All language subtitles for From.the.Ashes.2024.720p.WEB.h264-EDITH_track4_[eng]

WHILE THIS FILM
IS INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS,

CERTAIN ASPECTS HAVE BEEN FICTIONALIZED
FOR STORYTELLING PURPOSES.

ANY SIMILARITY TO ACTUAL PERSONS
OR EVENTS IS NOT INTENDED.

[tender piano instrumental playing]

Good morning.

Good morning.

[man 1] Saudi Arabia has been elected to
Security Council non-permanent membership,

which will be a two-year membership
that starts at the beginning of next year.

As soon as the announcement was made,
Saudi Arabia…

[man 2] Some religious scholars say
that a woman must cover up all her arms,

while some say only to the wrist,

and some say till half of the forearm.

[man 3] 90% of our problems
are not just fate and destiny.

Instead, they are due
to our own shortcomings.

[woman 1 speaking indistinctly]

Good morning, beautiful.

Peace be upon you, cutie.

[woman 1 continues speaking indistinctly]

[woman 2] Don't be late like last time.

-Good morning, Atiq.
-[Atiq] Good morning.

SECONDARY SCHOOL 2300 FOR GIRLS

[woman 1 continues speaking indistinctly]

FROM THE ASHES

A DAY EARLIER
SECONDARY SCHOOL 2300 FOR GIRLS

[music fades]

Cover up. Cover up. Cover up, girl.

May Allah guide you. May Allah guide you.

[whimsical music playing]

[woman 3] Hmm.

Very good.

YOUR SCHOOL IS YOUR SECOND HOME
KEEP IT TIDY

The class of the month
is the senior class, Science Division G.

[students cheering]

[yawning]

[cheering subsides]

Well done.

[students cheering]

[cheering subsides]

A truly ideal student
with perfect manners and high grades,

she stands out among her peers.

And above all,
she respects all her teachers.

A student who every mother
would wish her daughter was like.

The student of the month is

Amira Saeed.

[students cheering]

[cheering subsides]

Student of this month and every month.
Like there's no one else but her.

There goes the nerd.

[woman 2] The morning inspection.

THE IDEAL STUDENT

Oh wow! Would you look at that?

You think I can't see you or what?

Spit out the chewing gum!

Yes, you, Mashael!
Do I have to specifically call you out?

-[woman 4] Quickly.
-Nails.

[woman 4] Quick.

-[woman 2] Nails.
-[woman 4] Cigarettes, huh?

Your hands.

[woman 4] Go stand there.

Oh wow! Would you look at that?
Step out of the line.

Stand with the offenders.

And you, what's all this makeup?

Step out of the line.
Go with the offenders.

[whimsical music playing]

When I reach you,
show your hands immediately.

Show me your nails.

I said show me your nails!

Well, well. So when's the wedding?

You know, this is for
my cousin's wedding, actually, ma'am.

Are you going to school
or your cousin's wedding?

Remove the nail polish immediately.
Don't get up in my hair.

What? Is she shampoo?

[laughing]

Girl!

There is nothing funny!

Go stand by the vice principal's office.

It was funny.

[laughing] Yes!

It won't be when you get written up, huh.

And you, stop laughing,

or I swear you'll go with her
and get written up.

MY SCHOOL'S CLEANLINESS
IS A TESTAMENT TO MY CIVILITY

Where did you hide the gum today?

In my sock.

To the vice principal's office.

-[Mashael sighs]
-Quickly.

[whimsical music playing]

[music stops]

Listen to me, Heba, and stand up straight!

[Heba sighs]

This attitude of yours won't help you,

nor will it make you better than everyone.

Focus on you and your classes, or else!

This is the last time
I pull you out of the line.

Do you understand?

All right.

And you, out with the gum now.

Go to your classes.

[whimsical music playing]

[girls giggle]

Quickly!

[bell ringing]

All right, girls. Before I go,
let me congratulate Amira once again.

And for that, I have arranged
for another student speech contest.

You'll submit your written speeches
by first period tomorrow

so I can choose one.

The winner's name will be added
to the list of honor, all right?

Who wants to participate?

Excellent. So, as I said,
have the speeches ready by tomorrow, okay?

