British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux will feature his film The Settlers at the upcoming Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX) in 2026. This marks Theroux’s first appearance at the festival, where he will screen the film and engage in a question-and-answer session following the screening on March 18, 2026.
The documentary delves into the lives of religious-nationalist Israelis who have settled in the occupied West Bank, a topic that resonates deeply with the ongoing discussions surrounding the region. According to the festival’s synopsis, Theroux revisits the area fourteen years after his initial visit, providing audiences with a nuanced perspective on the growing community.
CPH:DOX has praised Theroux as a “genre-defining documentary filmmaker,” highlighting his signature style of immersive storytelling. The festival noted his ability to explore complex human experiences through his acclaimed series, including Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…. His work is characterized by an empathetic approach, allowing viewers to witness the often-overlooked aspects of society.
Event Highlights and Discussions
As part of the festival, Theroux will participate in a conversation with Lotte Folke Kaarsholm, a journalist from Politiken, where they will discuss the making of The Settlers and his overall approach to documentary filmmaking. The event promises to provide insight into Theroux’s methods and the challenges of addressing contentious topics in such a sensitive context.
In addition to showcasing Theroux’s latest work, CPH:DOX 2026 will also honor legendary Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx with the Danish premiere of the documentary Merckx – Race of a Champion. The festival will run from March 11 to March 22, 2026, and will include a variety of events tailored to documentary enthusiasts.
The festival is known for its initiatives to make documentary films accessible to wider audiences. Through its DOX:DANMARK program, CPH:DOX will host mini-festivals in various municipalities across Denmark. These events will feature new Danish and international documentary films, enhancing the festival’s reach beyond the capital.
Following the festival, audiences will have the opportunity to view a curated selection of films from the 2026 lineup on CPH:DOX’s streaming platform, PARA:DOX. This initiative aims to extend the festival experience, allowing viewers to engage with important documentary narratives long after the event concludes.
With a commitment to showcasing impactful stories, CPH:DOX continues to be a vital platform for filmmakers and audiences alike, fostering a deeper understanding of pressing global issues through the lens of documentary filmmaking.
