Exploring the Future of Documentary Cinema: CPH:DOX 2026 Competition Lineup Unveiled
CPH:DOX, also known as Copenhagen Intl. Documentary Film Festival, has announced its competition lineup for the 23rd edition of the festival. The lineup includes 53 world premieres, 17 international premieres, and four European premieres. The festival will take place from March 11 to 22.
Niklas Engstrøm, the artistic director of CPH:DOX, emphasized the importance of documentary cinema in the current shifting landscape. The films in this year's competition lineup aim to challenge perceptions and offer a space for deep reflection and engagement with complex issues.
The festival's flagship competition section is the DOX:AWARD, which features 12 world premiere feature films competing for a €10,000 prize. Additionally, there are five other competitions with a €5,000 prize each, focusing on different cinematic themes such as investigative journalism, human rights, artists' films, emerging filmmakers, and Nordic documentaries.
A new addition to the 2026 edition is the FIPRESCI Award, presented by the International Federation of Film Critics, for which the films in the DOX:AWARD Competition are nominated. CPH:DOX also collaborates with the seven European festivals in the Doc Alliance network to present a selection of films nominated for the 2026 Doc Alliance Award.
Mads K. Mikkelsen, the head of program of CPH:DOX, highlighted the artistic and contemporary nature of the competition lineup, which reflects the challenging times we live in. The films aim to explore the possibilities of 21st-century cinema with a focus on humanism, solidarity, and creativity.
Each year, CPH:DOX attracts over 150,000 attendees and more than 2,000 industry professionals. The competition lineup includes films from various genres and themes, offering a diverse and engaging cinematic experience for audiences.
The competition lineup for CPH:DOX includes films in different categories such as DOX:AWARD, F:ACT AWARD, HUMAN:RIGHTS AWARD, NORDIC:DOX, NEXT:WAVE, and NEW:VISION. The films cover a wide range of topics and styles, showcasing the diversity and creativity of documentary filmmaking.
In conclusion, CPH:DOX's competition lineup for the 23rd edition of the festival promises to offer a thought-provoking and engaging cinematic experience for audiences. With a focus on contemporary issues and innovative storytelling, the films selected for the competition reflect the evolving landscape of documentary cinema.