" ๐“’๐“ธ๐“ท๐“ฝ๐“ฎ๐“ผ๐“ฝ๐“ช๐“ท๐“ฝ #4"

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( A Literary Analysis of Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca "Contestant #4" )

The short film entitled "Contestant #4" was directed by Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca in 2016. It is a narrative that delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and societal expectations. The film follows a young boy who frequently visits an old man who lives alone, keeping him in good company. As the story unfolds, the film then delves into issues of gender identity. This portrays the internal struggles against societal norms. This analysis focuses on the character development of the old man and the film's social commentary on gender identity. Highlighting how his experiences and relationships contribute to his sense of self in a society that imposes "norms"

The film is about an older man rewatching old films from his youth, particularly a talent contest in which he competed. Through flashbacks, the film explores themes of identity and self-expression, showing his journey of reconciling with his past and embracing who he truly is. The story shows that it’s never too late to accept yourself despite prejudice and discrimination. In contestant number 4, the older man's actions such as being quiet and reserved reflect a time when being open about one's sexuality was frowned upon. His past actions, him being a contestant and telling the young boy that he did it out of "money" symbolizes the societal pressure to act "Manly". In contrast to him, the younger man is open to being gay, embodying a more progressive view that it's okay to be true to oneself, especially when it comes to getting out of the closet. Their relationship platonically represents the shift between the old and new, with the young man offering comfort and understanding. Through their dynamic, the film shows how small actions can bring significant meaning, highlighting the importance of personal growth and acceptance across generations.

Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca, the directors of the short film "Contestant Number 4" created the film to explore different controversial themes in the timeline the film was created. Their backgrounds as filmmakers deeply influence the film’s narrative and themes. For example, both filmmakers have expressed interest in creating works that challenge societal norms and amplify marginalized voices, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community. Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca have openly expressed their commitment to portraying the struggles of marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. In an interview, Palanca stated, "We wanted to create a film that wasn’t just a story but a mirror to society’s expectations and how they impact identity." This aligns with how the older man’s hesitation to embrace his identity reflects the filmmakers’ commentary on societal pressures to conform. By grounding their film in personal and collective struggles, they invite viewers to empathize with these experiences. This intent is evident in their nuanced portrayal of identity struggles and their deliberate focus on generational contrasts.

As creators known for tackling nuanced societal issues, their perspectives may have informed the portrayal of struggles with identity and societal conformity. While specific biographical details about the filmmakers remain sparse, their decision to center the story on LGBTQ+ experiences highlights their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging societal norms. By contrasting the older man, who hides his true identity due to past societal pressures, with the younger man, who shows confidence and openness. The filmmakers highlight how societal attitudes toward an individual could have drastic changes and how the later generations' attitudes toward sexuality have evolved. Their approach to pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of subtle interaction between the two characters to emphasize the weight of their experiences. The storytelling is intimate, as it reflects the generational divide while showcasing the quiet but profound shifts in personal growth (depicted by how the older man shifted from being manly to slowly opening up about himself). Visually, the film captures the evolving dynamic through muted tones and controlled framing, using minimalism to focus on the characters' expressions and interactions. This visual style enhances the quiet tension between the old generation towards the new generation, reinforcing the emotional depth of their journey towards self-acceptance.

The film’s minimalist narrative style is evident in the scene where the older man silently watches the talent competition footage. His pensive expression, paired with the dim lighting, conveys his internal conflict without a single word. This use of non-verbal storytelling exemplifies the filmmakers’ deliberate choice to let visuals and emotions speak louder than dialogue. Additionally, the recurring motif of mirrors, such as when the younger boy examines his reflection in the old man’s home, symbolizes the search for self-identity and the struggle to reconcile one’s inner and outer worlds. Each character has a part to play within this theme as the old man, for example, serves as a figure of wisdom and acceptance to the young boy by providing a safe space for them. The setting, primarily the old man's home, symbolizes a refuge where the young boy can freely express himself without fear of judgment.

