The Copenhagen documentary festival, CPH:DOX, is set to launch an ambitious Summit on March 24 in collaboration with Documentary Campus and the Danish Producers’ Association. This event marks a significant moment in the documentary filmmaking industry, as it brings together a diverse group of politicians, thought leaders, and professionals from the worlds of film and television. The goal of the Summit is to foster cross-sector dialogues that address the most pressing challenges facing documentary filmmaking and audiovisual media today. By creating a space for key decision-makers to engage in meaningful discussions, the Summit aims to highlight the crucial role these mediums play in shaping public discourse. The event is curated by producer and media consultant Mark Edwards and is open to all accredited guests, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are represented.
One of the central themes of the Summit will be the evolving role of documentary films in connecting with audiences on a deeper emotional level. While documentaries have long been associated with conveying facts and information, the festival emphasizes their potential to foster emotional connections and deepen public understanding of critical global issues. In a world grappling with polarization and misinformation, the Summit will explore the importance of ensuring access to diverse and authentic storytelling. By amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives, documentaries have the power to support democratic engagement and promote empathy in an increasingly divided world. Panel discussions will delve into how filmmakers can craft stories that not only inform but also resonate with audiences on a human level.
Another key focus of the Summit will be media accessibility as a human right. The event will explore the idea of introducing a “bill of rights for audiences,” ensuring that people have access to a wide range of voices and perspectives. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that access to diverse and fact-based media is essential for a functioning democracy. Speakers such as Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian investigative journalist and author, and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, a professor of communication at the University of Copenhagen, will offer insights into the state of information in Europe. Helena Kennedy, a leading expert on media freedom and human rights, will deliver a keynote address on the importance of media accessibility, highlighting its role in fostering informed and engaged citizens.
The Summit will also examine the impact of technological advancements on the media landscape, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). As AI continues to disrupt traditional practices in documentary filmmaking, the event will explore both the challenges and opportunities it presents. From issues of copyright and content authenticity to the potential for AI to reshape public discourse, the Summit will consider how these technological shifts are redefining the industry. Speakers will emphasize the need for updated regulation and industry-wide collaboration to navigate these changes while protecting democratic values. Additionally, the event will explore how public broadcasters, film funds, and filmmakers can leverage data and emerging technologies to overcome distribution challenges and connect more effectively with audiences.
Collaboration between policymakers, filmmakers, and industry leaders will be a recurring theme throughout the Summit. Donata von Perfall, managing director of Documentary Campus, noted that when these groups work together, they can shape a future where innovation, inclusiveness, and creativity thrive. Culture, she argued, serves as a direct voice to the public, and it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that audiences receive fact-based media formats that reflect diverse voices and drive positive change. Anna Porse Nielsen, CEO of the Danish Producers’ Association, added that while financing documentary films has always been challenging, it is now more critical than ever to support production companies in bringing stories from all aspects of humanity to both large and small screens.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Summit will address the urgent need for innovation and resilience in the media ecosystem. Katrine Kiilgaard, managing director of CPH:DOX, highlighted the pivotal moment Europe is facing, with streaming services and social media transforming traditional broadcasting. She emphasized the importance of building a more inclusive and resilient media ecosystem, one that can navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The Summit will provide a platform for filmmakers, policymakers, and industry leaders to come together and explore solutions to these challenges, ensuring that documentary filmmaking remains a powerful tool for storytelling and democratic engagement. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Summit aims to shape a future where documentaries continue to inspire, inform, and connect audiences worldwide.
