The roster for CPH:CONFERENCE 2024 is unveiled
- Filmmakers Alex Gibney, Johan Grimonprez and Laura Huertas Millan, along with industry figures Jessica Harrop and Marie Nelson, will be prominent participants in the upcoming conferences
The 2024 CPH:CONFERENCE, organised in collaboration with Documentary Campus, has unveiled its line-up. Returning with a new format, it convenes industry leaders to discuss fostering inclusivity and collaboration while exploring unconventional documentary approaches. CPH:CONFERENCE will be held from 18-22 March at Social Cinema, Kunsthal Charlottenborg in Copenhagen, as part of CPH:INDUSTRY.
Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of Industry and Training at CPH:DOX, comments: “Amid constant change, CPH:CONFERENCE carves out a moment to pause, reflect and mobilise. It's a space where the art of documentary filmmaking and the heart of activism intersect, challenging us to reimagine the stories we tell and the impact they have. From the DISCO Network's groundbreaking ‘Declaration of Independence’ to the transformative dialogues of the Climate Story Lab Nordic, this conference is a catalyst for those committed to exploring and addressing the pressing issues of our time. Here, we unite to rethink narratives and inspire action, embodying the belief that through understanding and creativity, we can forge a path forward.”
On 18 March, the Independence Project will kick off the conference through a novel collaboration with the DISCO Network, comprising Ambulante, AFLAMUNA, DocsMX, Doc Society, DocSP, Docubox, In-Docs and India Docs. Led by Jad Abi-Khalil (AFLAMUNA) and Beadie Finzi (Doc Society), the session, titled “Our Declaration of Independence”, is the outcome of a special initiative advocating for the recognition and support of independent documentaries. It aims to highlight their significance to culture, society and democracy.
From 19-21 March, CPH:CONFERENCE presents “Mornings with Filmmakers”. The day starts with “A Morning With”, moderated by Thom Powers, featuring Alex Gibney, Johan Grimonprez and Asmae El Moudir reflecting on their filmmaking experiences, challenges and future endeavours. Subsequently, “FILM:MAKERS in Dialogue”, moderated by Wendy Mitchell, delves into discussions with directors Alina Simone, Shiori Ito, Sissel Dargis Morell and others. Themes being explored include long-term subject relationships, transitioning from journalism, filmmaking as activism, and complex family dynamics. The conversations aim to showcase innovative cinematic approaches and provide an insight into the diverse journeys and creative processes of filmmakers featured in this year's CPH:DOX programme.
Titled “Re:Building Narratives”, the afternoons of CPH:CONFERENCE will delve into accessibility and equity in documentaries. Led by Derren Lawford (Dare Pictures), Nanna Rebekka (Louisiana Channel) and Kat Cizek (MIT Co-Creation Studio), each day will feature panels exploring filmmaking, production and distribution through unique lenses, enriched by themed perspectives. The line-up includes prominent figures such as Victoria Thomas, Lizzie Gillet, Sigrid Dyekjær, Lisa Jackson and Mila Aung-Thwin, offering diverse insights into pressing industry topics.
CPH:CONFERENCE wraps up on 22 March with “Climate Justice in Storytelling”, featuring the “Climate Story Lab Nordic” programme, a global initiative led by Doc Society. This event marks the culmination of the inaugural programme, bringing together climate experts, activists and creatives from Nordic countries to craft impactful stories and engagement strategies for inspiring action. Curated by Diego Galafassi (Hum Studio Interactive) and Anne Gerd (Differ Media), panel discussions will dive deep into the multifaceted aspects of climate storytelling, focusing on the biophysical, social and spiritual dimensions, with a central emphasis on climate justice.
You can discover the complete CPH:CONFERENCE programme here.
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