CPH:DOX Conference Set to Explore Key Industry Challenges
The Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH: DOX) is gearing up for its eventful CPH: CONFERENCE, running from March 16 to 19. This year’s gathering will spotlight renowned filmmakers and industry leaders, such as Poh Si Teng (American Doctor), Sara Dosa (Fire of Love), and Shane Boris, producer of The AI Doc. The event will also feature Carolyn Bernstein, EVP of documentary film at National Geographic.
Key Themes and Topics to Discuss
Under the theme of CPH: INDUSTRY, this year’s lineup promises engaging discussions on pressing issues faced by documentary filmmakers. Topics will include political pressure, platform power, and the disruptions introduced by artificial intelligence in the filmmaking process.
Highlighting Diverse Voices in Cinema
Additional speakers include US comedian John Wilson (The History Of Concrete), acclaimed Irish documentarian Sinéad O’Shea (All About The Money), and renowned documentary editor Joe Bini, known for his collaborations with Werner Herzog. Filmmaker and curator Tracy Rector, representing mixed heritage filmmaking, will also share her insights.
Workshops and Panels on AI and Storytelling
The conference will host workshops focusing on the ethical use of AI in documentary filmmaking, along with a panel addressing immersive formats. A standout session titled **‘Constructing Your Own Cinematic Language’** will feature the filmmakers behind Jaripeo, Efraín Mojica and Rebecca Zweig, discussing the crafting of queer aesthetics in rural settings.
Exploring New Frontiers in Documentary Filmmaking
In a session labeled **‘Rekindling the Machine – Documentary in the Age of AI’**, panelists, including filmmaker Marc Silver (Molly vs. The Machine), will explore how filmmakers can transition from merely being users of technology to becoming architects of human-centric storytelling.
Addressing Societal Challenges Through Film
One notable discussion, titled **‘We’re All Doomed – Can Hope Survive the Permacrisis?’**, will evaluate the potential for filmmakers to create dystopian narratives that inspire solidarity rather than despair. In another session, **‘What’s Next? Future Perspectives on the Shifting Eco-System of the Creative Documentary’**, experts will analyze the changing landscape of funding and distribution for creative documentaries.
Palestinian Voices in Documentary Film
**‘Updated Reflections on Contemporary Palestinian Documentary Filmmaking’** will feature perspectives from Palestinian director Ashtar Muallem (Cosmos), Dalia Al-Kury (Forma), and Kinda Kurdi (This is Gaza), focusing on the healing power of diverse cinematic approaches in historic Palestine.
Indigenous Perspectives and Narrative Positionality
Another engaging panel, **‘Liberatory Image-Making: New Perspectives on Sovereignty and Futurity in Indigenous-Led Nonfiction Cinema’**, will dissect futures of Indigenous-led documentaries. Panelists like Johannes Ujo Müller (Our Flag) and Adam Khalil will illuminate indigenous perspectives.
Analyzing the Filmmaker’s Gaze
The panel **‘Position, Privilege and the Epistemic Power of the Gaze: Towards Narrative Positionality’** will encourage filmmakers to reflect on their relationship with subjects, highlighting how proximity or distance can shape storytelling.
CPH:DOX Summit to Kick Off Conference
The CPH:DOX SUMMIT returns on March 16 with the theme **‘Sovereignty: Rethink, Envision, Redefine’**. The summit will commence with a keynote address from Bruno Patino, ARTE France president, and aims to foster discussions about the significant changes facing the film industry.
Engaging Sessions and Future Strategies
Key sessions will include **‘The Act of Building: New Infrastructure for Information Ecosystems Under Siege’**, along with a forward-looking strategy discussion entitled **‘To Be Seen or Not to Be Seen’**. This session aims to explore how independent creatives can effectively connect and engage audiences by 2030.
Resisting Censorship through Collaboration
The panel **‘Tales from the Frontlines’** will gather journalists and directors to discuss strategies for resisting censorship, utilizing grassroots innovations, and leveraging technology, such as AI fact-checking, to help restore trust in local democracies.
According to Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of industry and training at CPH:DOX, this year’s events aim to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about challenging corporate power over content and forging safe spaces for independent filmmakers. Key objectives include igniting fresh ideas and equipping filmmakers with tools to combat censorship in the evolving landscape.
Join the CPH:INDUSTRY 2026 Initiatives
CPH:INDUSTRY will also present various activities, such as the international financing platform **CPH:FORUM**, a documentary showcase called **CPH:ROUGHCUT**, and the talent development program **CPH:LAB** for immersive non-fiction. The **CPH:MARKET**, an online platform, will also be active from March 11 to April 2, supporting independent creators.
