CPH:DOX Summit to Tackle AI, Truth and Media Sovereignty

As documentary film festivals increasingly grapple with complex political issues and the rapid evolution of technology, CPH:DOX is positioning itself as a key forum for addressing the challenges facing the audiovisual industry. The festival’s second annual CPH:DOX SUMMIT, taking place on March 16, 2026, will focus on “Media Sovereignty: Rethink, Envision, Redefine,” exploring how to protect the infrastructure of truth in an age of political pressure, platform dominance, and AI disruption.

Expanding Industry Dialogue

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the CPH:DOX SUMMIT aims to bring together politicians, innovators, researchers, and documentary professionals to discuss the future of the industry. The event will be held on the first day of CPH:CONFERENCE, further solidifying CPH:INDUSTRY’s role as a central hub for industry discussion. According to Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of industry & training at CPH:DOX, expanding the range of experts involved last year “added a lot of value.”

The Crisis in Documentary and Independent Media

Gourd-Mercado highlights the current struggles within the documentary and independent media landscape. She notes parallels with the journalism industry, where funding and support from state and public media have diminished. The Summit seeks to learn from journalism’s experiences to build sustainable structures for documentary filmmaking. “We understand there is a huge difference between reportage and documentary, but they feed into each other,” Gourd-Mercado stated, emphasizing the frequent collaborations between journalists and filmmakers within the festival’s program.

Navigating Platform Power and AI

The rise of major streamers and the influence of tech giants like Amazon – with Jeff Bezos’s ownership of both Prime Video and The Washington Post – are central to the discussions. The Summit will address the concept of “safe havens” for independent media, exploring how to ensure accessibility in the face of algorithmic control and AI’s impact. Journalist and researcher Sameer Padania’s work with the BBC will inform the conversation, focusing on the need for structures that protect access to documentaries and independent content. These safe havens can be both physical and digital spaces, free from governmental or corporate control.

Denmark as a Unique Context

CPH:DOX benefits from being held in Denmark, a country with a strong tradition of supporting democratic debate and open dialogue. Gourd-Mercado believes this context allows the festival to be “bold and as transparent, and to be political,” fostering conversations that may be difficult to have elsewhere. The festival acknowledges its privilege in being able to openly discuss political situations, particularly in comparison to colleagues in countries like Georgia, Hungary, the U.S., and India.

Bridging the Gap Between Europe and the U.S.

CPH:DOX is witnessing a growing trend of American filmmakers seeking support in Europe due to the political climate in their home country. Gourd-Mercado notes that the festival has a long-standing reputation for bridging the gap between European and North American industries, and this role is becoming increasingly vital. While combining financing systems can be challenging, she anticipates increased collaboration between the two regions.

CPH:FORUM and Project Selection

With over 900 submissions to CPH:FORUM – a significant increase from the previous year – the selection process is highly competitive. The CPH:FORUM team prioritizes projects with geographical breadth and thematic connections, while also assessing their viability and the festival’s ability to provide meaningful support. The goal is to nurture projects from early-career filmmakers to seasoned professionals, ultimately showcasing them in the main film program.

A Holistic Approach to Industry Support

Gourd-Mercado emphasizes that all aspects of CPH:INDUSTRY are interconnected, creating a pathway for filmmakers at all stages of their careers. Initiatives like DOX:ACADEMY aim to spark interest in documentary filmmaking, potentially leading participants to the Forum and, eventually, the main film program. The overarching goal is to serve the industry and foster a thriving community.