Distant 2004

Yusef, portrayed by Mehmet Emin Toprak, embarks on a journey from his small town, traversing barren snowy landscapes to reach Istanbul, a bustling port city filled with possibility. His aim is to find work and stay with his cousin, Mahmut, played by Muzaffer Ozdemir. Despite facing a hiring freeze on the shipping line he desires to join, Yusef remains hopeful in the city, a stark contrast to the life he once knew.

Mahmut, a successful commercial photographer, finds his orderly life disrupted by Yusef’s presence, which intensifies his preoccupation with his ex-wife, Nazan, portrayed by Zuhal Gencer Erkaya. Nazan’s decision to remarry and relocate to Canada with her new husband adds pressure to Mahmut’s already complex emotional state. When Mahmut leaves for a photo shoot, he takes the opportunity to hire Yusef as his assistant, providing him with a much-needed income.

However, when news reaches Mahmut about his mother’s illness, he departs once more, leaving Yusef behind in his home. Upon his return, Mahmut finds the house in disarray, leading to a heated argument between the two cousins. Yusef, yearning for connection, often wanders the streets, occasionally following an attractive girl, played by Ebru Ceylan, whom he is too shy to approach.

Meanwhile, Mahmut grapples with his unresolved feelings as he trails Nazan to the airport, watching her leave the country with her new spouse. Both Yusef and Mahmut exist in their isolated worlds, making decisions that may seem trivial at first but ultimately lead to significant shifts in their lives, showcasing the profound impact of their experiences in this vibrant city.