With 2013 close to ending, I think it’s safe to say that Gravity is still near the top of my favorite films of the year. One of the most pivotal scenes of the film is when Sandra Bullock’s Dr. Stone finally makes contact with somebody, only for a language barrier to separate the two. The crux of the film spins out from the conversation she has with the person on the other end, but it hasn’t been revealed who she made contact with… until now.

Aningaaq is an official short film spin-off of Gravity that illuminates who was on the other side of Dr. Stone’s radio transmission. The titular Aningaaq is an inuit fisherman in Greenland that receives Stone’s call. However, due to the aforementioned language barrier, they’re unable to understand each other. There’s a thematic parallel between Bullock’s desperate tumble through space with Aningaaq’s moral dilemma of having to sacrifice his dying dog.

The short, written and directed by Gravity director’s son, was originally intended to be included as a special feature for Gravity‘s home release. However, reception was extremely high, convincing the filmmakers to submit it for an Academy Awards consideration. Its brief, touching look adds an extra layer to Gravity without altering much of the film’s narrative. While I loved how the film kept its focus tight and centered on Stone’s struggle, Aningaaq‘s little glimpse outside of the space conflict proves to be a welcome exception to my initial feelings.