Memory of Princess Mumbi (2025) Movie Script
1
"As long as humanity
exists, conflicts may remain
an inherent part
of their existence.
Therefore, it is essential
for humanity to learn how to
live harmoniously
alongside these conflicts."
IntellectaCore AI, 2042
In 2073, the S26 space
station crashed into the moon,
causing worldwide chaos.
At the same time, a girl
named Mumbi was born
with a smile on her face.
Her life, however, would
be marked with pain.
In 2076, the conservatives
won the Great War
and banned all neo-technologies.
A new era of retro-futuristic
kingdoms began.
In 2079, the king of Pesa
visited a small
village called Umata.
His son, the prince, met
Mumbi and promised to return
on her 21st
birthday to marry her.
During this time, Mumbi's
love for films grew,
and she dreamed
of becoming a star.
Shortly after, she
married the prince.
In 2099, she returned to acting
and began working on a new film,
but she passed away
before it was completed.
However, my memories
of her reach back to
September '93, when
I met her in Umata
during a trip with my
good friend Damien.
PROMPTFIELD Generate
a video of Kuve and Damien
arriving in Umata.
AI Generated
Umata had been
strongly impacted by
the Great War of the 70s.
We were actually
thinking of shooting
a documentary about
the war's aftermath.
And since I had
family over there,
we of course first
visited my auntie.
But it's nice to see you.
It's been a long time
since I came here.
The pleasure is mine.
This is the most...
It's the most natural
moment I've ever captured.
- This is the most natural moment.
- Yeah.
She's a natural.
Since Damien was from Nordanien,
ancient Switzerland,
he had no clue
about Umata's culture.
Wait, what are we doing now?
What are you doing?
We slaughter it.
- Today?
- Yes.
So the chicken should go back?
Yeah, the chicken
should go back.
What about us?
Imagine being killed.
Do you think it's
nice to be killed?
No, no, no. It's not about being
killed. It's being slaughtered.
Later, as a test,
we interviewed my cousins
to prepare ourselves
for the actual interview.
So what if the country
orders you to go to war?
- Will you go?
- No.
I mean, if they force
you. If you won't go,
they'll put you in prison.
Would you rather go to prison?
- You'd even go to prison?
- Yes.
Me too.
We'll go to prison together.
That evening, we asked my auntie
if she knew any
filmmakers from Umata,
as we needed a third
person on the team
whom the people
of Umata trusted.
She didn't know anyone,
but she said that Trenndy,
a family friend,
could surely help out.
Let me tell you about myself.
My name is Trenndy,
you already know.
When we met Trenndy,
he mentioned this actress
who could join our
team as a presenter.
But how do you cast
someone for a documentary?
It's difficult to cast
somebody in a...
Have you ever been to a casting?
A long time ago.
So your main
thing is acting, or?
- Yes.
- Okay.
I think the beauty of the world
lies in the imperfections.
So if it were just
happiness throughout
for centuries on end,
it wouldn't be beautiful.
Is that even possible?
You're happy always?
The war will never stop,
because war has been there...
But people can be kinder.
People can be kinder.
People can be more...
Less self-centered.
Yeah, and then...
Yeah, maybe it
could be a bit better.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
What's wrong with the face?
- Let's wrap it up.
- With mine?
Is it a decoration
or what is it?
Oh, it's a long story.
You can explain it to us,
because it's not normal here.
I had an accident.
Years ago.
Even my girlfriend left me.
Because of the accident?
She didn't even have a...
No, she had a reason.
She was complaining
about my nose.
How does that
relate to the accident?
Your nose is too long.
I can't even kiss you.
Your nose isn't too big.
- It isn't big?
- No, it's fine.
- So she was lying?
- She was lying to you.
See Damien, I told you.
Well, I don't know, you know,
you only saw him from the front.
Turn around once.
At one point, it didn't feel
like a casting anymore.
Facially, yes.
But then I think my personality
is more like my father's.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
That's good.
- I like your story.
- You do?
Yeah, and I like you too.
You can stop now.
Because this is professional?
This is professional.
Damien, I'm talking about
her being part of our team.
Oh, oh, sorry.
What's wrong with you guys?
Even me. That's what I thought.
Damien has a...
What?
Yeah, no. Okay, okay.
What's wrong? Tell us.
And so we found our
third crew member.
We explained our
film idea to her.
The movie would focus on
the post-war depression
following the Great War.
Ironically, the war started
because of a major
societal depression,
yet people remained
depressed even after it ended.
The next day, we
walked around Umata
interviewing war veterans.
- Adam Juma.
- Yes.
Were you part of the war?
Yeah, I was part of the war.
What role did you
play in the war?
I was like a hero.
I was leading some guys.
As a helper.
Helping people who
were being killed,
carrying them, taking them
to the ambulance, yeah.
How old were you during the war?
18 years.
You were 18? So young.
I was 19. I don't know.
18 years.
That's very young to
experience something like that.
Because I have
a big brain, yeah.
Yes, you do.
How do you feel about...
I've lost my train
of thought, guys.
No problem.
- Give me another question to ask.
- Wait.
But somehow, the
answers they gave us
were not what we anticipated.
Do you feel like
you are happy now?
Now I'm very happy.
Do you feel like
your mental health
- was impacted in any way after the war?
- No.
You're fine? Completely fine?
Very fine.
- You're not sad?
- No, I'm not sad.
- You're a hero.
- Yeah.
In the afternoon,
we ran the footage
through Sharpedit Pro,
which generated
a first auto edit.
For humankind
to live without war,
I know it's not possible,
because war emerges every time,
everywhere, anywhere,
at any given time.
We thought that the war
would cure the depression,
but honestly,
there's nothing
we can do about it.
Depression is part of us.
After the war ended,
I could see some people
living in peace. No war.
Everybody was doing
things in a good way.
The war broke out due to
a massive depression that
swept across the entire world.
In the 60s, many people became
addicted to media consumption,
which contributed
to this depression.
In response,
conservatives fought for a
healthier world,
free from addictive
neo-technologies,
and they won the war.
But when we
interviewed those people,
we could still feel the
effects of that depression.
It felt
like they had found ways
to focus on the beauty of life.
I wonder if things will change.
Why would he
change his expression?
That was what he gave us.
Why would you change it?
Because it's about
depression and
not about people being happy.
The smile doesn't make sense.
But you can...
The fact that he smiles
doesn't take away
the fact that he's depressed.
But he doesn't look depressed.
When you look at
it, there's no drama.
How do you know
what it looks like when
someone is depressed?
Have you ever seen anyone
who's been depressed?
Yeah, I've seen
many people who've...
Are you guys
making a documentary
about AI or about people?
Because right now you're
just changing everything.
We're making a documentary about
people with the help of AI.
But it never captured
real moments.
Those insignificant...
I have to disagree on that.
Look, maybe I'm
getting a bit too involved.
But I just think that
you guys need to...
You guys need to rethink
why you're making this
movie and for whom.
That evening, Damien
and I were so angry.
We even made a plan to
catapult her to the moon.
But of course, the
very next day we
remained silent and
simply carried on.
It depends on the superior power
and the way they
act as a nation.
During the interviews,
she suddenly
started asking
different questions.
Nelson, do you watch any movies?
I watch, but only a few.
What type of
movies do you like, or
what kind of movies
do you want to see?
Something that makes me happy.
Drama, action. That's all.
You just want to laugh?
Yeah.
Action.
Yeah?
Okay, that's really,
really nice to know.
Thank you so much for your time.
Okay, thanks.
At the time, we didn't
understand why she was
asking those random questions.
But then in the evening,
she started to explain.
You know, people from abroad,
the audience, is more drawn
to pain and drama.
Okay Kuve, if you
keep asking yourself
what you think
people want to see,
you'll just end up with movies
that aren't original.
I'm telling you, you're
sitting on a gold mine here.
The people here are basically
telling you what
they want to see.
This could be the one thing
that makes this film unique.
Are you trying to change
the whole movie right now?
No, I'm just saying,
those people told us
what they want to see.
We need to listen.
You can't keep
telling yourself like,
"Oh, the international
world wants to see this."
It's their story.
It's their story.
We need to give them
what they want to see.
She likes winning.
She really does.
She really does like winning.
You always win. Why?
Not always.
When have I lost?
We are making a movie.
And so, from one
day to the next,
we changed everything.
Now we wouldn't make
a documentary anymore.
But instead, a movie that would
excite the people of Umata.
A musical that
includes funny scenes,
action, as well as drama.
But there was another problem.
Mumbi was so anti-AI
that she wanted to make the
film entirely without it.
We ended up making a
test by filming her reaction
as I attempted to
make her laugh.
REAL VERSION - AI VERSION
The first AI version
was very basic
and lacked nuance.
But after adjusting the
prompt, we were much closer.
However, it didn't
really matter in the end.
You can guess who
won the discussion.
SHE DID
But Damien and I
secretly used AI anyway.
Try to be more sad, like
you're losing the
love of your life.
Try and break down.
Try and break down.
Yeah? If you can
bring yourself to cry, cry.
I'll cry whenever I
see people dying.
You need to cry. Try to cry.
Okay, you don't
have to see this part.
Let's skip it.
No, honestly, I think
it was really good.
Especially for his
first time acting.
Acting something that dramatic.
People don't know that
it's his first time.
No, but we can work with him.
We can always...
That's why I
told you I like her.
- Because she's always on your side?
- Yeah.
You never know.
Maybe I could even
be a professional actor.
- A professional actor.
- Yes.
- You can be a star.
- Be a star.
And you?
I will be a star.
2093 OCTOBER
Always look into the camera.
Look at the camera.
Not at me. Look at the camera.
CASTING CALL
And then came the day
we began the official casting.
Karisa.
Ah, Pache! Pache,
what's wrong, my brother?
Ah, Pache, what's
happening to you, my brother?
And next, we're
doing a dancing scene.
Let me just see.
Is that? Is that?
I think I've seen
it. It's a camera.
Oh my God, let me see.
Oh, let me see. Oh my God.
I never thought
she'd love it this much.
Oh, thank you so much.
Oh my God.
Damien, this camera is so nice.
It's like those old-school ones
from way back in the day.
Thank you so much.
Yes.
Shooting was a lot of fun.
Every evening, Mumbi
went back to her home
in the neighboring village.
She never really spoke
about her home or family.
But every morning, she would
return, and we
continued working.
For the shoot, we
bought a professional
camera setup with a wider lens.
