The CPH:DOX International Documentary Film Festival is set to host its CPH:Industry program from March 16-19 in Copenhagen. This year's event, encompassing the CPH:DOX Summit and the CPH:Conference, will delve into the critical examination of the 'infrastructure of truth' within the contemporary landscape of political pressures, the pervasive influence of digital platforms, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. The discussions will emphasize the establishment of 'Safe Havens' for independent voices, countering algorithmic suppression and external influences, while also exploring the ethical dimensions of filmmaking, advancements in sonic cinema, and the formation of new alliances within the industry.

Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of industry & training at CPH:DOX, highlighted the program's role as a platform for critical discourse on industry challenges. The conference seeks to confront the dominance of conglomerates over content, championing spaces where independent narratives can thrive. It will also scrutinize AI's dual nature as both a tool and a disruptive force, urging a redefinition of its relationship with creative processes. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the program aims to inspire novel concepts and equip filmmakers with practical strategies to navigate algorithmic barriers and resist censorship.

The CPH:DOX Summit, scheduled for Monday, March 16, will focus on the theme of 'Media Sovereignty: Rethink, Envision, Redefine.' This segment is framed as a strategic response to the democratic recession observed in Europe, offering a space to move beyond problem identification and actively shape the future of media sovereignty, particularly in an era heavily influenced by US-based digital platforms.

Bruno Patino, president of ARTE France, will deliver the opening keynote address. The Summit will culminate with a session titled 'Tales From the Frontlines,' featuring journalists Joanna Krawczyk, Irma Dimitradze, and Bea Wangondu. They will share actionable methods for combating censorship and leveraging grassroots innovations, such as AI-powered fact-checking and cross-border collaborations, to restore public trust and safeguard local democratic principles.

The CPH:Conference commences on Tuesday, March 17, with sessions covering diverse topics. These include 'A Morning With: Poh Si Teng,' which will explore the ethical complexities of directing in conflict zones through her debut film, 'American Doctor.' Other discussions will involve Sara Dosa's 'Time and Water,' 'The Art of Listening,' and a fundamental inquiry into 'What Is Truth Anyway.'

Day two of the conference will feature a dialogue with Irish documentary filmmaker Sinéad O’Shea, director of 'All About the Money,' alongside a session on 'Constructing Your Own Cinematic Language,' and a panel addressing 'Rekindling the Machine – Documentary in the Age of AI.' Furthermore, 'We’re All Doomed – Can Hope Survive the Permacrisis?' will investigate the potential for crafting dystopian narratives that foster collective spirit rather than despondency.

The concluding day of the conference will spotlight HBO icon John Wilson, celebrated for his distinctive stream-of-consciousness approach in 'How to With John Wilson.' In a conversation with Thom Powers, Wilson will discuss his unique humor and eclectic methodology, especially concerning his latest work, 'The History of Concrete.' The program will also host 'Updated Reflections on Contemporary Palestinian Documentary Filmmaking,' where Palestinian delegates will explore how diverse cinematic representations of historic Palestine can facilitate healing and serve as cultural resistance against erasure. The session 'Position, Privilege and the Epistemic Power of the Gaze: Towards Narrative Positionality' will delve into the ethical considerations of narrative perspective, with director Nathan Grossman of 'Amazomania' and others examining how a filmmaker's relationship to their subject influences the portrayal and representation of individuals on screen.

The CPH:DOX festival's industry segment is set to be a significant forum for addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities within documentary filmmaking, particularly in navigating the complexities of truth, technology, and political landscapes. It offers a crucial space for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, share insights, and collectively strategize for the future of independent storytelling.