CPH:DOX 2026: The Copenhagen Films You Absolutely Cannot Miss
The first hints of spring are 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 is certain – the 2026 programme is one of the strongest I've seen in a long time. The city is buzzing, cinemas are gearing up, and we're all facing that delightful dilemma: what to choose?
This festival has always been a playground for curious souls seeking stories that touch the heart 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 deep into the programme, spoken to the people behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you simply cannot miss.
When science becomes powerful 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 special 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 profound sense of being part of something much, much larger. Definitely 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 subtly reshaping our reality. This is CPH:DOX at its best: it gives you plenty to ponder long after the credits roll.
Three films you won't regret watching
I know the programme can seem overwhelming. So, I've picked out a few from previous years (and looking 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, steering clear of the usual clichés. You have to see this one.
- A throwback to 2019's classic: I still remember the debate around some of the major 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, 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 really looking forward to happens outside the dark cinema halls. We're heading to Hotel Cecil X Cph:dox because they've managed to bring in the 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 something that's practically a new art form. It's not just a concert – it's an audiovisual experience perfectly suited to 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 grab a good bite to eat. For me, it's an essential part of the festival rhythm.
In other words, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual documentary extravaganza. Go on, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept away. This is going to be good.