Distant is a 2002 Turkish drama film directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The film follows the lives of two men, Mahmut and Yusuf, who are distant relatives and live in Istanbul. Mahmut is a successful photographer who leads a lonely and isolated life in his modern apartment. He has a failed marriage and his ex-wife has moved to Canada with their son. Yusuf is a young man from a rural village who comes to Istanbul to find work. Mahmut reluctantly agrees to allow him to stay in his apartment.
The film portrays the everyday struggles and boredom of Mahmut's life, which is filled with mundane tasks like editing photographs. Mahmut begins to resent Yusuf's presence and is irritated by his inability to find a job. Yusuf is equally unhappy living with a stranger and is frustrated by the noisy, crowded city. Their relationship deteriorates over time, as both men struggle with their own problems.
The film is shot in a minimalist style, with long static takes and very little action. The slow pace of the film reflects the characters' isolation and lack of connection with the world around them. The film portrays the theme of modern isolation and disconnection, which is further emphasized by the stark cinematography.
Distant won several awards internationally, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modern Turkish cinema and a masterpiece by Nuri Bilge Ceylan.
