CPH:DOX Celebrates Documentary Excellence with Recent Awards
The latest edition of CPH:DOX, a prestigious nonfiction film festival held in Copenhagen, concluded with the announcement of its award-winning documentaries. The festival recognized a diverse array of filmmakers, both established and emerging, for their impactful storytelling.
DOX:Award Winner
This year’s DOX:Award, the festival’s most coveted accolade, was awarded to Always, the directorial debut of Deming Chen. This evocative film follows the life of an eight-year-old poet named Youbin, who resides in the lush mountains of Hunan province in southern China.
The jury praised Always, affirming that “there’s a huge difference between nothing and small things” and emphasizing the need for artistic sensibilities to reveal the significance in often overlooked moments. The film’s portrayal of a rural farming family’s intimate life was highlighted as a beautifully shot chronicle filled with compassion and poetry.
Special Mentions and Other Notable Awards
The festival also presented a Special Mention to Flophouse America, a documentary by Monica Strømdahl that tells the poignant story of 12-year-old Mikal and his parents grappling with alcoholism while living in a Florida hotel.
In another significant win, Mstyslav Chernov’s 2000 Meters to Andriivka received the F:ACT Award. This documentary serves as a sequel to Chernov’s acclaimed work, 20 Days in Mariupol, immersing viewers in the harrowing realities faced by Ukrainian soldiers as they attempt to reclaim territory from Russian invaders. The jury noted this work’s exceptional filmmaking, calling it “a haunting, multi-layered portrayal of war” and likened it to the classic All Quiet on the Western Front.
Highlighting Human Rights Issues
The HUMAN:RIGHTS Award was presented to 9-Month Contract, directed by Ketevan Vashagashvili. This film provides an intimate look into the emotional and physical challenges surrounding unregulated surrogacy in Georgia. The jury remarked on the film’s radical intimacy and tenderness in portraying the complex relationship between a mother and daughter.
Emerging Narratives and Noteworthy Projects
The festival also acknowledged The Perfect Neighbor, which garnered a Special Mention for its uncompromising depiction of gun violence through police bodycam footage. This harrowing documentation has been characterized as powerfully impactful and earned praise for its sensitive exploration of familial and societal connections.
Additionally, Walls – Akinni Inuk, directed by Nina Paninnguaq Skydsbjerg and Sofie Rørdam, won the NORDIC:DOX Award, recognizing outstanding documentaries from the Nordic region.
Another highlight was the NEXT:WAVE Award, which honored Kristina Shtubert’s Abode of Dawn, celebrating new and emerging filmmakers. This year’s honorable mention went to Who Witnessed The Temples Fall by Lucía Selva.
Conclusion
The CPH:DOX festival continues to serve as a vital platform for documentary filmmakers, highlighting critical social issues and fostering emerging talent. As the festival wraps up, it leaves a lasting impact, celebrating the power of storytelling in driving awareness and understanding of diverse realities across the globe.