Freda (2021) Movie Script
1
Moses! Mind the shop,
I have to go!
You've got
to get it together, brother.
If you're with me,
we're in all the way.
At every protest, the minute
things gets rough, you're gone.
I'm not invincible,
if things get too hot, I'm out.
And, something else,
whenever we're ready
to make demands
you talk about
a peaceful march and "dialogue".
I've said it every time
and I'll say it again and again.
I'm damn sick and tired
of all this talk of peace-making!
They don't care about us!
OK, but let me say this:
You only ever talk
about violence and destruction!
Never about sitting down
to propose some solutions.
Proposing solutions...
But why should it be us
who have to be understanding,
while these thieves go on
doing their thing, shamelessly,
from behind some tax haven
or even here, before our eyes!
But what has destruction brought us?
What has dialogue brought us?
Yes, what?
Apathy, dialogue, dialogue...
I'm sick of it!
- Here's Freda.
- Another one.
What do you mean?
Do you think that today,
the solution would be to redo 1804,
against this President?
Are we in 1804?
Okay, let's go head
and wait passively
for the leaders to save us.
What's the point?
What's the point of being in 2018
and wanting
to start a revolution like slaves,
when there are heroes
who fought to free us?
We have to struggle as free men!
There aren't many ways, Freda,
to fight corruption,
thieves, criminals.
We have to go back
to Duvalier's method:
Execute the thieves
on the public square!
I hope you know
that during your dictator's regime,
it wasn't just thieves
who were executed.
He decimated an entire generation
of youth, a country.
Enough, enough.
I'm here.
And what is this?
IF WE HAVE TO CUT HEADS
TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY, SO BE IListen up!
You are students of anthropology,
not politics.
We're not seeking politics,
Sir, it's seeking us!
I know it's you,
erase this sentence.
No way.
I'm waiting.
You dare to do it?
Do a good job.
Where are your classmates?
No money for transport.
Yeah, right.
A bunch of irresponsible students.
A lot of people tried to convince me
not to come here,
because of the crimes being committed
against foreigners.
But...
who will keep
the word of Christ alive
in these troubled times
if I fail to do so?
We've been freed
from all diabolic practices
freed from cursed religions
with these words of peace.
Let us stand.
Let's shout together!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
May everyone
raise their hands to pray.
Come on, pray.
We've got to let him go
and join Mrs Jeannette's family.
Madame Jeannette.
Good evening.
How are you?
Not bad.
I've heard
such good things about you,
all the admiration
the faithful have for you.
I remember your family,
Esther,
and Moses.
He's my favorite character
in the Bible. But...
- Freda.
- Like the Voodoo goddess.
I gave her that name
before I was a Christian.
But changing a first name here
is expensive.
Call me one of these days.
It's a long process.
- Goodbye, Ma'am.
- Thank you.
I need a snack,
I haven't eaten since this morning.
Jesus loves you, Marlene.
I'm going to mass.
You're going to pray to Virgin Mary.
You're annoying me.
- You want to convert me.
- The catholics are wrong.
Jesus has already saved me.
The worst part
is that you take Geraldine.
- I won't set foot here anymore.
- OK.
Give me that, I've got to go!
And you, Geraldine,
do you agree with your mother?
Let's go, Geraldine.
- Time to go!
- Fine.
Where are you going?
What's wrong, sister?
She's got a stomach ache.
You ate too much off of that plate.
So, I'm the only one
who ate from that plate?
That was good rice!
A last offering?
Sorry,
we don't have anything for you.
Come on, let's go.
Bye, guys.
You dare come into my house
after your devil's gathering?
I don't sell to people like you.
Mom, stop it!
What can I get for you?
A carton of milk?
Calm down, calm down.
- Call Moses.
- I'll call him.
- I'll lock the back door.
- He's not answering.
- No Freda, don't go.
- I have to lock the door.
DOWN WITH IMPUNITY
AND CORRUPTION.
ARREST THE THIEVES,
WE WANT THE RULE OF LAW.
We want Petrocaribe's money.
We're looking for it,
and we're going to find it!
The system comes from Washington,
it comes from Europe.
And we want
to abolish their system.
Haitians want a positive system.
The positive system
that our hero Dessalines left us.
Why the long face, what's going on?
- Can you make me some food?
- Maybe.
Who's the most handsome man
in the neighborhood?
- Hey, Moses.
- I'm coming.
- I'm out of here.
- If you say so.
Freda!
I just talked to...
Geraldine.
She found you a waitressing job
in the restaurant where she works.
No, Mom, please!
You're always trying
to make me quit school.
What are you going to do
with this degree?
Don't you see all the graduates
dragging their diploma around,
without ever getting an answer!
You have an opportunity,
but you don't care.
Why don't you ask Esther?
Because you're the oldest!
Just admit you're saving Esther
for some rich man!
Pastor, would you like to come in?
Sorry, ma'am.
I'm in a bit of a hurry.
I have some good liquor,
it won't take long.
Maybe another time.
Mom, let him go!
Where did you go?
He wanted to see the sea.
We went to the Arcadins' Coast.
Did you tell him
about Moses's scholarship?
He'll look into it
when he goes back to the States.
You're getting whiter by the day.
Speaking of getting whiter.
I was lying next to John,
comparing our skin colors.
His skin is so white!
It looks like crystal.
Even with my lightening creams,
I can't get his color.
There's a problem.
These companies
are stealing our money.
You didn't know?
I'd never slept with a white man.
It was different!
Different how?
He showed me
a picture of his wife and kids,
and he talked about them
until we got here.
Will you see him again?
No. He pisses me off,
pretending to feel guilty.
When we went to Decameron,
everyone recognized him!
But he tried to tell me
it was the
"first time he'd been there!
He's leaving soon, anyway.
Want some rum?
Looks like someone needs to relax!
I'm going clubbing tonight.
Are you in?
I don't know, I have no money.
Honey, look.
See this?
He gave you all this?
Let's say I helped myself.
Esther!
We were already bathing in sin,
A little more won't hurt.
Is Yeshua back already?
Tomorrow.
