Norah (2023) Movie Script
Saudi Arabia - 1996
Mad Max
The Road Warrior
People in magazines have different lives.
They live in a big city.
I told my aunt Munifa
that I would like to go to the city,
away from the village.
She said,
"Since your mother and father died,
"you no longer have anyone
in the city to live with.
"You have nowhere left
but this village to live
"and get married.
"You'll die here too."
Ever since she told me that,
I've lost all hope.
I no longer have
anything left in this village,
except my magazines and my dreams.
- Peace be upon you.
- Upon you be peace.
- This is the village of Sahu, right?
- Yes, that's right.
Where can I find Sheikh Abu Salem?
No need to find anyone.
I am Abu Salem.
- You must be Ibrahim.
- I came instead of Ibrahim.
I'm the new teacher.
You were supposed to come yesterday.
I came yesterday.
But I got lost and went back to the city.
Today,
I found someone who showed me the way.
Who are you?
- I don't think you're a teacher.
- Shall I get my papers?
No need.
Let me show you where you'll stay.
Mazhar!
- This is the new teacher.
- Peace be upon you.
- Upon you be peace.
- Take him to the old teacher's house.
He can stay there.
Go with him.
Get his luggage, you hear?
Yes.
- You'll be having dinner with me tonight.
- Thank you.
Peace be upon you.
Wear something suitable.
The house is over there.
You know, traditional clothes!
You came from the city, right?
Right.
I also came from a city. Chennai, India.
I've heard of it.
Sunglasses!
He's wearing sunglasses!
Here's the house.
- Give it to me.
- No need, I got it.
No problem.
May I ask you why you came here?
Did you get into trouble in the city?
I'm a teacher.
My job is to teach students.
It doesn't matter where.
- Is everything OK, teacher?
- Thank you.
This is the lamp for your room.
If you need anything,
come to the grocery store.
You come from one city,
I come from another.
I know someone in the city.
I can get you anything within three days.
Thank you.
Eat up, man!
Go ahead.
Bless you.
When is your wedding, Thafir?
I see you're taking it slow.
- This year.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Get married
before you become old and saggy.
Never mind him.
The old geezer's losing it.
You're the new Quran teacher?
Something like that.
There's a new program
to teach reading and writing.
I brought the books.
You brought more than just books.
You brought electricity, too.
What kind of books are they?
The government is keen
to spread education.
Now, I'll be teaching your kids
a unified school curriculum.
What curriculum?
We don't want books.
Or electricity or development.
Development would be good for my sheep.
Where'd you find him, Abu Salem?
From beyond the mountains.
Give our guest some water.
Thank you.
Peace be upon you, teacher!
The school's right over there.
That way.
Get up, I'm sitting here.
No, I'm sitting here.
Hey, the sunglasses man!
Hey, boys!
The sunglasses man!
- The sunglasses man's here!
- Get up, that's my chair!
- Sit somewhere else!
- This is my place!
- I always sit here.
- It's my seat.
My name is Mr. Nader.
God willing,
together,
we will learn how to read and write.
This is the book.
I will give you each a copy.
Why must we learn how to read and write?
Because if you learn
how to read and write,
you'll learn anything else easily.
Understood?
I want you to work hard with me.
Stay focused.
To understand,
you must learn how to listen.
Am I clear?
I would like you to go
straight to page seven.
Saqer, what do you want to be?
I want to herd my father's sheep.
Your father's sheep?
- What about you?
- I want to help my father at home.
You want to help your father.
Peace be upon you, friend.
- My name is Nader.
- Your name here is "friend".
Do you have any Marlboro Reds?
This is all I have.
How much?
Five riyals.
Can you get Marlboros from the city?
No problem. Three days.
But at the end of the word,
the letter "nuun" looks like this.
Let me give you an example.
The word
"fanan": artist.
Notice that this word
contains the letter "nuun" twice.
Once in the middle of the word,
connected to other letters.
And once at the end of the word,
not connected to anything.
You see?
Tomorrow, we have an exam, boys.
- No way!
- No, sir!
We will have an exam tomorrow.
- What does "exam" mean?
- What a numbskull!
You're the numbskull.
Zip it, dunderhead!
Hey, that's enough.
Why?
Fine, we'll call it a quiz.
Tomorrow, we'll have a quiz.
If you answer correctly,
you'll get a prize.
- You promise, sir?
- I do.
Whoever answers correctly
will get a prize.
We're done for today. You can go.
Easy there, slow down.
Welcome, Norah!
Did you get what I wanted?
I don't think this will work.
Mazhar! I'm paying you.
You'll get me in trouble.
Hurry up. Move it!
I have a friend in the city.
His friend was beaten up
for selling magazines.
Beautiful Lady
It has the picture of a woman.
Let me check if all the pages are there.
Last time, some pages had been torn out.
Hello.
- Selling magazines?
- No!
That lady left with a magazine.
No.
Here are your cigarettes.
This is a respectable store.
I sell no magazines.
A respectable store
doesn't sell cigarettes.
Here.
"Na-wa-ra": light.
No, it's a "raa".
Perfect! Good boy.
