CPH:DOX Summit to Consider Media Accessibility as a Human Right

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The CPH:DOX documentary festival in Copenhagen will join forces with Documentary Campus and the Danish Producers’ Association to host a Summit on March 24.

The Gathering is set to unite politicians, influential minds, and figures from the film and television world for a debate on the industry’s future. Its purpose is to facilitate conversations across various sectors, empowering prominent figures to tackle critical concerns in documentary filmmaking and media broadcasting, particularly their significant impact on shaping public discussions, as stated.

The occasion, arranged by the producer and advisor Mark Edwards, welcomes all credentialed attendees.

The festival announced that the discussions will focus on how documentary films go beyond simply presenting facts, instead creating emotional bonds with viewers and enhancing public knowledge about significant global matters. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of providing access to various and genuine narratives as crucial for fostering democratic participation in today’s divided society.

At the Summit, they’ll take into account that media accessibility is a fundamental human right and ponder over the concept of establishing an “audience bill of rights.” This proposed charter aims to ensure that people have the right to hear multiple viewpoints and perspectives.

Experts like Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian investigative journalist and author (known from Der Spiegel and “The Insider”), and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, a professor of communication at the University of Copenhagen and director at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, will share their perspectives on the current condition of information in Europe.

Helena Kennedy, head of a group of legal professionals focusing on media freedom, who is also the director at the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association, will deliver a key speech discussing media accessibility as a fundamental human entitlement.

Moreover, Keri Putnam, a previous head of the Sundance Institute, and Matthias Pfeffer, the managing director at the Council for European Public Space, will delve into methods aimed at strengthening the bond between filmmakers and content producers with viewers, not just in Europe but globally.

Katrine Kiilgaard, head of CPH:DOX, stated, “The Summit arrives at a critical juncture since Europe undergoes significant transformations within its media sphere. The rise of streaming platforms and social networks has challenged conventional broadcasters, necessitating inventiveness and regulatory adjustments. Given that social media serves as the primary news source for numerous Europeans, collaborative efforts to establish a more diverse and robust media environment are crucial now more than ever.

Donata von Perfall, the managing director of Documentary Campus, stated, “When we bring together media experts and policymakers for closer collaboration, we can build a future filled with innovation, inclusivity, and creativity. Culture serves as a powerful platform to communicate with the public. It’s our collective duty to ensure that the content people consume is grounded in facts, showcases various perspectives, and promotes constructive change.

As a dedicated movie critic, I find myself compelled to voice my perspective on the challenging financial landscape that documentary filmmakers navigate today. Despite living in an era where documentaries hold immense relevance and significance, their financing has never been more precarious. It’s crucial that we provide a conducive environment for production companies to thrive so they can continue sharing stories from every corner of humanity, gracing both grand and intimate screens.

At the upcoming Summit, we’ll delve into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is influencing our digital world, exploring topics such as how it challenges copyright laws and authenticity, and how it might transform public conversations.

Participants are expected to emphasize the importance of revising regulations and fostering collective efforts across the industry as they steer through these tech advancements, all while safeguarding our democratic values.

As a cinephile, I’m excited to delve into a unique aspect of the cinematic world: discovering ways that public broadcasters, movie funds, and filmmakers can harness data and cutting-edge technology to tackle distribution hurdles and foster stronger connections with their audiences.

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2025-02-20 20:46