GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF +
Photo credit: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF+
Photo credit: Gil Bartz
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF+
Photo credit: Rita Puig-Serra Costa
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
GUIDED TOUR · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF+
Photo credit: Jansen van Staden
GUIDED TOUR · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF+
This Guided Tour is part of the networking program for exhibiting photo schools and emerging artists exhibiting at the festival and is only open for an invited audience.
Join the Solo Artist Jansen van Staden for an engaging Walk & Talk session in his exhibition at The Royal Theater on June 14 starting at 2 PM!
This event provides the opportunity to directly connect with one of this years exhibiting SOLO Artist and hear about his project "MICROLIGHT" firsthand. This guided tour will offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions relating to the themes of his work. Participants will gain insight from the artist about his projects and creative processes.
Buy entrance ticket to CPF|Gamle Scene
NB The entrance ticket gives access to exhibitions at The Royal Theatre and free events on the day of your visit. When buying tickets online you get 10% discount on the standard ticket
GUIDED TOUR · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF
Photo credit: Jansen van Staden
GUIDED TOUR · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF
Join the Solo Artist Jansen van Staden for an engaging Walk & Talk session in his exhibition at The Royal Theater on June 13 starting at 2 PM!
This event provides the opportunity to directly connect with one of this years exhibiting SOLO Artist and hear about his project "MICROLIGHT" firsthand. This guided tour will offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions relating to the themes of his work. Participants will gain insight from the artist about his projects and creative processes.
Buy entrance ticket to CPF|Gamle Scene
NB The entrance ticket gives access to exhibitions at The Royal Theatre and free events on the day of your visit. When buying tickets online you get 10% discount on the standard ticket
EXHIBITION · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF
EXHIBITION · Microlight · Jansen van Staden · CPF
Years after Jansen Van Staden’s father died in a microlight plane crash, a letter from his father describing horrific accounts of violence committed during the South African “Border War” was found. This insight into his father’s early life became pivotal for Van Staden and the starting point for his project ‘Microlight’.
Van Staden’s project was selected among nearly 1000 applicants to be featured with a solo exhibition at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025 and engages with the overarching theme of Fremkaldelser / Into the Light.
The project unfolds van Staden’s emotional journey trying to come to terms with his father’s and his family’s history as well as the generational aftermath of violence and war in South Africa in a broader sense. ‘Microlight’ asks us to contemplate on the consequences of war and wishes us to start facilitating conversations to try to grasp this very difficult phenomena and bring it into the light.
About the theme · Fremkaldelser / Into the Light
The Danish word ‘Fremkaldelse’ is specifically connected to the photographic process. Namely, as the moment of truth, when the image comes to light – or literally is “called forth” – on film or paper after having lain hidden in the camera’s dark house.
In our time, the complexity of everyday life can feel like a blow to the stomach. We are confronted daily with war, conflict and climate challenges. But the intricacies of this contemporary complexity call to be brought into the light. To be seen, scrutinized patiently, shown and told about.
With the 2025 theme ‘Fremkaldelser | Into the Light’, we want to call out what was hidden in order to create understanding, insigh and not least hope in a complicated time. This year’s theme is a call to sharpen your gaze, shed light on your own and others’ blind spots or practice simply seeing.
Opening Hours
12-18 June, 11 am – 20 pm
Buy entrance ticket to CPF|Gamle Scene
NB The entrance ticket gives access to exhibitions at The Royal Theatre and free events on the day of your visit. When buying tickets online you get 10% discount on the standard ticket
Photo credit: Jansen van Staden
EVENT · GRAND OPENING 2025 · “Fremkaldelser / Into the Light” · CPF
Photo credit: Glamorgan, Wales, 1993 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
Come celebrate the GRAND OPENING of Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025!
We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of this year’s festival in the new and spectacular festival center at The Royal Danish Theater for the very first time.