Don't let Falah beat you again.
If he does, I'll break his nose.
- How will you do that?
- You'll see. Time for bed.
Girls can't beat up boys.
Well, I can.
I told you to go to bed.
Time's up, boys.
Sir, please wait!
- Pencils down, now.
- Sir, please!
Time is up.
Writing Exam
Musleh?
Wrong...
Wrong...
What is this, Musleh?
Nayef.
Correct...
Correct...
Excellent!
OK.
Nayef,
you're the only one who got it all right.
Well done! Applaud him.
Sir, what's the prize?
Let me think.
Sir, you promised!
- You did.
- We want to see the prize.
You said if we answer correctly,
we get a prize!
I'll get it tomorrow.
We want a prize!
A prize!
- We want a prize!
- Fine! Don't make a fuss.
Let me think for a minute.
Stay still, as you are.
Sit up straight.
Now, look at me.
Nayef, don't move.
Stay just where you are.
Nayef, I want to see it!
Wait, show us!
Norah, look at this!
- What are you screaming about?
- Look!
- Who drew this?
- The stranger.
Why did he choose you? What did you do?
I got the right answers on the quiz.
You got the right answers?
What quiz?
It looks so real!
Like it could jump off the paper.
That's the work of a devil.
Not the work of a devil, no.
It should be hung in a museum.
- A museum?
- It won't stay in our house.
This picture will cause problems.
Burn it.
I will not burn it!
It belongs to Nayef.
Then tell him you don't want it here.
It's just a picture.
A teacher should never draw pictures.
Men don't like these things.
Thafir won't.
I couldn't care less about Thafir!
It's my house, not his!
You're engaged.
A man's word is unbreakable.
He makes the rules of the house.
I know.
If your parents were here...
How do you know what they'd say
if they were here?
Norah!
Go see what's gotten into her.
- Mazhar.
- Yes.
You know the stranger?
Everyone knows him.
The teacher?
Yes, he is a friend of ours.
Stop joking.
Tell me about him.
He won't marry you.
He came from the city wearing sunglasses.
I'm not looking to marry anyone.
I need a favor.
I want you to ask him something.
What?
How much he wants for a drawing.
- A drawing?
- Yes.
He drew Nayef's portrait.
I want him to do mine.
- How?
- On paper.
On paper?
How will he see your face?
How will he draw it?
For God's sake, just ask for the price.
Where? At home?
Here! This is a grocery store.
Much better.
"Raa..."
Now, boys...
Don't laugh at your classmates.
We're all here to learn.
- Sir, what's this letter?
- The letter "siin".
The difference between "siin" and "shiin"
is that "shiin" has three dots on top.
"Siin", on the other hand,
has no dots at all.
OK?
Read it again.
"Raas": head
Again, and speak up this time.
- Raas.
- Excellent.
Nayef, it's your turn.
"Da..."
- Keep going. Where's the "raa"?
- "Dar": house.
Excellent, good kid.
What does your father do?
I don't know.
You don't know?
My father's dead.
May he rest in peace.
I see that you want things
to stay the same.
In the dark.
Turning in circles.
This world is changing
and you can't stop it.
The electricity was generated,
whether you like it or not.
It reached Um Saleh's house.
We're not afraid of electricity,
but of what will follow.
This is not up to you.
It's out of your hands.
Coffee, Hamad.
Serve the men.
- How are you, my friend?
- Fine.
Come.
- Someone wants something from you.
- What's that?
For how much would you draw a face?
Your face?
No, someone who doesn't want
to reveal themself.
How do I draw a face I can't see?
- Friend, just tell me how much.
- I no longer draw children.
The person asking is a woman, not a child.
No women's faces!
This woman is unlike
other women around here.
This woman is very different.
She loves magazines.
She wants a portrait like in a magazine.
What did he say?
He said no.
How come he said no?
He said no!
He said,
"No, I cannot draw a woman's face."
He wouldn't say that. He's different.
You're lying.
I'm lying?
I'm no liar.
He has a problem with it.
For 12 or 13 years,
we've come here once a year,
me and this man I drag along.
You, Abu Salem, have done enough.
You've been generous and good to me.
Yet, I was unable to see my grandchild,
Norah.
The last time I saw her, she was six.
I believe this man
is keeping her away from me.
Abu Fatima.
It's best for the girl
to live here with the tribe.
She is doing well at Abu Falah's house.
His wife takes good care of her.
Is that a problem?
The girl is engaged
to a man from our tribe.
A good, brave man she can count on.
We've been hearing this for a year.
Still no wedding.
My late daughter, Fatima,
was very strong-willed.
Norah was just like her mother.
I won't let Norah to go to the city,
no matter what.
To learn of all that's bad for her?
Here, she is cared for and protected.
I do understand your point of view.
But there's nothing we can do.
The girl is engaged to this man.
You'll see her at the wedding.
Talk to her man, he's a good person.
Give this to Norah. Take care of her.
Norah needs nothing.
Give it to her, Abu Salem.
I'm counting on you.
- Take care now.
- Have a safe journey.
"He plays."
"They play."