So tonight,
you're partying with your sister,
no excuses!
What's wrong with you?
Don't start, I know you.
No, we're going.
Take this!
Why are you giving me this?
- Those who fight don't die!
- The end justifies the means!
Mom, open up.
- Do you have green bananas?
- Yes.
Give me some.
I don't want the little ones.
Beautiful, big bananas.
- How much?
- $50.
And $20 more, for the peppers.
Give me the change.
You can go wait at home.
I'll be home soon.
You can go.
Tell Mom I went to play soccer.
You could at least help me first.
What's up?
Freda!
You good?
Can you call your mother?
She spends her nights praying,
pretending she doesn't know
you're sleeping with D-fi.
Give me a break!
Leave me alone.
I'm going to change
and help you, before you spank me.
Whatever you say.
Good morning.
I've brought a resume,
like I was told.
Go see Geraldine,
she's the one to speak to.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Do you have a white shirt?
- No.
- I told your mom you need one.
She didn't tell me.
Alissa won't let you work
without one.
- The lady outside?
- Yes.
I didn't know I'd start today.
And the handsome one
I was with is her son.
Let's ask Esther to get you a shirt.
I'll show you around,
it's good you're here.
There's a lot to do.
I've got your shirt!
Thanks.
I need to pay for the motorbike,
he's waiting outside.
Wait for me.
Hi.
Do you work here?
No.
That's what I thought.
This is my sister, Freda.
She can help you find
what you're looking for.
Your colleagues
are in the backyard, Sir.
Here's my card.
Your mother isn't with you?
She changed her mind last minute.
- No way!
- She's afraid.
She could have come for a few days!
You have to understand her.
I almost died because of
the insecurity in the country.
And you're surprised she's scared.
But I came back here today
because my heart is here.
Don't start with your Spanish,
you're in Haiti.
Kids, let's go!
This heat's killing me!
Really,
he just doesn't want us to kiss.
You look good.
I was looking forward to seeing you.
Of course.
Now that you're here,
Freda will forget about me.
She'll just pass through,
say hi, and forget me!
And then I'm going to lose
all her attention.
- You know that's not true.
- No, he's absolutely right.
Because
we'll need a lot of time together
to catch up
after all this time
away from each other.
Good job.
The doctors did
a good job over there!
I won't lie to you,
I was holding on
so I wouldn't lose hope.
I don't have
as much pain as before.
I'm really glad to see you.
Why are you so far away?
Come closer.
Come here.
Why don't you repair the wall?
Your father says you refuse to do it.
It's not a pleasant memory.
I don't see it that way.
I love the light
that passes through.
It's a message the spirits send,
to tell me
they're watching over us.
They're telling me something else.
They're telling me...
that life is too fragile.
Well, you can focus on
the pain you feel
or realize that despite everything,
I'm still here, alive, with you.
All I want
is to celebrate life with you!
Celebrate this.
What do you like best about me?
What kind of question is that?
Come on, tell me,
what do you like best about me?
Yeshua.
You and your questions.
Why are you asking me that?
Because I...
I could tell you without thinking
what I love about you.
Tell me.
I asked first.
Yes, but you could answer me first.
- Answer first.
- I was going to.
Why did you slip away?
- Look at me.
- Tell me.
Look at me.
Tell me first.
Look at me.
You came back with too much energy!
I'm tired.
Freda, hold this for me, please.
Where you going, miss thing?
I'm going
to Aznavour's concert at Tara's.
With the Senator I met
at your restaurant, Robert Merval.
I've always dreamed of going there.
Want to come?
What for?
To hear him sing
It seems to me that misery
Would be less painful in the sun
With the wealthy people
of Ption-Ville
Then come home to the ghetto
and see if it's true?
You take everything too seriously.
It's just a little party.
Are you done?
Are you done?
Don't wait for me tonight, Mom.
Good evening.
Good evening.
In growing numbers,
we have Protestants
who feed this idea
of a curse even more.
And associate it with the fact
that we won our independence
with the help of Vo
Voodoo.
the religion of the devil...
What they're forgetting
is that the curse began
the day the French decided
to tear us away from our lands
to scatter us across the Caribbean.
No!
No, their message is clear.
We are cursed because we refuse
to whiten ourselves.
I want you to ask yourself today:
Are you a conscious or unconscious
agent of the colonist?
What are the consequences
that you perpetuate
from generation to generation
that handicap this nation?
I'm listening.
We first have to look at ourselves.
We can't keep looking
back to colonisation, in the past.
We have to react, here and now
to find our way
out of this situation.
We were taught at school
that Dessalines, our hero
of independence, was a savage.
Despite all the crimes
Napoleon committed,
you'll never hear a Frenchman
speak badly of him.
And his crimes
are not studied at school.
We should study
in our native language.
But why do you consider that...
Before wanting to study
in our own dialect,
it first has to reach
the level of language.
Creole won't take you anywhere,
my friend.
You were looking
for an agent of the colonists...
You can lie to yourself
as much as you want,
but you know as well as I do,
we need English and French
to study everywhere else.
They taught us to erase ourselves
and everything
related to our identity,
and the transmission of our culture.
So, they say all this has no value.
Automatically, they say it's bad.
And it's because of all this
that many of us whiten our skin.
Period!
It bothers me how we refuse
to hold people accountable.
We elected people to make decisions,
to make economic, political choices
for the country.
These are the choices
they impose on me as a citizen,
they force me to struggle
to survive in certain conditions.
We have to hold them accountable.
They have a mandate
and they have that privilege.
They have to do their job
and make the right decisions.
Imagine the people who live in slums.
They have nothing to eat,
insecurity and gunfire.
Children can't study
because of the gang members.
And then, a candidate comes
to make them promises.
He's going to promise them
a hot meal.
After the earthquake,
over $11 billion was raised,
you're talking about Petrocaribe,
but you forget about that money.
11 billion dollars to rebuild Haiti,
stolen by foreigners and Haitians.
The president must leave power.
I say so.
I work, I never get paid.
I can't afford to eat.
I sleep on the rooftops.
What are you doing on the floor?
Didn't you hear the shots?