And now I'd like to
present two scenes
from our film "The Savior",
starting with the
opening sequence.
Scene 1
And now showcasing
a mashup of the climax.
Keep hugging.
Just like before.
Now you've changed the heads.
Cut.
2093 NOVEMBER
Look at the bird.
It looks like it's
struggling to fly.
Another one is coming.
Oh, the third one.
The fourth one.
These are the magical moments
I was telling you about.
Yeah.
Oh my God.
I've always wanted
to act. I remember...
I watched films from
the 2020s, you know,
and they were amazing.
Yeah, but with this look,
I'm sure you'll be a star.
You look fine on camera.
Yeah, for sure.
You think so?
During the shoot, Mumbi
and I grew much closer.
Somehow, I no longer felt
the pressure to make it big.
I lost myself in the
moments with her
and enjoyed every single one.
This guy is really in love.
You know, it looks like
I'm pulling her clothes.
My friend kissed
a beautiful girl.
Damien is so lousy.
He's telling everybody.
How was it? Explain more.
Yeah, you can
explain a bit more,
because he wasn't
even explaining it to us.
How special that is.
Yeah, the girl is so special.
You must tell us
how special she is.
I've never experienced
such a kiss.
We have to keep this
whole thing professional.
You can't...
You want me to stay professional
and not express
my feelings for her?
I feel like when you're
directing somebody,
then you can't...
But there are things
we can't control, Damien.
Did you kiss her
or was it like...
Did it come from her side?
- The kiss?
- Or did you force her?
The kiss came from me.
- It came from you?
- What happened?
And how did she react?
You know what we were doing?
- Did she stay quiet, or...?
- No, she...
Yeah, she was like, "Oh!"
And then she told
me, "I liked the kiss."
- She told you she liked it?
- Yeah.
And you know what we were doing?
We were arguing about
a natural kiss and a movie kiss.
A real-life kiss
and a movie kiss.
Then she was like, "I
think movie kisses are
more magical than
real-life kisses."
I had to argue because I know,
real-life kisses are the best.
And she was like, "Oh no, no."
So I asked her.
And then you were like...
I'm going to prove it.
Yes, I'm going to prove it.
No!
Are you trying to be in
- a relationship with her?
- Yeah.
And if possible,
- she could become the mother of my kids.
- No.
Uh-uh, you!
You're lying!
- One kiss!
- You're lying!
One kiss!
I don't know what
will happen with her.
Maybe she'll break
my heart too...
I'm even afraid.
It's true, Damien.
I'm even afraid.
Because if she does
what the other one did,
then I'm dead.
No more movies.
I'll be doing...
You can make movies
about heartbreak.
The light looks really good.
Look at the reflection.
Where the sun is pointing.
So it's bouncing onto you.
Yeah, yeah, it's like
you put a light on me.
Oh, that looks really nice.
Sometimes,
Mumbi and I
could just be.
But it was precisely
those moments of
nothingness that scared me.
What if I eventually bore her?
I know how we humans
operate. We crave adrenaline,
tension, we need conflict.
So I decided to ignore her.
And it worked.
Suddenly, she was
chasing after me,
feeling the dependency.
But then she got angry and
pulled everything out of me.
I told her about my fear of
being boring and losing her.
She made me promise never to
do something so foolish again.
Be careful.
Okay.
Because they are based in like
1799 or something like that.
I thought those movies
were actually
shot in those years.
But it's not true.
No, it's not.
When I was younger, I
loved old romantic movies,
where couples would do
anything to be together,
but cruel circumstances
wouldn't allow it.
What I didn't know then was
that my own life
would soon turn into
one of those classic
film romances.
On New Year's Eve,
like the rest of Umata,
we sailed to Hato Island.
Damien, I think we
should take this guy home.
Yeah, I also think so.
That evening, she told me
she would soon turn 21.
I was happy for her,
but she seemed sad.
I asked her what was wrong.
Then she told me the
story of the young prince,
who had fallen in love with
her and promised to return
on her 21st
birthday to marry her.
This made me realize
how little I knew
about her life.
Suddenly, the reason she
kept her family a
secret became clear.
Her mother couldn't know
that she was filming with us.
Having grown up in poverty,
her mother saw this
marriage as her way out
and would stop anything
that might threaten it.
So Mumbi told her
mother she was attending a
school for royal
manners every day.
Our time together
was running out.
The rest of the shoot
became unbearable.
2094 JANUARY
No, but like, think
about it, yeah?
If he's the one who bought
the weapon and she has it,
then maybe they know each other.
It's true. I think they
must be connected.
It's very possible.
Yeah, I mean, just look at it.
How else would
she end up with the
weapon, and the
receipt is in his name...
I can't do this. I'm sorry.
I just need a bit of time.
- I don't know.
- What's wrong?
Do you need a break?
Yeah, just like two minutes.
There was such
tension between us.
The day before her birthday,
I planned to open
my heart to her
and ask her not to
go with the prince.
But when the day
came, time flew by.
I waited for the right moment,
but everything was so awkward.
And suddenly, we had
already said our goodbyes.
It's a cringey situation,
cause when you're
about to lose the
love of your life,
you cry.
You cried in front of her?
She didn't see me cry.
Because I was like...
But you cried in front of her?
But I didn't make noise crying,
but, you know, the
tears were coming.
You can't admit it?
I mean, it's okay to cry.
I can't call it crying.
It's okay.
What should I do?
What can I do, Damien?
I'm just a poor guy.
Then fight for her somehow.
I wish I could steal her
from her mom's house.
Maybe you really can steal her.
How?
MUMBI'S 21ST BIRTHDAY
AI Generated
So,
I came here to
fulfill my promise.
Where is my future wife?
Here, my prince.
Wow.
Such beauty.
May I ask a question?
Yes, of course, you can.
Why are all the
servants children?
Because my dad, the king, uses
all the other servants at home.
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought
your father was dead.
Oh no! Why would you
even remind me of my father?
I'm sorry, my prince.
Please forgive me.
Did he just call me a prince?
I'm sorry. I meant the king.
Okay,
fine.
Let's leave.
Excuse me.
We've arranged the
food for the ceremony.
Would you join us?
Food?
Well, yes, of
course. I'll join you.
We have to leave quickly, okay?
The real prince is coming soon.
So what do we do now?
Wait.
Excuse me. We need to leave.
There's an emergency
in the kingdom.
Let's leave. Please.
Yeah, let's go. Bye, Mom. Bye.
Come on. Let's go, please.
And so, we set out
in search of a place
where peace and
tranquility reign.
Damien said we could stay
with his family in Nordanien,
and he showed
us how to get there.
He promised he would
edit and finish the movie.
And then came the time we said
our goodbyes to
Trenndy and Damien.
We were like Bonnie and
Clyde, on the run from the
kingdom, or rather the prince.
That's why we had to
cut off all our contacts.
There was even a
"Wanted" poster of us.
We had to keep hiding.
We went to places out of sight
from the rest of the world,
where no one knew us.
We even learned to
sleep in all kinds of places.
We continued to make
films anonymously.
AFRO QUEEN
However, we couldn't
finish most of them because
it wasn't safe to stay
in one place too long.
And then we finally
arrived in Nordanian.
2094 MARCH
And found shelter at
Damien's family home.
I had to find my sibling Damien.
He was really good at hiding.
I never really found him.
That's why he brought us here.
Right.
How many goals are there?
Two zero, two zero.
Why now?
They should score
like four goals to nil.
We need like four or five goals.
They should be beaten,
totally beaten like...
Tara, Tara, Tara, Tara, Tara!
Beaten!
You don't know anything
about football, that's...
your...
That's my?
That's your... what?
That's like your problem.
The problem is you
don't know football.
I'm trying to teach you.
Why would you say
I have a problem?
Because you don't like football.
I don't, I... but then, see...
I don't like that you
think I have a problem.
It's painful.
No, it's not a problem.
But it's something that
sometimes bothers
me, because I want us to
watch a football match
together, and you just leave.
But then there are also
things I like and you don't.
- Like what?
- I like everything you like.
You don't know
anything about hair,
and I like things about hair.
But you never told...
And I don't think
that's a problem.
- But I once...
- We can like different things.
- I once...
- We can like different things.
- No, let me talk...
- Say sorry. Just say sorry.
Sorry.
Okay, go hang your clothes.
You remember last time,
the story where I wanted...
Go hang your clothes.
- You're upset?
- I'm not upset.
Yes, you are.
Smile.
Look at the camera and smile.
Aw, look how cute you are.
You like playing with my...
You like playing with my nose.
Am I your toy?
Maybe.
Can you kiss me again?
I love you.
I love you too.
We continued film making
and searched for
more film ideas.
There's a bomb
inside the tuktuk!
What's the problem, my friend?
I'm gonna drive
us into the ocean,
and when I say "jump", you jump.
Jump!
While we were
editing our new movie,
we recognized a
person in several shots.
A spy. We realized
the prince was
closer to us than we thought,
but we wondered why they didn't
catch us when
they had the chance.
So we made a plan,
and what happened next
looked something like this.
THE ESCAPE
Huh?
Hey!
What is this?
How did you get
me in this position?
Who are you?
Why are you following us?
I swear, I'm not one
of those psycho fans.
I just wanted an
autograph, please.
Fan?
What do you mean, "fan"?
Because of "Happy
Silence" the musical film.
I've watched it
seven times at least.
It's so funny. Action-packed.
Just fucking brilliant.
We couldn't believe it.
HAPPY SILENCE: THE SAVIOUR
Damien finished the movie,
and it was screened
all over the world.
AI-Generated
But Mumbi's face was
nowhere to be seen.
Damien had
completely replaced it.
Later, I called Damien
to ask why he did it.
He explained that the
prince and Mumbi's mother
wanted to ban the
film, but he managed
to strike a deal by
replacing her face.
Not now, Kuve.
- Why?
- Not now.
Come on.
This is what I love most.
No. Please.
You don't want me to film you?
Our money was running out.
I took all kinds of jobs
where I could stay undercover,
but they paid very poorly.
I think she realized then
that as long as
we were on the run,
we could never truly be free.
Looking back, I can say
I didn't know what I was doing.
It's going to be fine.
Just let me try.
A little, please.
Oh no.
I'm sorry.
Everything will be fine.
You have to trust me.
Please.
I need to go home, Kuve.
Even at home, you're broke.
So you're giving up now?
You're giving up?
You have to trust
me. I'll fix everything.