"They are playing." OK?
You understand?
Saqer is not here. Where is he?
Herding sheep with his father.
Fine.
Norah, what are you doing?
You let the bread burn.
Add some flour.
I was speaking to your uncle yesterday.
We must set your wedding date with Thafir
before Ramadan.
Not now, Nayef's still young.
Nayef is not a child anymore.
I say we make it next year.
There will be another man
to help him grow and learn.
Auntie, I forgot something...
What's wrong with her?
Where are you going?
I swear, this girl worries me.
Draw me.
"Daad", "daaw": light.
"Dhaa", "dhalam": darkness.
The letters "Dhaa" and "Daad"
are different,
both in shape and pronunciation.
"Dhaa" is the one with a stick.
But "Daad" doesn't have a stick.
And they are pronounced differently.
- Understood?
- Yes!.
OK, that's enough for today.
- Peace be upon you, teacher.
- Upon you be peace.
I need my son Saqer for a week.
It's herding season.
Your son is smart,
one of my smartest students.
These lessons are necessary.
They'll help him.
He doesn't need them.
We must leave now.
Why are you here?
I came to take you home.
I know the way.
Shut up and move.
Please, thank you.
No! You move.
I'll get you!
Peace be upon you, teacher.
She can come tomorrow for her portrait.
Here?
There.
Don't be scared.
Stay calm.
How will I see your face?
I can't draw you like this.
- I respect our laws.
- I do too.
Are you an artist?
I used to be.
I want you to draw me,
like you drew my brother.
But in color. I want it in color.
Mazhar!
- Did the eggs arrive?
- No eggs today.
I can't draw anyone
without seeing their eyes.
Tomorrow.
What's with you today?
If anyone sees you
they'll think you've gone mad!
I'll be getting my own portrait.
Let thy golden hair drop
Upon thy shoulders of creamy silk
As young maidens fall into the melancholy
Of not being chosen muse for a song
Yet, the heart of a poet has chosen
So drape those golden locks
Upon thy silky shoulders so wild and free
Where are your colors?
What do you mean?
Do you think I'm stupid?
I know what colors look like.
What else do you know?
Where are the colors?
You're a liar.
Before the color,
I need to do sketches.
Look the other way.
The other way, I said.
That's it. Don't move.
I want to see it.
Get back and stay as you were.
I'm tired. I forgot not to move.
Are you tired,
or did you forget not to move?
I need to move.
That's enough.
Can I see it?
No, tomorrow.
I want to see.
Is your face done?
- Problem?
- No!
But before drawing a portrait,
I need sketches.
Sketches!
Do you listen to music?
I like Michael Johnson.
Ever heard of him?
Jackson.
His name is Michael Jackson.
Fine.
What's your favorite song?
I like all of them.
Look the other way.
That's it.
Now, we have no more new songs or movies.
Why?
Why are there no new songs?
Because everything
in the city burned down.
Even the video shops were burned.
Who burned them?
I don't know.
People I don't know.
But I know they hate movies and music.
Do you like movies?
Anyone who loves to draw must love movies.
If you ever see a movie,
you'll love them too.
More tomorrow.
- Tomorrow?
- Yes, tomorrow.
How can you say that I'll love movies
if I've never seen one?
People are to be pitied.
They hide their feelings behind anything.
Sometimes even behind fear.
Or behind themselves.
I envy you.
You can hide behind your veil.
If my aunt heard you,
she'd think you're crazy.
Look that way.
Don't move.
There are two kinds of people.
Some see the dark...
and others, the light.
What about me?
Do I see the light?
Just stay as you are.
What will you do with the drawing?
If I ever leave this place,
I'll put it in the museum.
- Where did you see a museum?
- In magazines.
That's why I want it to look so real.
- Peace be upon you.
- And upon you be peace.
I heard noise from your home.
I invited you last time
but you turned me down.
Tonight, I must insist.
Come have coffee.
Say yes.
Sure, just let me change my clothes.
I'll be right there.
- I'll meet you there with the men.
- Fine.
I can't stay.
I think Thafir suspects something.
Thafir?
Don't worry.
I have what I need right here.
No, please!
Hurry up, come and see this!
Thafir!
Calm down, Thafir.
Everyone, calm down. What's going on?
Mazhar!
What happened and who started it?
Mazhar?
Thafir?
Hello.
What happened?
Who smashed up your face?
Can you stop coming here?
Who did this to you?
This is a grocery store.
I make a living here.
Is there any other place?
There isn't.
Listen,
this is no place to draw portraits.
- Is she OK?
- She's fine.
I don't cause anyone trouble.
What do you want, Nader?
My friend, you need to leave this place.
- Peace be upon you.
- And upon you be peace.
- You got us into trouble!
- I don't know why they're fighting.
What about everyone
talking about you and us?
I no longer know what to do with you!
I shouldn't have agreed to raise you.
You will marry Thafir.
Your uncle and the men
set the wedding next Thursday.
- You'll marry him and end this farce.
- I will not marry Thafir, no matter what.
- It's what your parents want.
- My parents?
When did you ever talk to me
about my parents?
