CPH:DOX 2026: The Copenhagen Films You Absolutely Can't Miss
The first hints of spring air are gently drifting over Copenhagen, which 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 circus, but one thing's for sure – the 2026 programme is some of the strongest I've seen in a long while. The city is buzzing, cinemas are gearing up, and the rest of us are left with that familiar, pleasant confusion: what should you choose?
The festival has always been a playground for curious souls craving stories that stir the heart and challenge the mind. This year is no exception. We're talking everything from artificial brains that can spin you into another world, 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 simply cannot 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 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 connecting 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 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 gradually reshaping our reality. This is 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 programme 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'd say the same:
- This year's big surprise: There's a documentary about Greenland this year that manages to paint a nuanced picture, far from the usual clichés. You need to see this one.
- Echoing a 2019 classic: I still remember the debate surrounding some of the major titles from CPH:DOX 2019. This year, there's a film hitting that same nerve – it's personal, political, and utterly relevant.
- Artistic experiment: For those seeking something different, there's a new wave of experimental documentary-making 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 image
One of the things I'm really looking forward to happens outside the dark cinema halls. We're heading to Hotel Cecil X Cph:dox, because they've got the French composer Chassol (FR) coming in. The man is a phenomenon. He takes reality, everyday voices, and samples from all corners of the world, composing them into something that's almost a new art form. It's not just a concert – it's an audiovisual experience that perfectly matches the festival's spirit. 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 films curated in a new way. It's where you meet other film buffs, discuss the day's discoveries, and get some good food in your belly. For me, it's a regular part of the festival rhythm.
In other words, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual documentary fest. Go on, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept away. This is going to be good.