In 1992 the Soviet Union collapsed. Among those left in limbo are Havana university professor Sergio and Soviet cosmonaut Sergei. Sergio was already struggling to provide for his family when the end of the USSR—Cuba’s main financial supporter—left he and his countrymen in newly dire straits. Sergei, meanwhile, is abandoned in space when the funding to bring him back evaporates. When Sergio, who’s also a ham radio enthusiast, chances upon a channel in direct contact with the MIR space station, he and Sergei become friends—and draw the interest of the authorities.

Miami: Opens July 27 at Tower Theater Miami.