Queen of the Castle

In Queen of the Castle, we follow Helle Hansen — a lifelong resident of Gellerup — as she witnesses her neighborhood undergoing forced transformation. Once labeled a “ghetto” in 2010, Gellerup became one of the areas listed on Denmark’s controversial “Ghetto List.” Updated each year by the Danish government, the list categorizes neighborhoods with high concentrations of “non-Western” residents, shaping urban planning and housing policies in profound ways. For Gellerup, this label meant large-scale demolitions, new “bright housing,” and the displacement of long-time residents. Through Helle’s eyes, the film explores how this policy changed both the image and reality of the place. She takes us through the history of her community, reflecting on what has been lost and how residents have fought to preserve the spirit of Gellerup. Her story reveals not only the physical transformation of a neighborhood but also the emotional and social impact of being redefined by government policy. By Israa Alrrayah