CPH:DOX 2026: The Copenhagen Film Gems You Simply Can't Afford to Miss
The first whispers of spring are drifting across 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 2026 programme is one of the strongest I've seen in a long while. The city is buzzing, cinemas are gearing up, and the rest of us are faced with that delightful dilemma: what to choose?
The festival has always been a playground for curious souls craving stories that touch the heart and challenge the mind. This year is no exception. We're talking everything from artificial minds that could talk their way out of any situation, to beautiful, melancholic journeys into the soul of Greenland. I've delved into the programme, chatted with the people behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you absolutely shouldn't miss.
When science becomes great art
It's no secret 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 within it – the film We Are Stardust is a prime example. It's a visual journey linking black holes and molecular biology in a way that leaves you with a profound sense of being part of something much, much bigger. Keep an eye out for it.
For those of us who love technological 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 quietly beginning to reshape our reality. This is CPH:DOX at its best: providing food for thought that lingers long after the credits roll.
Three films you won't regret seeing
I know the programme can seem overwhelming. So, I've picked 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 echo the sentiment:
- 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. It's a must-see.
- A nod to a 2019 classic: I still remember the debate surrounding some of the major titles from CPH:DOX 2019. This year, there's a film that hits the same nerve – it's personal, political, and utterly relevant.
- Artistic experimentation: For those seeking something different, a new wave of experimental documentary filmmaking is playing 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 moving image
One of the things I'm genuinely looking forward to happens outside the dark cinema auditoriums. We're heading to Hotel Cecil X Cph:dox, because they've managed to book French composer Chassol (FR). The man is a phenomenon. He takes reality, everyday voices, and samples from all corners of the world and composes them into what is 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 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 films presented in a new light. It's the place to meet fellow film buffs, discuss the day's discoveries, and grab some good food. For me, it's an essential part of the festival rhythm.
In other words, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual celebration of documentary filmmaking. Get going, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept away. This is going to be good.