‘Over byen’ is a coming-of-age story starring rapper Ussel, alongside Copenhagen originals such as Sanger Søren and Kusse Kurt in supporting roles. Watch it here.
His hair is long, dark and a little greasy. On his right cheekbone, three small stars are tattooed. He smiles and seems happy — maybe because he’s sitting on the couch next to his dad, but probably also because he’s about to share some big news.
»It’s Laura. She’s pregnant,« says Leo, the character’s name.
The scene is one of the opening moments in ‘Over byen’, a new short film presented by F.C. Copenhagen and adidas Originals in collaboration with creative agency Blonde Inc., who produced it. The film was created in connection with the launch of the football club and sports brand’s Copenhagen Originals collection (see it here), which Leo wears throughout the film.
The project is the latest example of F.C. Copenhagen’s dedication to the city and its cultural life – extending far beyond the football pitch.
Like the collection itself, ‘Over byen’ draws inspiration from 90s Copenhagen – from its original characters, its music, and its raw aesthetic – as we follow Leo’s struggle with inner demons and the weight of social inheritance.
»I really love Copenhagen«, says the film’s director, Carl Feigenberg, adding that the 90s have shaped him in more ways than one.
»I was born in ’94, so I don’t remember much of thedecade. But the films and music from that time have defined my taste. I thinkof 90s Copenhagen as a more urban city – but also one with a lot of soul, fullof originals and oddballs. There’sless room for that now.”
Some of those originals even appear in the film – including Kusse Kurt Nielsen, who practically revives his breakout role, and the legendary Strøget persona Sanger Søren.
»It was a huge childhood dream to act alongside Kusse Kurt,« says Emil Mercedes Baadsgaard – better known as rapper Ussel – who makes his acting debut as Leo.
»I remember sitting as a kid in Sønderborg watching him on screen and thinking he was one of the funniest characters I’d ever seen.«
To prepare for his role as the quintessential Copenhagener, Emil revisited classic Copenhagen films.
“That was my big panic: shit, what if people get mad that I don’t sound properly Copenhagen,« he laughs, admitting that mumbling a bit helped him mask his Jutland accent.
When the film premiered at Park Bio in early October, there was little doubt about the authenticity behind Leo’s portrayal – or his search for belonging. And if anyone had doubts, Emil had a trick up his sleeve to win over the crowd, which included plenty of F.C. Copenhagen fans.
»I already knew FCK is the best team in Denmark, so that part wasn’t new to me,« he said when asked how he prepared to play a true Copenhagener – earning loud cheers from the football fans gathered to celebrate the club’s fusion of football, fashion and music.