Bless you all.

Why bother when we all know the outcome?

What do you mean, Heba?

I mean, we all know that,
in the end, you'll choose Amira.

[woman 4] If I choose Amira,
it's because she's exceptional.

Also, I have no problems
with any of you, Heba.

You're all equal to me.

I promise you,

if you write a suitable speech,
I'll choose you.

But do the work first.

Yeah, we'll see.

Give it your best.

I'm too busy for that.

[laughs]

What was that?

No, no, nothing.

Tomorrow, I'll be the first
to hand in the speech.

I hope so.

Goodbye, girls.

[whimsical music playing]

-Afaf.
-Hmm.

Hey, Afaf.

I hear you loud and clear.

I got you this. It's new.

My God, Mahasin.

Is there any herb in all of Sudan
that you haven't brought me yet?

Nah, nah, nah, nah.

This is nothing like the other herbs.

It's from Al Qadarif.

It'll help you get pregnant
so you can have a little baby.

You always bring me
who-knows-what from a new city.

This time, it's from Al Qadarif.
And last time, it was from Atba.

Atbara. It's called Atbara.

If you don't take it, it's your loss.

Listen, Mahasin,

all the girls in this school
are my children.

As for the pregnancy…

[sighs happily]
…God has finally blessed me.

You don't say!

You're pregnant? Since when?

And you didn't tell me.

I only knew yesterday.

Congratulations.

May God fulfill it and bless you
and give you happiness.

[trilling] Yay!

Keep it down.

I'm celebrating.

Celebrate elsewhere.

It's rejected?

Afaf, I'm short of teachers.

And there's no such thing
as "pregnancy leave."

It's called maternity leave.

You get it before you give birth.

Principal Hayat,
I was supposed to go back to my hometown.

I know how stressed you are.
It's your first pregnancy.

But if you have any medical issues,

get me a report,
and I'll approve your leave.

[whimsical music playing]

-Ms. Mahasin.
-Yes?

How is Rana's grade?

Let me check.

RANA HAMAD - 13.5

Mashallah, Rana. God bless your daughter.
She's always one of the top students.

SUBJECT: FIQH - DATE: 10/1/1434 HIJRI
TOPIC: VIRTUE OF WASHING THE DEAD

For the next class,
each of you will bring her shroud

because we will be learning
how to shroud the deceased.

WASHING THE DEAD

How depressing.

For your information, Mashael,

when you were born,
they wrapped you in cloth.

And when you die,
they will once again wrap you in cloth.

The cloth that covers us up
and guards our modesty.

That's why God ordered women
to be covered and wear a hijab.

What about men?
Do they get covered in silk?

They are not like us.

There is no comparison

because women tempt men.

Wasn't Potiphar's wife tempted by Joseph?

Would you like to give the class
instead of me, Heba?

You said it yourself.
Joseph the messenger, peace be upon him.

He cannot be compared to humans.

Stop being uncouth
and respect the curriculum.

And religion.

Pass these around.

Ms. Huda is absent.

The period after recess
will be for activities.

[students murmuring]

So get ready because you'll be tidying up
the storeroom…

[chuckles]

[girl 1] This is so boring.

I hate it.

…until you all learn not to argue with me.

But we haven't done anything.

One person's mischief affects all.

[mocking] "But we haven't done anything."

[laughter]

What a pain.

[laughing]

-[Afaf] Quiet!
-[bangs on desk]

[bell ringing]

[woman 5] Tell Principal Hayat
what happened.

Out of nowhere,
Mona pulled her eyes like that

and said to me,
"You only see things horizontally?"

And all the girls laughed at me.

Ms. Seham, take her to your office
and let her write a complaint.

I complain about
her and her friends every day,

and nothing happens to them!

[sighs]

What do you want me to do?

Your classmates are joking with you.
Deal with it. Say something back to them.

Go to my office, Jameela,
and I will follow you. Go.

The girls have gone too far.

This may lead us
to doors we don't want to open.

Sometimes, glass shatters.

If we allow that bullying to continue,
it will become dangerous.

-You see how the girls are.
-Seham.

Life is full of problems.

