Ahead of the world premiere at CPH:DOX 2025 on March 24, 2025 in the Main Competition section DOX:Award, here is the first trailer for the documentary The Helsinki Effect directed by Arthur Franck.

Described as all-archival essay documentary, the film explores the myths and narratives of the Cold War era and their lasting impact on global diplomacy and provides an insight into the secret negotiations at the highest level from recently declassified papers, which are humorously recreated behind closed doors using language simulations with artificial intelligence (AI).

In the summer of 1975, world leaders from East and West met in Helsinki to discuss security and cooperation during the Cold War. The Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) was a political chess game with world peace at stake, and a historic event that still resonates strongly today.

The film delves into detailed archival footage and recently declassified conversations, revealing how the summit crucially shaped the world. With sharp political analysis and an ironic approach to the diplomatic drama The Helsinki Effect provides a unique insight into how rights and power are intertwined, and how decisions made back then continue to echo in today’s unsettled world.

Watch the first trailer for The Helsinki Effect

The documentary is produced by Sandra Enkvist, Arthur Franck, Oskar Forstén Anja Dziersk and Stefan Kloos Thorvald Nilsen; with international sales handled by Rise And Shine World Sales.

CPH:DOX 2025 documentary film festival takes place March 19 to 30, 2025.