Long Distance (extract) - (c)NFTS 2009

Abiyot is one of several African long distance runners trying to make a living and career in the US. Once, he was a promising member of the Ethiopian national team, but two years ago he left his country to start a new life. Weekend after weekend, he races with fellow African athletes in road races, competing over a few hundred dollars of prize money. Long Distance follows Abiyot as he prepares for an important race. Every morning at break of dawn he tirelessly trains in the empty streets of his Bronx neighbourhood. With every aspect of his daily routine centred on his training, his footsteps not only dictate the rhythm of his life but also become the pervasive rhythm of the film. In phone calls with his family back home, Abiyot tries to convince them and himself, that the running will pay off in the long term... (c)NFTS 2009 Moritz Siebert - Director/Producer/Cinematographer Josh Levinsky - Editor Duncan Warrick - Sound Designer Jon Opstad - Composer Hanna Keller - Associate Producer Menelaos Peristerides - Online Editor/Colour Grader