Initially, the young boy views his identity with uncertainty and fear. However, as he spends more time with the old man, he begins to see the value of self-acceptance. The primary motive for the young boy in the film is the desire for self-acceptance and belonging. This is strengthened by his frequent visits to the old man's home suggesting a search for connection and understanding of his identity. The old man, on the other hand, pushes the young boy to suppress his true self during the early parts of the film making his journey towards self-acceptance even more challenging. To sum it all up, in a linguistic approach, The film employs a minimalist narrative style, where subtle interactions and expressions carry profound emotional weight. The deliberate pacing allows viewers to engage deeply with the characters' internal struggles. Visual motifs like mirrors symbolize the search for identity, while the muted tones and controlled framing reinforce the film’s introspective tone. Dialogue is sparring but impactful, reflecting the tension between concealment and revelation. This understated approach enhances the emotional resonance, making each word and image significant.

We as a group liked the film, although our first impression led us to mistakenly interpret it as addressing themes of pedophilia because of the relationship between the young boy and the old man characters. However, as the narrative progressed, We realized it has a far more meaningful story. One poignant example of societal pressure is when the older man recalls his participation in the talent contest. The flashback scene, where he reluctantly dons a costume, highlights how societal norms forced him to suppress his true self. Contrasting this, the younger boy confidently shares his identity, symbolizing the gradual societal acceptance of diversity. This juxtaposition underscores the generational shift in attitudes, reflecting how contemporary society is slowly evolving toward inclusivity. Contestant #4's message is that acceptance originates on one's own and that it's never yet too late to be who you really are. The story of the film focuses on an elderly man named Henry, who uses flashbacks to describe how he copes with the pressure to conform to social norms and the stress of societal expectations while reviewing old footage from a talent competition from his youth.

Through these recollections, the spectator observes his personal and external struggles, such as the prejudice and discrimination he encountered while attempting to use performance to convey who he was. Even in a society that aimed to stifle it, the talent competition serves as a symbolic forum for self-expression. As he reflects back on his life, Henry contemplates the rejection and disappointment that he had and progressively comes to terms with his earlier self. He realizes that acceptance of oneself is a powerful force. The film provides an important perspective on the constraints of society and the determination essential to be oneself as well as whilst also showing that transformation and recovery can occur at any stage of life. The story highlights humanity’s struggle with prejudice and discrimination while emphasizing the progress toward inclusivity and the importance of creating a world where authenticity is celebrated.


Contestant #4's cinematography is subtle but brilliant at capturing the main points of the storyline. The film shows a style of photography that emphasizes themes of identity, time, and nostalgia through attentive camera movement, lighting, framing, and angles. The person viewing is kept connected to it throughout the protagonist's quest for self-discovery thanks to this deliberate technique. The sound and music of Contestant #4 adds depth to the film and make it so emotional and meaningful. The filmmakers use muted tones and soft lighting to enhance the introspective mood of the film. For instance, in the scene where the older man reflects on his past, the dim lighting and warm hues create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Similarly, the use of silence during pivotal moments, such as when the younger boy sits quietly with the older man, allows viewers to focus on their unspoken connection.


The absence of dialogue in these moments amplifies the emotional depth, inviting the audience to reflect on the characters’ shared understanding. In it, silence with emotional music and sound effects unfolds the themes of identity, memory, and self-acceptance into a more believable and impactful movie. Contestant #4 uses different symbols and motifs to deepen the story's meaning. The talent competition footage serves as a recurring motif symbolizing both the constraints of societal expectations and the power of self-expression. In one scene, the older man’s hesitant demeanor as a contestant contrasts with his quiet pride when watching the footage decades later. This transformation emphasizes the theme of self-acceptance, showing that personal growth can occur at any stage in life. The mirrors scattered throughout the house further reinforce this theme, acting as a visual representation of the characters’ introspection and identity struggles. These symbols make the story more meaningful and help the audience connect with the protagonist's experiences.


