CPH:DOX, one Europe's leading documentary film festivals, has announced its full program, which includes no fewer than 84 world premieres out of more than 200 films being screened in the Danish capital and nationwide from March 13 through March 24. This 21st edition aims to make documentary film accessible not only to a select industry few but to the public at large.
The festival will kick off with a new nationwide approach, with mini festivals running simultaneously in nearly half of Denmark's municipalities. In addition to the six main awards, a new Audience Award is being revived by popular request, which comes with a €5,000 prize.
The festival's overarching theme of 'Body Politics' explores questions about the body and our understanding of it. The main theme of this edition, 'Conflicted,' delves into local, territorial, and cultural conflicts around the world. Artistic director Niklas Engstrøm explains that the theme expands on what's going on in Israel-Palestine but also looks at other conflicts with similar elements.
Seven films at the festival explore the Israel-Palestine conflict, with three being world premieres. The festival's new Human Rights Competition, revived after a 10-year hiatus, will feature Tal Barda's 'I Shall Not Hate,' a film about Nobel Peace Prize nominated author and doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish.
Aside from the Israel-Palestine conflict, the festival will also focus on other conflicts, including Russia's war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, and the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
The festival will feature renowned figures from the music industry, such as Pete Doherty and Peaches, alongside director talks and two-ways during the Conference mornings with guests like Alex Gibney, James Marsh, Shiori Ito, Asmae El Moudir, and Zia Anger.
Out-of-competition world premieres include films like 'Apollo Thirteen: Survival,' 'Housewife of the Year,' and 'The Stimming Pool,' co-created by a collective of autistic directors and artist-filmmaker Steven Eastwood.
CPH:DOX will run in Copenhagen from March 13 to March 24, offering a diverse and engaging program for documentary film enthusiasts.
