The Norwegian documentary Flophouse America, director Monica Strømdahl, is in the main competition for the international DOX:AWARD at CPH:DOX (March 19-30). Facing War has been announced as this year's opening film, making a total of seven norwegian features in competition at this year's CPH:DOX.
The norwegian documentaries announced at the CPH:DOX competition program launch today include:
Flophouse America, Facing War, Portrait of a Confused Father, The Lions on the River Tigris and The Gardener, the Buddhist and the Spy will have their world premieres at CPH: DOX. Fighter and Open Call will have their international premieres at CPH: DOX.
CPH: DOX (19-30 March) is one of Europe's leading festivals for documentary film. Over the last years, Norwegian documentaries have made a strong mark at CPH: DOX, with several films in the competition programs. This year, seven norwegian documentaries are in competition at CPH: DOX, with two norwegian features among the 12 in competition for the main award DOX:AWARD.
– The wide range of Norwegian entries in this years CPH: DOX competition programmes reflect the diversity and quality of Norwegian documentaries. With two documentaries in the main DOX:AWARD competition, this shows the significant impact of Norwegian documentaries on international arenas, says Kjersti Mo, CEO of the Norwegian Film Institute.
Flophouse America joins Facing War in the main competition DOX:AWARD. First-time documentary director Monica Strømdahl started out as stills photographer. Over a period of 15 years, Strømdahl has traveled across the United States, documenting housing conditions and families living in flophouse hotels. When she met MIkal (12), she realized that his story needed more than just a photograph and started filming. Flophouse America follows Mikal through three years and a turning point in his life.
Mikal (12) is born and raised in the hotel room he shares with his parents, both struggling with alcohol addiction. Mikal’s biggest wish is for his mum and dad to stop drinking. But what does it take for someone to change their ways?
As Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, U.S. President Joe Biden persuades Jens Stoltenberg to extend his tenure as NATO Secretary General for one final year. During a visit to Kyiv, Stoltenberg vows that the Alliance will stand by President Zelensky ‘for as long as it takes.’
Rob Moore, a former candid-camera TV producer, is exposed as a cynical corporate spy. He claims to be a whistleblower exposing corruption and invites two journalists to investigate his allegations. It soon becomes a battle of who is deceiving whom.
Mosul, the promised Caliphate of ISIS/Daesh, was the most hated city in the world. And it paid the ultimate prize of liberation. Can people heal their broken souls?
The film Open Call questions the relationship between art, citizens, and city municipality. An artist is commissioned to create an artwork to mark the city’s anniversary. A group of Oslo residents are invited to take part, using ‘participation’ as a method.
Documentary filmmaker Gunnar has filmed himself and his family for over 20 years in a heartfelt attempt to understand his struggles to connect with his only son Jonathan. Growing up without a father, Gunnar is aware that his views on fatherhood and masculinity may be outdated. Yet, when Jonathan was born, he was determined to do better - much better.
GK, a 30-year-old MMA-fighter, who`s whole identity was based on his physicality, faces a life-altering moment after a headfirst dive into the ocean. He`s told to expect a life in a wheelchair. GK desperately explores alternative treatments, delving in to a world that sells hope. Yet, amidst the darkness, he embarks on an inspiring journey of transformation proving that life’s worth goes far beyond physical abilities.
The complete CPH:DOX 2025 program will be released on February 26.
CPH: FORUM is the CPH:DOX financing and co-production event dedicated to visually strong creative documentary projects with international potential. Three Norwegian documentary projects feature in this year's CPH: FORUM:
2024: Phantoms of the Sierra Madre (Håvard Bustnes)
2023: Fedrelandet (Margreth Olin)
2022: Formørkelsen (Nataša Urban) – vinner
2017: Barneraneren (Jon Haukeland)
2017: DRIB (Kristoffer Borgli)
2015: Brødre (Aslaug Holm)
2013: Elsk meg (Hanne Myren)
Manager International Relations, Documentaries