Mom, give me 500 gourdes.
I don't have any money.
What did you buy those sneakers with?
My friend Junior
sent me some money from Brazil.
They're used, but look new.
Junior sent you money,
and you went and bought new shoes!
While we're killing ourselves
to raise money for your departure!
All my friends wear them.
They were laughing at me.
I told you they were used.
You're completely crazy!
I've been calling Esther for a week.
She's not answering my calls.
Freda,
tell this young man
that Esther is not here!
Mom, calm down.
I don't mind her not answering.
But I'm worried,
Port-au-Prince is dangerous.
Worried, about what?
Are you her father?
No, Mommy Jeannette!
I'm not your mother!
Freda, tell him
I don't want a Rasta man in my house.
I only want
young people of the church.
OK, mom.
Why does she talk to me like that?
D-Fi, it's better
to talk about it with Esther.
But she's not answering.
She's not answering.
Is he still here?
I know.
Freda, you always tell me the truth.
You tell me everything.
Is Esther with someone else?
Is there someone else?
She'll be back this weekend,
I'll ask her to call you.
No, not that!
Why isn't she answering my calls?
Thanks.
I've been in the dark for a while.
This generator,
is it a loan or a gift,
my Senator?
May God protect you.
What's your wish?
Peace of mind. That's all.
And me...
I want to forever be
the guardian of this peace.
To protect you,
so you're always at peace.
I love you!
I love you so much, my love!
It's beautiful.
You should sell some.
- You'd make money!
- No, come on.
I'm glad you like it.
You're the one who inspired me!
Maybe you're right,
I'll think about it.
I have another gift.
Another gift?
Close your eyes.
Come and live
in Santo Domingo with me.
We can just go for two weeks,
so you can see if you like it.
The country is getting
worse and worse,
day by day.
We risk our lives here,
in these streets.
A stray bullet.
They shot me while I was sleeping.
I wasn't in a demonstration.
I'm not part of a gang.
Yet I almost died,
from a bandit's stray bullet.
Like you, I want to be at peace.
But I know
that won't be possible in Haiti.
You don't have to answer now.
We have a second area
that is on the terrace, outside.
Also with a bar.
Let me show you the
air-conditioned room downstairs
that's really good for weddings.
And this small outdoor space
you can use.
We have different menus, depending
on how many guests you have.
If you have 75 to 100 people,
you could have a bigger menu
with appetizers...
Esther, Chile has opened its doors,
many Haitians
are going without a visa.
But I can't afford
the plane ticket for Moses.
You need to talk to Robert about it
so he can give us the difference.
Mom, now is not the time.
You have to talk to him,
where does he get so much money?
It's your money. Your taxes.
I've got a lot to do,
we'll meet at home.
Moses...
I had a look,
this wedding
is going to be so beautiful.
You have to congratulate her.
I already did.
I'm the one who wanted
to get married that fast.
You and I don't want the same things.
You're asking yourself
too many questions.
And you don't ask yourself enough!
If you want to keep dreaming,
that's your problem.
That's your belief,
but I'm going to marry this man.
And for once,
I'll think about myself!
And I don't care
if it only lasts one day,
at least I'll have done
something for me in this life.
He won't make you happy.
Who said I need him to make me happy?
Esther.
My dear, I brought you this cream.
Robert will buy me another brand,
this one doesn't
whiten my skin well enough.
Okay, I'll return it.
There's one that's too expensive.
- I prefer the first one.
- Which one's too expensive?
- Mom, it's too expensive.
- Too expensive.
The Senator is rich.
How dare they tell us...
Marlene.
That place is so beautiful.
They say it's expensive
because of the flowers.
The flowers come from Argentina,
but who cares?
Do they come with Lionel Messi?
Be careful not to get it dirty.
My daughter looks like a queen.
Geraldine, you see!
When a man really wants you...
Moses, you're going
to the barber shop this afternoon.
I'm not the one getting married.
I like the back.
You can't go to the wedding
with your hair like that.
You look like a street vendor,
with your kinky hair.
Marlene, straighten her hair for me.
$2,000, Esther?
Stop, you're ruining everything.
It's the one I wanted!
We can still rent it
if Robert changes his mind.
It won't kill me.
Stop worrying!
I'm not a kid anymore.
You hear me?
How do I look, Moses?
It's just a dress.
That's all you have to say?
Moses, you have no taste.
I'm going to dress up
for this wedding.
Mom,
I'm not going to straighten my hair.
You're going to embarrass Esther,
and the whole family.
Am I going to embarrass you, Esther?
You know I don't care.
I'm suffocating.
Freda, come and help me take it off.
- What are you wearing, auntie?
- The dress is already here.
We'd like to see it.
What are you doing tonight?
There's a party at Yanvalou.
At Yanvalou, tonight?
Are you inviting us so we pay for it?
No night clubbing tonight.
I don't want to hear
about any "Yanvalou."
We must pray to God
for him to bless your marriage.
Do you hear me?
For God to bless your marriage.
And you Freda, who's laughing...
You have to pray, to find yourself
a rich man to pick you up.
Why?
Am I dragging across the floor?
That's exactly
what we're going to do,
we're going to pray at Yanvalou.
I don't know
who you're talking about.
I want you to go to church.
Give me a Coke.
I won't give you a Coke on credit.
I'm just thirsty.
No, I won't sell to you on credit,
let me read my Bible.
Go away!
All this for a Coke?
I'm taking off.
Thanks everyone for coming.
I dedicate this song
to someone very special in the room.
The story
of the "belle de nuit" flower
is also the story
of the girls of the ghetto,
of our sisters.
Who grew up in a system,
where they open their legs
before their hearts.
Where young men sell the dream
of a sleepless love.
"Belle de nuit" like a fairy.
When hunger extinguishes love,
she understands.
"I love you"
doesn't fill the belly.
"Belle de nuit" seeks strength
and prays to St. James Major.
Why are you treating me like this?
Where are you going?
Is it true?
You have the key to my heart,
you come and go when you want.
You can't do this to me!
Honey.
I've only got you, honey,
I have no one else.
