SMALL PLANETS

Cinemavixion Review

Dirk Manthey's 'Small Planets' embarks on a contemplative journey to the fringes of existence, exploring remote locales across Spain, Italy, Iceland, and Spitsbergen, with a particular focus on Naples. These 'small planets' are presented as pockets of isolation, existing behind invisible walls that separate individuals and communities. The documentary probes the profound questions surrounding these divisions: what separates some from others, and what are the consequences for those within and without? Manthey masterfully illustrates that reaching these places requires surmounting significant obstacles, both physical and metaphorical—crossing oceans, confronting fears and prejudices, navigating control points, and dismantling cultural barriers. Ultimately, 'Small Planets' is an invitation to open one's eyes to the hidden realities and the universal human experiences that transcend geographical and social divides.