It's not about trust, Kuve.
You're giving up. I can see it.
I'm in pain, okay?
Kuve, stop recording.
Please, stop recording.
And so I did.
She went back home,
and I tried to figure
things out on my own.
As promised, I started
writing my heartbreak movie.
And the nominees for Best Actor
are: Kuve Mukanga...
BEST ACTOR NOMINEES
What's wrong with
my nose, Nuria?
Even when we're
kissing, our noses are...
I can't even reach your lips.
We could kiss
sideways or something...
No, it can't go on like that.
And the Oscar for Best
Actor goes to Kuve Mukanga.
Over the next few
years, I worked very hard.
I became an actor
and won many awards.
I traveled the world,
but never heard
from Mumbi again.
And her mother refused
to tell me where she was.
I watched every single
film that came out,
hoping to see her in one,
but her face never appeared.
And I get what you mean
when you say that movies
exaggerate, and maybe that's...
I sometimes have
a scared view of
love and romance,
because of how many
romantic movies I watch.
But then again, they're movies.
They're supposed
to be exaggerated...
They're supposed to be
out of this world.
But yeah, the real
thing in life is being
bored with someone
and not like
frustratingly bored,
but nothing extreme,
nothing,
no big expectations,
but just to live life.
It's a lot of still days
and quiet moments,
which I personally like.
2099 AUGUSAnd then,
yeah.
In August 2099,
five years later,
I went to the Kingdom of
Pesa to shoot my next film,
"Poor Love".
It was a risky move, as the.
Kingdom of Pesa
was at war with Lua.
It was the first war since
the Great War of the '70s.
People from all over
the world came to join the
fight, wanting to
be part of this war.
It almost seemed like
people were missing the war.
As a result,
the Kingdom of Pesa was
busier than ever before.
The film industry noticed
this and decided to shoot
movies in the Kingdom of Pesa.
Our film, "Poor Love",
was about lost love.
Alexandro Muthega
was set to direct,
and Tom Bradley
to do the camera.
We were still looking for an
actress and held a casting call,
but finding the right person was
more difficult than we thought.
We had already gone through
all the castings
when it happened.
It's getting on my nerves now.
That was the first time in
five years I saw her again.
Did you come for the casting?
Yeah.
Yes.
This is perfect.
We didn't really
talk to each other
and simply continued
with the casting
as if we didn't know each other.
Get closer.
And... action.
Don't you love me anymore?
I do, and I will
always love you.
Then what's wrong?
We can fix everything
that's wrong between us.
No, we can't fix
it. We've tried.
We've tried, and
it's impossible.
You know for a
fact that we cannot.
Oh, cut.
Listen.
This time...
This time, try to
make it more natural.
Seriously, I love you so much.
Please.
No, please.
I can't live without...
Please.
I'm sorry.
And... cut.
- Wow.
- Yeah.
What do you think?
I think it's good.
It's really crazy.
Yeah, sure.
I think it's been good.
I can go?
Yeah, sure.
Thank you very much for coming.
That one was great.
I liked her a lot.
- Yeah, so much.
- Kuve?
Yes, I'm coming.
I ran after her,
but couldn't find her anymore.
The next day, I approached
director Alexandro
insisting that she
be cast in the role.
You know, the problem is that
she came unannounced yesterday,
and I don't have
her contact info.
Maybe look under the name Mumbi.
He searched but found no
Mumbi matching her face.
I was devastated.
I walked around the
city hoping to see her,
but the kingdom was too big.
A few days later,
when I was at the bar,
something hit me.
I've heard the princess
is as beautiful as the
sunrise and sunset combined.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
She had married
the Prince of Pesa
and was now trapped.
That's why I never
saw her in films again.
When she came for the
audition, she couldn't speak
to me, because she
had to sneak out of
her palace and return soon.
I decided then and
there to free her.
Look. I'm 100% sure
she's the princess.
I'd like you to arrange a
meeting with the prince.
Just one meeting.
What I can tell you is...
You don't want to mess with
this family. These guys are messy.
They're terrible. They
could even kill you.
Listen to me.
Just take me there.
Okay, I'll try.
That was the last time I
saw Director Alexandro.
Just kidding.
- He returned the next day.
- And?
He said it's okay, but
under one condition.
Which is?
That I get to be in
the movie as well.
This would be amazing for me.
I've always wanted
to be in a movie.
You know?
The prince was an
exceptional person.
His name was Prince
because his mother didn't
realize you don't
name a prince 'Prince'.
On the surface, he
seemed simple and naive,
but in reality, he was
a brutal sociopath.
The Kingdom of Pesa
has come from way back.
Before we began filming,
we had to do a chemistry test.
CHEMISTRY TEST!
What has he done this time?
Can you believe he just got
another woman pregnant?
Fuck.
Yeah.
So...
Not again.
This isn't even in the script.
Look, look, look. This
is what you should say.
Do you believe it's about
the lines or the chemistry?
We can improvise, you know?
Okay. If you...
I'm your biggest fan. I've
watched all your movies.
No, listen. Yes, I know that.
I know you're a fan. But listen.
It's not about improvisation.
At some point, Mumbi
showed up as well...
Hi.
- Hey, Princess.
- Hi.
Action.
I'm done.
I can't keep doing this anymore.
Hey Kuve, what's up?
You're losing focus, my friend.
- Now he's losing his lines.
- Let's do it again.
He's the one
losing his lines now.
September '99.
We started shooting the film.
Prince didn't want to take
off his crown or change
his clothes, so they
had to change the script.
I never really managed to
share my plan with Mumbi,
because we were never
alone and didn't really talk.
After this,
am I getting lunch
from the princess?
Of course.
- Really?
- I'll cook for you.
I'll bring you wine.
I'll even come
and do a little bow.
Sometimes the true color of
their relationship came through,
but Mumbi managed to
diffuse the situation with irony.
It was hard to see her that way.
We should have
done an action scene
between me and Kuve.
A serious one where
we stab each other.
You don't stand a
chance of winning.
We stab each other.
You can't win.
Because I have
this style, you know.
Which style is that?
It's... Snake. Snake eyes.
A snake can
never defeat a tiger.
I've done several fight scenes,
so I know what I'm doing.
I know you've been to war,
but when it comes to Kuve,
you don't even stand
a chance of winning.
Everybody has a weak point, bro.
Like for him...
My weak point is your wife.
That's my weak point.
I'm joking.
I already killed you.
No, you can't.
I told you, you don't
stand a chance to...
If I hit you here,
you can't beat me.
Mumbi, fine?
One day, there was a scene
where Mumbi and I had to kiss.
That was my chance to find out
if her feelings
were still there.
Maybe she would communicate
something through the kiss.
And...
Action!
Cut.
How was it for you?
It was just fine.
- For sure?
- Yeah.
It was kind of awkward for me.
I thought it could
be worse, though.
But it was fine, yeah?
The kiss wasn't
like it used to be.
But maybe she couldn't go
all in because of the Prince.
Later that day, after shooting,
the Prince pulled me aside.
You know, Kuve,
you really impressed me today.
You handled
everything professionally.
Thank you.
The way you conducted yourself,
even after what you had
with Mumbi, you still...
So, you know
you know the history
between me and Mumbi?
You can't run away with
somebody's wife-to-be
and not expect them to know.
We had posters everywhere.
Five years ago, right?
A young man
with such big balls.
I admire that about you.
I knew Mumbi and
I were in big trouble.
I realized I had to
act that very night.
I had to escape with her.
Tomorrow might be too late.
I packed my things and
sneaked into her castle.
Mumbi!
Can you hear me?
Kuve, what are you doing here?
Come on, Mumbi.
We have to leave
this place right away.
Stop asking me questions.
Let's go. Let's leave.
What are you talking about?
Mumbi, the Prince knows
everything about our past.
I mean, of course he does.
He's my husband. I'm
the one who told him.
Of course he knows
everything about us.
You told him?
Yeah.
Then why did you
sneak out of the casting?
Why?
I wasn't expecting to see you.
I didn't know how to
react or what to say.
That's all, Kuve.
Okay, there's just one thing.
The Prince wants
you to be a typical wife.
I know that. I've seen it.
No, that's just an
inside joke we have.
He makes fun of me for
not doing typical wife duties
or not being like
a typical princess.
That's all. It's just a game.
Kuve, you have a tendency
to see conflict in everything
and to look for
drama everywhere.
You've always been like this.
Look, I'm fine, okay?
And I'm really happy that I can
experience acting again
after such a long time.
I mean, around here in
the castle it's just been
politics, and it's been tiring.
So thank you for
that. But I'm fine.
I don't believe you.
I'm fine, Kuve. I am.
I promise.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
During the next
few days of shooting,
Prince gave me
some stupid looks.
Probably because he and Mumbi
talked about the
night I saw her.
But my relationship
with him got better.
It has to push you
behind a little bit.
- No.
- Yeah, it goes like...
For the first time,
I saw them for
who they truly were
and spoke to Mumbi
without any intention.
She told me about
the last five years.
I learned that Mumbi
hadn't acted since then
because it was a secret
that the Prince had
taken Mumbi as his wife.
He didn't want the
public to find out, fearing
it would put her in
danger because of the war.
The beauty of being
unknown was that she could
often walk around the city
without anyone
knowing who she was.
She also started taking
an interest in politics
and played an active
role in war strategies.
It's only been two months
since the secret of the
princess was revealed.
That's when she
decided to go to a casting
and met me.
2099 OCTOBER
However, I also realized
that Princess Mumbi
wasn't the same as before.
She often tried to smile
and find joy in things,
but I'm not sure if she
really feels that way
or she's just trying.
The old Mumbi
used to get excited
about even small moments,
but now she often felt distant,
like she not really present.
Can you check if
his jacket fits well?
And... Action!
You know who it is.
You know how we do it.
I freaking won that competition.
- Congratulations!
- Yeah...
How about you?
Are you happy for me?
Could I get a minute?
- One minute.
- Yes, sure.
Hey, Mumbi.
Sometimes she just needs space.
She's not okay.
Don't worry. I know her.
Sometimes...
She just needs some space, okay?
Are you okay?
Don't worry, my friend.
She'll be right back.
Maybe take a break?
- It's fine.
- You okay?
Sure you can do it again?
Yeah.
Okay, let's try it again.
And... Action!
I can't believe I won.
I thought it would
be so difficult.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
No, cut.
I'm fine.
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- You sure?
- Maybe you need some water?
