By admin 
The Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX), a beacon for groundbreaking non-fiction cinema, has once again joined forces with European Film Promotion (EFP) for the second edition of "Europe! Docs." This strategic collaboration, designed to spotlight exceptional European documentaries and significantly enhance their market access within North America, represents a crucial initiative for the international documentary landscape. The online showcase, meticulously curated by the programming teams of both CPH:DOX and EFP, is strategically timed to precede the main festival. Its primary objective is to generate early industry buzz, capture the attention of U.S. buyers and distributors, and lay the groundwork for successful distribution deals and international co-productions.
This year’s "Europe! Docs" presents a curated selection of six European documentaries, all world premieres drawn from the prestigious DOX:AWARD competition section of the upcoming CPH:DOX festival. The selection committee has deliberately chosen these films to underscore the "diversity and creative strength of contemporary European documentary filmmaking." This commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of themes, styles, and perspectives is vital in a global market that increasingly values authentic and impactful storytelling. The initiative aims to bridge the geographical and cultural gap between European creators and their potential North American audience, fostering a more interconnected and dynamic documentary ecosystem.
Sonja Heinen, Managing Director of EFP, articulated the profound significance of this ongoing partnership. "Continuing our collaboration with CPH:DOX is a real pleasure," she stated, emphasizing the unique platform "Europe! Docs" offers. "In its second year, Europe! Docs provides a unique platform connecting European filmmakers directly with key North American industry players. By showcasing carefully selected films ahead of the festival, we create early visibility and open the door to new partnerships, reinforcing our commitment to bringing European cinema further and making a real impact in the U.S. market." Heinen’s remarks highlight the program’s dual focus: championing European artistic talent and facilitating tangible commercial opportunities, a dual objective that is critical for the sustainability of independent documentary filmmaking. The EFP’s role in this initiative is particularly noteworthy, as the organization has a long-standing mission to promote European film on a global scale, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to support filmmakers in navigating complex international markets.
Mara Gourd-Mercado, Head of Industry and Training at CPH:DOX, echoed Heinen’s enthusiasm, underscoring the added value this initiative brings to CPH:Market, the festival’s industry arm. "We’re very happy to continue building Europe! Docs together with EFP in 2026," she commented, highlighting the program’s direct benefit to filmmakers. "The initiative adds real value to CPH:Market by giving outstanding European documentaries early exposure to U.S. buyers and decision-makers, while creating space for meaningful exchange around the films. It’s an important step in strengthening international pathways for European non-fiction and further underlines CPH:Industry as a key meeting point for the global documentary sector. We’re looking forward to another strong and inspiring showcase." Gourd-Mercado’s perspective illuminates how "Europe! Docs" functions not just as a screening opportunity, but as an integrated component of the festival’s industry events, fostering deeper engagement and dialogue between filmmakers and potential partners. The emphasis on "meaningful exchange" suggests a holistic approach, moving beyond transactional relationships to cultivate genuine understanding and collaboration.
This year’s "Europe! Docs" lineup promises a compelling and diverse range of cinematic experiences, each offering a unique lens on contemporary issues and human experiences.
"Amazomania" (Sweden, France, Denmark, 2026), directed by Nathan Grossman, presents a remarkable rediscovery. Decades after its initial filming, this documentary revisits footage from a 1996 expedition aimed at documenting the isolated Korubo people. The film triggers a renewed examination of this first contact scenario, delving into the profound ethical, cultural, and anthropological implications that followed. Grossman’s work often probes the complexities of human interaction with nature and each other, and "Amazomania" is poised to offer a thought-provoking exploration of cultural encounters and the lasting impact of such interventions. The film’s resurfacing after such a significant period adds a layer of historical depth, allowing for reflection on how our understanding of such interactions has evolved.
"Arctic Link" (Switzerland, 2026), by Ian Purnell, is a hybrid documentary and visual essay that garnered recognition with the Kompagnon-Fellowships Prize at Berlinale Talent in 2020. The film masterfully interweaves narratives from a fiber-optic cable-laying vessel with the experiences of a remote Alaskan community. It poignantly captures the collision of hopes for enhanced digital connection with deep-seated fears of dystopian change, all amplified by the undeniable realities of climate change. Purnell’s approach, blending personal reflection with broader societal concerns, is expected to offer a nuanced perspective on the promises and perils of technological advancement in the face of environmental degradation. The juxtaposition of vast technological endeavors with the intimate lives of individuals in vulnerable communities creates a powerful and timely commentary.
