British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux is set to attend the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, known as CPH:DOX, for the first time. His latest film, The Settlers, will be screened on March 18, 2026, followed by a Q&A session with journalist Lotte Folke Kaarsholm. The screening marks a significant moment, as it comes fourteen years after Theroux’s previous visit to the festival.
The Settlers explores the lives of religious-nationalist Israelis who have established communities in the occupied West Bank. The documentary offers a complex portrayal of this growing group, highlighting the nuances of their experiences and beliefs. CPH:DOX has described Theroux as a “genre-defining documentary filmmaker,” renowned for his immersive storytelling and empathetic approach to sensitive topics.
The festival organizers emphasized Theroux’s unique interviewing style, which fosters engaging and rounded portraits of his subjects without resorting to simplistic judgments. His acclaimed works include the BAFTA-winning series Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…, along with numerous award-winning documentaries that delve into the intricate aspects of human existence.
CPH:DOX Celebrates Documentary Film
CPH:DOX 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 11 to 22, 2026. The festival will not only feature Theroux’s work but will also pay tribute to cycling legend Eddy Merckx with the Danish premiere of the documentary Merckx – Race of a Champion. Additionally, audiences can expect to see A World Gone Mad – The War Diaries of Astrid Lindgren during the event.
As part of its outreach, CPH:DOX will host mini-festivals across Denmark under the banner DOX:DANMARK. These mini-festivals will showcase new Danish and international documentary films, providing local audiences with access to a diverse range of cinematic experiences.
Following the festival, viewers will have the opportunity to watch a curated selection of films from the 2026 lineup on the festival’s streaming platform, PARA:DOX. This initiative aims to broaden the reach of documentary cinema and engage audiences beyond the festival dates.
In summary, Louis Theroux’s participation in CPH:DOX 2026 highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating impactful documentary filmmaking. By showcasing The Settlers and facilitating discussions around its themes, the festival continues to provide a platform for important narratives in the documentary genre.
