We continue our Nordic documentary deep dive with eight more compelling films from this year’s line-up at the Copenhagen Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX).

ETERNAL FATHER | Director: Ömer SAMI | Denmark

Synopsis: Nasar, on the cusp of his 59th birthday, confronts his aging with a radical idea: cryopreservation before death. This documentary follows Nasar, who is 26 years older than his wife and the mother of his children, as he explores the possibility of freezing himself to one day reunite with his family. As technology inches closer to challenging the finality of death, Nasar grapples with deep questions: What does it mean to extend life through such means? And importantly, what does it mean to be with your family—forever?

Thoughts on the Film: We sought something unique at the festival and found it in ‘Eternal Father,’ featured in the Dox For Kids category. This 31-minute short film, set in the UK and in English, dives into the rarely seen world of cryonics through the lens of a family grappling with the father’s decision to potentially extend his life by being cryopreserved.

Though cryonics has often been discussed, ‘Eternal Father’ offers a fresh, personal glimpse into the emotional and logistical processes involved. Particularly compelling is the film’s exploration of how the children react to their father’s decision—a poignant angle that adds depth to the narrative.

While the film’s brevity leaves the audience craving more details and a deeper exploration of the outcomes, its length is ironically fitting given the endless ‘wait and see’ nature of cryonics itself. This documentary sparks a blend of fascination and morbid curiosity about whether such a futuristic endeavor could indeed allow a father to witness his children grow up. Perhaps, only time will tell if his gamble pays off.

LIE TO ME | Director: Baar Tyrmi | Norway

Synopsis: In 2014, a crypto-currency business called OneCoin was launched. It called itself the ‘Bitcoin killer’, and promised rich digital revolution of the financial market. All of a sudden anyone could become a millionaire overnight as long as they invested their money as quickly as that can.

With Ruja Ignatova as the company’s charismatic queen, OneCoin quickly became the talk of the town from Silicon Valley to Europe and all over the world – that was until Norwegian investigator Bjørn Bjercke got involved. Bjørn suspected that there wasn’t even an actual currency behind the scheme but even after countless scandals, imprisonments and deaths, OneCoin incredibly still operates 10 years later.

Thoughts on the film: This probably was one of the most thrilling documentaries that we saw from CPH:DOX – what might have helped that was the fact it was English language which made it easier to keep up with everything going, and trust me there is a ALOT going on, in fact this story is not only just completely and utterly wild but also terrifying given peoples ignorance to this horrendous scam. Lie To Me is not only entertaining but it is a serious lesson on one of many scams that are happening and will continue to happen in this digital world we so immerse ourselves in.

EFTERKLANG: THE MAKEDONIUM BAND | Director: Andreas Johnsen | Denmark

Synopsis: The Danish band Efterklang, a prominent figure in the music scene for over two decades, embarks on a unique journey. They plan to travel to North Macedonia, intent on assembling a band of local musicians. Their goal? To perform in front of the Makedonium monument, a symbolic edifice celebrating the country’s freedom and independence.

Thoughts on the film: While this film may appeal primarily to die-hard fans of Efterklang, it also resonates with those who enjoy world music and the fusion of different musical traditions. The documentary is a fun and beautiful journey that follows the incredibly talented band, accompanied by the super likable Grga (their guide). Together, they meet an assortment of fascinating musicians. Initially, it’s hard to imagine how these diverse talents will blend together musically. However, your patience is certainly rewarded by the film’s finale — a performance that is beautiful to watch. It captivates not just with its music, but also with its clear impact on the audience and everyone involved. This documentary is a refreshing piece, offering a delightful experience to relax and enjoy.

A PLACE IN THE SUN | Director: Mette Carla Albrechtsen | Finland

Synopsis: In Gran Canaria the sun shies all year round which is why it attracts around four million tourists every year – but not everyone there is on holiday. Some people work amongst the hustle and bustle of tourists and these particular people are the subject to Mette Carla Albrechtsen’s film.

Thoughts on the film: We are suckers for these kind of films – in a way they strongly feel like you have been dropped in to people watch various characters. Sometimes this is quite comical (the image below is a segment that was particularly amusing) but there are other moments where the director really does pull the rug from under your feet when we hear the stories behind some of the people we are observing. It is one of those films that seems to pass by so quickly but manages to instil itself in your head for days after and I am sure multiple rewatches will open more to the narratives and visuals going on.