"Christiania" (Denmark, 2026), directed by Karl Friis Forchhammer, offers an intimate, insider’s perspective on Copenhagen’s iconic Freetown Christiania. The film traces 50 years of this unique social experiment, exploring its foundational ideals of freedom and consensus democracy. Forchhammer’s narrative navigates the complex tapestry of radical creativity and idealism that coexists with violence, drug use, internal conflicts, and mounting external pressures. This documentary promises a candid look at a community that has consistently challenged conventional norms and urban development, offering a microcosm of broader societal debates about autonomy, community, and societal control. The film’s insider viewpoint is crucial in providing a nuanced understanding of a place often subject to external judgment and misunderstanding.
"The Cord" (France, 2026), directed by Nolwenn Hervé, focuses on the stark realities of Venezuela’s broken healthcare system. The film centers on Carolina, a "maternity warrior," who strives to preserve the vital connection between pregnant women and their babies amidst life-threatening circumstances. Drawing strength from her past, Carolina’s relentless efforts highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic collapse. The film’s raw emotional power and intimate approach were recognized with the IDFA Forum Award for Best Rough Cut Project, signaling its potential to deeply move and engage audiences. Hervé’s commitment to documenting such critical social issues with empathy and urgency is a hallmark of impactful documentary filmmaking.
"Mariinka" (Belgium, 2026), directed by Pieter-Jan De Pue, has been selected as the opening film of CPH:DOX 2026. Shot on 16mm film, this long-term documentary follows several young Ukrainians whose lives have been irrevocably shaped by over a decade of war in the Donbas. The film delves into the profound complexities of survival, belonging, and national loyalty, illustrating how these forces can fracture even the most intimate family ties. De Pue’s previous work has been lauded for its unflinching portrayal of conflict zones, and "Mariinka" is expected to offer a powerful and deeply personal account of the human cost of protracted warfare. The choice of this film as an opener underscores its significance and the festival’s commitment to addressing urgent global conflicts.
"Something Familiar" (Romania, U.K., 2026), by British-Romanian filmmaker Rachel Close, is a deeply personal and investigative documentary. Winner of the Cineuropa Marketing Award and first place in the Romanian CNC Development Fund in 2022, the film begins with Close assisting a fellow adoptee in her search for her birth mother. This journey then propels Close into her own quest to find missing sisters and confront a family legacy of abuse and exploitation. Her endeavor is a courageous attempt to rewrite her future by confronting the shadows of her past. Close’s film promises a powerful exploration of identity, family secrets, and the arduous process of healing and self-discovery, all within the context of complex historical and social circumstances.
Beyond the compelling film showcase, the "Europe! Docs" initiative encompasses a comprehensive press and promotion campaign. This includes an online press event designed to engage leading industry media and provide extensive coverage opportunities. Furthermore, participating filmmakers will benefit from "tailor-made industry preparation," offering crucial guidance on U.S. market strategies and facilitating targeted introductions to key industry players. This proactive approach to market engagement is essential for empowering filmmakers to effectively navigate the complexities of international distribution and promotion. The inclusion of such professional development resources reflects a commitment to the long-term success of these documentaries and their creators.
The program culminates with an in-person networking event at CPH:Forum, the festival’s co-production and development market. This event provides a vital opportunity for face-to-face meetings, fostering direct connections and collaborations between European filmmakers and North American decision-makers. This blend of online pre-festival promotion and in-person industry engagement at the festival itself creates a robust and multifaceted platform for maximizing the impact and reach of these outstanding European documentaries. The synergy between the online showcase, the press campaign, and the on-site networking events at CPH:Industry underscores a strategic and integrated approach to supporting European non-fiction cinema on the global stage. The success of "Europe! Docs" in its inaugural year has clearly paved the way for an even more impactful and ambitious second iteration, solidifying its position as a critical component of the international documentary calendar.