If a girl cannot take a few words
from her classmates and falls apart,

how will she go out and face life?

Let her write a complaint and toughen up.

[girl] Please, ma'am, please!

I promise I'll get you the money
first thing in the morning.

[woman 3] Girl!

[whimsical music playing]

We do not accept credit.

If you have cash, then pay.

If you don't…

CANTEEN

…then don't hold up the line. Move along.

[Heba] Oops.

Didn't see you.

-You're kidding, right?
-Amira.

Don't pay her any mind.
I'll give you one of my sandwiches.

It's not the sandwich, Rana.

-Why are you picking on me, huh?
-Girl!

Get lost,
or I'll be having you for breakfast.

It's all right, Heba.
And you, come on. Come with me.

Are you okay? It doesn't matter.

[tense music playing]

If she wasn't friends
with the principal's daughter,

I would show her the "what for."

Ah, well.

Eat up.

Sh!

Why did you complain about Mona?

Huh?

[laughing]

My teddy bear. No one complains about her.

I'm not a bear.

-Only I can call you a bear.
-Okay.

Not you.

Principal Hayat,
could you please listen to this problem?

I have an important meeting at the court.

Don't come running to me all the time.
Fix it.

Go write them up.

VICE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Sweetheart, let your father come
and complain about them.

Maybe then they'll finally be expelled.

Even I am sick of them.

No, no. I can't bother my father
with such problems.

I don't want to harm them.
I just want them to leave me alone.

Okay, all right.
I'll write them up. You can go.

Poor girl, Amira. I really feel for her.
All the girls are bullying her.

The only poor one here is me.

She goes to handle her court issues,
and I have to be in charge on her behalf.

To be honest,
the principal's role suits you.

[whimsical music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

Come here.

Come on. It was a terrible scam.

Oh, look at that cover.
Have you ever seen something more awful?

Oh, it seems like an amateur
has drawn this.

PHYSICS

Finally, we'll have new books
to replace the filthy ones we have.

New books. As if it matters to her.

Listen, keep your tongue
inside your mouth,

or you'll find the entire Arab history
in your face.

What a pain.

Hey! Where to?

-Listen.
-Hmm.

I'm going to take my mom's phone
and talk to Saad.

No one must see me or notice me.
Don't let me get caught.

Look at you. How romantic.

FRESHMAN
HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, GRAMMAR

STOREROOM

CLEANING STORAGE

[keypad beeping]

Hello, Saad.

How are you?

Oh my! Would you look at that?

I thought I would find the storeroom
all tidied up. What's this?

No, ma'am. We really were tidying up.

You call this tidying up?

The storeroom was tidier
before you all came!

Back to class, all of you.

I can't rely on you for anything.
Mona, leave the books!

[book thuds]

-[Afaf] Come on. Back to class.
-[Mona laughing]

I swear I'll write you both up. Move it!

Okay, bye now.
I'll talk to you later. Bye.

Bye. Bye.

Where…

[groans]

Girl, come in.

[whimsical music playing]

Oh. [chuckles] Your money.

[Marzouka sighs]

[music stops]

He's taken.

Look at this one. He's very cute.

I don't like any of them.

Those are the only ones.

The rest are all taken. Look.

-I don't like any of them.
-Look at this one. So handsome.

No, no, Marzouka.

Look! Look at this one!

-[sighs] Where?
-This one is handsome.

[tuts] Marzouka, he's not.
None of them are interesting.

My money.

[chuckles]

You think looking is for free?

No, sweetie.

What do you mean? Give me my money.

The next week, I have a new batch.
They're fabulous.

My money.

No money, my dear. Go back to your class.

[tuts]

-[sighs]
-[bell ringing]

[Rana] Amira.

Hey, girl!

Wait up. Why are you running like that?

My dad will be discharged
from the hospital today.

Really?

-Thank God for his recovery.
-Thank you.

Tell me, how is Uncle Saeed doing now?

He's not better yet,
but at least he'll be back home.

Thank God.
He'll be well again before you know it.

SECONDARY SCHOOL 2300 FOR GIRLS

[woman] Did Fawzeiya's boy
attend the session?

He keeps postponing the court sessions.