- She's not okay.
You sure? Yeah?
She's not okay.
Okay, let's take a break.
It definitely sounds
like depression.
I'd suggest considering
antidepressant medicine.
Okay, but may I ask
what the cause could be?
You know, she's the princess.
I mean, she has everything.
Yes, but it doesn't
have to be related.
It can affect anyone,
even those who
appear to have
everything in their lives.
And so, she started
taking her medicine.
But the antidepressants
also had side effects.
I slowly saw how the colors in
her life became
duller and duller.
Until eventually, they
were no longer visible.
I decided to unpack my
old camera and start filming
her again like in the past.
That's the same way...
Hey, you.
I never get used to donkeys.
It was like, all the way there.
But the prince knew much
better how to show her
the beautiful things in life.
He did that by simply going on
walks and playing games with us.
Today we play a game.
One of the best in our kingdom.
All you have to do is
make my soldiers laugh.
I'm thinking of the color
green. What am I seeing?
- The wall.
- No, he already guessed the wall.
- See the leaves?
- Not the leaves.
- Not the leaves?
- No.
I can't play this game.
Guess.
- The leaves?
- No, it's not the leaves.
No, it's this.
- The moss?
- Nope.
- The pipe?
- Yes, it's the pipe.
I got it right.
While the prince and
I tried to bring back
the colors, we grew closer,
and our colors became
more vibrant than ever before.
A specific color represents
someone, like you.
- Yours is yellow.
- Mine is yellow.
That's royal. That's
for the royal family.
Yeah.
It represents,
you know, ripeness.
You know, when a mango
is ripe, it turns yellow.
Are you comparing yourself
to a mango and an orange?
You're not getting the
point. We don't want things
that aren't yet ready
for consumption.
So you're ready for consumption?
My friend, I don't
like that kind of joke.
You know the cows' shit?
It's amazing and
healthy for your...
You eat cow shit?
Not the cow shit, bro.
You take the cow
shit and boil it.
The shit?
See, you listen.
When Mumbi wasn't around,
the prince was a
completely different person.
It'll make you feel like a man.
You know what I mean?
It'll make you feel like a man.
So you think I'm not a man now?
No, you know what I mean.
When you go back to your village
and meet your wife...
I'm not married.
Too bad.
You stole.
You.
- Life goes on.
- Yeah, life goes on.
But you'll enjoy pp soup
with dry chapati.
Whenever we took
breaks during the shoot,
he would start
dancing and rapping.
He was like an old person,
not listening to modern stuff,
but only very old songs
from the early 2000s.
Can I tell you something?
Honestly, at the beginning,
I never trusted you.
- Why?
- I didn't like you.
When I had your...
I also thought you
were an asshole.
You ran away with my wife.
I took her first.
- Then you came and took her away.
- Okay, whatever...
Why did you run away
with her in the first place?
Because she was my woman.
- I was trying to protect her.
- From what?
From you!
You were like just...
I wanted to marry her
to torture her? Or what?
I was going to marry her
to make her the prince.
- The princess.
- But she's not even happy.
- You were trying to...
- Why isn't she happy?
I've given her everything.
That's why we should
try to make her happy.
It didn't take long
before we began
to act this way in
front of Mumbi as well.
We have to take a rest.
What do you say?
Do you want to take a nap?
Your relationship is
full of testosterone.
Full of?
Testosterone.
Like you're always
at each other's...
Like, who's better than who?
You know we joke a lot.
This is my brother here.
Hey, my friend, are
you being serious?
Did you hear that back?
My friend, are
you being serious?
That was it.
The smile she was born with.
I guess it's the part of
ourselves we tried to hide
that managed to
bring her colors back.
2099 NOMVEMBER
Me and Damien were like,
what do we do with this woman?
That's the Mumbi I know now.
Stubborn.
So now you guys are
agreeing on things?
You're no longer competing?
Right now,
Kuve is my brother.
And then?
You guys are always
competing over
who's stronger. Who
has the best clothes.
Who has, I don't know, what.
It's good to be...
It's good to always
remember your...
The inner child should
once in a while come out.
Don't take life too
seriously. Like, always.
Okay, there are
moments to be serious,
but also moments to have fun.
- Kuve likes drama.
- He likes drama?
Kuve likes drama,
and he likes conflict.
He doesn't know anything
about the inner child.
He would say, "Don't...
I'm a grown-up."
You don't rest.
I'm older than everybody here.
I can see it. Look at your hair.
Look at your hair. It's white.
I'm older than...
Why did you dye your hair white?
I've always wanted to ask you.
The first time I
saw you, I was like...
Mumbi and I were even able to
have conversations
like we used to.
You remember the little children
dancing behind the boats?
Yeah.
They're memories now.
But I still have them,
because I usually watch the
movie we made.
Yeah?
I haven't watched it.
It's a bit too painful to watch.
- Ah, I understand.
- Yeah.
Look at the kids.
Look at the house.
Look at the trees.
And also look at the sky.
We all live in the moment.
And her laughter brought
back forgotten memories
of a time when we
took it for granted,
unaware of how precious
those moments truly were.
The final recording of her
was made just a day
before she passed away.
It captured a moment
during a break when we were
joking around with
Director Alexandros Donkey.
You're being
kidnapped by a donkey.
Kuve!
Just bring the donkey closer.
And then it comes running.
And then it comes running and
now I won't be able to...
And then it will...
No, no.
But then it'll bite me.
You know they bite.
It's not going to do anything.
You're just being scared.
On your own.
Hey, stop doing that.
You see?
It's not going to bite.
You can even go up if you want.
Do you want to go up?
It's so friendly.
- You don't have to be scared.
- No.
Why is it shaking?
It can't do anything.
Yeah, I'm too
short. I'm too short.
Just try, just try.
Carry her.
Let her take it in first.
Oh God.
I'll be behind. You be in front.
Relax.
Mumbi is on a donkey.
Oh God!
And she's doing it on her own.
She's finally happy.
No!
Oh God!
Oh my God!
I did it.
I did it.
You did it.
Why were you so scared?
And she was so scared.
- Wanna get off?
- Yeah.
Or do you want to continue?
No, I've done my adventure.
One day later,
Mumbi died.
We don't know if she
fell or if she jumped.
We don't know if she died
quickly or suffered first.
And I'll never know
if I failed to help her,
what was going through her mind,
and what she thought
in her last moments.
I will never know.
2099 DECEMBER
Princess Mumbi
I kept watching our old
recordings over and over.
You can be a star.
- Be a star.
- Yeah.
And you?
I will be a star.
What should I say?
I'll do my best to
make sure that she's
she's the world's
most famous superstar.
Like, seriously.
- You promise?
- Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
- I'll make sure, yeah.
Most famous superstar.
Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
- I'll make sure, yeah.
- Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
I'll make sure, yeah.
But what I did know for sure
is that I made her a promise.
It was still possible to
make her dream come true.
I had so much
video material of her,
that one could make
a film out of her story
and make her a star.
But how do you summarize a life?
Is it even possible?
When we watch
biographical films,
they too are condensed.
Well, packing an
entire life into a movie
is impossible.
We need Maalum.
Zack Lively on writing Biopics.
Translated, it
means "to specify".
One must focus
on an aspect of life.
A theme.
A period, to find
the narrative arc.
After all,
films aren't life.
They are an
interpretation of life.
And a good interpretation
requires clarity.
Or in this case, Maalum.
I began searching for
Maalum in her story.
Through which lens
could I make a film about
Princess Mumbi's life?
I delved into her past, her
time as a princess and a
politician, and her death.
But there were too many topics,
too many different stories,
until I stumbled
upon a recording.
Don't you think that
having something
personal gives
it more of an arc?
For me, no.
But it made it more objective
when we didn't
hear your questions.
- Yeah.
- No, I don't think so.
Like, we need to show that the
film is from our
perspective. Understand?
This is not
necessarily the truth.
This is just how we
see it as filmmakers.
Not really.
I think...
Maybe we can try.
Why don't I maybe
do a voice-over?
And then like, just
to show that this is...
Yeah, like this is
our thought process.
It felt like she was
speaking directly to me,
saying, if you make
a film about me,
please make it clear that
it's from your perspective.
Then I realized I had many
recordings where she talks
about what she
values in making films
and that I could let these
guidelines direct me.
Actually, honestly,
I even think that
auto-editing is
lazy, because like...
Why would you make
a documentary and then
give away your signature,
which is the editing,
to a program?
And even the footage you guys
are generating via AI...
At least label it,
to be authentic.
Like, I don't know...
A block on the left
side of the screen
that says "generated
by AI" or something.
Even if you look at
AI-generated movies,
they're based on
movies that already exist,
and all movies that exist
are structured around conflict.
AI will generate
movies with conflict,
but it doesn't
reflect life as it is.
Most of life is just a bunch of
random things and
nothing... and stuff.
And what if you had a movie
that simply reflects that?
Even if you had scenes
that don't make sense...
most of life doesn't make sense.
I think it would be the
most boring movie...
I don't think so.
I don't think so. I
think we can try.
2072, during the Great War,
a boy named Kuve was born.
He cried as he
came into the world.
Kuve's mother died in the
S-26 disaster in a tsunami.
Since then, his
father took care of him.
Kuve directed his first film
and discovered his
passion for film making.
After his accident,
his girlfriend Nuria
broke up with him,
but in the hospital he met
a filmmaker named Damien.
Together, they
decided to make a film.
That was when Kuve
discovered that pain is the
driving force of humanity.
After his breakup with
Nuria, he suddenly had so
much energy that
he needed to channel,
leading him to make
the film with Damien.
The Cook
Kuve met Mumbi,
who taught him acting.
The two started a
relationship, but since her hand
had been promised
to the Prince of Pesa,
they parted ways.
When Mumbi died,
Kuve decided to make a
film about her to
fulfill her promise.
He gathered the
prince and others
to reenact certain scenes.
And for the first time,
he edited himself.
The film would be called.
Memory of Princess Mumbi.
Memory of Princess Mumbi
He reflected on her life
and saw only tragedy.
But as he watched the footage,
he remembered all
the beautiful moments.
Suddenly, he saw the joy
Mumbi managed to maintain
even in the darkest
times and recognized
the joy she brought
into the world,
the beauty she
found in the mundane,
and the laughter that
echoed beyond her time.
2100 DECEMBER
Then a tear fell,
and for the first time
he realized that there
are not only tears of pain,
but also tears of joy.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BROTHER
"As long as humanity
exists, conflicts may remain
an inherent part
of their existence.
