Arctic Link (2026)

  • Science, Society

DESCRIPTION

An epic debut film about the technological imaginaries of a changing world.

Thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cable glide from the deck into the dark depths of the ocean. A Filipino crew drifts in isolation, their phones a fragile connection to home. The cable reaches a remote community in Alaska, where hopes for a bright future meet fears of dystopian change.

       

News & reviews

Acquisition news | Deadline: Filmotor Acquires ‘Arctic Link’ For World Sales Ahead Of CPH: DOX

Hollywoood Reporter: How ‘Arctic Link’ Brings the Internet, and Digital Change, to Life on an Epic Scale

Business Doc Europe | Interview: CPH:DOX DOX:AWARD: Arctic Link by Ian Purnell – Business Doc Europe

Le Polyester | Review: “The building of a bridge in one of the most isolated places in the world.” Festival CPH:DOX | Critique : Arctic Link – Le Polyester

Cineuropa | Interview: “I wanted the viewer to reflect on where the internet actually comes from” Ian Purnell • Director of Arctic Link – Cineuropa

Movie Break | Review 7/10: “The stark contrast between the monstrous machines and the icy beauty of the Arctic landscape lends a hypnotic atmosphere to this essayistic meditation on digital intimacy, emotional isolation, and the invisible veins of a networked world.” Arctic Link – Kritik | Film 2026 | Moviebreak.de

Review: Arctic Link | MODERN TIMES REVIEW

DIRECTED BY
Ian Purnell, Ensemble Films, Switzerland, 2026, 82´
Festivals & Awards
CPH:DOX - DOX:AWARD Competition, CineAmbiente Italy, Matsalu Natur FF, Rotterdam Architecture FF
Distribution
Switzerland (Cinemas Spring 2027), TV:SRF, Germany: GM Films (Spring 2027)
DIRECTOR BIO

Born 1988 in Liestal, Switzerland. Studied editing at the Film University Babelsberg and postgraduate diploma at the KHM (Academy of Media Arts) in Cologne, focusing on documentary forms. His graduation short THE FEAR OF DYING IN TRANSIT premiered at Visions du Réel in the international short film competition. He works as a filmmaker, video artist, and film editor. Purnell was Artist in Residence at Arts at CERN, participant of Visions du Réel Pitching and Berlinale Talents where he received the Kompagnon Fellowship with ARCTIC LINK. The film celebrates its world premiere at CPH:DOX in the main competition.

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