AceShowbiz - The industry division of the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, known as CPH:INDUSTRY, returns this year with an extensive lineup under its CPH:DOX SUMMIT and CPH:CONFERENCE events. The 18th edition zeroes in on pressing topics shaping the documentary field, including the influence of artificial intelligence, the complexities surrounding truth, and the creation of safe spaces for independent storytelling voices.

Mara Gourd-Mercado, who leads industry and training at CPH:DOX, outlined the festival’s intent to foster “a hub for bold conversations.” She emphasized that the CPH:CONFERENCE and CPH:DOX SUMMIT are designed as crucial moments for collective reflection on the deep transformations and challenges facing the documentary sector. The festival anticipates about 2,000 accredited attendees this year, maintaining steady engagement from previous editions.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a dominant theme within this year’s program. Gourd-Mercado remarked, “When we look at AI, we say this is here, and it’s not going away, so we need to adapt.” She stressed the importance of proactively engaging with AI technology, asking how the documentary community can harness AI as a tool rather than be passively influenced by it. The program includes a workshop aimed at designing a DOX:AI platform intended for documentary filmmakers.

This workshop is complemented by a conference segment investigating AI’s impact on perceptions of truth. Questions posed include: What effect does AI have on the understanding and value of truth in documentary work? How will future generations perceive truth amid these technological shifts?

Another critical focus of the program is the challenge filmmakers face in bypassing algorithms and resisting censorship—a topic informed by conversations with peers from countries such as Georgia, Hungary, and Iran. Gourd-Mercado explained the dilemma succinctly: “The question is: How do you get to your audience?” This inquiry ties into a broader initiative to establish safe havens where independent films and media can be viewed freely, especially in regions where watching certain documentaries might be dangerous or restricted.

One notable session, created in partnership with the Palestinian Film Institute, will feature Palestinian filmmakers discussing how their diverse cinematic approaches to historic Palestine serve both to heal trauma and combat cultural erasure. This discussion aims to explore the future of Palestinian documentary storytelling, highlighting the perspectives of filmmakers in Gaza, the diaspora, and those born abroad but shaped by their Palestinian identity.

The lineup includes a variety of prominent speakers such as John Wilson (known for How to With John Wilson), Irish documentarian Sinéad O'Shea (director of All About the Money), Malaysian filmmaker Poh Si Teng (American Doctor), and Kenyan filmmaker Bea Wangondu (Kikuyu Land). Their participation underscores the festival’s commitment to diverse voices and perspectives.

Among the program’s innovations is the ongoing community engagement around the DOX:AI platform. The organizers launched a newsletter soliciting input from documentary professionals about what features an AI tool tailored for their needs should include.

Addressing censorship and algorithmic control remains a key concern. Gourd-Mercado noted that many conversations with filmmakers from restrictive countries have highlighted governmental and stakeholder attempts to manipulate access to audiences through algorithms. In response, the festival’s sessions seek to develop strategies for filmmakers to circumvent these barriers and ensure their work reaches viewers safely and effectively.

The Palestinian-focused event is particularly significant, as it provides a platform for filmmakers to discuss how their work contributes to cultural resistance and narrative healing.

CPH:DOX’s industry program continues to serve as a vital forum for addressing urgent issues in documentary film. By fostering dialogue on AI’s role, truth in media, and the protection of independent voices, the festival aims to equip creators with the tools and insights needed to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.

With a robust schedule featuring workshops, panels, and discussions, the 18th edition promises to be an essential gathering for documentary professionals committed to innovation, social impact, and artistic integrity in the face of technological and political challenges.