What is the exact price of the distance between us and the sky? In just nine minutes, this Cannes-winning short film captures the electric, unexpected connection between two strangers at a desolate midnight gas station. Dive into our review to discover why this intimate masterpiece deserves your immediate attention.
Review: "The Distance Between Us and the Sky" – What is the Price of the Sky?
I apostasi anamesa ston ourano ki emas (original title)
Sometimes, it only takes nine minutes to tell a story that stays with you long after the credits roll. Greek director Vasilis Kekatos proves exactly that in his multi-award-winning short film, "The Distance Between Us and the Sky".
This isn't just a fleeting encounter on a dark road; it's a cinematic piece that swept the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, taking home both the Short Film Palme d'Or and the Queer Palm. After watching it, the reasons for its triumph become perfectly clear.
A Meeting at a Desolate Gas Station
The story drops us into a highly recognizable, almost liminal space—an old, isolated gas station in the dead of night. Two complete strangers meet under the cold neon lights. One has stopped to fill up his motorcycle, while the other is simply stranded.
Short exactly 22.50€ to get home, the stranded man strikes up a conversation with the biker. To get the money, he offers a highly unusual trade: he tries to "sell" him the distance that separates them from the sky.
Minimalism That Hits the Mark
What makes this film so special is its raw simplicity. There are no complex action sequences, no dramatic plot twists, and no heavy-handed production. The entire short relies on the palpable chemistry and brilliant dialogue between the two actors, Ioko Ioannis Kotidis and Nikos Zeginoglou.
Their interaction begins as a seemingly casual, slightly odd conversation, but gradually evolves into a deeply intimate and magnetic portrayal of newfound closeness. Kekatos masterfully uses the isolation of the night-time pump to create the illusion that, in that brief moment, they are the only two people in the universe. The dialogue flows naturally, laced with subtle humor and flirtation, making the characters feel incredibly grounded and real.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Absolutely. "The Distance Between Us and the Sky" is a beautiful, melancholic, and romantic vignette about the human need for connection. It’s a story about the nights when we are vulnerable, the strangers who unexpectedly alter our trajectory, and how sometimes the most bizarre conversations lead to the most genuine moments.
If you have nine minutes to spare, dedicate them to this film. You can easily find it on YouTube, and the experience will pay off far more than 22.50€.
