The Dogma 25 Movement is launched three decades after the inception of Dogme 95 by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg.

      It has now been three decades since Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg introduced the Dogme 95 movement, which presented a series of simplified filmmaking principles aimed at returning power to directors. Although films like Festen, The Idiots, and even Harmony Korine's Julien Donkey-Boy emerged during its peak, the movement faded about ten years later. However, a group of Danish filmmakers has now initiated Dogma 25, their own manifesto.

      Founded by May el-Thouky (Queen of Hearts), Milad Alami (The Charmer), Isabella Eklöf (Holiday), Annika Berg (Hurricane), and Jesper Just, this new movement arises at a crucial moment as the industry faces numerous challenges. "We honor Dogma 95, the filmmakers who paved the way for us, and those yet to come. United, we defend artistic freedom as a bulwark against meaninglessness and helplessness. Dogma 25 signifies a rescue mission and a cultural uprising," the filmmakers declared. "In an era where formulaic films shaped by algorithms and artificial aesthetics are on the rise, our aim is to advocate for the flawed, unique, and human touch. We promote the uncompromising and unpredictable, resisting efforts to reduce cinematic art to an ultra-processed commodity."

      In a statement made at Cannes Film Festival in Zentropa’s villa, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg remarked, "In '95, we created films with a sense of security and launched a rebellion against conformity. In '25, new dogmas are forming in a world filled with conflict and uncertainty. We wish you the best in your effort to reclaim Danish cinema."

      With hopes for each of the five directors to complete a feature film within the next three years, they have already secured around $1.5 million for each project. As we await further developments, you can read their manifesto below.

      Dogma 25 is a group of filmmakers established in Copenhagen during the spring of 2025. Our stated goal is to maintain the originality of cinema and the ability to create films on our own terms.

      The role of the director has increasingly become that of a project manager, the film has turned into a product, and the audience has been reduced to consumers. Experimental practices are hindered by the fear of taking risks, which stifles artistic exploration and silences individual voices. When films are merely produced without the opportunity for organic evolution, the art form risks becoming functional, compliant, and ultimately irrelevant.

      In a landscape where formulaic films driven by algorithms and artificial visual styles are proliferating, it’s our mission to champion the flawed, distinct, and human essence. We uphold the uncompromising and unpredictable and are committed to fighting against the forces that seek to diminish cinematic art into an over-processed consumer product.

      By minimizing production scales, we ensure that every team member has a close connection to the film and its message. This fosters mutual trust and a collective responsibility for the film and each other. It also preserves the flexibility essential for a dynamic and intuitive creative process, rather than a purely executive one.

      We celebrate Dogma 95, the filmmakers who have come before us, and those yet to follow. United, we defend artistic freedom as a safeguard against meaninglessness and powerlessness. DOGMA 25 represents a rescue mission and a cultural revolt.

      To protect and sustain what we cherish, we hereby commit to an unwavering and indomitable set of rules known as: THE VOW OF CHASTITY.

      THE VOW OF CHASTITY

      I pledge to adhere to the following set of rules articulated and endorsed by Dogma 25:

      1. The script must be original and handwritten by the director.

      We obligate ourselves to handwrite the script to cultivate the kind of intuition that arises most freely from the dream, flowing through the hand onto the paper.

      2. At least half of the film must have no dialogue.

      We advocate for a cinematic approach to filmmaking since we believe in visual storytelling and trust the audience’s intelligence.

      3. The internet is off-limits in all creative processes.

      We commit to producing films based on real people in our physical reality, rather than in a digital realm governed by algorithms.

      4. We will only accept funding with no conditions that alter the content.

      We take responsibility for managing the budget so that the team maintains final authority over all artistic choices.

      5. No more than 10 individuals will work behind the camera.

      We commit to collaborating closely to build trust and enhance our shared vision.

      6. The film must be shot in the location where the narrative is set.

      Film as an art form becomes artificial and generic when we depict a place inaccurately.

      7. We are not permitted to use makeup or alter faces and bodies unless it serves the narrative.

      Just as we aim to uphold the authenticity of the location, we also desire to portray the human body without filters. We embrace it—imperfections included.

      8. All production-related items must