British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux is set to attend the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX) in 2026, where he will screen his latest work, The Settlers. This marks Theroux’s first appearance at the festival since his initial visit fourteen years ago. The screening will take place on March 18, 2026, followed by a Q&A session featuring Lotte Folke Kaarsholm, a journalist from Politiken.
The Settlers explores the lives of the growing community of religious-nationalist Israelis who have settled in the occupied West Bank. According to the festival’s synopsis, Theroux’s film delves into the complexities and challenges faced by these settlers, providing a nuanced perspective on a contentious issue in the region.
CPH:DOX organizers have praised Theroux’s unique approach to documentary filmmaking, highlighting his ability to create deeply immersive and empathetic narratives. The festival noted that his work often ventures into challenging environments, offering audiences a glimpse into the “often-unseen corners of our world.” His previous acclaimed series, including Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…, have solidified his reputation as a genre-defining documentarist.
Tributes and Mini-Festivals
In addition to Theroux’s screening, CPH:DOX 2026 will honor Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx with the Danish premiere of the documentary Merckx – Race of a Champion, directed by Christophe Hermans and Boris Tilquin. The festival will also showcase A World Gone Mad – The War Diaries of Astrid Lindgren, further enriching the program with a diverse selection of films.
Scheduled to run from March 11 to 22, 2026, CPH:DOX will also feature DOX:DANMARK, a series of mini-festivals taking place across various municipalities in Denmark. These events will present audiences with special screenings of new Danish and international documentaries.
Following the festival, viewers will have the opportunity to access a curated selection of the 2026 lineup through CPH:DOX’s streaming platform, PARA:DOX. This initiative aims to extend the festival experience beyond its physical venues, making impactful documentaries accessible to a broader audience.
As Theroux prepares for his return to the festival, his anticipated screening of The Settlers promises to spark thoughtful discussions about the complexities of life in the West Bank, continuing his legacy of exploring the intricate facets of human existence.
