Germany, Argentina, Chile, The Netherlands

Synopsis

What would be the shortest route between Entre Ríos in Argentina and the Chinese metropolis Shanghai? Simply a straight line through the center of the earth, since the two places are antipodes: they are located diametrically opposite to each other on the earth's surface. During his visits to four such antipodal pairs, the award-winning documentary filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky captured images that turn our view of the world upside down. A beautiful, peaceful sunset In Entre Ríos is contrasted with the bustling streets in rainy Shanghai. People who live in a wasteland are connected to people dwelling next to a volcano. Landscapes whose splendor touches the soul are juxtaposed with the clamor of a vast city. These antipodes seem mythically connected, somehow united by their oppositeness. Kossakovsky's movie is a feast for the senses, a fascinating kaleidoscope of our planet. ¡VIVAN LAS ANTÍPODAS! - Long live the Antipodes!

Director's Statement

This is why I love to make documentaries: Life is so unpredictable! It can give you much more than you can ever write in your best fiction script. Originally I only started making this film with the simple idea of meeting antipodes - people who live in directly opposite places on earth. But It came out as an opening film of Venice Film Festival!
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Cast & Crew

Directed by: Victor Kossakovsky

Written by: Victor Kossakovsky

Produced by: Heino Deckert

Cinematography: Victor Kossakovsky

Editing: Victor Kossakovsky

Original Score: Alexander Popov

Nominations and Awards

  • European Documentary Award – Prix Arte 2011