THE SON AND THE MOON | Director: Roja Pakari | Denmark

Synopsis: Danish-Iranian filmmaker Roja, at 36, grapples with a dual challenge: her pregnancy with her son Oskar and a cancer diagnosis. ‘The Son and the Moon’ captures her six-year odyssey through personal trials and reflections on mortality. Beyond her battle with cancer, Roja delves into her rich Iranian heritage and the dramatic history of her family, who resettled in Denmark following the Iranian revolution. Not to be overshadowed by the threat of death; instead, what unfolds is an unexpected love story and a courageous self-portrait of Roja as a mother, wife, daughter, and artist.

Thoughts on the film: It’s no wonder ‘The Son and the Moon’ clinched the Nordic: Dox Award, with the jury praising it as ‘an emotional experience that transfers the filmmaker’s legacy onto the audience.’ This powerful film not only tugs at the heartstrings but also enlightens with profound insights.

Imagine the daunting reality of facing incurable cancer while pregnant. Roja not only confronts this terror but also captures her journey with remarkable strength and courage. From being bound to the hospital to reconnecting with her son and exploring her Iranian heritage, the film segments her life into a compelling narrative. Such films are vital; they show that no one is alone when facing life’s most formidable challenges.

ECHO OF YOU | Director: Zara ZERNY | Denmark

Synopsis: You often hear about how sometimes when it comes to elderly couples, if one passes away, the other passes shortly afterwards. This is not the case in this emotional debut by Zara Zerny. Here, the director introduces us to a handful of men and women who have lost their life partners and are now left by themselves, with only their memories of their dearly departed.

Echo of You is not just about the grief that comes with losing your life partner, but also the humour, bitterness, and the will to carry on in a generation that is slowly fading.

Thoughts on the film: It was easy to drift at times during some of the monologues presented by the subjects in the film. However, if you are invested in them, then you are sucked in. What this director does so magically is to suddenly flip things with a musical interlude and some fascinating visuals, which totally engage you in a sense of fascination, leading to an emotional gut punch. A particular segment features a cloud floating between rooms where someone has passed, and it is an image that just won’t leave you. Zara Zerny is a seriously interesting talent to look out for in the future.

OUR FATHER WEARS A SUN | Directors: Rosalinde Mynster & Jasper Spanning | Denmark

Synopsis: Some of you might recognise Rosalinde Mynster, she has most recently been seen in the excellent Carmen Curlers, here the talented actress has turned director along with Jasper Spanning as the pair document their relationship with their father Søren Spanning – who in 2014 had a stroke. The pair share how they adapted to their fathers demise following the stroke leading up to his passing in 2020.

Thoughts on the film: This is a very personal and intimate film, beautifully put together with various vignettes sprawled across the six years following Søren’s stroke. Søren Spanning was a famous Danish actor, whom many will know from various roles, most notably in “Borgen” as Lars Hesselboe. It is beautifully shot by Jasper Spanning, entering you into what feels like a dreamscape, thanks to its analogue form, but it’s very much the reality of the two siblings trying to cope with handling their father. It is both a joyful and very emotional piece—which I am sure would be very cathartic to those who have experienced the same as these siblings.

G-12 SCENES FROM GOTTSUNDA | Director: Loran Batti | Sweden & Denmark

Synopsis: Rife with drugs, crime, gangs and violence Gottsunda is one of Sweden’s most dangerous places. But the area is also the childhood home of the this film’s director and subject – Loran Batti. Where he has found a way out and a different path in life his childhood friends have not, descending further into a world of gang violence and crime.

G-12 Scenes from Gottsunda shares an unflinching look at the gang problems in Sweden right from within those involved.

Thoughts on the film: There is a moment in the film when the director says something along the lines of this to his friends: “It is hard to make this film, especially with these folks, they say they have to go and then they say ‘come brother lets film a scene’ and out of nowhere it became a gangster meeting”. That is very early on in the film and it gives you a great perspective of what kind of journey you are embarking on with it – it is absolutely fascinating, incredibly tense, and also heartbeaking.

When people are so used to seeing gang culture on television this film reveals that what you see isn’t fiction – it is very real and it is happening. Expertly captured by director Loran Batti, this is a truly fascinating and brave film.

Nordic Watchlist were covering CPH:DOX Film Festival digitally – we’d love to know if any of these films of interest to you. Let us know in the comments box below.