The protagonist of this quiet picture is the director’s 52-year-old brother Ján Kollár, who learns that he needs to undergo a hazardous procedure with only a 50-50 chance of surviving. Ján takes his bike and a minimum of equipment and sets out on perhaps the last journey he’ll ever take when he can essentially do everything exactly the way he wants. The only limitation is the day set for his operation – October 5th. With its refined imaging, the visually precise movie bears witness to the physical and spiritual wanderings of a man in a crucial life situation. Employing sensitivity without pathos, the director records Ján’s struggle against fear and his sincere effort to stand face-to-face with his circumstances and find reconciliation. Ján commits his thoughts and feelings to a journal, excerpts of which serve as a formal element in this contemplative, powerful film. 5 October saw its premiere at this year’s Rotterdam IFF.