 6th, with ticket information and screening times available online.

Here’s a look at the highlights:

Shut Up And Play The Hits
Premiering at Sundance in January, this snapshot of unintentional hipster pied-piper James Murphy immediately had buzz surrounding it. Filmed over the two days leading up to and including LCD Soundsystem’s final show (in April 2011 at Madison Square Garden) – it’s part concert film, part personal portrait, and part interview. Murphy’s chat with pop culture wizard Chuck Klosterman promises as much intrigue as the hallowed concert footage itself.

Charles Bradley: Soul Of America
The unlikely story of a Brooklyn singer’s late rise to fame after decades spent grinding it out in small clubs and working odd jobs to make ends meet, this hot ticket flick drips with emotion and hard-won triumph. Bradley, formerly billed as Black Velvet, bares his heart on stage and on screen with deep honesty. At 62 years old, he is finally learning to read while simultaneously gaining respect in the industry he always coveted. This is one not to miss.

Beware Of Mr. Baker
72 year-old Ginger Baker is rightly regarded as a pioneer of rock and roll drumming, and that’s just scratching the surface of his lifetime supply of unbelievable stories. For starters: The Cream and Blind Faith alum (and notorious madman) currently lives in South Africa with his 29-year old internet bride and dozens of polo ponies. Interviews with Baker’s ex-wives, his children, and contemporaries with names like Clapton and Santana help to illustrate the captivating tale of a maniacal genius.

An Affair Of The Heart
Believe it or not, Rick Springfield has one of the most faithful fan bases in the music world. The ’Jessie’s Girl’-singing heartthrob and General Hospital veteran attracts an endless parade of obsessive followers while turning in a hundred shows a year. As much a depiction of the phenomenon of celebrity and its devotees as it is about the man himself, this film offers more than just a guilty pleasure.

Marley
Check out the real situation: The authorized biography of one of the biggest cultural icons in history hits screens at long last. Directed by Oscar winner Kevin MacDonald, this definitive examination of the life of reggae icon Bob Marley promises to entertain and inform even the most serious fan. Rare footage and recollections from Marley’s nearest and dearest paint a detailed picture of the timeless legend in what’s sure to be a popular selection.

Big Easy Express
Like the similarly-titled Grateful Dead/Janis Joplin/The Band chronicle that came before it, this troubadour tale follows the railroad journey of three kindred musical acts. Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mumford & Sons board a train in Oakland bound for New Orleans with plenty of time for collaboration and adventure at hand. A backdrop of endless landscapes and a melting pot of melodious styles ensure a satisfying ride all the way to the crescent city.

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet
Blessed with prodigious talent and destined for certain success, Jason Becker appeared to have it all. But in 1991, shortly after nabbing a spot in David Lee Roth’s band, the young guitarist was diagnosed with ALS and given five years to live. His explosive rise and tragic fall are fascinatingly covered, revealing the strength and salvation of a near-superstar.