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The Contest

Name: The Contest
Director: Martin Miehe-Renard
Released: 2013
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2013

TV-PG

Director

Martin Miehe-Renard

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film succeeds in challenging monolithic national identities by focusing on the multicultural reality of Nørrebro. By placing a Danish-Turkish girl as the knowledgeable guide, it moves away from homogeneous European clichés and offers a more layered urban portrait. While the film provides strong ability to act to its female lead and handles ethnic integration with nuance, it remains limited in other areas. The lack of LGBTQ+ visibility and disability representation prevents a more inclusive score. Ultimately, the film enhances typical family fare by exploring the clash between provincial homogeneity and the complex, diverse social fabric of the big city.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Contest have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes. It focuses on the mentorship between the two main characters rather than non-straight relationships.

How does The Contest portray gender?

Fair

Sawsan challenges traditional gender roles by being the more experienced and socially adept lead. She drives the story forward, guiding the male protagonist through his new surroundings.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Contest?

Excellent

The story centers on ethnic integration within a multicultural urban setting. Featuring a Danish-Turkish protagonist, the film presents a pluralistic view of modern Danish identity.

How does The Contest represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot explores the tension between traditional religious authority and modern secular aspirations. Sawsan’s musical aspirations create a conflict between her father's expectations and her personal goals.

Does The Contest include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or mentioned depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong ethnic integration through the central Danish-Turkish character.
Effective subversion of gender hierarchies by giving the female lead ability to act.
Nuanced exploration of multicultural urban life in Copenhagen.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or themes.
Absence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Limited focus on diverse identities beyond ethnic and gender dynamics.

Official Synopsis

Being a stranger doesn’t necessarily mean to be coming from the farthest away. Karl and his mother are about to learn this when they move from the west coast of Denmark to the ethnically and religiously mixed area of Nørrebro in Copenhagen. Sawsan, a Danish-Turkish girl in Karl’s new class, takes him under her wings and tries to integrate him into the big city, with all its slang and hipness. Sawsan is far more experienced and blunt than most – especially compared to Karl, this young Danish boy from the provinces. Sawsan’s big dream comes true when one of her songs is chosen for the Danish version of the Eurovision Song Contest for kids. Sawsan’s father of course says no, but Karl has a plan.

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