CPH:DOX 2026: The Copenhagen Films You Absolutely Can't Miss
Spring air is slowly starting to drift in over Copenhagen, and that can only mean one thing: It's time for CPH:DOX again. I've honestly lost count of how many years I've been part of this scene, but one thing's for sure – the 2026 program is some of the strongest I've seen in a long time. The city is buzzing, the cinemas are getting ready, and the rest of us are dealing with that delightful kind of confusion: What should you choose?
The festival has always been a playground for curious souls who want stories that tug at the heartstrings and challenge the mind. This year is no exception. 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, talked to the people behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you simply cannot miss.
When science becomes great art
It's no secret that I have a soft spot for films that manage to turn complex science into something you can 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 connects black holes and molecular biology in a way that leaves you with a sense of being part of something much, much bigger. Keep an eye out for it.
For those of us who love tech-driven curiosity, there are also several gems about artificial intelligence. These aren't just dry lectures on film, but honest, thought-provoking portraits of how algorithms are gradually starting to reshape our reality. It's CPH:DOX at its best: giving you plenty to ponder long after the credits roll.
Three films you won't regret seeing
I know the program can seem overwhelming. So, I've picked out a few 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 show a nuanced picture, steering clear of the usual clichés. You'll want to catch this one.
- Echoing a 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 seeking something different, there's a new wave of experimental documentary filmmaking that plays with the format. Think of the visual power 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 book French composer Chassol (FR). The guy is 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. 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, which is always a safe bet if you're looking for food experiences and film pairings in a fresh format. It's where you run into other film buffs, debate the day's discoveries, and grab some good food. For me, it's a staple of the festival rhythm.
In other words, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual documentary celebration. Go ahead, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept up. This is going to be good.