Private Project

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.

  • Pandeli Ceco
    Director
  • Luljeta Progni
    Writer
  • Pandeli Ceco
    Producer
  • Gersi Troka
    Key Cast
  • Merita Thoma
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Distanca
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Observational, Character-driven, Social, Disability, Sport, Family
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 28, 2026
  • Country of Origin:
    Albania
  • Country of Filming:
    Albania
  • Language:
    Albanian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
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.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The Distance is a two-year observational journey into the life of Gersi, filmed during his daily routines and key milestones. From the beginning, I approached the film in a cinéma vérité style, allowing the story to unfold naturally, without intervention. My initial intention was to understand Gersi’s inner world—his relationship with his mother, the most important person in his life, and his place within society.
What struck me most was his sincerity, his kindness, and his extraordinary determination for sport. Behind his achievements as a Special Olympics champion, I discovered a deeper, more intimate story—one shaped by love, protection, and an unspoken sense of distance.
This film became a meaningful journey, filled with challenges. The long process of filming and shaping a vast amount of footage into a coherent narrative was, in itself, an act of discovery.