CPH:DOX 2021

Sometimes documentaries are made as a means of catharsis, either for the filmmaker or the protagonists. Our Memory Belongs To Us is a healing process for both parties, as well as an important document about the start of the Syrian uprising in 2011.

During the April 30 CPH:DOX Award Show the winners of the six international competitions were announced. The main DOX:Award went to The Last Shelter by Ousmane Samassekou. The Eurimages Co-Production Development Award (€20,000) was handed to CPH:FORUM project Tata/Father, directed by Radu Ciorniciuc and Lina Vdovîi.

A film both heart-warming and heart-breaking in telling the story of the House of Migrants, a shelter for stranded African travelers in the Malian city of Gao. In this home for the homeless, lives touch each other in passing and dreams are crushed or revived.

Polish documentaries are on the Industry agenda 29 April as seven projects at various stages are pitched to international decision-makers ahead of round-table meetings April 30.

Director Johann Grimonprez and producers Daan Milius and Emmy Oost pitched their new project that fuses the promise of African decolonization in the 1960s, the rise of the US civil rights movement and the State Department’s mobilization of ‘jazz ambassadors’ for propaganda purposes.

Stalin had lots. Saddam Hussein employed several and his son Uday had one of his own too. Gaddafi kept his share and pock-marked Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega maintained four of them. Welcome to the world of body doubles and political decoys. A singular Mads Brügger tells more…

Within an atmosphere of enchantment, the beauty of Broberg’s cinematography, the intelligent editing and the sensitive soundtrack all pay tribute to Gabi’s persona, her strength, vulnerability and authenticity.

A documentary portrait with much to enjoy, marvel at or be touched by, although at times the artistic adornments can detract from the story of a woman whom you just want to hear talk. Nevertheless the film is testament to Ateş’ unstoppable drive for equality through a progressive Islam.

The Norwegian/US Netflix Original feature doc Sisters on Track by Corinne van der Borch and Tone Grøttjord-Glenne tells the heart-warming story of three siblings (aged 9-12) whose prowess in running shoes is matched only by their indomitable charm and spirit, and by the guidance given them by a single mum and an inspirational coach.

David Byrne, the sublime Scottish/American maverick, popstar, icon, filmmaker, wearer of big suits and former Talking Heads frontman, zoomed in to CPH:DOX to discuss, with Danish journalist Erik Jensen, his concert film American Utopia, working with Spike Lee and dancing during lockdown.