But the bills show that I'm the one paying
for my daughter's expenses.

Let's see how he'll deny it.

But you're a civil servant.

The court will force him
to give you what you're owed.

He filed a new suit.

Oh?

For child custody.

What? He cannot take her.

Ranno, my sweetheart.

Ms. Mahasin showed me your grades today.

If you'd have studied harder,
you could have done better.

But, Mom, I got 13.5 out of 15.

That's very good.

What do you mean "good"?

That was good before.
Now we want excellent.

You are the principal's daughter,
so you must be a top student,

not just "good."

The girl has been studying all night long.
What more do you want from her?

Stay out of it, Mom. Let me raise her.

[sighs in frustration]

It's all right.

[sighs]

Anyway, the school year's just starting,
and we can improve.

Make me proud of you.

[tender music playing]

Inshallah.

Chestnuts!

Hello. [chuckles]

[Amira] Oh wow!

I knew for sure that you'd be here.

How you've grown up!
Even making chestnuts, huh?

-[Amira] Yeah.
-Mashallah.

I'll also make you Ma'dous,
Saleeg, and Molokheya.

No, no, no. Spare us the kitchen mess
and stick to painting with your father.

[laughs]

I knew you'd say that.

I'm supposed to be the best chef.

[Saeed] May God grant you
happiness and success.

And good news. Her grades are out,
and they're all excellent.

God bless you. Congratulations. Well done.

[laughs]

Come on, Saeed. You must rest.

You shouldn't be working every day
in the studio.

Yes, Dad. You must rest.

Not before I finish your gift
to your friend.

Look at it. It's almost done.

Her birthday is still two weeks away.
We have time.

No, no, still. If we finish it early,
you have a chance to edit it if you like.

Since the day Rana gave her a gift,

she's been counting the days
till her birthday to give her this gift.

Gifts are a sign of love.

-I'm with her on this one.
-[Amira laughs]

I'm sure you're happy.
You just love to work.

Yes, Dad. You must rest.
You just got out of the hospital.

Yeah.

Listen, my child.

Even if we die,
the passion inside never dies.

And those who live life without passion
are like a body without a soul.

[door handle rattles]

Is this your speech for Ms. Wedad?

-[Rana] Yeah.
-And you're writing it just now?

No, Mom.

I've been working on it all day,
not just now.

I just wanted to write a final version,
you know, for the, uh…

INCOMING CALL FROM DAD

[phone ringing]

Did he call you before?

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

If he calls again, don't answer.

Till when, Mom?

Until he learns that going to court
will not make him defeat me.

Until he becomes a real father

and stops trying to turn you against me.

Call him only when I tell you.

"Penitence," not "penance."

Oh.

Anyway… I have a court session tomorrow.

I won't be able to be at school.

I hope Ms. Wedad selects your speech

so you'll be added to the list of honor
like your friend Amira.

Make me proud of you.

Yes, I hope so, Mom.

[tense music playing]

[Afaf] Don't be late like last time.

-Good morning, Atiq.
-[Atiq] Good morning.

[Afaf] Don't forget to bring the breakfast
right before recess.

Last time, it was cold.

-You can count on me.
-[Afaf] God bless you.

[tense music playing]

[door clatters]

[tense music continues]

[door clatters, squeaks]

[blows]

[Amira] Who's there?

Wait, I'm inside! Wait!

[Amira grunts]

[yells]

[tense music continues]

[electrical crackling]

Evacuate! There's a fire, girls! Evacuate!

Evacuate, there's a fire!

[grunts]

-[alarm ringing]
-[girls screaming]

[girl 1] Fire!

[girls screaming]

-[girl 2] Fire!
-[Afaf] Quickly, girls.

[Afaf] Quickly, quickly, quickly!

Hello. Assalamu alaikum.

I need formal permission
to evacuate the school.

There is a fire.
I will not be responsible for these girls.

Vice Principal Seham
from Secondary School 2300.

I need the permission now.

[man] The defendant, Hamad Saif,
has postponed the case.

[Hayat] Unbelievable. Again?

I've been coming back and forth
for months. And for what? Nothing.

Please lower your voice.
You can discuss that with the attorney.

