Thirty years after DOGMA 95, five filmmakers unite in an artistic collective based on a shared manifesto and a new vow of chastity comprising ten new dogmas to protect the artistic integrity of feature film and create space for uncompromising cinematic storytelling.
TrustNordisk is proud to announce that we will handle international sales on the upcoming films.
Three decades after the first Dogma wave, five notable filmmakers are initiating a new movement: DOGMA 25. The collective, founded in May 2025, consists of directors May el-Toukhy, Milad Alami, Annika Berg, Isabella Eklöf, and Jesper Just, and is a defiant response to current events.
In their new manifesto, the five filmmakers state:
We celebrate DOGMA 95, the filmmakers who came before us, and those who will come after. We stand together to defend artistic freedom as a shield against pointlessness and powerlessness. DOGMA 25 is a rescue mission and a cultural uprising.
With their shared manifesto and vow of chastity, the five filmmakers aim to redefine the terms for filmmaking at a time where productions and crews are growing, processes are rushed, and technological makeup takes precedence, paradoxically leading to less value for money. The purpose of the manifesto is to assert the artistic value of film and create works based on the principles of cinematic art.
The ten dogmas of the vow of chastity
With the manifesto and the vow of chastity, the five directors commit to working within a structure that requires immersion, restraint, and artistic necessity.
The vow of chastity contains ten dogmas that collectively adhere to three core themes:
Back to the physical reality
The internet may not be used for creative processes. The films must be made in less than one year, and with no more than ten people behind the camera. The script must be written by hand.
Aesthetic restraint
At least half the film must be without dialogue. Nothing can be brand new – all equipment, costume, and set design must be borrowed, found, or used. Makeup is only allowed if it’s part of the narrative.
Economic and geographic accountability
The film must be shot where the narrative takes place. Funding may only be accepted if it doesn’t affect the content.
DOGMA 25 is an initiative of May el-Toukhy, who has brought together the five directors. In late 2024, she reached out to Zentropa in order to establish the initiative together as a space for development, reflection and innovation. Louise Vesth and Sisse Graum Jørgensen, two of Zentropa’s managing directors and highly experienced producers, are in charge of the financing and launch of DOGMA 25.
The project will come to life through a collaboration between Zentropa, DR and Nordisk Film Distribution, who will provide the base funding that will make it possible to create the films under the conditions set up by DOGMA 25. The goal is to achieve further funding as the films take shape.
The Danish Film Institute is providing support for the development of the concept and manifesto as well as production, while TrustNordisk will oversee the international sales and ensure a wide global distribution for the films.
At TrustNordisk, there is excitement at the prospect of selling the features internationally:
”I am thrilled that five such talented directors are ready to conquer the world with a new, inspiring, and creative manifesto and an ambition to create original and uncompromising stories with a new approach to storytelling. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary for DOGMA 95, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate. We very much look forward to being part of this brand-new era.” – Susan Wendt, Managing Director at TrustNordisk.
Thirty years ago, film directors Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, Søren Kragh-Jacobsen and Kristian Levring joined forces in a revolt against the established film industry. A revolt culminating in a vow of chastity – a set of rules that would simplify production and bring the stories closer to the audience.
With DOGMA 95, the four directors created an extraordinary movement that resonated across the globe and signified a breakthrough for Danish film. An impressive 212 Danish and international feature films were characterized as Dogma films, and among the major successes were The Celebration, The Idiots, Mifune, Italian for Beginners and Open Hearts.
Now – three decades later – a new group of noticeable filmmakers take the stage.
Thomas Vinterberg and Lars von Trier, who were behind Dogma 95 30 years ago, state:
”In ’95, we made films in the certainty of peace. And created a revolt against conformity. In ’25, new dogmas are created, now in a world of war and uncertainty. We wish you the best of luck on your march toward reconquering Danish film.”