No matter what he promised you,
don't listen to him.
Don't get married, don't get married,
please, don't do this to us.
I promise I will fight
so that you have everything you need.
Please.
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
Answer me.
Answer me, baby.
Answer me, honey.
Thank you, officer.
Get us some chairs, Moses.
Thank you, Lord.
Freda!
My daughter is married,
I'm so happy.
The officer who just dropped us off
gave me an envelope
before getting out
with money.
What a beautiful wedding.
He took me on his shoulders.
I'm happy.
He's back in my life.
I was lost far away.
Looking for Jesus.
He took me on his shoulders.
I'm happy.
He's back in my life.
Are you ready?
What's this for?
How many times
have we done this, Freda?
Another exhibition
with the same people.
The same white people,
who come and congratulate you,
and make nice speeches
and admire your resilience
despite this country's conditions.
But when the time comes
to spend some money,
to pay for my work,
they'll tell you:
"Oh, it's expensive!
"I'm surprised!
"After all,
it's just garbage put together."
You hear that?
As if all I do
is pick up garbage from the streets.
OK.
No point getting upset.
They're coming to pick us up soon.
Go get ready.
I'll prepare the rest.
How's that for you?
Do you like it?
What's your problem?
Are you upset
because there's no one here?
Where are the teachers?
They're on strike.
Again?
Just like I said.
There's not a single teacher present.
We'll wait for him until he gets out.
He owes us some answers.
He acts as if
the university money belongs to him.
They're paid to do nothing.
He'll have to step
over me to get out.
You're going back and forth
in your $50,000 car!
Pay our teachers, you thief!
Pay our teachers!
- Did you take all the bags?
- Yes, Mom.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, yes.
Where are you going?
You can't all go,
I can only take Moses.
What do you mean, only Moses?
I don't understand.
The road to the airport is blocked.
I need $200 to get through
the roadblocks.
Call Robert.
We don't have time for that, Mom.
- What are you looking for?
- Do you want to leave or not?
- I need that money!
- Do you want to leave or not?
Don't worry, I'll send you money.
Here, sir.
Thank you, let's go.
What's with all the suitcases?
God bless you, my son.
We shouldn't have let him leave.
Moses would have hated staying.
All his friends are
waiting for him there.
He thinks he's going to a paradise.
He's going to suffer, Freda.
He can't take care of himself.
He'll learn,
moving away will do him good.
Are you staying with us tonight?
Mom complains that you don't come
to see us anymore.
Mom or you?
How's it going with Yeshua?
Everything okay?
He wants me
to go live with him.
To leave the country
and go to Santo Domingo.
If I were you, I'd follow him.
You're not doing anything here.
I'm going to miss Moses.
Me too.
Hello, Geraldine.
Wait for me before you go,
I won't be long.
This job is all you have.
Stop playing the rich girl.
Please.
You're not done cleaning yet.
Who said you could sit down?
I'm not done with you.
My little maid.
Stop your games,
I have something to tell you.
Tell me, honey.
I'm pregnant.
Four months.
And you're only telling me now?
What did you expect?
A black woman and a mulatto...
in this country...
only meet in the dark.
I told you that this man
would only bring you unhappiness.
That'll teach you to be naive.
Yeshua? Are you there?
Yeshua, open up, please.
I'm leaving Freda.
What?
I'm going back to Santo Domingo.
I can't wait for you anymore, Freda.
We've been together for five years.
You can't make up your mind.
I try to reassure you,
but you don't trust me.
Me?
Let's talk about it. Open up. Please.
Why do you insist on staying?
Do I have to die
for you to understand?
How many people have to die,
for you to see
that there's no way out of this hole?
I'm leaving, I can't take it anymore.
I can't do it,
I can't leave my family.
He doesn't let me go out.
Yesterday, I came home a little late,
and he lost it.
When you're married,
there are things you can't do.
You always
have to be with your husband.
He's the one who kicked me out.
I'll call him,
everything will go back to normal.
- I won't go back there.
- Can't you see her face?
Can't you see her face?
You'll have to kill me
before you force her to go.
You're doing the same things again,
you'll never change.
Like when your boyfriend raped me,
and you told me to keep quiet
to avoid scandal
with the family, the neighbors.
Don't you want to eat something?
Did you steal money before you left?
Freda.
Sorry, there's a police car,
it's freaking me out a little bit.
Mom?
How are you?
How's she feeling?
She spent the night crying,
she just fell asleep.
I brought you food.
I put it in the kitchen.
Thank you, auntie.
Did you call the pastor?
I called everyone.
No one knows where she is.
OK, we're going
to the police station.
Hurry up, get ready,
we're going to the police station.
Geraldine will stay with Esther.
One day at a time, Mom.
I mourn the mother
that I wanted you to be.
And finally embrace
the mother you are.
One day at a time.
I'll learn.
I'll stop wondering
why I could never cry in your arms.
and finally understand, that you too
were looking for a refuge,
someone who could help you
carry the burden.
We can only give
what we have received.
And to you,
life has given only pain, misery,
and a bitter-tasting love.
That's the memory
I want to keep of you, Jeannette.
A woman who has unshakeable strength,
who's still standing,
despite everything.
For all the times
when we've never been able to say it,
I want to tell you
that I love you, Jeannette.
Thank you.
I know, I know I owe you
six months' rent,
but I'll pay you all of it,
and even with interest.
Have I told you that I'm very rich?
I won't throw you out on the street
because you're pregnant,
but don't try to mislead me!
Don't you want to believe I'm rich?
But I am, and my fortune is here.
It's my child.
All I see is a baby on the way.
And here, we don't pay with diapers.
Here, we pay in dollars, Miss.
You must wonder how I got here.
Yes, I was wondering...
And now I'll answer you.
I've been watching you
since my parents left.
Sure, and I'll add
that I already talked to your father.
I don't want you
to watch this with my goddaughter.
You are a goddess...
A warrior!
No Prince Charming will save you,
he'll be your fighting partner!
If he can.
And now what
will I tell Clemencia...
What will I tell her?
Can I tell her?
A child...