In this exceptional setting we will, together with exhibiting artists, curators, distinguished international guests and representatives from our partnering institutions, celebrate the power of photography to cast light on hidden stories, unveil blind spots as well as to connect people, create hope and community in a world that over the past months and years seem to be overwhelmed with conflicts, crisis and unpredictability. All the more reason to come together, connect and celebrate together!
Copenhagen Photo Festival will for the first time present its main exhibitions in the historical foyer of the Royal Danish Theater where you can explore the opening to the first major exhibition with Martin Parr in Denmark in more than 20 years as well as exhibitions by the four selected solo artists Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden and Rita Puig-Serra Costa.
We look forward to celebrating with you, so be sure to mark the date!
Book your ticket for the GRAND OPENING here
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EXHIBITION OPENINGS · CPF | GAMLE SCENE
Thursday 12 June · 16:00–20:00
The Royal Danish Theatre – Gamle Scene
Be among the first to explore
The first major Danish exhibition with Martin Parr in over 20 years
Solo exhibitions by Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes · Gil Bartz · Jansen van Staden · Rita Puig-Serra Costa
Screenings in the theatre corridors of lens-based works by the 2025 CPF Selectees
The open call exhibition Vil du udstilles? – featuring over 1,000 submitted photos from Denmark and abroad
GRAND OPENING PROGRAM
16:00 – Guided tour with the exhibiting solo artists
16:30 – Bubbles in the Balcony Foyer (free for the first 120 guests)
17:00 – Opening speech by Festival Director Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen
17:15 – EVERYBODY DANCE NOW – DJ set and celebration in the exhibition space
Café August B will be open throughout the evening – and you’re welcome to bring your drink with you to explore the exhibitions.
BOOK YOUR TICKET
The Grand Opening is part of our festival programme and requires a valid ticket for entry. Your ticket includes access to all exhibitions at the Royal Danish Theatre on the day of your visit.
Book online and save 10%
(Free entry with valid guest list or press accreditation pass)
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CPF | VÆKST · Refshaleøen
a space for emerging photography and art
Our emerging artist hub at Refshaleøen VÆKST also opens 12 June and presents a dynamic programme of emerging Nordic talents working across photography, sound, performance and installation.
Explore bold new work in exhibitions, performances and events by three leading Nordic photography schools · the FUTURES Nordic Talents 2025 · VÆKST Creatives · and the Special exhibition | FOTOGRAFI Portfolio Review Award.
The big celebration kicks off on 13 June with the VÆKST inauguration party – a summer night of art, music and community featuring DJs, cold drinks, guided tours and artist talks, all in the company of this year’s exhibiting photographers and creatives.
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CPF X | PARTNER VENUES
Photography across the city – exhibitions & events
Throughout June, the festival unfolds across the city through CPF X – our extended programme of exhibitions, performances and events hosted by more than 30 partnering venues in Copenhagen and beyond.
Banja Rathnov Kunsthandel og Galleri · Basement · Blue Canvas Projects · Christian Askjær Photo Space · Danish Architecture Center · Dark Gallery CPH · The David Collection · Det Grønlandske Hus · Det Lyse Kammer · DGI Byen · Ex Nihilo · FB44 · Fotografisk Center · Galleri 1,4 m3 · Gallery Poulsen · Karen Blixen Museum · Landskrona Foto · Leica Store Copenhagen · MAPS – Museum of Art in Public Spaces · Martin Asbæk Gallery · Maxus 101 Art Space · Mesimarja Photographic Werkstatt · Nikolaj Kunsthal · NW Gallery · Politikens Forhal · Prospekt · The Royal Danish Academy of Art · The Royal Library · Art Museums of Skagen · The Thott Mansion – The French Embassy · Vandrehallen · VERA Skole for Kunst & Design · Vogelkop · VÆKST
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With gratitude to our supporters
Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025 is made possible with generous support from:
Det Obelske Familiefond · Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond · Augustinus Fonden · Spar Nord Fonden · Johanne og Ejnar Flach-Bundegaard Fond · FUTURES · Creative Europe · Knud Højgaards Fond · The Embassy of Spain · The Royal Academy of Art
This year’s solo artists are…
Photo credit: Gil Bartz, Fragments of Climate Change
Announcement: The Solo Artists for the 2025 edition of Copenhagen Photo Festival
Copenhagen Photo Festival is thrilled to finally present the four Solo Artists of 2025. The Solo artist projects have been selected from nearly 1000 projects through our annual open call. Each project will be presented with a solo exhibition at our festival center from 12 June 2025 bringing this year's overarching theme ‘Fremkaldelser / Into the Light’ into play at the festival center.
