British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux is set to attend the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX) in 2026. He will screen his latest film, The Settlers, on March 18, 2026, and engage in a Q&A session following the screening. This marks Theroux’s first visit to the festival since 2006, where he will delve into the lives of religious-nationalist Israelis residing in the occupied West Bank.
In his new documentary, Theroux explores a growing community of settlers, providing a nuanced perspective on a complex and often contentious issue. The documentary is described as part of Theroux’s signature style, characterized by deep immersion and empathy. The festival highlights his ability to navigate challenging environments, offering audiences insights into the less visible aspects of human life.
CPH:DOX has recognized Theroux as a genre-defining documentarist. His previous works, including the BAFTA-winning series Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…, have garnered critical acclaim. The festival emphasized his unique interviewing style, which balances warmth with a refusal to oversimplify the narratives of his subjects.
Festival Highlights and Community Engagement
The screening of The Settlers will be followed by a conversation with Lotte Folke Kaarsholm, a journalist from Politiken. They will discuss the making of the film and Theroux’s approach to documentary filmmaking. The festival, running from March 11 to 22, 2026, will also celebrate notable figures in sports, including the legendary Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx. The Danish premiere of the documentary Merckx – Race of a Champion will take place during the festival.
CPH:DOX is committed to promoting documentary film across Denmark. The festival includes DOX:DANMARK, which offers mini-festivals in various municipalities. These events feature special screenings of new Danish and international documentary films, broadening access to the genre.
After the festival concludes, 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 ensures that the engaging content remains accessible to viewers beyond the festival dates.
In summary, Louis Theroux’s participation in CPH:DOX 2026 promises to offer an engaging exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of documentary filmmaking. His ability to portray complex subjects with sensitivity and depth continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
