What's Happening?
CPH:FORUM, the international financing and co-production event of CPH:DOX, has issued a call for projects for its 2027 edition, with a submission deadline of November 3, 2026. The upcoming forum will introduce a new focus on documentary projects specifically
aimed at young audiences, encouraging submissions that are innovative in form and content, including digital-first, vertical, and other emerging formats. This initiative seeks to connect filmmakers with digital commissioners, public service media, and new market professionals focused on audience development. Additionally, CPH:FORUM will continue its emphasis on creative documentary projects that explore science, aiming to redefine cinematic language in science documentaries. In partnership with Sandbox Films, the event will award The Sandbox Films Science Pitch Prize of $25,000 to a science documentary project demonstrating exceptional innovation.
Why It's Important?
This call for projects from CPH:FORUM 2027 is significant for the documentary film industry, particularly in the U.S., as it highlights a growing emphasis on engaging younger audiences and exploring scientific themes through innovative storytelling. By prioritizing projects for young audiences, the forum addresses a critical need to cultivate future generations of documentary viewers and creators, potentially influencing educational content and media consumption habits. The continued focus on science documentaries underscores the role of film in public understanding of scientific research and its societal implications, fostering informed public discourse on complex issues. The substantial Sandbox Films Science Pitch Prize incentivizes filmmakers to push creative boundaries in science communication, potentially leading to groundbreaking works that blend artistic merit with scientific inquiry. This initiative can also open new funding and distribution avenues for U.S. documentary filmmakers seeking international co-production opportunities.
What's Next?
Filmmakers interested in developing documentary projects for young audiences or exploring scientific themes are encouraged to submit their proposals to CPH:FORUM by November 3, 2026. The selected projects will be showcased at CPH:FORUM 2027, which will take place from March 16-18, 2027, in Copenhagen, with CPH:ROUGHCUT presentations on March 15, 2027. During the event, projects will compete for various pitch awards, including The Sandbox Films Science Pitch Prize, the Eurimages New Lab Innovation Award, The ARTE Award, The Rise and Shine Award, and The Unifrance & Titrafilm Doc Award. The forum will serve as a crucial platform for networking, financing, and co-production, potentially leading to the development and release of new documentary films that align with these thematic focuses. The outcomes of these pitches will shape the future landscape of documentary content for specific demographics and subject matters.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic shift by CPH:FORUM to prioritize young audiences and science documentaries reflects broader trends in media consumption and societal needs. Engaging younger demographics with documentaries can foster critical thinking, media literacy, and an early interest in science and current affairs. This initiative also addresses the challenge of making complex scientific topics accessible and compelling to a wider audience, moving beyond traditional educational formats. The emphasis on innovative and digital-first formats acknowledges the evolving media landscape and the need for documentaries to adapt to new platforms and viewing habits. Ethically, this focus can promote responsible science communication and counter misinformation, while culturally, it can contribute to a more scientifically literate and engaged citizenry. The forum's role in fostering international co-productions also highlights the global nature of documentary filmmaking and the collaborative efforts required to bring diverse stories to light.