[phone ringing]

[Hayat] Hello.

What? What are you saying?

What are you waiting for?

Make the doorman open the gate
and get the girls out!

And Rana. Where's Rana?

-[alarm ringing]
-[girls screaming]

[girl] Fire! Fire!

-[girls screaming]
-[girl] Fire! Fire!

[coughing]

[Seham] Get out of the way, all of you!
Get out of the way!

-Atiq!
-[girls coughing]

[Seham] Atiq! Open the door! Atiq!

Open the door!

[girls coughing]

-Come on! Get out quickly.
-Come on! Quickly, girls!

-[Marzouka] Quickly! Come on, girls.
-[Afaf] There's a fire! Quickly!

-[Marzouka] Mashael!
-Quickly!

-[Marzouka] Go downstairs!
-[Afaf] Go downstairs quickly! Quickly!

Quickly!

-Get out quickly!
-[Marzouka] Quickly! Where's Mashael?

[breathing heavily]

[solemn music playing]

Heba, why are you standing here?
Get out quickly!

-[alarm ringing]
-[dramatic music playing]

HONORS BOARD

[Afaf] Why are you not moving? Go down!

[girl] Get us out of here. Open the door.

[coughing]

Marzouka, take them downstairs.
I'll follow you.

Come on, girls! Move faster!
Quickly! Go downstairs!

[Marzouka] Come on, girls. Come on!

[screaming continues]

-[coughing]
-[girl] Let us out!

SENIORS SCIENCE DIVISION D

[girl 2] Open the door!

-[coughing]
-Please!

Move.

Atiq, I spoke to the principal.

Please open the gate! Open the gate!

[Afaf] Quickly, girls!

[Marzouka] Quicker, quicker!

[girls clamoring, screaming]

[Marzouka] Let's go, girls!

[girl] Ms. Afaf.

Please help me. I can't stand up.

Ms. Afaf!

-[muffled] Ms. Afaf! Ms. Afaf!
-[fire crackling]

Ms. Afaf!

Help me. [echoing]

[solemn music playing]

[girls coughing]

[tense music playing]

[girl exclaims]

[girl screams]

[dramatic music playing]

[girls screaming, grunting]

[grunts]

[clamoring, screaming]

Hey, Atiq!

[screaming, coughing]

[coughing]

[girl] Open the door!

Let us out!

[girl gasps]

[coughing]

STUDENT OF THE MONTH
AMIRA SAEED

-[Marzouka] Quickly!
-[coughing]

Rana! Rana, come down!

[coughing]

Come down!

-[screams]
-[Marzouka] Rana, no!

Go up! Go up! Go up!

[coughing]

[coughing]

[Amira] Open the door!

Can anybody hear me?

Open the door! Don't leave me here!

[solemn music playing]

[coughing]

Rana!

[whimpering] Rana! Heba!

Help me!

I'm going to die.

[cries]

I'm going…

[Afaf] Rana, why didn't you
go down with the girls?

-I…
-Rana!

-[explosion]
-Ah!

[all screaming]

[girl] Fire! Fire!

Oh my God! Oh my God!

[girls screaming]

We're dying here!

-The ambulance!
-[man] There are women in there.

[officer] So what? People are dying there!

-By no means will you open this door!
-Move aside now.

-No, the women cannot go outside.
-Do you see who I am?

Are you out of your mind?
They are dying inside.

[man] I will show you!

[fireman] Girls, clear the door!
Clear the door, girls!

Clear the door!

[girls screaming]

[girls coughing]

[officer] Come on!
Quicker! Quicker! Come on!

-[Seham] Quickly, girls!
-Move faster! Move faster, girls! Move!

-[tense music playing]
-[siren wailing]

[dramatic music playing]

The roof. Go upstairs to the roof.

Go to the roof quickly!

All of you, to the roof!

How can I go upstairs with them?

Zohour, don't worry.
We'll all go upstairs, okay?

-Don't worry. Stay strong.
-[crying]

I don't wanna be a burden.
Go and leave me.

No. Don't say such things.
You're not a burden on anyone, okay?

You're not a burden.

[Rana] Ms. Afaf, the roof is locked.