Mdia Solution
Moses! Mind the shop,
I have to go!
You've got
to get it together, brother.
If you're with me,
we're in all the way.
At every protest, the minute
things gets rough, you're gone.
I'm not invincible,
if things get too hot, I'm out.
And, something else,
whenever we're ready
to make demands
you talk about
a peaceful march and "dialogue".
I've said it every time
and I'll say it again and again.
I'm damn sick and tired
of all this talk of peace-making!
They don't care about us!
OK, but let me say this:
You only ever talk
about violence and destruction!
Never about sitting down
to propose some solutions.
Proposing solutions...
But why should it be us
who have to be understanding,
while these thieves go on
doing their thing, shamelessly,
from behind some tax haven
or even here, before our eyes!
But what has destruction brought us?
What has dialogue brought us?
Yes, what?
Apathy, dialogue, dialogue...
I'm sick of it!
- Here's Freda.
- Another one.
What do you mean?
Do you think that today,
the solution would be to redo 1804,
against this President?
Are we in 1804?
Okay, let's go head
and wait passively
for the leaders to save us.
What's the point?
What's the point of being in 2018
and wanting
to start a revolution like slaves,
when there are heroes
who fought to free us?
We have to struggle as free men!
There aren't many ways, Freda,
to fight corruption,
thieves, criminals.
We have to go back
to Duvalier's method:
Execute the thieves
on the public square!
I hope you know
that during your dictator's regime,
it wasn't just thieves
who were executed.
He decimated an entire generation
of youth, a country.
Enough, enough.
I'm here.
And what is this?
IF WE HAVE TO CUT HEADS
TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY, SO BE IListen up!
You are students of anthropology,
not politics.
We're not seeking politics,
Sir, it's seeking us!
I know it's you,
erase this sentence.
No way.
I'm waiting.
You dare to do it?
Do a good job.
Where are your classmates?
No money for transport.
Yeah, right.
A bunch of irresponsible students.
A lot of people tried to convince me
not to come here,
because of the crimes being committed
against foreigners.
But...
who will keep
the word of Christ alive
in these troubled times
if I fail to do so?
We've been freed
from all diabolic practices
freed from cursed religions
with these words of peace.
Let us stand.
Let's shout together!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
Satan, you lost this battle,
now and forever!
May everyone
raise their hands to pray.
Come on, pray.
We've got to let him go
and join Mrs Jeannette's family.
Madame Jeannette.
Good evening.
How are you?
Not bad.
I've heard
such good things about you,
all the admiration
the faithful have for you.
I remember your family,
Esther,
and Moses.
He's my favorite character
in the Bible. But...
- Freda.
- Like the Voodoo goddess.
I gave her that name
before I was a Christian.
But changing a first name here
is expensive.
Call me one of these days.
It's a long process.
- Goodbye, Ma'am.
- Thank you.
I need a snack,
I haven't eaten since this morning.
Jesus loves you, Marlene.
I'm going to mass.
You're going to pray to Virgin Mary.
You're annoying me.
- You want to convert me.
- The catholics are wrong.
Jesus has already saved me.
The worst part
is that you take Geraldine.
- I won't set foot here anymore.
- OK.
Give me that, I've got to go!
And you, Geraldine,
do you agree with your mother?
Let's go, Geraldine.
- Time to go!
- Fine.
Where are you going?
What's wrong, sister?
She's got a stomach ache.
You ate too much off of that plate.
So, I'm the only one
who ate from that plate?
That was good rice!
A last offering?
Sorry,
we don't have anything for you.
Come on, let's go.
Bye, guys.
You dare come into my house
after your devil's gathering?
I don't sell to people like you.
Mom, stop it!
What can I get for you?
A carton of milk?
Calm down, calm down.
- Call Moses.
- I'll call him.
- I'll lock the back door.
- He's not answering.
- No Freda, don't go.
- I have to lock the door.
DOWN WITH IMPUNITY
AND CORRUPTION.
ARREST THE THIEVES,
WE WANT THE RULE OF LAW.
We want Petrocaribe's money.
We're looking for it,
and we're going to find it!
The system comes from Washington,
it comes from Europe.
And we want
to abolish their system.
Haitians want a positive system.
The positive system
that our hero Dessalines left us.
Why the long face, what's going on?
- Can you make me some food?
- Maybe.
Who's the most handsome man
in the neighborhood?
- Hey, Moses.
- I'm coming.
- I'm out of here.
- If you say so.
Freda!
I just talked to...
Geraldine.
She found you a waitressing job
in the restaurant where she works.
No, Mom, please!
You're always trying
to make me quit school.
What are you going to do
with this degree?
Don't you see all the graduates
dragging their diploma around,
without ever getting an answer!
You have an opportunity,
but you don't care.
Why don't you ask Esther?
Because you're the oldest!
Just admit you're saving Esther
for some rich man!
Pastor, would you like to come in?
Sorry, ma'am.
I'm in a bit of a hurry.
I have some good liquor,
it won't take long.
Maybe another time.
Mom, let him go!
Where did you go?
He wanted to see the sea.
We went to the Arcadins' Coast.
Did you tell him
about Moses's scholarship?
He'll look into it
when he goes back to the States.
You're getting whiter by the day.
Speaking of getting whiter.
I was lying next to John,
comparing our skin colors.
His skin is so white!
It looks like crystal.
Even with my lightening creams,
I can't get his color.
There's a problem.
These companies
are stealing our money.
You didn't know?
I'd never slept with a white man.
It was different!
Different how?
He showed me
a picture of his wife and kids,
and he talked about them
until we got here.
Will you see him again?
No. He pisses me off,
pretending to feel guilty.
When we went to Decameron,
everyone recognized him!
But he tried to tell me
it was the
"first time he'd been there!
He's leaving soon, anyway.
Want some rum?
Looks like someone needs to relax!
I'm going clubbing tonight.
Are you in?
I don't know, I have no money.
Honey, look.
See this?
He gave you all this?
Let's say I helped myself.
Esther!
We were already bathing in sin,
A little more won't hurt.
Is Yeshua back already?
Tomorrow.