Therefore, it is essential
for humanity to learn how to
live harmoniously
alongside these conflicts."
IntellectaCore AI, 2042
In 2073, the S26 space
station crashed into the moon,
causing worldwide chaos.
At the same time, a girl
named Mumbi was born
with a smile on her face.
Her life, however, would
be marked with pain.
In 2076, the conservatives
won the Great War
and banned all neo-technologies.
A new era of retro-futuristic
kingdoms began.
In 2079, the king of Pesa
visited a small
village called Umata.
His son, the prince, met
Mumbi and promised to return
on her 21st
birthday to marry her.
During this time, Mumbi's
love for films grew,
and she dreamed
of becoming a star.
Shortly after, she
married the prince.
In 2099, she returned to acting
and began working on a new film,
but she passed away
before it was completed.
However, my memories
of her reach back to
September '93, when
I met her in Umata
during a trip with my
good friend Damien.
PROMPTFIELD Generate
a video of Kuve and Damien
arriving in Umata.
AI Generated
Umata had been
strongly impacted by
the Great War of the 70s.
We were actually
thinking of shooting
a documentary about
the war's aftermath.
And since I had
family over there,
we of course first
visited my auntie.
But it's nice to see you.
It's been a long time
since I came here.
The pleasure is mine.
This is the most...
It's the most natural
moment I've ever captured.
- This is the most natural moment.
- Yeah.
She's a natural.
Since Damien was from Nordanien,
ancient Switzerland,
he had no clue
about Umata's culture.
Wait, what are we doing now?
What are you doing?
We slaughter it.
- Today?
- Yes.
So the chicken should go back?
Yeah, the chicken
should go back.
What about us?
Imagine being killed.
Do you think it's
nice to be killed?
No, no, no. It's not about being
killed. It's being slaughtered.
Later, as a test,
we interviewed my cousins
to prepare ourselves
for the actual interview.
So what if the country
orders you to go to war?
- Will you go?
- No.
I mean, if they force
you. If you won't go,
they'll put you in prison.
Would you rather go to prison?
- You'd even go to prison?
- Yes.
Me too.
We'll go to prison together.
That evening, we asked my auntie
if she knew any
filmmakers from Umata,
as we needed a third
person on the team
whom the people
of Umata trusted.
She didn't know anyone,
but she said that Trenndy,
a family friend,
could surely help out.
Let me tell you about myself.
My name is Trenndy,
you already know.
When we met Trenndy,
he mentioned this actress
who could join our
team as a presenter.
But how do you cast
someone for a documentary?
It's difficult to cast
somebody in a...
Have you ever been to a casting?
A long time ago.
So your main
thing is acting, or?
- Yes.
- Okay.
I think the beauty of the world
lies in the imperfections.
So if it were just
happiness throughout
for centuries on end,
it wouldn't be beautiful.
Is that even possible?
You're happy always?
The war will never stop,
because war has been there...
But people can be kinder.
People can be kinder.
People can be more...
Less self-centered.
Yeah, and then...
Yeah, maybe it
could be a bit better.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
What's wrong with the face?
- Let's wrap it up.
- With mine?
Is it a decoration
or what is it?
Oh, it's a long story.
You can explain it to us,
because it's not normal here.
I had an accident.
Years ago.
Even my girlfriend left me.
Because of the accident?
She didn't even have a...
No, she had a reason.
She was complaining
about my nose.
How does that
relate to the accident?
Your nose is too long.
I can't even kiss you.
Your nose isn't too big.
- It isn't big?
- No, it's fine.
- So she was lying?
- She was lying to you.
See Damien, I told you.
Well, I don't know, you know,
you only saw him from the front.
Turn around once.
At one point, it didn't feel
like a casting anymore.
Facially, yes.
But then I think my personality
is more like my father's.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
That's good.
- I like your story.
- You do?
Yeah, and I like you too.
You can stop now.
Because this is professional?
This is professional.
Damien, I'm talking about
her being part of our team.
Oh, oh, sorry.
What's wrong with you guys?
Even me. That's what I thought.
Damien has a...
What?
Yeah, no. Okay, okay.
What's wrong? Tell us.
And so we found our
third crew member.
We explained our
film idea to her.
The movie would focus on
the post-war depression
following the Great War.
Ironically, the war started
because of a major
societal depression,
yet people remained
depressed even after it ended.
The next day, we
walked around Umata
interviewing war veterans.
- Adam Juma.
- Yes.
Were you part of the war?
Yeah, I was part of the war.
What role did you
play in the war?
I was like a hero.
I was leading some guys.
As a helper.
Helping people who
were being killed,
carrying them, taking them
to the ambulance, yeah.
How old were you during the war?
18 years.
You were 18? So young.
I was 19. I don't know.
18 years.
That's very young to
experience something like that.
Because I have
a big brain, yeah.
Yes, you do.
How do you feel about...
I've lost my train
of thought, guys.
No problem.
- Give me another question to ask.
- Wait.
But somehow, the
answers they gave us
were not what we anticipated.
Do you feel like
you are happy now?
Now I'm very happy.
Do you feel like
your mental health
- was impacted in any way after the war?
- No.
You're fine? Completely fine?
Very fine.
- You're not sad?
- No, I'm not sad.
- You're a hero.
- Yeah.
In the afternoon,
we ran the footage
through Sharpedit Pro,
which generated
a first auto edit.
For humankind
to live without war,
I know it's not possible,
because war emerges every time,
everywhere, anywhere,
at any given time.
We thought that the war
would cure the depression,
but honestly,
there's nothing
we can do about it.
Depression is part of us.
After the war ended,
I could see some people
living in peace. No war.
Everybody was doing
things in a good way.
The war broke out due to
a massive depression that
swept across the entire world.
In the 60s, many people became
addicted to media consumption,
which contributed
to this depression.
In response,
conservatives fought for a
healthier world,
free from addictive
neo-technologies,
and they won the war.
But when we
interviewed those people,
we could still feel the
effects of that depression.
It felt
like they had found ways
to focus on the beauty of life.
I wonder if things will change.
Why would he
change his expression?
That was what he gave us.
Why would you change it?
Because it's about
depression and
not about people being happy.
The smile doesn't make sense.
But you can...
The fact that he smiles
doesn't take away
the fact that he's depressed.
But he doesn't look depressed.
When you look at
it, there's no drama.
How do you know
what it looks like when
someone is depressed?
Have you ever seen anyone
who's been depressed?
Yeah, I've seen
many people who've...
Are you guys
making a documentary
about AI or about people?
Because right now you're
just changing everything.
We're making a documentary about
people with the help of AI.
But it never captured
real moments.
Those insignificant...
I have to disagree on that.
Look, maybe I'm
getting a bit too involved.
But I just think that
you guys need to...
You guys need to rethink
why you're making this
movie and for whom.
That evening, Damien
and I were so angry.
We even made a plan to
catapult her to the moon.
But of course, the
very next day we
remained silent and
simply carried on.
It depends on the superior power
and the way they
act as a nation.
During the interviews,
she suddenly
started asking
different questions.
Nelson, do you watch any movies?
I watch, but only a few.
What type of
movies do you like, or
what kind of movies
do you want to see?
Something that makes me happy.
Drama, action. That's all.
You just want to laugh?
Yeah.
Action.
Yeah?
Okay, that's really,
really nice to know.
Thank you so much for your time.
Okay, thanks.
At the time, we didn't
understand why she was
asking those random questions.
But then in the evening,
she started to explain.
You know, people from abroad,
the audience, is more drawn
to pain and drama.
Okay Kuve, if you
keep asking yourself
what you think
people want to see,
you'll just end up with movies
that aren't original.
I'm telling you, you're
sitting on a gold mine here.
The people here are basically
telling you what
they want to see.
This could be the one thing
that makes this film unique.
Are you trying to change
the whole movie right now?
No, I'm just saying,
those people told us
what they want to see.
We need to listen.
You can't keep
telling yourself like,
"Oh, the international
world wants to see this."
It's their story.
It's their story.
We need to give them
what they want to see.
She likes winning.
She really does.
She really does like winning.
You always win. Why?
Not always.
When have I lost?
We are making a movie.
And so, from one
day to the next,
we changed everything.
Now we wouldn't make
a documentary anymore.
But instead, a movie that would
excite the people of Umata.
A musical that
includes funny scenes,
action, as well as drama.
But there was another problem.
Mumbi was so anti-AI
that she wanted to make the
film entirely without it.
We ended up making a
test by filming her reaction
as I attempted to
make her laugh.
REAL VERSION - AI VERSION
The first AI version
was very basic
and lacked nuance.
But after adjusting the
prompt, we were much closer.
However, it didn't
really matter in the end.
You can guess who
won the discussion.
SHE DID
But Damien and I
secretly used AI anyway.
Try to be more sad, like
you're losing the
love of your life.
Try and break down.
Try and break down.
Yeah? If you can
bring yourself to cry, cry.
I'll cry whenever I
see people dying.
You need to cry. Try to cry.
Okay, you don't
have to see this part.
Let's skip it.
No, honestly, I think
it was really good.
Especially for his
first time acting.
Acting something that dramatic.
People don't know that
it's his first time.
No, but we can work with him.
We can always...
That's why I
told you I like her.
- Because she's always on your side?
- Yeah.
You never know.
Maybe I could even
be a professional actor.
- A professional actor.
- Yes.
- You can be a star.
- Be a star.
And you?
I will be a star.
2093 OCTOBER
Always look into the camera.
Look at the camera.
Not at me. Look at the camera.
CASTING CALL
And then came the day
we began the official casting.
Karisa.
Ah, Pache! Pache,
what's wrong, my brother?
Ah, Pache, what's
happening to you, my brother?
And next, we're
doing a dancing scene.
Let me just see.
Is that? Is that?
I think I've seen
it. It's a camera.
Oh my God, let me see.
Oh, let me see. Oh my God.
I never thought
she'd love it this much.
Oh, thank you so much.
Oh my God.
Damien, this camera is so nice.
It's like those old-school ones
from way back in the day.
Thank you so much.
Yes.
Shooting was a lot of fun.
Every evening, Mumbi
went back to her home
in the neighboring village.
She never really spoke
about her home or family.
But every morning, she would
return, and we
continued working.
For the shoot, we
bought a professional
camera setup with a wider lens.