You don't need to know about them.
You think you're my mother,
but you're not.
I'm so tired of this.
Sick of it!
You'll marry Thafir next Thursday,
whether you like it or not.
This problem must end now.
Why did the girl give up
the beautiful dreams?
19 killed and 16 injured
in a building explosion
in the east
What's this? Are we on page 30?
Today is a drawing class.
Drawing
is an art.
Songs are another form of art.
Just like "rababa".
And poetry.
Don't hide your shame in the dark
The Creator still sees
Drawing is a method of expressing
what you feel inside.
Letting it out into the open.
What does the sun mean?
When can we see everything clearly?
At day or at night?
- At day.
- Yes, at day.
So...
The sun
is the light
that lets you see everything clearly.
As for the arts, they are imagination...
and expression.
Come here! I need your help.
Listen, I know you're the best reader
around here.
Can you read what's on this paper?
- What is this?
- Just read it.
But listen, it's our little secret.
Draw me.
It says, "Draw me".
Peace be upon you, Abu Salem.
Peace and mercy be upon you too.
I'm looking for food.
May we get some rain soon.
All I have to do is pray and work hard.
God is the Giver.
What do you need?
I have a bad feeling
about this new teacher.
The government sent him here.
The thing is,
without rain,
how can we fatten our cattle for sale?
May God send us some rain,
O All-Hearing, O All-Knowing.
Have you seen him do anything wrong?
Tell me what the teacher said.
Tell Abu Salem.
Speak up!
What's the story, boy?
He taught us how to write.
- What is it, Falah?
- He said we should draw.
Draw? May God protect us from sin!
Here.
Your grandfather brought this for you.
You don't know him.
He's your mother's father
and he lives in the city.
He's been sending you photos
since you were young.
Look, these are pictures of you.
You'll marry Thafir and you'll need money.
Nayef will also need money
to study at Um Saleh village.
Won't he continue studying here?
The new teacher is leaving.
- The teacher's leaving?
- Yes.
Peace be upon you, teacher.
And upon you be peace.
I'm obliged to inform you
that your mission as a teacher is over.
I have a letter from the village,
requesting your return to the city.
Did you ask for the letter?
The people of this village
did not like the lessons
you're teaching their children.
I had warned you.
I'm not going anywhere.
What you do doesn't matter.
After today,
none of them
will send their children to school.
You crossed the line!
You wanted someone
to teach reading and writing.
Our children shall grow and learn,
with or without us.
This has nothing to do with them.
It's about you, actually.
Son, this place is not meant for you.
You don't belong here.
I wish you well.
Nayef?
What brings you here?
Are you leaving?
Yes, I am.
- They didn't like my teaching.
- I don't get it.
I'm of no more use here.
I shall leave tonight.
Your portrait.
It's right there in the room.
Go inside and see it.
Norah, someone saw us.
Stay here.
Hide the portrait in the back.
You, stay here.
Go get her.
Hamad's at the door.
- They want me to leave.
- Take me with you to the city.
- I can't.
- You can, you should understand!
My grandfather's there.
I want to see him.
The portrait...
I made it for your grandfather.
He sent me here for your sake.
He wanted to see your face.
Take me to him.
I want to live with him.
I can't, not now!
I'll give him the portrait.
I must go to the city now!
If I don't,
I'll never see my grandfather again.
Where's the drawing?
- What drawing?
- Where is it?
Hamad! Open the door.
Lower your weapon, Thafir.
No one's done you harm.
You think you can take girls
from their homes?
You got this wrong!
I'm trying to keep this peaceful.
Come out!
Get out, both of you.
- Don't go, Norah!
- You, don't move!
Stay where you are.
Hamad, get the car.
Are you crazy,
eloping without thinking of your family?
I asked him to take us to my grandfather.
Your lies don't fool me.
Get in the car.
Don't get in, Nayef.
Get in the car or I'll shoot you both!
In the car, now!
Stay in your car.
Now, leave.
Auntie.
Why can't I see Grandfather?
When your father left the village,
everyone looked down on him.
Your mother is a woman he met in the city,
while he was watching movies
in your grandfather's yard.
Was I born here, in this village?
You were born and raised in the city.
Your father...
brought you here
when you were about six years old.
Why did he bring us here?
My father, your grandfather, had died.
You came for his funeral.
Peace be upon you.
You, your mother, your father
and your brother Nayef.
My condolences.
I'll apologize for you.
Please, Fatima!
I no longer belong here.
Munifa, I won't be rude.
It's her husband's funeral.
Oh, Fatima!
Then, your mother was bitten.
Maybe a snake?
Your father rushed over
to take her to the hospital.
Don't worry. I'll take care of Norah.
Norah!
Yet, as soon as they left,
they had a car accident.
Do you remember now?
Why didn't you ever tell me this before?
I wanted you to stay beside me.
In your village, your father's home.
I wanted you to forget about that city.
But you're so stubborn!
You never listen to anyone!
You're always wandering in your dreams,
with all your grand ambitions.
Dreams are the worst thing in this world.
Society engagement of the week!
Norah!
I got some magazines
from the grocery store.