So tonight,
you're partying with your sister,
no excuses!
What's wrong with you?
Don't start, I know you.
No, we're going.
Take this!
Why are you giving me this?
- Those who fight don't die!
- The end justifies the means!
Mom, open up.
- Do you have green bananas?
- Yes.
Give me some.
I don't want the little ones.
Beautiful, big bananas.
- How much?
- $50.
And $20 more, for the peppers.
Give me the change.
You can go wait at home.
I'll be home soon.
You can go.
Tell Mom I went to play soccer.
You could at least help me first.
What's up?
Freda!
You good?
Can you call your mother?
She spends her nights praying,
pretending she doesn't know
you're sleeping with D-fi.
Give me a break!
Leave me alone.
I'm going to change
and help you, before you spank me.
Whatever you say.
Good morning.
I've brought a resume,
like I was told.
Go see Geraldine,
she's the one to speak to.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Do you have a white shirt?
- No.
- I told your mom you need one.
She didn't tell me.
Alissa won't let you work
without one.
- The lady outside?
- Yes.
I didn't know I'd start today.
And the handsome one
I was with is her son.
Let's ask Esther to get you a shirt.
I'll show you around,
it's good you're here.
There's a lot to do.
I've got your shirt!
Thanks.
I need to pay for the motorbike,
he's waiting outside.
Wait for me.
Hi.
Do you work here?
No.
That's what I thought.
This is my sister, Freda.
She can help you find
what you're looking for.
Your colleagues
are in the backyard, Sir.
Here's my card.
Your mother isn't with you?
She changed her mind last minute.
- No way!
- She's afraid.
She could have come for a few days!
You have to understand her.
I almost died because of
the insecurity in the country.
And you're surprised she's scared.
But I came back here today
because my heart is here.
Don't start with your Spanish,
you're in Haiti.
Kids, let's go!
This heat's killing me!
Really,
he just doesn't want us to kiss.
You look good.
I was looking forward to seeing you.
Of course.
Now that you're here,
Freda will forget about me.
She'll just pass through,
say hi, and forget me!
And then I'm going to lose
all her attention.
- You know that's not true.
- No, he's absolutely right.
Because
we'll need a lot of time together
to catch up
after all this time
away from each other.
Good job.
The doctors did
a good job over there!
I won't lie to you,
I was holding on
so I wouldn't lose hope.
I don't have
as much pain as before.
I'm really glad to see you.
Why are you so far away?
Come closer.
Come here.
Why don't you repair the wall?
Your father says you refuse to do it.
It's not a pleasant memory.
I don't see it that way.
I love the light
that passes through.
It's a message the spirits send,
to tell me
they're watching over us.
They're telling me something else.
They're telling me...
that life is too fragile.
Well, you can focus on
the pain you feel
or realize that despite everything,
I'm still here, alive, with you.
All I want
is to celebrate life with you!
Celebrate this.
What do you like best about me?
What kind of question is that?
Come on, tell me,
what do you like best about me?
Yeshua.
You and your questions.
Why are you asking me that?
Because I...
I could tell you without thinking
what I love about you.
Tell me.
I asked first.
Yes, but you could answer me first.
- Answer first.
- I was going to.
Why did you slip away?
- Look at me.
- Tell me.
Look at me.
Tell me first.
Look at me.
You came back with too much energy!
I'm tired.
Freda, hold this for me, please.
Where you going, miss thing?
I'm going
to Aznavour's concert at Tara's.
With the Senator I met
at your restaurant, Robert Merval.
I've always dreamed of going there.
Want to come?
What for?
To hear him sing
It seems to me that misery
Would be less painful in the sun
With the wealthy people
of Ption-Ville
Then come home to the ghetto
and see if it's true?
You take everything too seriously.
It's just a little party.
Are you done?
Are you done?
Don't wait for me tonight, Mom.
Good evening.
Good evening.
In growing numbers,
we have Protestants
who feed this idea
of a curse even more.
And associate it with the fact
that we won our independence
with the help of Vo
Voodoo.
the religion of the devil...
What they're forgetting
is that the curse began
the day the French decided
to tear us away from our lands
to scatter us across the Caribbean.
No!
No, their message is clear.
We are cursed because we refuse
to whiten ourselves.
I want you to ask yourself today:
Are you a conscious or unconscious
agent of the colonist?
What are the consequences
that you perpetuate
from generation to generation
that handicap this nation?
I'm listening.
We first have to look at ourselves.
We can't keep looking
back to colonisation, in the past.
We have to react, here and now
to find our way
out of this situation.
We were taught at school
that Dessalines, our hero
of independence, was a savage.
Despite all the crimes
Napoleon committed,
you'll never hear a Frenchman
speak badly of him.
And his crimes
are not studied at school.
We should study
in our native language.
But why do you consider that...
Before wanting to study
in our own dialect,
it first has to reach
the level of language.
Creole won't take you anywhere,
my friend.
You were looking
for an agent of the colonists...
You can lie to yourself
as much as you want,
but you know as well as I do,
we need English and French
to study everywhere else.
They taught us to erase ourselves
and everything
related to our identity,
and the transmission of our culture.
So, they say all this has no value.
Automatically, they say it's bad.
And it's because of all this
that many of us whiten our skin.
Period!
It bothers me how we refuse
to hold people accountable.
We elected people to make decisions,
to make economic, political choices
for the country.
These are the choices
they impose on me as a citizen,
they force me to struggle
to survive in certain conditions.
We have to hold them accountable.
They have a mandate
and they have that privilege.
They have to do their job
and make the right decisions.
Imagine the people who live in slums.
They have nothing to eat,
insecurity and gunfire.
Children can't study
because of the gang members.
And then, a candidate comes
to make them promises.
He's going to promise them
a hot meal.
After the earthquake,
over $11 billion was raised,
you're talking about Petrocaribe,
but you forget about that money.
11 billion dollars to rebuild Haiti,
stolen by foreigners and Haitians.
The president must leave power.
I say so.
I work, I never get paid.
I can't afford to eat.
I sleep on the rooftops.
What are you doing on the floor?
Didn't you hear the shots?
