CPH:DOX, the esteemed Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, is set to captivate audiences this March with a dynamic lineup. Unveiling its full program for the 23rd edition, the festival promises an exciting blend of 200 new films, featuring standout premieres and special guests like Juliette Binoche, Louis Theroux, and John Wilson. As CPH:DOX positions itself at the intersection of storytelling and critical global dialogue, the event underscores the transformative power of documentary cinema. With the main keyword focus being the prominent guests at CPH:DOX, the festival ensures a fascinating exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of film.
CPH:DOX is all set to engage film enthusiasts with its extensive program from March 11-22. This year’s festival lineup includes 86 world premieres, 25 international premieres, and 10 European premieres. A highlight of the event is the DOX:AWARD main competition, showcasing eagerly awaited world premieres such as Pieter-Jan De Pue’s “Mariinka,” Nathan Grossman’s “Amazomania,” and Dongnan Chen’s “Whispers in May.”
Special premieres this year will feature James Jones’s “Fukushima,” Omar Shargawi’s “Palestinian Unwanted,” Michael Loeken and Ulrike Franke’s “Watching People Watching Birds,” as well as Dan Vernon’s “The Spy Next Door.” The festival is also keenly anticipating international premieres, including Daniel Roher’s “The AI Doc: How I Became an Apocaloptimist.”
Among the special guests attending CPH:DOX are John Wilson with his debut feature “The History of Concrete,” Juliette Binoche presenting her directorial venture “In-I In Motion,” and Louis Theroux with his latest film “The Settlers.” Additional noteworthy figures include Biljana Tutorov, Sara Dosa, Sébastien Lifshitz, Bea Wangondu, Maite Alberdi, and Alisa Kovalenko.
A Global Perspective on a Changing World
CPH:DOX covers the full expanse of a world in transition, offering insights from geopolitical hotspots like the Arctic, the Amazon, Gaza, and Greenland. The festival delves into pressing themes such as AI disruption, Big Tech’s influence, oligarchic power plays, climate change, and the ongoing battle for freedom of expression. These themes are woven into two primary thematic programs: “Right Here, Right Now” and “Brain Waves.”
Artistic director Niklas Engstrøm emphasizes the urgency of documentary film, stating, “In a world spinning out of control, where speed and distraction dominate, documentary film is more essential than ever.” According to Engstrøm, CPH:DOX aims to slow us down and help us grasp the complexity of both our external world and inner cognition, reshaped by technology.
Thematic Depth with “Right Here, Right Now” and “Brain Waves”
The “Right Here, Right Now” segment focuses on crucial rights in a world where they seem increasingly negotiable. This program comprises 30 films embodying the 30 human rights, accompanied by a significant exhibition at Kunsthal Charlottenborg and a major debate series at Pressen, Politikens Hus. CPH:DOX also presents a Human:Rights Award highlighting films with a special focus on human rights.
Meanwhile, “Brain Waves” explores the brain, consciousness, and how technology is altering human experiences. The program features world premieres like “Intelligence Rising,” reflecting on AI’s influence on global power, and “Conscious,” which investigates awareness and dementia research.
Music, Exhibitions, and Nationwide Reach
Music enthusiasts can look forward to documentaries on celebrated artists such as Nick Cave, Marianne Faithfull, and Judas Priest. The festival also showcases genre-driven films covering funk, folk, Arctic music traditions, and more.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg becomes the festival’s central hub, hosting exhibitions, screenings, and debates. This includes the CPH:DOX Inter:Active exhibition and a solo exhibit by Polish artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas. For a broader audience, the Dox:Danmark initiative extends the festival’s reach across 61 municipalities, offering over 400 screenings nationwide.
Following the festival, CPH:DOX goes digital on the streaming platform PARA:DOX, allowing audiences in Denmark to continue exploring its curated film selection online.
