The CPH:Forum 2026 is set to be a significant event in the documentary film world, bringing together a diverse array of projects from both established and emerging filmmakers. With 30 new documentary projects from 101 directors and producers representing 23 nations, the forum aims to foster collaboration and secure funding for these cinematic endeavors. The event, spanning from March 17-19, will also feature special showcases like CPH:ROUGHCUT for films nearing completion and the CHANGE program highlighting Eastern European perspectives, all culminating in the distribution of substantial awards to support compelling storytelling.
This year's CPH:Forum will spotlight works from directors whose previous films have garnered critical attention. For instance, Lea Glob, known for “Apolonia, Apolonia,” and David Borenstein, director of “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” are among the distinguished talents presenting new projects. Other notable directors include Göran Hugo Olsson, Verena Paravel, Beniamino Barrese, Robert Greene, and Kathryn Ferguson. The forum will provide a crucial platform for these filmmakers to engage with financiers and representatives from major streaming platforms, broadcasters, and film studios such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, ARTE, and National Geographic.
The head of industry and training, Mara Gourd-Mercado, emphasized the forum's role in showcasing narratives that challenge the status quo and promote understanding in a complex world. She highlighted the honor of hosting filmmakers who entrust their projects to the forum, viewing it as a vital space for the transformative power of documentary cinema. The event is structured to facilitate dialogue and secure essential resources for these films, underscoring the industry's commitment to impactful storytelling.
Beyond the main presentations, CPH:Forum incorporates specialized segments to address different stages of film production. CPH:ROUGHCUT will present five documentaries close to completion, seeking distribution, sales, and festival premieres. Additionally, the CHANGE program, a collaboration with IMS and EAVE, focuses on empowering documentary projects from Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine). This six-month training program concludes with a pitch session in Copenhagen, providing these filmmakers with invaluable exposure and support.
A highlight of the forum is the robust awards ceremony, where more than €100,000 will be distributed across eight categories. New partnerships, such as with the European public broadcaster ARTE, will offer consultations for two projects. The Jacob Burns Film Center will grant a stipend and residency, including access to editing and post-production facilities. Specialized awards include the Sandbox Films Science Pitch Prize, offering $25,000 for an outstanding science documentary, and the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel Co-Production Award of €15,000 for projects focusing on the MENA region and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Eurimages New Lab Awards will also honor innovative and experimental projects with two distinct prizes: the Innovation Award of €20,000 and the Outreach Award of €30,000.
The event is a nexus for creative vision and financial backing, providing an opportunity for documentary filmmakers to realize their projects and reach wider audiences. The diverse selection of films, ranging from personal narratives to global sociopolitical commentaries, reflects the forum's dedication to supporting a wide spectrum of voices and perspectives in documentary filmmaking.