CPH:DOX 2026: The films you absolutely cannot miss in Singapore (and Copenhagen)
Spring is finally in the air over Copenhagen, and that can only mean one thing: It's time for CPH:DOX again. Honestly, I've lost count of how many years I've been part of this circus, but one thing's for sure – the 2026 lineup 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 facing that familiar, delightful dilemma: What to choose?
The festival has always been a playground for curious souls who want stories that hit you right in the feels and challenge your mind. This year's no different. We're talking everything from artificial brains that could talk your ear off, to beautiful, melancholic journeys into the heart of Greenland. I've dived deep into the programme, chatted with the folks behind it, and here's my personal guide to what you simply cannot miss.
When science becomes epic art
No secret that I have a soft spot for films that turn complex science into something you can really feel. This year, there's a special focus on the cosmos and our place in it – the film We Are Stardust is a prime example. It's a visual trip that connects black holes and molecular biology in a way that leaves you with this profound sense of being part of something much, much bigger. Keep an eye out for it.
For those of us who love tech and all its possibilities, there are also several gems about artificial intelligence. These aren't just dry, lecture-style docs, but honest, thought-provoking portraits of how algorithms are subtly reshaping our reality. This is CPH:DOX at its best: It gives you food for thought long after the credits roll.
Three films you won't regret catching
I get it, the programme can seem overwhelming. So, I've picked out a few from past years (and looking ahead to this year's) that have really stuck with me. The critics agree, and I have to say the same:
- This year's big surprise: There's a documentary about Greenland this year that manages to show a nuanced picture, far from the usual clichés. You've got to check this one out.
- Echoes of a 2019 classic: I still remember the buzz around some of the major titles from CPH:DOX 2019. This year, there's a film hitting that same nerve – it's personal, political, and incredibly relevant.
- Artistic experimentation: For those seeking something different, there's a new wave of experimental documentaries playing with the format. Think the visual punch of some of the best works from CPH:DOX 2018, but with a fresh 2026 perspective.
When music meets the visuals
One of the things I'm really looking forward to is happening outside the dark cinema halls. We're heading to Hotel Cecil X Cph:dox, because they've managed to get French composer Chassol (FR) through the doors. 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 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 really 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 combined in a new way. It's where you bump into other film buffs, debate the day's discoveries, and grab some good grub. For me, it's a staple part of the festival rhythm.
So, Copenhagen is basically being prepped for its annual documentary fest. Go on, book your tickets, and let yourself get swept up. This is going to be good.