EXCLUSIVE: Trailer for CPH:DOX Title Birita - CPH:DOX 2026

Key Takeaways

• Faroese documentary follows mother with Alzheimer’s starring in King Lear
• Son Búi Dam directs play, confronting consent and caregiving ethics
• Film premieres at CPH:DOX Nordic:DOX competition March 2026
• Score composed by Bill Frisell adds atmospheric depth
• Open for international sales, boosting Faroese cinema visibility

Summary

Faroese filmmaker Búi Dam debuts his first documentary feature, *Birita*, at CPH:DOX’s Nordic:DOX competition in March 2026. The film chronicles Dam’s attempt to stage Shakespeare’s *King Lear* with his mother, celebrated actress Birita Mohr, who is living with Alzheimer’s, in the lead role. It explores the ethical tension of consent, caregiving, and artistic expression while highlighting Mohr’s joyful spirit. Produced by Outlier Projects, the documentary is scored by Bill Frisell and is now open for international sales.

Pulse Analysis

The upcoming documentary *Birita* marks a milestone for Faroese cinema, as director Búi Dam steps onto the international stage with his first feature-length work. Set against the stark beauty of the Faroe Islands, the film follows Dam’s mother, veteran actress Birita Mohr, as she tackles Shakespeare’s *King Lear* while battling Alzheimer’s disease. By framing a classic tragedy through the lens of a woman whose memory is fading, the documentary offers a fresh, celebratory take on a condition often portrayed solely as loss. The collaboration of cinematographer Franklin Symphor Henriksen and composer Bill Frisell adds visual and auditory richness that elevates the narrative.

Beyond its artistic ambition, *Birita* confronts a fraught ethical landscape. Dam must reconcile his mother’s desire to return to the stage with the reality that Alzheimer’s can impair informed consent, a dilemma that resonates with caregivers worldwide. The film documents intense family discussions, as Dam’s father balances his own well‑being with the demands of caregiving. By presenting these tensions openly, the documentary invites audiences to reconsider how society supports aging artists and challenges the stigma that illness must silence creative expression.

The film’s debut at CPH:DOX’s Nordic:DOX competition provides a high‑visibility platform for both the story and the Faroe Islands’ production ecosystem. With Bill Frisell’s evocative score and a seasoned crew, *Birita* is already listed for international sales, signaling confidence from distributors in the marketability of Nordic documentary content. Success at the festival could open doors for further co‑production deals, elevate the profile of Faroese talent, and encourage more nuanced portrayals of neurodegenerative disease in mainstream media.