Six Documentaries to See at CPH:DOX 2019

Documentary-lovers, your time has come! CPH:DOX, Scandinavia’s largest documentary festival, is back from 20 – 31 March and their line up is fantastic. In addition to highly acclaimed films and directors, they have a host of emerging directors on the docket. There are also parties, talks, and other events to attend.

These are the CPH:DOX documentaries we recommend this year:

The Reformist

In 2015, Sherin Khankan opened Mariam Mosque, the first female-led mosque in Denmark. This documentary follows her journey from founding to the present day, including the obstacles of parts of the Muslim community that are more conservative and growing Islamophobia in Denmark. This is an important film that is both inspiring and frustrating.

A Stranger

Swedish director Mikkel Cee Karlsson was already in the process of making a film about his deceased friend when a puzzle began to emerge, starting with a bank robbery. This documentary plays out as part true crime, part psychological study, and part experimental film. Mikkel’s friend held a dark secret until the day he died, and the viewer doesn’t learn it until the very end, just like Mikkel himself.

Mating

A film about relationships in the 21st century, “Mating” focuses on a relationship that mostly takes place online – through text message, Skype, and social media. The young couple talk about sex, support each other, and go through various dramatic episodes. It’s a weird but lovely look at how the internet has changed the way we’re able to interact, even in love.

The Rest

A parallel work to Ai Wei Wei’s 2017 piece “Human Flow,” this documentary takes a direct approach to the way refugees entering Europe have been treated. We hear their stories from their own mouths, and the human connection is impossible to ignore. These are harrowing and hopeful stories that showcase the way this crisis has affected people.

A Taste of Sky

In 2012, Danish celebrity chef and noma co-founder Claus Meyer, known as the “godfather of New Nordic cuisine,” launched a culinary school and training program in Bolivia as part of the restaurant Gustu. The documentary follows two chef trainees as they experience the highs and lows of their education. We’re also given an look at both Meyer’s personal journey with Gustu. This film is really about the joy of food and what it can bring.

Girl in Return

Amy was adopted to Denmark from Ethiopia when she was 9 years old, and at 13 she decides that she wants to go back. She doesn’t only miss her family – she misses her culture and her language. This film explores the violence on cultural identity of international adoption. It follows Amy through a four year struggle, from ages 13 – 18, as she navigates both the culture and legal implications of her adoption.

See the full CPH:DOX program for 2019.

Need more to do this month in Copenhagen? Check out our calendar of events!