CPH:DOX 2026: The Copenhagen films you simply can't miss

That crisp spring air is slowly creeping back over Copenhagen, which can only mean one thing: it's time for CPH:DOX once again. I've honestly lost count of how many years I've been part of this circus, but one thing's for sure – the program for 2026 is some of the strongest I've seen in a long while. The city's buzzing, the cinemas are gearing up, and the rest of us are left with that wonderful kind of confusion: What do you choose?

The festival has always been a playground for curious souls craving stories that tug at the heart and challenge the mind. This year's no different. We're talking everything from artificial brains that could talk your ear off, to beautiful, melancholic journeys into the soul of Greenland. I've dived into the program, had a chat with the people behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you absolutely cannot miss.

When science becomes high art

It's no secret I've got a soft spot for films that manage to turn complex science into something you feel in your gut. This year, there's a particular focus on the cosmos and our place in it – the film We Are Stardust is a prime example. It's a visual journey that links black holes and molecular biology in a way that leaves you with this profound sense of being part of something much, much bigger. Keep an eye out for that one.

For those of us who love that tech curiosity, there are also a few gems about artificial intelligence. It's not just dry lectures on screen, but honest, thought-provoking portraits of how algorithms are slowly but surely reshaping our reality. This is CPH:DOX at its finest: it gives you plenty to chew on long after the credits roll.

Three films you won't regret

Look, I get it – the program can seem overwhelming. So I've picked out a couple from previous years (and looked ahead to this year's) that have really stuck with me. The critics agree, and I can only say the same:

• This year's big surprise: There's a documentary about Greenland this year that manages to paint a nuanced picture, steering clear of the usual clichés. You'll want to catch this one.
• From the 2019 classic: I still remember the buzz around some of the big titles from CPH:DOX 2019. This year, there's a film that hits a similar nerve – it's personal, political, and incredibly relevant.
• Artistic experiment: For those after something a bit different, there's a new wave of experimental documentary-making that plays with the format. Think of the visual punch from some of the best works in CPH:DOX 2018, but with a fresh 2026 perspective.

When music meets the big screen

One of the things I'm really looking forward to happens outside the dark cinemas. We're heading to Hotel Cecil X Cph:dox because they've managed to get the French composer Chassol (FR) through the door. The bloke's a phenomenon. He takes reality, everyday voices and samples from all corners of the world and composes them into something that's almost a new art form in itself. It's not just a concert – it's an audiovisual experience that fits the festival's spirit perfectly. It's going to be something truly special.

And then there's the MANNA x cph:dox collaboration, always a safe bet if you're after food experiences and films presented in a fresh way. It's where you run into other film buffs, debate the day's discoveries and grab some decent grub. For me, it's a staple part of the festival rhythm.

So, in short, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual documentary fest. Get in quick, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept up in it. This one's going to be good.