Mom, give me 500 gourdes.
I don't have any money.
What did you buy those sneakers with?
My friend Junior
sent me some money from Brazil.
They're used, but look new.
Junior sent you money,
and you went and bought new shoes!
While we're killing ourselves
to raise money for your departure!
All my friends wear them.
They were laughing at me.
I told you they were used.
You're completely crazy!
I've been calling Esther for a week.
She's not answering my calls.
Freda,
tell this young man
that Esther is not here!
Mom, calm down.
I don't mind her not answering.
But I'm worried,
Port-au-Prince is dangerous.
Worried, about what?
Are you her father?
No, Mommy Jeannette!
I'm not your mother!
Freda, tell him
I don't want a Rasta man in my house.
I only want
young people of the church.
OK, mom.
Why does she talk to me like that?
D-Fi, it's better
to talk about it with Esther.
But she's not answering.
She's not answering.
Is he still here?
I know.
Freda, you always tell me the truth.
You tell me everything.
Is Esther with someone else?
Is there someone else?
She'll be back this weekend,
I'll ask her to call you.
No, not that!
Why isn't she answering my calls?
Thanks.
I've been in the dark for a while.
This generator,
is it a loan or a gift,
my Senator?
May God protect you.
What's your wish?
Peace of mind. That's all.
And me...
I want to forever be
the guardian of this peace.
To protect you,
so you're always at peace.
I love you!
I love you so much, my love!
It's beautiful.
You should sell some.
- You'd make money!
- No, come on.
I'm glad you like it.
You're the one who inspired me!
Maybe you're right,
I'll think about it.
I have another gift.
Another gift?
Close your eyes.
Come and live
in Santo Domingo with me.
We can just go for two weeks,
so you can see if you like it.
The country is getting
worse and worse,
day by day.
We risk our lives here,
in these streets.
A stray bullet.
They shot me while I was sleeping.
I wasn't in a demonstration.
I'm not part of a gang.
Yet I almost died,
from a bandit's stray bullet.
Like you, I want to be at peace.
But I know
that won't be possible in Haiti.
You don't have to answer now.
We have a second area
that is on the terrace, outside.
Also with a bar.
Let me show you the
air-conditioned room downstairs
that's really good for weddings.
And this small outdoor space
you can use.
We have different menus, depending
on how many guests you have.
If you have 75 to 100 people,
you could have a bigger menu
with appetizers...
Esther, Chile has opened its doors,
many Haitians
are going without a visa.
But I can't afford
the plane ticket for Moses.
You need to talk to Robert about it
so he can give us the difference.
Mom, now is not the time.
You have to talk to him,
where does he get so much money?
It's your money. Your taxes.
I've got a lot to do,
we'll meet at home.
Moses...
I had a look,
this wedding
is going to be so beautiful.
You have to congratulate her.
I already did.
I'm the one who wanted
to get married that fast.
You and I don't want the same things.
You're asking yourself
too many questions.
And you don't ask yourself enough!
If you want to keep dreaming,
that's your problem.
That's your belief,
but I'm going to marry this man.
And for once,
I'll think about myself!
And I don't care
if it only lasts one day,
at least I'll have done
something for me in this life.
He won't make you happy.
Who said I need him to make me happy?
Esther.
My dear, I brought you this cream.
Robert will buy me another brand,
this one doesn't
whiten my skin well enough.
Okay, I'll return it.
There's one that's too expensive.
- I prefer the first one.
- Which one's too expensive?
- Mom, it's too expensive.
- Too expensive.
The Senator is rich.
How dare they tell us...
Marlene.
That place is so beautiful.
They say it's expensive
because of the flowers.
The flowers come from Argentina,
but who cares?
Do they come with Lionel Messi?
Be careful not to get it dirty.
My daughter looks like a queen.
Geraldine, you see!
When a man really wants you...
Moses, you're going
to the barber shop this afternoon.
I'm not the one getting married.
I like the back.
You can't go to the wedding
with your hair like that.
You look like a street vendor,
with your kinky hair.
Marlene, straighten her hair for me.
$2,000, Esther?
Stop, you're ruining everything.
It's the one I wanted!
We can still rent it
if Robert changes his mind.
It won't kill me.
Stop worrying!
I'm not a kid anymore.
You hear me?
How do I look, Moses?
It's just a dress.
That's all you have to say?
Moses, you have no taste.
I'm going to dress up
for this wedding.
Mom,
I'm not going to straighten my hair.
You're going to embarrass Esther,
and the whole family.
Am I going to embarrass you, Esther?
You know I don't care.
I'm suffocating.
Freda, come and help me take it off.
- What are you wearing, auntie?
- The dress is already here.
We'd like to see it.
What are you doing tonight?
There's a party at Yanvalou.
At Yanvalou, tonight?
Are you inviting us so we pay for it?
No night clubbing tonight.
I don't want to hear
about any "Yanvalou."
We must pray to God
for him to bless your marriage.
Do you hear me?
For God to bless your marriage.
And you Freda, who's laughing...
You have to pray, to find yourself
a rich man to pick you up.
Why?
Am I dragging across the floor?
That's exactly
what we're going to do,
we're going to pray at Yanvalou.
I don't know
who you're talking about.
I want you to go to church.
Give me a Coke.
I won't give you a Coke on credit.
I'm just thirsty.
No, I won't sell to you on credit,
let me read my Bible.
Go away!
All this for a Coke?
I'm taking off.
Thanks everyone for coming.
I dedicate this song
to someone very special in the room.
The story
of the "belle de nuit" flower
is also the story
of the girls of the ghetto,
of our sisters.
Who grew up in a system,
where they open their legs
before their hearts.
Where young men sell the dream
of a sleepless love.
"Belle de nuit" like a fairy.
When hunger extinguishes love,
she understands.
"I love you"
doesn't fill the belly.
"Belle de nuit" seeks strength
and prays to St. James Major.
Why are you treating me like this?
Where are you going?
Is it true?
You have the key to my heart,
you come and go when you want.
You can't do this to me!
Honey.
I've only got you, honey,
I have no one else.
