CPH:DOX 2026: The must-see films lighting up Copenhagen this year
That spring air is finally starting to creep back into 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 doing 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's buzzing, the cinemas are gearing up, and the rest of us are left with that familiar, wonderful confusion: What should you actually go and see?
The festival has always been a playground for curious souls who want stories that hit you in the heart and challenge the mind. This year's no different. We're talking everything from artificial brains that could talk you under the table, to beautiful, melancholy journeys into Greenland's soul. I've dived deep into the programme, had chats with the people behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you absolutely can't miss.
When science becomes art on a grand scale
It's no secret I've got a soft spot for films that manage to turn complex science into something you can really 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 this overwhelming sense of being part of something much, much bigger. Keep an eye out for it.
For those of us who love that technological curiosity, there are also some gems about artificial intelligence. These aren't just dry lectures on film, but honest, thought-provoking portraits of how algorithms are quietly reshaping our reality. This is CPH:DOX at its absolute best: it gives you plenty to chew on long after the credits roll.
Three films you won't regret catching
I know the programme can feel a bit overwhelming. So I've picked out a few from previous years (and looked ahead to this year's lineup) that have really stuck with me. The critics agree, and honestly, so do I:
- This year's big surprise: There's a documentary about Greenland this year that manages to paint a nuanced picture, steering well clear of the usual clichés. You need to see this one.
- With echoes of a 2019 classic: I still remember the debate around some of the big titles from CPH:DOX 2019. This year, there's a film that hits the same nerve – it's personal, political, and utterly relevant.
- An artistic experiment: For those after something a bit different, there's a new wave of experimental documentary-making that's really playing with the form. 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 moving image
One of the things I'm genuinely 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 doors. The guy's a phenomenon. He takes reality, voices from everyday life, 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 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 after food experiences and films curated in a fresh new way. It's where you bump into other film nerds, debate the day's discoveries, and grab some decent food. For me, it's a solid part of the rhythm during the festival.
In short, Copenhagen is getting ready for its annual documentary celebration. Get in quick, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept up in it. This is going to be good.