Q's Barbershop

A feelgood film for toughies! Around three kilometres outside of the Danish city of Odense is the suburb called Vollsmose. In the heart of Vollsmose is Q’s Barbershop. Q’s is a natural meeting point for the Somali guys in the area, and Qasim doesn’t exactly rule the place with an iron fist. Here, the vibe is always good and hearts are always open. When you get your hair done at Q’s, you’re likely to get advice on anything from dating troubles to education as part of the package. Q’s shop is like a shelter for any storm in your outside life.

Q’s Barbershop isn’t just a portrait of a man, but also a pointed depiction of a community. Through Qasim we become familiar with the entire suburb, and learn a thing or two about what it’s like to live there. Vollsmose has more council estates than anywhere else in Denmark, and it’s not all smiles and sunshine. But at Qasim’s, there will always be a free seat for you – whether you’re a kid, a criminal, or a refugee. The audience often find themselves face to face with Qasim’s barbershop clients, as if they are looking at us through the mirrors in the salon. This provides a strong feeling of intimacy and closeness, and makes it difficult not to personally relate to and engage with whatever everyday problem is being discussed at any given time.