ASK WHY? Docs 2025/26 has come to an end, marking another exciting and evolving chapter for the project. This season introduced several changes while staying true to its core mission: engaging Danish students in meaningful conversations about human rights. With new documentaries, guest speakers and a broader student base, the project strengthened its impact across the country.

This year also saw a sharpened thematic focus. Alongside our continued focus on human rights issues, ASK WHY? Docs placed a greater emphasis on misinformation, critical thinking and democratic values - topics that feel essential in today’s ever-changing landscape.

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Misinformation and democracy take centre stage

While our documentaries always highlight specific human rights issues, this season expanded the conversation. Students were encouraged to reflect on how misinformation shapes opinions and on the importance of questioning the information they encounter.

In an era where misinformation and disinformation are widespread, these discussions felt particularly urgent. Through documentaries and debates, we aimed to equip students with the ability to critically assess information, understand the value of democratic rights and recognise the importance of protecting them.

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New documentaries spark debate

One documentary in particular sparked discussions on misinformation. This season featured the Oscar- and BAFTA-winning Mr. Nobody Against Putin, offering a unique insight into a Russian school as the war rages on in Ukraine. Through the perspective of an ordinary teacher named Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, the film explores how education systems can become vehicles for propaganda, and how even ordinary individuals can choose to resist.

ASK WHY? Docs also introduced Diary from La Paz, which is part of the upcoming WHY FREEDOM? docuseries. Directed by Jonatan Jerichow and Juan Pablo Urioste, the film follows four street children in Bolivia over the course of a year. Equipped with cameras, they document everyday lives shaped by poverty, homelessness and substance abuse, while holding onto hopes for a better future.

Together, these documentaries created a strong foundation for meaningful discussions, connecting global issues to personal stories that resonate with Danish students.

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New guest speakers bring personal insight

A defining feature of ASK WHY? Docs is the conversation that follows between guest speakers and students. This season introduced new voices with strong personal ties to the films’ themes.

Director Jonatan Jerichow joined several screenings of Diary from La Paz. At others, we were joined by Per Willert, who has been homeless for more than 11 years and has struggled with substance abuse. Their insights brought authenticity and depth to the discussions.

Katya Kize acted as guest speaker for our screenings of Mr. Nobody Against Putin. Katya acted as assistant director, translator and a close friend of Pasha. Her deep knowledge of Russian society, and her close connection to the production and its main characters made her a key contributor to the conversations.

These encounters truly convey the power of the project, as they bring global human rights issues closer and make them personal, helping students understand that these issues are not as far from home as they may seem.

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Reaching new students across Denmark

With support from LB Foreningens Fond, ASK WHY? Docs expanded its reach to include students from upper secondary education.

We invited hundreds of students from high schools and vocational programmes to separate screenings, where we focused on elevating the academic level of discussions, revising educational materials and gathering student feedback through interviews.

The insights gained this season will be put into practice next year, when we aim to implement a fully developed approach for this new target group – something we are excited to continue exploring with the students.

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What’s next?

This season of ASK WHY? Docs reflects a project in development – adapting, expanding and deepening its impact. But our ambition remains clear: to bring human rights conversations into classrooms and communities across Denmark.

It has been an incredible season, and we are deeply grateful for the teachers and students who come along each time to engage with us and help keep human rights on the agenda. We also want to extend our sincerest gratitude to the funds who support us, as it would not be possible to bring this project to thousands of students without them: CISU OpEn-Puljen, DFI, Biografklub Danmark, Gentofte Kommune, Lauritzen Fonden, Bornholms Regionskommune, Frederiksberg Fonden, Region Syddanmark, Ole Kirk's Fond, Det Arnstedtske Familiefond, Fabrikant Mads Clausen Fonden, William Demant Fonden, BHJ Fonden, Roskilde Kommune, Politiken Fonden, Roskilde Festival Gruppen, LB Foreningens Fond, Hermod Lannungs Fond and Johan Hoffmann Fonden.