No matter what he promised you,
don't listen to him.
Don't get married, don't get married,
please, don't do this to us.
I promise I will fight
so that you have everything you need.
Please.
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
Answer me.
Answer me, baby.
Answer me, honey.
Thank you, officer.
Get us some chairs, Moses.
Thank you, Lord.
Freda!
My daughter is married,
I'm so happy.
The officer who just dropped us off
gave me an envelope
before getting out
with money.
What a beautiful wedding.
He took me on his shoulders.
I'm happy.
He's back in my life.
I was lost far away.
Looking for Jesus.
He took me on his shoulders.
I'm happy.
He's back in my life.
Are you ready?
What's this for?
How many times
have we done this, Freda?
Another exhibition
with the same people.
The same white people,
who come and congratulate you,
and make nice speeches
and admire your resilience
despite this country's conditions.
But when the time comes
to spend some money,
to pay for my work,
they'll tell you:
"Oh, it's expensive!
"I'm surprised!
"After all,
it's just garbage put together."
You hear that?
As if all I do
is pick up garbage from the streets.
OK.
No point getting upset.
They're coming to pick us up soon.
Go get ready.
I'll prepare the rest.
How's that for you?
Do you like it?
What's your problem?
Are you upset
because there's no one here?
Where are the teachers?
They're on strike.
Again?
Just like I said.
There's not a single teacher present.
We'll wait for him until he gets out.
He owes us some answers.
He acts as if
the university money belongs to him.
They're paid to do nothing.
He'll have to step
over me to get out.
You're going back and forth
in your $50,000 car!
Pay our teachers, you thief!
Pay our teachers!
- Did you take all the bags?
- Yes, Mom.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, yes.
Where are you going?
You can't all go,
I can only take Moses.
What do you mean, only Moses?
I don't understand.
The road to the airport is blocked.
I need $200 to get through
the roadblocks.
Call Robert.
We don't have time for that, Mom.
- What are you looking for?
- Do you want to leave or not?
- I need that money!
- Do you want to leave or not?
Don't worry, I'll send you money.
Here, sir.
Thank you, let's go.
What's with all the suitcases?
God bless you, my son.
We shouldn't have let him leave.
Moses would have hated staying.
All his friends are
waiting for him there.
He thinks he's going to a paradise.
He's going to suffer, Freda.
He can't take care of himself.
He'll learn,
moving away will do him good.
Are you staying with us tonight?
Mom complains that you don't come
to see us anymore.
Mom or you?
How's it going with Yeshua?
Everything okay?
He wants me
to go live with him.
To leave the country
and go to Santo Domingo.
If I were you, I'd follow him.
You're not doing anything here.
I'm going to miss Moses.
Me too.
Hello, Geraldine.
Wait for me before you go,
I won't be long.
This job is all you have.
Stop playing the rich girl.
Please.
You're not done cleaning yet.
Who said you could sit down?
I'm not done with you.
My little maid.
Stop your games,
I have something to tell you.
Tell me, honey.
I'm pregnant.
Four months.
And you're only telling me now?
What did you expect?
A black woman and a mulatto...
in this country...
only meet in the dark.
I told you that this man
would only bring you unhappiness.
That'll teach you to be naive.
Yeshua? Are you there?
Yeshua, open up, please.
I'm leaving Freda.
What?
I'm going back to Santo Domingo.
I can't wait for you anymore, Freda.
We've been together for five years.
You can't make up your mind.
I try to reassure you,
but you don't trust me.
Me?
Let's talk about it. Open up. Please.
Why do you insist on staying?
Do I have to die
for you to understand?
How many people have to die,
for you to see
that there's no way out of this hole?
I'm leaving, I can't take it anymore.
I can't do it,
I can't leave my family.
He doesn't let me go out.
Yesterday, I came home a little late,
and he lost it.
When you're married,
there are things you can't do.
You always
have to be with your husband.
He's the one who kicked me out.
I'll call him,
everything will go back to normal.
- I won't go back there.
- Can't you see her face?
Can't you see her face?
You'll have to kill me
before you force her to go.
You're doing the same things again,
you'll never change.
Like when your boyfriend raped me,
and you told me to keep quiet
to avoid scandal
with the family, the neighbors.
Don't you want to eat something?
Did you steal money before you left?
Freda.
Sorry, there's a police car,
it's freaking me out a little bit.
Mom?
How are you?
How's she feeling?
She spent the night crying,
she just fell asleep.
I brought you food.
I put it in the kitchen.
Thank you, auntie.
Did you call the pastor?
I called everyone.
No one knows where she is.
OK, we're going
to the police station.
Hurry up, get ready,
we're going to the police station.
Geraldine will stay with Esther.
One day at a time, Mom.
I mourn the mother
that I wanted you to be.
And finally embrace
the mother you are.
One day at a time.
I'll learn.
I'll stop wondering
why I could never cry in your arms.
and finally understand, that you too
were looking for a refuge,
someone who could help you
carry the burden.
We can only give
what we have received.
And to you,
life has given only pain, misery,
and a bitter-tasting love.
That's the memory
I want to keep of you, Jeannette.
A woman who has unshakeable strength,
who's still standing,
despite everything.
For all the times
when we've never been able to say it,
I want to tell you
that I love you, Jeannette.
Thank you.
I know, I know I owe you
six months' rent,
but I'll pay you all of it,
and even with interest.
Have I told you that I'm very rich?
I won't throw you out on the street
because you're pregnant,
but don't try to mislead me!
Don't you want to believe I'm rich?
But I am, and my fortune is here.
It's my child.
All I see is a baby on the way.
And here, we don't pay with diapers.
Here, we pay in dollars, Miss.
You must wonder how I got here.
Yes, I was wondering...
And now I'll answer you.
I've been watching you
since my parents left.
Sure, and I'll add
that I already talked to your father.
I don't want you
to watch this with my goddaughter.
You are a goddess...
A warrior!
No Prince Charming will save you,
he'll be your fighting partner!
If he can.
And now what
will I tell Clemencia...
What will I tell her?
Can I tell her?
A child...
Mdia Solution