And now I'd like to
present two scenes
from our film "The Savior",
starting with the
opening sequence.
Scene 1
And now showcasing
a mashup of the climax.
Keep hugging.
Just like before.
Now you've changed the heads.
Cut.
2093 NOVEMBER
Look at the bird.
It looks like it's
struggling to fly.
Another one is coming.
Oh, the third one.
The fourth one.
These are the magical moments
I was telling you about.
Yeah.
Oh my God.
I've always wanted
to act. I remember...
I watched films from
the 2020s, you know,
and they were amazing.
Yeah, but with this look,
I'm sure you'll be a star.
You look fine on camera.
Yeah, for sure.
You think so?
During the shoot, Mumbi
and I grew much closer.
Somehow, I no longer felt
the pressure to make it big.
I lost myself in the
moments with her
and enjoyed every single one.
This guy is really in love.
You know, it looks like
I'm pulling her clothes.
My friend kissed
a beautiful girl.
Damien is so lousy.
He's telling everybody.
How was it? Explain more.
Yeah, you can
explain a bit more,
because he wasn't
even explaining it to us.
How special that is.
Yeah, the girl is so special.
You must tell us
how special she is.
I've never experienced
such a kiss.
We have to keep this
whole thing professional.
You can't...
You want me to stay professional
and not express
my feelings for her?
I feel like when you're
directing somebody,
then you can't...
But there are things
we can't control, Damien.
Did you kiss her
or was it like...
Did it come from her side?
- The kiss?
- Or did you force her?
The kiss came from me.
- It came from you?
- What happened?
And how did she react?
You know what we were doing?
- Did she stay quiet, or...?
- No, she...
Yeah, she was like, "Oh!"
And then she told
me, "I liked the kiss."
- She told you she liked it?
- Yeah.
And you know what we were doing?
We were arguing about
a natural kiss and a movie kiss.
A real-life kiss
and a movie kiss.
Then she was like, "I
think movie kisses are
more magical than
real-life kisses."
I had to argue because I know,
real-life kisses are the best.
And she was like, "Oh no, no."
So I asked her.
And then you were like...
I'm going to prove it.
Yes, I'm going to prove it.
No!
Are you trying to be in
- a relationship with her?
- Yeah.
And if possible,
- she could become the mother of my kids.
- No.
Uh-uh, you!
You're lying!
- One kiss!
- You're lying!
One kiss!
I don't know what
will happen with her.
Maybe she'll break
my heart too...
I'm even afraid.
It's true, Damien.
I'm even afraid.
Because if she does
what the other one did,
then I'm dead.
No more movies.
I'll be doing...
You can make movies
about heartbreak.
The light looks really good.
Look at the reflection.
Where the sun is pointing.
So it's bouncing onto you.
Yeah, yeah, it's like
you put a light on me.
Oh, that looks really nice.
Sometimes,
Mumbi and I
could just be.
But it was precisely
those moments of
nothingness that scared me.
What if I eventually bore her?
I know how we humans
operate. We crave adrenaline,
tension, we need conflict.
So I decided to ignore her.
And it worked.
Suddenly, she was
chasing after me,
feeling the dependency.
But then she got angry and
pulled everything out of me.
I told her about my fear of
being boring and losing her.
She made me promise never to
do something so foolish again.
Be careful.
Okay.
Because they are based in like
1799 or something like that.
I thought those movies
were actually
shot in those years.
But it's not true.
No, it's not.
When I was younger, I
loved old romantic movies,
where couples would do
anything to be together,
but cruel circumstances
wouldn't allow it.
What I didn't know then was
that my own life
would soon turn into
one of those classic
film romances.
On New Year's Eve,
like the rest of Umata,
we sailed to Hato Island.
Damien, I think we
should take this guy home.
Yeah, I also think so.
That evening, she told me
she would soon turn 21.
I was happy for her,
but she seemed sad.
I asked her what was wrong.
Then she told me the
story of the young prince,
who had fallen in love with
her and promised to return
on her 21st
birthday to marry her.
This made me realize
how little I knew
about her life.
Suddenly, the reason she
kept her family a
secret became clear.
Her mother couldn't know
that she was filming with us.
Having grown up in poverty,
her mother saw this
marriage as her way out
and would stop anything
that might threaten it.
So Mumbi told her
mother she was attending a
school for royal
manners every day.
Our time together
was running out.
The rest of the shoot
became unbearable.
2094 JANUARY
No, but like, think
about it, yeah?
If he's the one who bought
the weapon and she has it,
then maybe they know each other.
It's true. I think they
must be connected.
It's very possible.
Yeah, I mean, just look at it.
How else would
she end up with the
weapon, and the
receipt is in his name...
I can't do this. I'm sorry.
I just need a bit of time.
- I don't know.
- What's wrong?
Do you need a break?
Yeah, just like two minutes.
There was such
tension between us.
The day before her birthday,
I planned to open
my heart to her
and ask her not to
go with the prince.
But when the day
came, time flew by.
I waited for the right moment,
but everything was so awkward.
And suddenly, we had
already said our goodbyes.
It's a cringey situation,
cause when you're
about to lose the
love of your life,
you cry.
You cried in front of her?
She didn't see me cry.
Because I was like...
But you cried in front of her?
But I didn't make noise crying,
but, you know, the
tears were coming.
You can't admit it?
I mean, it's okay to cry.
I can't call it crying.
It's okay.
What should I do?
What can I do, Damien?
I'm just a poor guy.
Then fight for her somehow.
I wish I could steal her
from her mom's house.
Maybe you really can steal her.
How?
MUMBI'S 21ST BIRTHDAY
AI Generated
So,
I came here to
fulfill my promise.
Where is my future wife?
Here, my prince.
Wow.
Such beauty.
May I ask a question?
Yes, of course, you can.
Why are all the
servants children?
Because my dad, the king, uses
all the other servants at home.
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought
your father was dead.
Oh no! Why would you
even remind me of my father?
I'm sorry, my prince.
Please forgive me.
Did he just call me a prince?
I'm sorry. I meant the king.
Okay,
fine.
Let's leave.
Excuse me.
We've arranged the
food for the ceremony.
Would you join us?
Food?
Well, yes, of
course. I'll join you.
We have to leave quickly, okay?
The real prince is coming soon.
So what do we do now?
Wait.
Excuse me. We need to leave.
There's an emergency
in the kingdom.
Let's leave. Please.
Yeah, let's go. Bye, Mom. Bye.
Come on. Let's go, please.
And so, we set out
in search of a place
where peace and
tranquility reign.
Damien said we could stay
with his family in Nordanien,
and he showed
us how to get there.
He promised he would
edit and finish the movie.
And then came the time we said
our goodbyes to
Trenndy and Damien.
We were like Bonnie and
Clyde, on the run from the
kingdom, or rather the prince.
That's why we had to
cut off all our contacts.
There was even a
"Wanted" poster of us.
We had to keep hiding.
We went to places out of sight
from the rest of the world,
where no one knew us.
We even learned to
sleep in all kinds of places.
We continued to make
films anonymously.
AFRO QUEEN
However, we couldn't
finish most of them because
it wasn't safe to stay
in one place too long.
And then we finally
arrived in Nordanian.
2094 MARCH
And found shelter at
Damien's family home.
I had to find my sibling Damien.
He was really good at hiding.
I never really found him.
That's why he brought us here.
Right.
How many goals are there?
Two zero, two zero.
Why now?
They should score
like four goals to nil.
We need like four or five goals.
They should be beaten,
totally beaten like...
Tara, Tara, Tara, Tara, Tara!
Beaten!
You don't know anything
about football, that's...
your...
That's my?
That's your... what?
That's like your problem.
The problem is you
don't know football.
I'm trying to teach you.
Why would you say
I have a problem?
Because you don't like football.
I don't, I... but then, see...
I don't like that you
think I have a problem.
It's painful.
No, it's not a problem.
But it's something that
sometimes bothers
me, because I want us to
watch a football match
together, and you just leave.
But then there are also
things I like and you don't.
- Like what?
- I like everything you like.
You don't know
anything about hair,
and I like things about hair.
But you never told...
And I don't think
that's a problem.
- But I once...
- We can like different things.
- I once...
- We can like different things.
- No, let me talk...
- Say sorry. Just say sorry.
Sorry.
Okay, go hang your clothes.
You remember last time,
the story where I wanted...
Go hang your clothes.
- You're upset?
- I'm not upset.
Yes, you are.
Smile.
Look at the camera and smile.
Aw, look how cute you are.
You like playing with my...
You like playing with my nose.
Am I your toy?
Maybe.
Can you kiss me again?
I love you.
I love you too.
We continued film making
and searched for
more film ideas.
There's a bomb
inside the tuktuk!
What's the problem, my friend?
I'm gonna drive
us into the ocean,
and when I say "jump", you jump.
Jump!
While we were
editing our new movie,
we recognized a
person in several shots.
A spy. We realized
the prince was
closer to us than we thought,
but we wondered why they didn't
catch us when
they had the chance.
So we made a plan,
and what happened next
looked something like this.
THE ESCAPE
Huh?
Hey!
What is this?
How did you get
me in this position?
Who are you?
Why are you following us?
I swear, I'm not one
of those psycho fans.
I just wanted an
autograph, please.
Fan?
What do you mean, "fan"?
Because of "Happy
Silence" the musical film.
I've watched it
seven times at least.
It's so funny. Action-packed.
Just fucking brilliant.
We couldn't believe it.
HAPPY SILENCE: THE SAVIOUR
Damien finished the movie,
and it was screened
all over the world.
AI-Generated
But Mumbi's face was
nowhere to be seen.
Damien had
completely replaced it.
Later, I called Damien
to ask why he did it.
He explained that the
prince and Mumbi's mother
wanted to ban the
film, but he managed
to strike a deal by
replacing her face.
Not now, Kuve.
- Why?
- Not now.
Come on.
This is what I love most.
No. Please.
You don't want me to film you?
Our money was running out.
I took all kinds of jobs
where I could stay undercover,
but they paid very poorly.
I think she realized then
that as long as
we were on the run,
we could never truly be free.
Looking back, I can say
I didn't know what I was doing.
It's going to be fine.
Just let me try.
A little, please.
Oh no.
I'm sorry.
Everything will be fine.
You have to trust me.
Please.
I need to go home, Kuve.
Even at home, you're broke.
So you're giving up now?
You're giving up?
You have to trust
me. I'll fix everything.
It's not about trust, Kuve.
