Contra Kino Premiere: Nilam Farooq & Christoph Maria Herbst on the Red Carpet

Contra – In today’s time, the newest film “Contra” by director Sönke Wortmann humorously highlights the problems of our society. After three postponements of the premiere due to the pandemic, the film’s stars are finally on the red carpet to proudly present their work. With a lot of love for acting, Christoph Maria Herbst, also known from the successful series “Stromberg,” convinces with his portrayal of the cynical professor Richard Pohl. By his side is the charming Nilam Farooq, who slips into her biggest role yet and plays the student Naima. We were live at the film premiere in Cologne at the Cinedom to exclusively report to you from the red carpet, including an interview with Nilam Farooq. Here you can find out everything about the film “Contra.”

Contra: A Film About Prejudices and Stereotypes

The film Contra shows the story of young law student Naima Hamid, who makes the life of university professor Richard Pohl very difficult. The verbal back-and-forth between the two goes as far as the professor making racist and offensive remarks due to Naima’s Arab heritage. When a video of the incident circulates on campus, Richard Pohl faces the threat of suspension. In order to restore his reputation, the university president gives the professor one last chance: he should prepare Naima for a nationwide debate competition, something neither side is initially too excited about.

“Speaking & Communication, that’s our film!” – Nilam Farooq

Want to know if Naima and the professor manage to overcome their mutual prejudices? Watch the entire film starting Thursday in cinemas!

Trailer: First look at the new film Contra

Here you can watch the trailer for Contra. Curious? Read on about director Sönke Wortmann and see impressions from the premiere in Cologne.

Tip! Read our exclusive red carpet interview with Nilam Farooq about racism, communication, and fashion here.

The Stars of the Film: A Short Overview

What would a film be without a director and actors? Exactly – impossible. That’s why we’ve compiled a short overview of the actors in the two leading roles, Nilam Farooq and Christoph Maria Herbst, as well as a brief statement about director Sönke Wortmann. These German stars once again impress with outstanding performances – Nilam was even awarded the Bavarian Film Prize for best female actress for her role. Director Sönke Wortmann has also won numerous awards in film and television. Not to forget Christoph Maria Herbst, who has been a winner of the German Comedy Award three times in a row.

  • Nilam Farooq
  • Christoph Maria Herbst
  • Sönke Wortmann (Director)

Nilam Farooq: “Talking, communication, that’s our film!”

Many of you might still know Nilam Farooq from YouTube. On this well-known platform, Nilam ran a video blog under the synonym “daaruum” on her own channel from 2010 until the end of 2017. Super friendly, committed and passionate, Nilam was also in front of us on the evening of the premiere. With a very open and honest manner, she gave us a short insight into her own experiences with racism, prejudices and xenophobia in everyday life – topics that are addressed in the film Contra. “…there is hope that with each day, in some way or another, a real change of thinking will happen. It will never be perfect, but better. There is still a lot of potential!” were Nilam’s words on the topic of everyday racism. Read here the full interview with Nilam about her new film Contra!

Christoph Maria Herbst: A Ace in Comedy and Acting

Schauspieler, Theaterdarsteller und Synchronsprecher – Christoph Maria Herbst ist ein echtes Multitalent. Drei mal in Folge mit dem Deutschen Comedy Preis als Bester Schauspieler für seine berühmte Rolle als “Stromberg” in der gleichnamigen Serie ausgezeichnet, hat der gelernte Bankkaufmann einige Erfolge zu verzeichnen. Auch in Contra zeigt er dem Publikum das, was er am besten kann: In zynische und sarkastische Rollen zu schlüpfen. Die Rolle des Professors Richard Pohl ist dem Schauspieler wie auf den Leib geschrieben. Empfindet der Zuschauer zu Beginn noch Abscheu gegen den engstirnigen und zynischen Professor, so öffnen sich gegen Ende die Herzen für ihn, da er sich in einen Weltoffenen, fast schon liebenswerten Menschen verwandelt.

Nilam Farooq und Christoph Maria Herbst auf der Contra Premiere in Köln – Auch außerhalb des Films sind die Beiden ein tolles Duo!

Sönke Wortmann: Ein Film mit hochaktueller Bedeutung

Director Sönke Wortmann tackles the critical issues of our time in his film “Contra” in a humorous and ironic way. As an experienced director, winner of numerous film awards, and former sociology student, there is probably no one better suited for the German adaptation of the French comedy “Le brio.” Especially since this film is the second remake of a French film that Wortmann has worked on. A man who is no longer to be separated from German cinema!

Red Carpet Interviews: Nilam Farooq

Want an exclusive insight into the film? Here you can access our exclusive interview with leading actress Nilam Farooq live from the red carpet. A clip of the interview can be found as a video on our Instagram channel @fivmagazine.