The Distance
TITLE
The Distance
DIRECTOR
Pandeli Ceco
COUNTRY
Albania
YEAR
2026
DURATION
15′
GENRE
Documentary
The Distance
Gersi, a Special Olympics gold medalist living with Down syndrome, stands at a turning point between dependence and self-determination. Raised by a devoted mother who has guided every step of his journey, he begins to question the boundaries placed around him—social, emotional, and physical. While society celebrates his achievements, it continues to keep him at a distance. The Distance explores the tension between care and control, and the universal human need for closeness, dignity, and agency.
DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY - Pandeli Ceco
Pandeli Ceco is an Albanian filmmaker whose work spans a range of documentary forms, with a strong focus on human rights, environmental issues, and cultural identity. He is actively involved in all stages of filmmaking - from directing and cinematography to editing - developing a distinctive visual language and an intimate, character-driven storytelling style. His films have received international recognition, with official selections and awards at numerous film festivals worldwide. His previous documentaries, Zoje (2024), Half Year (2022), The White Sheets (2020), and Longing to Sing (2019), have been screened internationally and have earned several awards. Through his work, Ceco explores personal and socially engaged narratives, often focusing on individuals navigating complex realities with resilience and dignity.
- DirectorPandeli Ceco
- ScreenplayLuljeta Progni
- Cinematography
- CastGersi Troka, Merita Thoma
- Editing
- Producer/s Pandeli Ceco
- Production Company
- Distributor/s
- Project TitleThe Distance
- Project Type Documentary
- Completion Date01 Jan 2026
- Country of originAlbania
- Country of filmingAlbania
- LanguageAlbanian
- First-time Filmmaker No
- Student ProjectNo
Pandeli Ceco
Pandeli Ceco is an Albanian filmmaker whose work spans a range of documentary forms, with a strong focus on human rights, environmental issues, and cultural identity. He is actively involved in all stages of filmmaking - from directing and cinematography to editing - developing a distinctive visual language and an intimate, character-driven storytelling style. His films have received international recognition, with official selections and awards at numerous film festivals worldwide. His previous documentaries, Zoje (2024), Half Year (2022), The White Sheets (2020), and Longing to Sing (2019), have been screened internationally and have earned several awards. Through his work, Ceco explores personal and socially engaged narratives, often focusing on individuals navigating complex realities with resilience and dignity.