You're giving up. I can see it.
I'm in pain, okay?
Kuve, stop recording.
Please, stop recording.
And so I did.
She went back home,
and I tried to figure
things out on my own.
As promised, I started
writing my heartbreak movie.
And the nominees for Best Actor
are: Kuve Mukanga...
BEST ACTOR NOMINEES
What's wrong with
my nose, Nuria?
Even when we're
kissing, our noses are...
I can't even reach your lips.
We could kiss
sideways or something...
No, it can't go on like that.
And the Oscar for Best
Actor goes to Kuve Mukanga.
Over the next few
years, I worked very hard.
I became an actor
and won many awards.
I traveled the world,
but never heard
from Mumbi again.
And her mother refused
to tell me where she was.
I watched every single
film that came out,
hoping to see her in one,
but her face never appeared.
And I get what you mean
when you say that movies
exaggerate, and maybe that's...
I sometimes have
a scared view of
love and romance,
because of how many
romantic movies I watch.
But then again, they're movies.
They're supposed
to be exaggerated...
They're supposed to be
out of this world.
But yeah, the real
thing in life is being
bored with someone
and not like
frustratingly bored,
but nothing extreme,
nothing,
no big expectations,
but just to live life.
It's a lot of still days
and quiet moments,
which I personally like.
2099 AUGUSAnd then,
yeah.
In August 2099,
five years later,
I went to the Kingdom of
Pesa to shoot my next film,
"Poor Love".
It was a risky move, as the.
Kingdom of Pesa
was at war with Lua.
It was the first war since
the Great War of the '70s.
People from all over
the world came to join the
fight, wanting to
be part of this war.
It almost seemed like
people were missing the war.
As a result,
the Kingdom of Pesa was
busier than ever before.
The film industry noticed
this and decided to shoot
movies in the Kingdom of Pesa.
Our film, "Poor Love",
was about lost love.
Alexandro Muthega
was set to direct,
and Tom Bradley
to do the camera.
We were still looking for an
actress and held a casting call,
but finding the right person was
more difficult than we thought.
We had already gone through
all the castings
when it happened.
It's getting on my nerves now.
That was the first time in
five years I saw her again.
Did you come for the casting?
Yeah.
Yes.
This is perfect.
We didn't really
talk to each other
and simply continued
with the casting
as if we didn't know each other.
Get closer.
And... action.
Don't you love me anymore?
I do, and I will
always love you.
Then what's wrong?
We can fix everything
that's wrong between us.
No, we can't fix
it. We've tried.
We've tried, and
it's impossible.
You know for a
fact that we cannot.
Oh, cut.
Listen.
This time...
This time, try to
make it more natural.
Seriously, I love you so much.
Please.
No, please.
I can't live without...
Please.
I'm sorry.
And... cut.
- Wow.
- Yeah.
What do you think?
I think it's good.
It's really crazy.
Yeah, sure.
I think it's been good.
I can go?
Yeah, sure.
Thank you very much for coming.
That one was great.
I liked her a lot.
- Yeah, so much.
- Kuve?
Yes, I'm coming.
I ran after her,
but couldn't find her anymore.
The next day, I approached
director Alexandro
insisting that she
be cast in the role.
You know, the problem is that
she came unannounced yesterday,
and I don't have
her contact info.
Maybe look under the name Mumbi.
He searched but found no
Mumbi matching her face.
I was devastated.
I walked around the
city hoping to see her,
but the kingdom was too big.
A few days later,
when I was at the bar,
something hit me.
I've heard the princess
is as beautiful as the
sunrise and sunset combined.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
She had married
the Prince of Pesa
and was now trapped.
That's why I never
saw her in films again.
When she came for the
audition, she couldn't speak
to me, because she
had to sneak out of
her palace and return soon.
I decided then and
there to free her.
Look. I'm 100% sure
she's the princess.
I'd like you to arrange a
meeting with the prince.
Just one meeting.
What I can tell you is...
You don't want to mess with
this family. These guys are messy.
They're terrible. They
could even kill you.
Listen to me.
Just take me there.
Okay, I'll try.
That was the last time I
saw Director Alexandro.
Just kidding.
- He returned the next day.
- And?
He said it's okay, but
under one condition.
Which is?
That I get to be in
the movie as well.
This would be amazing for me.
I've always wanted
to be in a movie.
You know?
The prince was an
exceptional person.
His name was Prince
because his mother didn't
realize you don't
name a prince 'Prince'.
On the surface, he
seemed simple and naive,
but in reality, he was
a brutal sociopath.
The Kingdom of Pesa
has come from way back.
Before we began filming,
we had to do a chemistry test.
CHEMISTRY TEST!
What has he done this time?
Can you believe he just got
another woman pregnant?
Fuck.
Yeah.
So...
Not again.
This isn't even in the script.
Look, look, look. This
is what you should say.
Do you believe it's about
the lines or the chemistry?
We can improvise, you know?
Okay. If you...
I'm your biggest fan. I've
watched all your movies.
No, listen. Yes, I know that.
I know you're a fan. But listen.
It's not about improvisation.
At some point, Mumbi
showed up as well...
Hi.
- Hey, Princess.
- Hi.
Action.
I'm done.
I can't keep doing this anymore.
Hey Kuve, what's up?
You're losing focus, my friend.
- Now he's losing his lines.
- Let's do it again.
He's the one
losing his lines now.
September '99.
We started shooting the film.
Prince didn't want to take
off his crown or change
his clothes, so they
had to change the script.
I never really managed to
share my plan with Mumbi,
because we were never
alone and didn't really talk.
After this,
am I getting lunch
from the princess?
Of course.
- Really?
- I'll cook for you.
I'll bring you wine.
I'll even come
and do a little bow.
Sometimes the true color of
their relationship came through,
but Mumbi managed to
diffuse the situation with irony.
It was hard to see her that way.
We should have
done an action scene
between me and Kuve.
A serious one where
we stab each other.
You don't stand a
chance of winning.
We stab each other.
You can't win.
Because I have
this style, you know.
Which style is that?
It's... Snake. Snake eyes.
A snake can
never defeat a tiger.
I've done several fight scenes,
so I know what I'm doing.
I know you've been to war,
but when it comes to Kuve,
you don't even stand
a chance of winning.
Everybody has a weak point, bro.
Like for him...
My weak point is your wife.
That's my weak point.
I'm joking.
I already killed you.
No, you can't.
I told you, you don't
stand a chance to...
If I hit you here,
you can't beat me.
Mumbi, fine?
One day, there was a scene
where Mumbi and I had to kiss.
That was my chance to find out
if her feelings
were still there.
Maybe she would communicate
something through the kiss.
And...
Action!
Cut.
How was it for you?
It was just fine.
- For sure?
- Yeah.
It was kind of awkward for me.
I thought it could
be worse, though.
But it was fine, yeah?
The kiss wasn't
like it used to be.
But maybe she couldn't go
all in because of the Prince.
Later that day, after shooting,
the Prince pulled me aside.
You know, Kuve,
you really impressed me today.
You handled
everything professionally.
Thank you.
The way you conducted yourself,
even after what you had
with Mumbi, you still...
So, you know
you know the history
between me and Mumbi?
You can't run away with
somebody's wife-to-be
and not expect them to know.
We had posters everywhere.
Five years ago, right?
A young man
with such big balls.
I admire that about you.
I knew Mumbi and
I were in big trouble.
I realized I had to
act that very night.
I had to escape with her.
Tomorrow might be too late.
I packed my things and
sneaked into her castle.
Mumbi!
Can you hear me?
Kuve, what are you doing here?
Come on, Mumbi.
We have to leave
this place right away.
Stop asking me questions.
Let's go. Let's leave.
What are you talking about?
Mumbi, the Prince knows
everything about our past.
I mean, of course he does.
He's my husband. I'm
the one who told him.
Of course he knows
everything about us.
You told him?
Yeah.
Then why did you
sneak out of the casting?
Why?
I wasn't expecting to see you.
I didn't know how to
react or what to say.
That's all, Kuve.
Okay, there's just one thing.
The Prince wants
you to be a typical wife.
I know that. I've seen it.
No, that's just an
inside joke we have.
He makes fun of me for
not doing typical wife duties
or not being like
a typical princess.
That's all. It's just a game.
Kuve, you have a tendency
to see conflict in everything
and to look for
drama everywhere.
You've always been like this.
Look, I'm fine, okay?
And I'm really happy that I can
experience acting again
after such a long time.
I mean, around here in
the castle it's just been
politics, and it's been tiring.
So thank you for
that. But I'm fine.
I don't believe you.
I'm fine, Kuve. I am.
I promise.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
During the next
few days of shooting,
Prince gave me
some stupid looks.
Probably because he and Mumbi
talked about the
night I saw her.
But my relationship
with him got better.
It has to push you
behind a little bit.
- No.
- Yeah, it goes like...
For the first time,
I saw them for
who they truly were
and spoke to Mumbi
without any intention.
She told me about
the last five years.
I learned that Mumbi
hadn't acted since then
because it was a secret
that the Prince had
taken Mumbi as his wife.
He didn't want the
public to find out, fearing
it would put her in
danger because of the war.
The beauty of being
unknown was that she could
often walk around the city
without anyone
knowing who she was.
She also started taking
an interest in politics
and played an active
role in war strategies.
It's only been two months
since the secret of the
princess was revealed.
That's when she
decided to go to a casting
and met me.
2099 OCTOBER
However, I also realized
that Princess Mumbi
wasn't the same as before.
She often tried to smile
and find joy in things,
but I'm not sure if she
really feels that way
or she's just trying.
The old Mumbi
used to get excited
about even small moments,
but now she often felt distant,
like she not really present.
Can you check if
his jacket fits well?
And... Action!
You know who it is.
You know how we do it.
I freaking won that competition.
- Congratulations!
- Yeah...
How about you?
Are you happy for me?
Could I get a minute?
- One minute.
- Yes, sure.
Hey, Mumbi.
Sometimes she just needs space.
She's not okay.
Don't worry. I know her.
Sometimes...
She just needs some space, okay?
Are you okay?
Don't worry, my friend.
She'll be right back.
Maybe take a break?
- It's fine.
- You okay?
Sure you can do it again?
Yeah.
Okay, let's try it again.
And... Action!
I can't believe I won.
I thought it would
be so difficult.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
No, cut.
I'm fine.
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- You sure?
- Maybe you need some water?
- She's not okay.
You sure? Yeah?