You want to see them?
Mad Max
The Road Warrior
People in magazines have different lives.
They live in a big city.
I told my aunt Munifa
that I would like to go to the city,
away from the village.
She said,
"Since your mother and father died,
"you no longer have anyone
in the city to live with.
"You have nowhere left
but this village to live
"and get married.
"You'll die here too."
Ever since she told me that,
I've lost all hope.
I no longer have
anything left in this village,
except my magazines and my dreams.
- Peace be upon you.
- Upon you be peace.
- This is the village of Sahu, right?
- Yes, that's right.
Where can I find Sheikh Abu Salem?
No need to find anyone.
I am Abu Salem.
- You must be Ibrahim.
- I came instead of Ibrahim.
I'm the new teacher.
You were supposed to come yesterday.
I came yesterday.
But I got lost and went back to the city.
Today,
I found someone who showed me the way.
Who are you?
- I don't think you're a teacher.
- Shall I get my papers?
No need.
Let me show you where you'll stay.
Mazhar!
- This is the new teacher.
- Peace be upon you.
- Upon you be peace.
- Take him to the old teacher's house.
He can stay there.
Go with him.
Get his luggage, you hear?
Yes.
- You'll be having dinner with me tonight.
- Thank you.
Peace be upon you.
Wear something suitable.
The house is over there.
You know, traditional clothes!
You came from the city, right?
Right.
I also came from a city. Chennai, India.
I've heard of it.
Sunglasses!
He's wearing sunglasses!
Here's the house.
- Give it to me.
- No need, I got it.
No problem.
May I ask you why you came here?
Did you get into trouble in the city?
I'm a teacher.
My job is to teach students.
It doesn't matter where.
- Is everything OK, teacher?
- Thank you.
This is the lamp for your room.
If you need anything,
come to the grocery store.
You come from one city,
I come from another.
I know someone in the city.
I can get you anything within three days.
Thank you.
Eat up, man!
Go ahead.
Bless you.
When is your wedding, Thafir?
I see you're taking it slow.
- This year.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Get married
before you become old and saggy.
Never mind him.
The old geezer's losing it.
You're the new Quran teacher?
Something like that.
There's a new program
to teach reading and writing.
I brought the books.
You brought more than just books.
You brought electricity, too.
What kind of books are they?
The government is keen
to spread education.
Now, I'll be teaching your kids
a unified school curriculum.
What curriculum?
We don't want books.
Or electricity or development.
Development would be good for my sheep.
Where'd you find him, Abu Salem?
From beyond the mountains.
Give our guest some water.
Thank you.
Peace be upon you, teacher!
The school's right over there.
That way.
Get up, I'm sitting here.
No, I'm sitting here.
Hey, the sunglasses man!
Hey, boys!
The sunglasses man!
- The sunglasses man's here!
- Get up, that's my chair!
- Sit somewhere else!
- This is my place!
- I always sit here.
- It's my seat.
My name is Mr. Nader.
God willing,
together,
we will learn how to read and write.
This is the book.
I will give you each a copy.
Why must we learn how to read and write?
Because if you learn
how to read and write,
you'll learn anything else easily.
Understood?
I want you to work hard with me.
Stay focused.
To understand,
you must learn how to listen.
Am I clear?
I would like you to go
straight to page seven.
Saqer, what do you want to be?
I want to herd my father's sheep.
Your father's sheep?
- What about you?
- I want to help my father at home.
You want to help your father.
Peace be upon you, friend.
- My name is Nader.
- Your name here is "friend".
Do you have any Marlboro Reds?
This is all I have.
How much?
Five riyals.
Can you get Marlboros from the city?
No problem. Three days.
But at the end of the word,
the letter "nuun" looks like this.
Let me give you an example.
The word
"fanan": artist.
Notice that this word
contains the letter "nuun" twice.
Once in the middle of the word,
connected to other letters.
And once at the end of the word,
not connected to anything.
You see?
Tomorrow, we have an exam, boys.
- No way!
- No, sir!
We will have an exam tomorrow.
- What does "exam" mean?
- What a numbskull!
You're the numbskull.
Zip it, dunderhead!
Hey, that's enough.
Why?
Fine, we'll call it a quiz.
Tomorrow, we'll have a quiz.
If you answer correctly,
you'll get a prize.
- You promise, sir?
- I do.
Whoever answers correctly
will get a prize.
We're done for today. You can go.
Easy there, slow down.
Welcome, Norah!
Did you get what I wanted?
I don't think this will work.
Mazhar! I'm paying you.
You'll get me in trouble.
Hurry up. Move it!
I have a friend in the city.
His friend was beaten up
for selling magazines.
Beautiful Lady
It has the picture of a woman.
Let me check if all the pages are there.
Last time, some pages had been torn out.
Hello.
- Selling magazines?
- No!
That lady left with a magazine.
No.
Here are your cigarettes.
This is a respectable store.
I sell no magazines.
A respectable store
doesn't sell cigarettes.
Here.
"Na-wa-ra": light.
No, it's a "raa".
Perfect! Good boy.
Don't let Falah beat you again.