In conclusion, The short film Contestant #4 by Jared Joven and Kaj Palancais brings to the fore the destructive effect of societal pressure on individuals, employing a game show as a metaphor for the cruel realities of contemporary success-oriented culture. This film challenges the persistent desire for accomplishment and acceptance among society through the proficient approach to lined-up lighting, cinematic narrative, as well as sparking sound design. The style desires audiences to speculate regarding the actual expense of achieving success through exploring problems related to one's identity, one's own value, and the psychological and emotional cost caused by societal expectations. This movie lets us consider the principles we hold dear in society and the pressure we place on ourselves and others to meet unachievable expectations. It reminds us that humanity flourishes not in competition but in understanding, empathy, and the pursuit of personal development rather than societal approval.


The film seamlessly intertwines biographical, linguistic, and sociocultural elements. The restrained cinematography and symbolic imagery are deeply tied to the characters’ emotional journeys, reflecting the filmmakers' intent to create a personal yet universally relatable narrative. The generational divide depicted in the film mirrors real-world shifts in societal attitudes, making the story both timely and timeless. The social problem raised in the movie is the crushing pressure society imposes on people to fit into narrow definitions of success and the dehumanizing impact of competition. This problem is widespread, influencing mental health by raising anxiety, depression, and burnout levels among people who are trying to live up to societal expectations. Families are usually strained when family members are preoccupied with the pressures of success, and society as a whole becomes less empathetic and more competitive. Research has established that pressure from society to succeed has resulted in increased cases of mental health conditions around the world. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) has attributed rising depression rates to performance-based environments. Likewise, Contestant #4 visually illustrates this pressure through the emotional collapse of the protagonist in a high-pressure environment, mirroring the cost of such societal demands. Resolving this problem is critical because it not only impacts individual health but also the overall health of our communities. A society that values success over empathy and connection risks cultivating alienation and long-term mental health emergencies.




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Integration (Group 3)


The film, Contestant #4 (Joven & Palanca, 2016), has a theme revolving around gender identity which enhances its meaning by shedding light on the internal struggles with self-acceptance in a society that imposes "norms".  It is a narrative that delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, as well as societal expectations. The social problem raised in the movie is the crushing pressure society imposes on people to fit into narrow definitions of success and the dehumanizing impact of competition. This highlights the theme of self-acceptance in "Contestant #4" which reflects the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in 2016, a time of growing conversations about identity amidst societal resistance, especially in the Philippines. 


This is a critical problem to be solved because it not only affects the health of individuals but also the health of our communities. We know we live in a society where success is favored over empathy and connection risks sowing alienation and long-term mental health emergencies wherein this film presents a message to us, viewers, to question the principles that we hold close in society and the pressure that we put upon ourselves and others to meet unreachable expectations. It reminds us that human beings thrive not in competition but in understanding, empathy, and the pursuit of personal development rather than societal approval. The story's moral, embracing one's true self despite societal pressures, critiques lingering biases while offering hope for progress and acceptance. To the audience, this film provides a very important perspective of the societal constraints and the determination necessary to be oneself, as well as showing transformation and recovery can take place at any age.


Families are usually strained when family members are preoccupied with the pressures of success, and society as a whole becomes less empathetic and more competitive. This problem is widespread, influencing mental health by raising anxiety, depression, and burnout levels among people who are trying to live up to societal expectations. In further watching the film, we can see that the story highlights humanity’s struggle with prejudice and discrimination while emphasizing the progress toward inclusivity and the importance of creating a world where authenticity is celebrated.


The urgency of these societal issues cannot be overstated. The weight of societal expectations crushes mental health, fostering feelings of inadequacy, alienation, and emotional burnout. In offering a story that intertwines personal growth with broader cultural commentary, the film compels viewers to evaluate the collective values we uphold. It challenges the audience to recognize the importance of fostering empathy and emotional connection as foundations for healthier communities. Further to that, it is the same reason why identifying and fixing this issue is the only solution that will make for healthier, more empathetic communities, giving people the opportunity to live out their lives without fear of being judged or excluded. Disregarding these social forces allows for further deepening of discrimination and inequality with deepening mental health crises, part of those continuing cycles of disadvantage. Addressing all of this will open the road toward intergenerational change, individualism, and diversity.