She's not okay.
Okay, let's take a break.
It definitely sounds
like depression.
I'd suggest considering
antidepressant medicine.
Okay, but may I ask
what the cause could be?
You know, she's the princess.
I mean, she has everything.
Yes, but it doesn't
have to be related.
It can affect anyone,
even those who
appear to have
everything in their lives.
And so, she started
taking her medicine.
But the antidepressants
also had side effects.
I slowly saw how the colors in
her life became
duller and duller.
Until eventually, they
were no longer visible.
I decided to unpack my
old camera and start filming
her again like in the past.
That's the same way...
Hey, you.
I never get used to donkeys.
It was like, all the way there.
But the prince knew much
better how to show her
the beautiful things in life.
He did that by simply going on
walks and playing games with us.
Today we play a game.
One of the best in our kingdom.
All you have to do is
make my soldiers laugh.
I'm thinking of the color
green. What am I seeing?
- The wall.
- No, he already guessed the wall.
- See the leaves?
- Not the leaves.
- Not the leaves?
- No.
I can't play this game.
Guess.
- The leaves?
- No, it's not the leaves.
No, it's this.
- The moss?
- Nope.
- The pipe?
- Yes, it's the pipe.
I got it right.
While the prince and
I tried to bring back
the colors, we grew closer,
and our colors became
more vibrant than ever before.
A specific color represents
someone, like you.
- Yours is yellow.
- Mine is yellow.
That's royal. That's
for the royal family.
Yeah.
It represents,
you know, ripeness.
You know, when a mango
is ripe, it turns yellow.
Are you comparing yourself
to a mango and an orange?
You're not getting the
point. We don't want things
that aren't yet ready
for consumption.
So you're ready for consumption?
My friend, I don't
like that kind of joke.
You know the cows' shit?
It's amazing and
healthy for your...
You eat cow shit?
Not the cow shit, bro.
You take the cow
shit and boil it.
The shit?
See, you listen.
When Mumbi wasn't around,
the prince was a
completely different person.
It'll make you feel like a man.
You know what I mean?
It'll make you feel like a man.
So you think I'm not a man now?
No, you know what I mean.
When you go back to your village
and meet your wife...
I'm not married.
Too bad.
You stole.
You.
- Life goes on.
- Yeah, life goes on.
But you'll enjoy pp soup
with dry chapati.
Whenever we took
breaks during the shoot,
he would start
dancing and rapping.
He was like an old person,
not listening to modern stuff,
but only very old songs
from the early 2000s.
Can I tell you something?
Honestly, at the beginning,
I never trusted you.
- Why?
- I didn't like you.
When I had your...
I also thought you
were an asshole.
You ran away with my wife.
I took her first.
- Then you came and took her away.
- Okay, whatever...
Why did you run away
with her in the first place?
Because she was my woman.
- I was trying to protect her.
- From what?
From you!
You were like just...
I wanted to marry her
to torture her? Or what?
I was going to marry her
to make her the prince.
- The princess.
- But she's not even happy.
- You were trying to...
- Why isn't she happy?
I've given her everything.
That's why we should
try to make her happy.
It didn't take long
before we began
to act this way in
front of Mumbi as well.
We have to take a rest.
What do you say?
Do you want to take a nap?
Your relationship is
full of testosterone.
Full of?
Testosterone.
Like you're always
at each other's...
Like, who's better than who?
You know we joke a lot.
This is my brother here.
Hey, my friend, are
you being serious?
Did you hear that back?
My friend, are
you being serious?
That was it.
The smile she was born with.
I guess it's the part of
ourselves we tried to hide
that managed to
bring her colors back.
2099 NOMVEMBER
Me and Damien were like,
what do we do with this woman?
That's the Mumbi I know now.
Stubborn.
So now you guys are
agreeing on things?
You're no longer competing?
Right now,
Kuve is my brother.
And then?
You guys are always
competing over
who's stronger. Who
has the best clothes.
Who has, I don't know, what.
It's good to be...
It's good to always
remember your...
The inner child should
once in a while come out.
Don't take life too
seriously. Like, always.
Okay, there are
moments to be serious,
but also moments to have fun.
- Kuve likes drama.
- He likes drama?
Kuve likes drama,
and he likes conflict.
He doesn't know anything
about the inner child.
He would say, "Don't...
I'm a grown-up."
You don't rest.
I'm older than everybody here.
I can see it. Look at your hair.
Look at your hair. It's white.
I'm older than...
Why did you dye your hair white?
I've always wanted to ask you.
The first time I
saw you, I was like...
Mumbi and I were even able to
have conversations
like we used to.
You remember the little children
dancing behind the boats?
Yeah.
They're memories now.
But I still have them,
because I usually watch the
movie we made.
Yeah?
I haven't watched it.
It's a bit too painful to watch.
- Ah, I understand.
- Yeah.
Look at the kids.
Look at the house.
Look at the trees.
And also look at the sky.
We all live in the moment.
And her laughter brought
back forgotten memories
of a time when we
took it for granted,
unaware of how precious
those moments truly were.
The final recording of her
was made just a day
before she passed away.
It captured a moment
during a break when we were
joking around with
Director Alexandros Donkey.
You're being
kidnapped by a donkey.
Kuve!
Just bring the donkey closer.
And then it comes running.
And then it comes running and
now I won't be able to...
And then it will...
No, no.
But then it'll bite me.
You know they bite.
It's not going to do anything.
You're just being scared.
On your own.
Hey, stop doing that.
You see?
It's not going to bite.
You can even go up if you want.
Do you want to go up?
It's so friendly.
- You don't have to be scared.
- No.
Why is it shaking?
It can't do anything.
Yeah, I'm too
short. I'm too short.
Just try, just try.
Carry her.
Let her take it in first.
Oh God.
I'll be behind. You be in front.
Relax.
Mumbi is on a donkey.
Oh God!
And she's doing it on her own.
She's finally happy.
No!
Oh God!
Oh my God!
I did it.
I did it.
You did it.
Why were you so scared?
And she was so scared.
- Wanna get off?
- Yeah.
Or do you want to continue?
No, I've done my adventure.
One day later,
Mumbi died.
We don't know if she
fell or if she jumped.
We don't know if she died
quickly or suffered first.
And I'll never know
if I failed to help her,
what was going through her mind,
and what she thought
in her last moments.
I will never know.
2099 DECEMBER
Princess Mumbi
I kept watching our old
recordings over and over.
You can be a star.
- Be a star.
- Yeah.
And you?
I will be a star.
What should I say?
I'll do my best to
make sure that she's
she's the world's
most famous superstar.
Like, seriously.
- You promise?
- Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
- I'll make sure, yeah.
Most famous superstar.
Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
- I'll make sure, yeah.
- Yeah, I promise.
- He promises.
I'll make sure, yeah.
But what I did know for sure
is that I made her a promise.
It was still possible to
make her dream come true.
I had so much
video material of her,
that one could make
a film out of her story
and make her a star.
But how do you summarize a life?
Is it even possible?
When we watch
biographical films,
they too are condensed.
Well, packing an
entire life into a movie
is impossible.
We need Maalum.
Zack Lively on writing Biopics.
Translated, it
means "to specify".
One must focus
on an aspect of life.
A theme.
A period, to find
the narrative arc.
After all,
films aren't life.
They are an
interpretation of life.
And a good interpretation
requires clarity.
Or in this case, Maalum.
I began searching for
Maalum in her story.
Through which lens
could I make a film about
Princess Mumbi's life?
I delved into her past, her
time as a princess and a
politician, and her death.
But there were too many topics,
too many different stories,
until I stumbled
upon a recording.
Don't you think that
having something
personal gives
it more of an arc?
For me, no.
But it made it more objective
when we didn't
hear your questions.
- Yeah.
- No, I don't think so.
Like, we need to show that the
film is from our
perspective. Understand?
This is not
necessarily the truth.
This is just how we
see it as filmmakers.
Not really.
I think...
Maybe we can try.
Why don't I maybe
do a voice-over?
And then like, just
to show that this is...
Yeah, like this is
our thought process.
It felt like she was
speaking directly to me,
saying, if you make
a film about me,
please make it clear that
it's from your perspective.
Then I realized I had many
recordings where she talks
about what she
values in making films
and that I could let these
guidelines direct me.
Actually, honestly,
I even think that
auto-editing is
lazy, because like...
Why would you make
a documentary and then
give away your signature,
which is the editing,
to a program?
And even the footage you guys
are generating via AI...
At least label it,
to be authentic.
Like, I don't know...
A block on the left
side of the screen
that says "generated
by AI" or something.
Even if you look at
AI-generated movies,
they're based on
movies that already exist,
and all movies that exist
are structured around conflict.
AI will generate
movies with conflict,
but it doesn't
reflect life as it is.
Most of life is just a bunch of
random things and
nothing... and stuff.
And what if you had a movie
that simply reflects that?
Even if you had scenes
that don't make sense...
most of life doesn't make sense.
I think it would be the
most boring movie...
I don't think so.
I don't think so. I
think we can try.
2072, during the Great War,
a boy named Kuve was born.
He cried as he
came into the world.
Kuve's mother died in the
S-26 disaster in a tsunami.
Since then, his
father took care of him.
Kuve directed his first film
and discovered his
passion for film making.
After his accident,
his girlfriend Nuria
broke up with him,
but in the hospital he met
a filmmaker named Damien.
Together, they
decided to make a film.
That was when Kuve
discovered that pain is the
driving force of humanity.
After his breakup with
Nuria, he suddenly had so
much energy that
he needed to channel,
leading him to make
the film with Damien.
The Cook
Kuve met Mumbi,
who taught him acting.
The two started a
relationship, but since her hand
had been promised
to the Prince of Pesa,
they parted ways.
When Mumbi died,
Kuve decided to make a
film about her to
fulfill her promise.
He gathered the
prince and others
to reenact certain scenes.
And for the first time,
he edited himself.
The film would be called.
Memory of Princess Mumbi.
Memory of Princess Mumbi
He reflected on her life
and saw only tragedy.
But as he watched the footage,
he remembered all
the beautiful moments.
Suddenly, he saw the joy
Mumbi managed to maintain
even in the darkest
times and recognized
the joy she brought
into the world,
the beauty she
found in the mundane,
and the laughter that
echoed beyond her time.
2100 DECEMBER
Then a tear fell,
and for the first time
he realized that there
are not only tears of pain,
but also tears of joy.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BROTHER