If he does, I'll break his nose.
- How will you do that?
- You'll see. Time for bed.
Girls can't beat up boys.
Well, I can.
I told you to go to bed.
Time's up, boys.
Sir, please wait!
- Pencils down, now.
- Sir, please!
Time is up.
Writing Exam
Musleh?
Wrong...
Wrong...
What is this, Musleh?
Nayef.
Correct...
Correct...
Excellent!
OK.
Nayef,
you're the only one who got it all right.
Well done! Applaud him.
Sir, what's the prize?
Let me think.
Sir, you promised!
- You did.
- We want to see the prize.
You said if we answer correctly,
we get a prize!
I'll get it tomorrow.
We want a prize!
A prize!
- We want a prize!
- Fine! Don't make a fuss.
Let me think for a minute.
Stay still, as you are.
Sit up straight.
Now, look at me.
Nayef, don't move.
Stay just where you are.
Nayef, I want to see it!
Wait, show us!
Norah, look at this!
- What are you screaming about?
- Look!
- Who drew this?
- The stranger.
Why did he choose you? What did you do?
I got the right answers on the quiz.
You got the right answers?
What quiz?
It looks so real!
Like it could jump off the paper.
That's the work of a devil.
Not the work of a devil, no.
It should be hung in a museum.
- A museum?
- It won't stay in our house.
This picture will cause problems.
Burn it.
I will not burn it!
It belongs to Nayef.
Then tell him you don't want it here.
It's just a picture.
A teacher should never draw pictures.
Men don't like these things.
Thafir won't.
I couldn't care less about Thafir!
It's my house, not his!
You're engaged.
A man's word is unbreakable.
He makes the rules of the house.
I know.
If your parents were here...
How do you know what they'd say
if they were here?
Norah!
Go see what's gotten into her.
- Mazhar.
- Yes.
You know the stranger?
Everyone knows him.
The teacher?
Yes, he is a friend of ours.
Stop joking.
Tell me about him.
He won't marry you.
He came from the city wearing sunglasses.
I'm not looking to marry anyone.
I need a favor.
I want you to ask him something.
What?
How much he wants for a drawing.
- A drawing?
- Yes.
He drew Nayef's portrait.
I want him to do mine.
- How?
- On paper.
On paper?
How will he see your face?
How will he draw it?
For God's sake, just ask for the price.
Where? At home?
Here! This is a grocery store.
Much better.
"Raa..."
Now, boys...
Don't laugh at your classmates.
We're all here to learn.
- Sir, what's this letter?
- The letter "siin".
The difference between "siin" and "shiin"
is that "shiin" has three dots on top.
"Siin", on the other hand,
has no dots at all.
OK?
Read it again.
"Raas": head
Again, and speak up this time.
- Raas.
- Excellent.
Nayef, it's your turn.
"Da..."
- Keep going. Where's the "raa"?
- "Dar": house.
Excellent, good kid.
What does your father do?
I don't know.
You don't know?
My father's dead.
May he rest in peace.
I see that you want things
to stay the same.
In the dark.
Turning in circles.
This world is changing
and you can't stop it.
The electricity was generated,
whether you like it or not.
It reached Um Saleh's house.
We're not afraid of electricity,
but of what will follow.
This is not up to you.
It's out of your hands.
Coffee, Hamad.
Serve the men.
- How are you, my friend?
- Fine.
Come.
- Someone wants something from you.
- What's that?
For how much would you draw a face?
Your face?
No, someone who doesn't want
to reveal themself.
How do I draw a face I can't see?
- Friend, just tell me how much.
- I no longer draw children.
The person asking is a woman, not a child.
No women's faces!
This woman is unlike
other women around here.
This woman is very different.
She loves magazines.
She wants a portrait like in a magazine.
What did he say?
He said no.
How come he said no?
He said no!
He said,
"No, I cannot draw a woman's face."
He wouldn't say that. He's different.
You're lying.
I'm lying?
I'm no liar.
He has a problem with it.
For 12 or 13 years,
we've come here once a year,
me and this man I drag along.
You, Abu Salem, have done enough.
You've been generous and good to me.
Yet, I was unable to see my grandchild,
Norah.
The last time I saw her, she was six.
I believe this man
is keeping her away from me.
Abu Fatima.
It's best for the girl
to live here with the tribe.
She is doing well at Abu Falah's house.
His wife takes good care of her.
Is that a problem?
The girl is engaged
to a man from our tribe.
A good, brave man she can count on.
We've been hearing this for a year.
Still no wedding.
My late daughter, Fatima,
was very strong-willed.
Norah was just like her mother.
I won't let Norah to go to the city,
no matter what.
To learn of all that's bad for her?
Here, she is cared for and protected.
I do understand your point of view.
But there's nothing we can do.
The girl is engaged to this man.
You'll see her at the wedding.
Talk to her man, he's a good person.
Give this to Norah. Take care of her.
Norah needs nothing.
Give it to her, Abu Salem.
I'm counting on you.
- Take care now.
- Have a safe journey.
"He plays."
"They play."
"They are playing." OK?
You understand?
