The Enduring Spirit of Dogma
This afternoon, a significant announcement was made at the Zentropa villa in Cannes by filmmakers May el-Toukhy, Milad Alami, Annika Berg, Isabella Eklöf, and Jesper Just. They introduced Dogma 25, a refreshed version of the Dogma movement, aimed at safeguarding the artistic purity of feature filmmaking and fostering a space for bold cinematic narratives.
Dogma 25 is structured around 10 newly established dogmas. The filmmakers committed themselves to a “new vow of chastity,” pledging to adhere to guidelines centered around three principal themes: a revival of tangible reality, aesthetic simplicity, and responsibility regarding economic and geographical factors. The complete list of dogmas is provided below.
Core Tenets of Dogma 25
The foremost rule dictates that directors must only use original scripts that they have personally handwritten. The guidelines restrict internet use during the creative process and stipulate that funding must be free of any conditions that could alter content.
Dogma 25 emerges three decades following the original Dogma 95 manifesto, pioneered by notable filmmakers including Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, among others. The movement’s earlier iteration saw the creation of influential European films like Festen (1998) and The Idiots (1998).
In their manifesto, the creators of Dogma 25 expressed reverence for Dogma 95, acknowledging the filmmakers who initiated the movement and those who will continue its legacy. They described Dogma 25 as both a mission to salvage culture and a revolt against the mundane.
The manifesto’s introduction criticizes the prevailing trends of formula-driven films and artificial aesthetics, advocating instead for films that authentically represent human imperfections and unpredictability. It confronts the commercial forces that threaten to commodify cinematic art.
Responding to the new initiative, Vinterberg and von Trier conveyed their encouragement and reflected on the context of creating Dogma 95 in a time of peace and resistance to conformity. They expressed their support for the new generation’s effort to reclaim the essence of Danish cinema amid current global instability.
Operational Framework and Key Players
Veteran producer Louise Vesth, who hosted the announcement event in Cannes, alongside Danish film industry expert Sisse Graum Jørgensen, will oversee the financial and developmental aspects of Dogma 25 projects. Zentropa, along with DR and Nordisk Film Distribution, will provide foundational funding, while TrustNordisk will handle international sales.
Among the filmmakers, May el-Toukhy is recognized for her 2019 feature Queen of Hearts. Milad Alami directed the 2023 film Opponent, which was Sweden’s entry for the International Oscar. Annika Berg, known for her visual artistry, directed Team Hurricane (2017), which received accolades at Venice. Isabella Eklöf debuted with Holiday (2018) and recently won jury recognition at San Sebastian with Kalak (2023). Jesper Just, a prominent video artist, has represented Denmark at the Venice Biennale and has been featured in solo exhibitions worldwide.
Manifesto Details
DOGMA 25, established in Copenhagen in spring 2025, aims to restore the essence of cinema, promoting films that are created independently of mainstream influences. The manifesto critiques the reduction of directors to project managers and films to mere products, emphasizing the stifling effect this has on innovative and unique filmmaking.
The guidelines of Dogma 25 include promoting a hands-on approach to scriptwriting, limiting dialogue, banning internet use in the creative process, ensuring independence in funding, maintaining small production teams, authentic on-location filming, naturalistic portrayal of characters, sustainable production practices, efficient filmmaking timelines, and approaching each project as potentially the last.
Through these principles, Dogma 25 not only honors its predecessor, Dogma 95, but also fortifies its commitment to cinematic artistry against the backdrop of a commercialized and algorithm-driven industry.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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