CPH:DOX 2026: Docs Shine Spotlight on Hidden Worlds

The 2026 edition of CPH:DOX, a leading international documentary film festival, recently concluded in Copenhagen. This year's event showcased more than 50 world premieres and hosted prominent figures from the documentary world, including Alex Gibney and Oscar winners David Borenstein and Helle Faber. The festival's artistic director, Niklas Engstrøm, discussed the celebratory mood, partly fueled by recent Oscar successes, and shared personal highlights. He also emphasized the festival's commitment to maintaining independence from political interests, a strategy referred to as an "arm's length" approach. CPH:DOX actively supports filmmakers through its conference and industry programs, notably the CPH:FORUM, where new projects are pitched. Two emerging directors, Hansen Lin and Siyi Chen, presented their film 'Queens Ballroom,' which explores the hidden world of Chinese immigrant ballroom dancers in New York City. They shared insights into how the ballroom scene offers a glimpse into a vanishing aspect of Chinese culture and how local gossip played a role in their storytelling. The festival, funded in part by the Danish Film Institute, plays a crucial role in advancing global documentary cinema.