Saqer is not here. Where is he?
Herding sheep with his father.
Fine.
Norah, what are you doing?
You let the bread burn.
Add some flour.
I was speaking to your uncle yesterday.
We must set your wedding date with Thafir
before Ramadan.
Not now, Nayef's still young.
Nayef is not a child anymore.
I say we make it next year.
There will be another man
to help him grow and learn.
Auntie, I forgot something...
What's wrong with her?
Where are you going?
I swear, this girl worries me.
Draw me.
"Daad", "daaw": light.
"Dhaa", "dhalam": darkness.
The letters "Dhaa" and "Daad"
are different,
both in shape and pronunciation.
"Dhaa" is the one with a stick.
But "Daad" doesn't have a stick.
And they are pronounced differently.
- Understood?
- Yes!.
OK, that's enough for today.
- Peace be upon you, teacher.
- Upon you be peace.
I need my son Saqer for a week.
It's herding season.
Your son is smart,
one of my smartest students.
These lessons are necessary.
They'll help him.
He doesn't need them.
We must leave now.
Why are you here?
I came to take you home.
I know the way.
Shut up and move.
Please, thank you.
No! You move.
I'll get you!
Peace be upon you, teacher.
She can come tomorrow for her portrait.
Here?
There.
Don't be scared.
Stay calm.
How will I see your face?
I can't draw you like this.
- I respect our laws.
- I do too.
Are you an artist?
I used to be.
I want you to draw me,
like you drew my brother.
But in color. I want it in color.
Mazhar!
- Did the eggs arrive?
- No eggs today.
I can't draw anyone
without seeing their eyes.
Tomorrow.
What's with you today?
If anyone sees you
they'll think you've gone mad!
I'll be getting my own portrait.
Let thy golden hair drop
Upon thy shoulders of creamy silk
As young maidens fall into the melancholy
Of not being chosen muse for a song
Yet, the heart of a poet has chosen
So drape those golden locks
Upon thy silky shoulders so wild and free
Where are your colors?
What do you mean?
Do you think I'm stupid?
I know what colors look like.
What else do you know?
Where are the colors?
You're a liar.
Before the color,
I need to do sketches.
Look the other way.
The other way, I said.
That's it. Don't move.
I want to see it.
Get back and stay as you were.
I'm tired. I forgot not to move.
Are you tired,
or did you forget not to move?
I need to move.
That's enough.
Can I see it?
No, tomorrow.
I want to see.
Is your face done?
- Problem?
- No!
But before drawing a portrait,
I need sketches.
Sketches!
Do you listen to music?
I like Michael Johnson.
Ever heard of him?
Jackson.
His name is Michael Jackson.
Fine.
What's your favorite song?
I like all of them.
Look the other way.
That's it.
Now, we have no more new songs or movies.
Why?
Why are there no new songs?
Because everything
in the city burned down.
Even the video shops were burned.
Who burned them?
I don't know.
People I don't know.
But I know they hate movies and music.
Do you like movies?
Anyone who loves to draw must love movies.
If you ever see a movie,
you'll love them too.
More tomorrow.
- Tomorrow?
- Yes, tomorrow.
How can you say that I'll love movies
if I've never seen one?
People are to be pitied.
They hide their feelings behind anything.
Sometimes even behind fear.
Or behind themselves.
I envy you.
You can hide behind your veil.
If my aunt heard you,
she'd think you're crazy.
Look that way.
Don't move.
There are two kinds of people.
Some see the dark...
and others, the light.
What about me?
Do I see the light?
Just stay as you are.
What will you do with the drawing?
If I ever leave this place,
I'll put it in the museum.
- Where did you see a museum?
- In magazines.
That's why I want it to look so real.
- Peace be upon you.
- And upon you be peace.
I heard noise from your home.
I invited you last time
but you turned me down.
Tonight, I must insist.
Come have coffee.
Say yes.
Sure, just let me change my clothes.
I'll be right there.
- I'll meet you there with the men.
- Fine.
I can't stay.
I think Thafir suspects something.
Thafir?
Don't worry.
I have what I need right here.
No, please!
Hurry up, come and see this!
Thafir!
Calm down, Thafir.
Everyone, calm down. What's going on?
Mazhar!
What happened and who started it?
Mazhar?
Thafir?
Hello.
What happened?
Who smashed up your face?
Can you stop coming here?
Who did this to you?
This is a grocery store.
I make a living here.
Is there any other place?
There isn't.
Listen,
this is no place to draw portraits.
- Is she OK?
- She's fine.
I don't cause anyone trouble.
What do you want, Nader?
My friend, you need to leave this place.
- Peace be upon you.
- And upon you be peace.
- You got us into trouble!
- I don't know why they're fighting.
What about everyone
talking about you and us?
I no longer know what to do with you!
I shouldn't have agreed to raise you.
You will marry Thafir.
Your uncle and the men
set the wedding next Thursday.
- You'll marry him and end this farce.
- I will not marry Thafir, no matter what.
- It's what your parents want.
- My parents?
When did you ever talk to me
about my parents?
You don't need to know about them.
