The Contenders is a tragi-comedy about the dreams and aspirations of two immigrants from Rumania, Tony Menescu and Ivo Popescu, who have come to the United States to make the big time in the film and theatre world. A magical and sometimes surrealist story about illusions, friendship, human shortcomings and the chill reality of surviving in the metropolis.Immediately after their arrival, Tony and Ivo are confronted by creditors, impostors and even with true love. They have to conquer many obstacles while not risking their integrity and friendship. Tony lives with an Armenian family which is not particularly enamoured of the home-movie he makes of the daughter’s wedding. Ivo rehearses a monologue from On the Waterfront for an audition. But during the audition he is sent off stage before he can reach ‘I could have been a contender’. So the couple decide to earn their living as dishwashers in a Rumanian restaurant. Vlady, the owner, tells them that Andre Koltan, another Rumanian and a celebrated theatre director, is to celebrate the success of his new play that evening in the restaurant. When they meet Andre, Tony thinks this is the key to recognition and success. Ivo however has a more realistic idea of Andre and the conflict this evokes will determine their life for some time to come.
