World Expression Forum (WEXFO) announces award-winning documentary presenter Louis Theroux as speaker at this year’s global freedom of expression conference in Lillehammer June, 1-3.
In 2026, the WEXFO conference explores the theme “The Freedom to Disagree”, and Theroux will take part in an on‑stage fireside conversation about the role of empathy in disagreement and the value of listening, understanding, and accepting other people and perspectives.
“Understanding people we disagree with is at the heart of my work. I believe it’s more important than ever to meet people with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to listen. I look forward to exploring these ideas together at WEXFO in Lillehammer,” says Theroux.
WEXFO CEO Ingunn Trosholmen says the organization is “excited to welcome one of the most important documentary filmmakers of our time to Lillehammer.”
“Louis Theroux has shown, again and again, how genuine curiosity and empathy can open doors to conversations most people would shy away from. At WEXFO, we believe that freedom of expression depends on our ability to engage in dialogue – not necessarily to agree, but to understand, accept and respect one another. We can hardly think of anyone better to embody this principle than Louis Theroux,” says Trosholmen.
Louis Theroux is a genre‑defining documentary storyteller, best known for producing immersive films that illuminate controversial and complex aspects of the human condition. He is currently featured with a brand‑new documentary on Netflix, Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere (released March 11, 2026), in which he immerses himself in the world of influential online figures shaping contemporary ideas about masculinity.
Throughout his career, Theroux has presented the BAFTA‑winning series Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends, When Louis Met…, and a range of acclaimed documentaries including The Most Hated Family in America, Miami Mega Jail, Altered States, and the feature‑length My Scientology Movie. Known for his uniquely disarming presence, he consistently offers rounded, deeply human portraits of people caught in difficult social issues, always resisting easy judgements.
Theroux is also the host of The Louis Theroux Podcast and co‑founder of the independent production company Mindhouse.
WEXFO has already announced that Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa will also join WEXFO and take part in an in‑depth on‑stage conversation on freedom of expression in a world undergoing rapid change.
Photo: Ryan McNamara