You think you're my mother,
but you're not.
I'm so tired of this.
Sick of it!
You'll marry Thafir next Thursday,
whether you like it or not.
This problem must end now.
Why did the girl give up
the beautiful dreams?
19 killed and 16 injured
in a building explosion
in the east
What's this? Are we on page 30?
Today is a drawing class.
Drawing
is an art.
Songs are another form of art.
Just like "rababa".
And poetry.
Don't hide your shame in the dark
The Creator still sees
Drawing is a method of expressing
what you feel inside.
Letting it out into the open.
What does the sun mean?
When can we see everything clearly?
At day or at night?
- At day.
- Yes, at day.
So...
The sun
is the light
that lets you see everything clearly.
As for the arts, they are imagination...
and expression.
Come here! I need your help.
Listen, I know you're the best reader
around here.
Can you read what's on this paper?
- What is this?
- Just read it.
But listen, it's our little secret.
Draw me.
It says, "Draw me".
Peace be upon you, Abu Salem.
Peace and mercy be upon you too.
I'm looking for food.
May we get some rain soon.
All I have to do is pray and work hard.
God is the Giver.
What do you need?
I have a bad feeling
about this new teacher.
The government sent him here.
The thing is,
without rain,
how can we fatten our cattle for sale?
May God send us some rain,
O All-Hearing, O All-Knowing.
Have you seen him do anything wrong?
Tell me what the teacher said.
Tell Abu Salem.
Speak up!
What's the story, boy?
He taught us how to write.
- What is it, Falah?
- He said we should draw.
Draw? May God protect us from sin!
Here.
Your grandfather brought this for you.
You don't know him.
He's your mother's father
and he lives in the city.
He's been sending you photos
since you were young.
Look, these are pictures of you.
You'll marry Thafir and you'll need money.
Nayef will also need money
to study at Um Saleh village.
Won't he continue studying here?
The new teacher is leaving.
- The teacher's leaving?
- Yes.
Peace be upon you, teacher.
And upon you be peace.
I'm obliged to inform you
that your mission as a teacher is over.
I have a letter from the village,
requesting your return to the city.
Did you ask for the letter?
The people of this village
did not like the lessons
you're teaching their children.
I had warned you.
I'm not going anywhere.
What you do doesn't matter.
After today,
none of them
will send their children to school.
You crossed the line!
You wanted someone
to teach reading and writing.
Our children shall grow and learn,
with or without us.
This has nothing to do with them.
It's about you, actually.
Son, this place is not meant for you.
You don't belong here.
I wish you well.
Nayef?
What brings you here?
Are you leaving?
Yes, I am.
- They didn't like my teaching.
- I don't get it.
I'm of no more use here.
I shall leave tonight.
Your portrait.
It's right there in the room.
Go inside and see it.
Norah, someone saw us.
Stay here.
Hide the portrait in the back.
You, stay here.
Go get her.
Hamad's at the door.
- They want me to leave.
- Take me with you to the city.
- I can't.
- You can, you should understand!
My grandfather's there.
I want to see him.
The portrait...
I made it for your grandfather.
He sent me here for your sake.
He wanted to see your face.
Take me to him.
I want to live with him.
I can't, not now!
I'll give him the portrait.
I must go to the city now!
If I don't,
I'll never see my grandfather again.
Where's the drawing?
- What drawing?
- Where is it?
Hamad! Open the door.
Lower your weapon, Thafir.
No one's done you harm.
You think you can take girls
from their homes?
You got this wrong!
I'm trying to keep this peaceful.
Come out!
Get out, both of you.
- Don't go, Norah!
- You, don't move!
Stay where you are.
Hamad, get the car.
Are you crazy,
eloping without thinking of your family?
I asked him to take us to my grandfather.
Your lies don't fool me.
Get in the car.
Don't get in, Nayef.
Get in the car or I'll shoot you both!
In the car, now!
Stay in your car.
Now, leave.
Auntie.
Why can't I see Grandfather?
When your father left the village,
everyone looked down on him.
Your mother is a woman he met in the city,
while he was watching movies
in your grandfather's yard.
Was I born here, in this village?
You were born and raised in the city.
Your father...
brought you here
when you were about six years old.
Why did he bring us here?
My father, your grandfather, had died.
You came for his funeral.
Peace be upon you.
You, your mother, your father
and your brother Nayef.
My condolences.
I'll apologize for you.
Please, Fatima!
I no longer belong here.
Munifa, I won't be rude.
It's her husband's funeral.
Oh, Fatima!
Then, your mother was bitten.
Maybe a snake?
Your father rushed over
to take her to the hospital.
Don't worry. I'll take care of Norah.
Norah!
Yet, as soon as they left,
they had a car accident.
Do you remember now?
Why didn't you ever tell me this before?
I wanted you to stay beside me.
In your village, your father's home.
I wanted you to forget about that city.
But you're so stubborn!
You never listen to anyone!
You're always wandering in your dreams,
with all your grand ambitions.
Dreams are the worst thing in this world.
Society engagement of the week!
Norah!
I got some magazines
from the grocery store.
You want to see them?