CPH:DOX 2026: A Festival Bridging Cultures and Conversations

The 23rd edition of CPH:DOX, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, runs from March 11 to March 22, 2026. This year, the festival features 74 films across six juried competition sections, including 53 world premieres and 17 international premieres. Artistic director Niklas Engstrøm emphasized the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse narratives, stating, “From the Arctic to the Amazon, Gaza to Greenland and Kyiv to the Kremlin, CPH:DOX 2026 spans the full alphabet of a world in flux.” The festival aims to address urgent global issues, including geopolitical tensions, AI disruption, and the climate crisis.

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Engstrøm highlighted the importance of documentary cinema in fostering dialogue about complex issues such as human rights and geopolitical ambiguities. He noted that the festival seeks to resist simplification and promote nuanced discussions, stating, “We want to explore the frontiers of documentary cinema... insisting on nuance and resisting easy answers.” This approach is particularly relevant given the current global climate, where political frameworks are shifting and conflicts are intensifying.

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This year, CPH:DOX has seen a significant increase in submissions, with around 3,000 entries compared to 2,000 three years ago. Engstrøm noted that the festival has expanded its programming to include immersive experiences and thematic trends like "Brainwaves," which explores consciousness and the impact of AI. The festival also aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural audiences through its nationwide program, DOX:Danmark, which has grown to include screenings in 60 municipalities across Denmark.

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The industry segment of CPH:DOX, CPH:INDUSTRY, will focus on pressing issues such as the impact of AI on truth and perception. Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of industry & training, emphasized the need for the documentary community to adapt to these changes, stating, “AI is a tool like any other tool, but how can we take that tool and adapt it to our needs?” The program will also address concerns about censorship and the importance of creating safe spaces for independent voices, particularly in regions where such discussions are fraught with danger.

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A key aspect of CPH:DOX is its commitment to fostering critical conversations. Engstrøm mentioned a notable session featuring Danish Palestinian filmmaker Omar Shargawi, who will discuss his film "Palestinian Unwanted" alongside a media representative he has previously criticized. This initiative aims to create a platform for dialogue rather than an echo chamber, reflecting the festival's ethos of engaging with diverse perspectives.

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CPH:DOX 2026 stands as a testament to the festival's dedication to diversity and dialogue in documentary filmmaking. Engstrøm articulated the festival's mission to challenge conventional formats and encourage critical discussions, stating, “It should be an open space where we can discuss even the hardest questions.” As the festival unfolds, it promises to be a vital space for grappling with the complexities of today's world through the lens of documentary art.

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