The four compelling projects have been selected because of a profound engagement with their topic and an enriching perspective on the theme. Each artist brings new and very personal tones to the meaning of ‘Fremkaldelser / Into the Light’. The projects explore a diverse array of themes from engaging deeply and personally with the everyday moments of family life and intergenerational conflicts inflicted by war, to the aftermath of abuse and the complexity of disseminating the climate crises.
The photographers amplify unheard voices and highlight stories that might otherwise remain hidden. Their work highlights societal blind spots, challenges the status quo, and invites viewers to pause and critically reflect.
We look forward to presenting these four intriguing projects as solo exhibitiosn at the spectacular new festival center at the Royal Danish Theater giving the artist a unique chance to unfold the multilayered narratives behind the projects.
The CPF’s Solo Artists 2025
Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes - Family Table (2024)
American photographer Elisabeth Pedinotti Haynes’ project Family Table turns the overlooked remnants of daily life into captivating visual stories. Using food scraps, utensils, and cut-out photographs, she constructs playful yet thought-provoking still lifes that explore memory, domesticity, and the hidden rituals of family life. Her work challenges conventional ideas of motherhood and domestic labour, transforming mundane moments into imaginative spaces where time bends and personal narratives come to light. Through her photographs, Pedinotti Haynes invites us to pause, reflect, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Gil Bartz - Fragments of Climate Change (2023)
German photojournalist Gil Bartz offers a kaleidoscopic view of the climate crisis, capturing fragments of a larger narrative on environmental and societal change in Germany. In Fragments of Climate Change, German photojournalist Gil Bartz presents a kaleidoscopic portrait of the climate crisis as it unfolds in contemporary Germany. Through his cinematic documentary photographs, Bartz captures fragments of a complex reality – from wildfires and self-sufficient energy towns to climate activists awaiting trial. His work doesn’t point to one culprit but instead highlights the intricate, interconnected challenges that define our time. With a background in cinematography, Bartz crafts visually compelling tableaus that invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and consider their own role in the story of climate change.
Jansen van Staden - Microlight (2023)
South African photographer Jansen van Staden’s project Microlight is a deeply personal exploration of the generational trauma caused by war. The project began when Van Staden discovered a letter written by his late father, detailing acts of violence he committed during South Africa's 'Border War'. Through photography, Van Staden navigates the emotional landscape of his family's history, uncovering the lasting psychological effects of war and the inherited scars it leaves behind. Microlight invites us to confront the complexities of memory, identity, and the silent legacies of conflict – bringing these often-hidden narratives into the light.
Rita Puig-Serra Costa - Anatomy of an Oyster (2023)
In Anatomy of an Oyster, Spanish artist Rita Puig-Serra Costa uses photography to transform personal trauma into artistic resistance, confronting personal and collective silence surrounding abuse. Through the symbolism of the creation of a pearl – where an oyster transforms an intrusive element into something layered and luminous – Puig-Serra Costa explores the emotional complexities of her own trauma. Her deeply personal project, rooted in a conversation with her late mother, unravels the layers of shame and guilt often hidden within families. By merging archival images with intimate visual storytelling, she transforms her personal reckoning into an act of defiance, fostering dialogue about a topic too often left unspoken.