Contestant #4 ends up provoking introspection regarding the place of acceptance not just as a personal aspiration but as a community aspiration. She thus brings into perspective the ability to understand others as transformative in breaking free from the societal norms, not a victory over them, but toward creating a compassionate and equitable society. By doing this, the film affirms that growth, healing, and change can happen at any age, challenging viewers to welcome change and disallow prejudice.


Global health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) claim that societal pressures are linked to a rise in mental health issues including burnout and depression. According to studies, stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people increase their risk of mental health issues, particularly in conservative nations. The movie illustrates this by reflecting on the difficulties in a larger framework, where the younger boy's path to self-acceptance and the older man's suppressed identity serve as symbols for these larger difficulties. The emotional toll of these stresses is further reinforced by the talent show's recurring motif as a metaphor for social judgment.


Nowadays, Identity and Sexuality are gradually being normalized and talked about which makes it a bit easier now to get out of the closet compared to the norms before the time the film was created. But, even when this controversial issue is slowly being normalized, some people remain clueless and blunt on this issue. To minimize the criticism towards people of diverse identities, we need to make a stand to make people understand that this isn’t something that should be seen as a threat, especially in society. 


We can also have advocates for stronger anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ rights and ensure equal opportunities in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Research indicates that unfavorable social circumstances, often perpetuated by structural factors, increase vulnerability to poor mental health. Addressing these challenges through policy changes is a matter of social justice (De Silva et al., 2021).


Another recommendation we can consider is to expand access to mental health services, including safe spaces and counseling specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals and those affected by societal pressures. The WHO advocates for community-based mental health care, highlighting its accessibility and effectiveness in delivering better recovery outcomes (World Health Organization, n.d.).


Other than those, we should encourage open communication within families through support groups and counseling services, helping parents and relatives become allies in promoting self-acceptance. Societal norms significantly influence thoughts and behaviors, and challenges arise when individuals struggle with conformity and self-doubt. Addressing these issues within family dynamics can improve mental well-being (Olive Leaf Therapy, n.d.). 


But, if possible, the most important recommendation is to foster a societal shift toward valuing empathy, individuality, and personal growth over rigid notions of success or conformity. Societal pressure to conform can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Promoting individuality and personal growth can mitigate these negative effects (Boompsy, n.d.)., but judging by our current status in society, we could find it difficult to completely change the minds of others which is why we must learn how to live in this judgemental and superficial society that we live in. 


In a nutshell, Contestant #4 is a poignant critique of societal norms and how they affect individuality and mental health, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. The film underscores the importance of empathy and understanding as the foundation for healthier, more inclusive communities by pointing out the journey toward self-acceptance and the emotional toll of societal pressures. It calls upon society to embrace diversity and challenge ingrained biases that perpetuate alienation and discrimination.


We, as a whole, have to create societies that emphasize acceptance, personal development, and mental health over definitions of success. By way of education, policy change, and communication, we will find our way to a fairer and kinder society. The story invites us to be reflective viewers, as meaningful change is born from small steps toward understanding and connection. Let us try to build a world where truthfulness is praised, and each person feels powerful enough to live their truth.


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Members and Contributions:


1) Gerzon, Janica Ysabelle J.

  • Cinematography Analysis
  • Conclusion
  • Compilation of final paper
  • UCSP Integration
2) Ciloy, Ira Jodi C.
  • Character Analysis
  • Directorial Style/ Biographical Context Analysis
  • Ai checker
3) Ellaga, Danielle Jehanne S.
  • Summarization of Film
  • Cultural and Historical & Sociocultural Context Analysis
4) Gelicame, Christian Cedrick N.
  • Introduction
  • Thematic Analysis
5) Mackay, Mouryne Gabrielle C.
  • Sound and Music Analysis
  • Symbolism and Motif Analysis
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