Okay. Go to the top floor.
I'll follow you. Girls!

Where are the rest of the girls?

Come and help your classmates.
Help them out.

Get to the roof. I'll follow you there,
even if it's locked.

Don't come down. Don't come down.

[coughing]

Do not leave any girl behind!

-[sirens wailing]
-[girls coughing]

Dear Lord, have mercy.

Mashael. Mashael!

Where is your mom? Where is your mom?

Is she in school, or did she get out?

Take this. Take this, my child.
Cover up. Cover up. Cover up.

Oh God! Oh God!

[tense music playing]

[Hayat] Oh God.

Oh God. Heba, where's Rana?

Seham. Rana. Where is Rana?

Mona, where's Rana?

I don't know.

Marzouka. Marzouka, thank God you're safe.

Marzouka, where's Rana?

[Marzouka breathing heavily]

[Marzouka coughing]

-Are there still girls inside?
-Calm down. We'll get them all out.

Please rest there. Please.

[coughing]

[breathing heavily]

[door rattling]

[coughing]

-[glass shatters]
-[screams]

[coughing]

-[glass shatters]
-[screams]

[tense music continues]

[coughing]

[breathing heavily]

[solemn music playing]

The roof.

The roof.

[coughing]

Rana.

Girls! [coughing]

[tense music playing]

[groans]

[man] Yes. Apart from the injured,
there's one death.

They found her locked in the storeroom.

Possibly suspicious circumstances.

[girls coughing]

[coughing]

[coughing]

[breathing heavily]

[Rana] Ms. Afaf!

[solemn music playing]

THE CATASTROPHE
OF SECONDARY SCHOOL 2300 FOR GIRLS

[Seham] I informed all the authorities
that I was supposed to inform.

I called the principal,
but that didn't work.

The doorman had locked the gate.

When you were informed of the fire,
what measures did you take?

Ms. Seham called me
after following the correct procedure.

She had called the education authority
and the fire brigade.

Where was Amira at the time of the fire?

I don't know. I didn't see her.

I was in the toilet at the time.

You didn't notice Amira was missing?

I wasn't paying attention to anyone.

All I can remember is that I was running.

What do you remember the most
about the fire?

I remember I was standing outside,

and I saw the girls
with glass shattered all over them.

Who usually has the storeroom key?

It's kept in the teachers' room,

not with anybody.

Could any student take it anytime?

No, no.

So how did your student, Amira,
have the key?

I gave her the key.

She had lost her book,

so I let her go take a mathematics book
from the storeroom.

Who got you out of the classroom
during the fire?

[Mona] Ms. Afaf, may she rest in peace.

She kept screaming,
"Girls, quickly. Get out, get out!"

until God gave us the strength,
and we could get out, but not all of us.

So you were in class
when you heard the alarm bell?

I think she answered you already.
Why are you asking again?

Please, sir. Don't interrupt.

Tell me, dear.

Were you in the classroom
when the alarm bell rang?

Yes, we were in the classroom.

How did your hand get burned, Rana?

I was trying to go down the stairs

when I saw Auntie Marzouka
holding one of the girls,

trying to pass through the fire
that looked so scary.

I tried to go down with her,

but a banner fell off between us
and burned my hand.

About 40 people, students and teachers,

say you were not present at the exit gate
at the time of the fire.

The teachers sent me
to get them breakfast.

My God. Had I known this would happen,

I wouldn't have moved
an inch away from the gate.

Why did you stop the trooper
from getting the girls out of danger?

There were women inside.
And he didn't have an official order.

The doorman
had left the women to the fire.

[Marzouka coughing]

Thank God for your recovery, Marzouka.

Bless you, Ms. Hayat.

They say you're visiting each one of us.
Thank you.

May God bless you, ma'am.

You are my family.
The girls are my daughters.

Not many people understand this.

The best principal we've ever had.
You do a good job.

Honestly, God bless you.

You don't know how my heart is broken
for Amira and Ms. Afaf.

[Marzouka] May they rest in peace.

You didn't see Ms. Afaf

when she was struggling
to get the girls to safety.

And Amira, my sweet Amira.

My heart goes out to her.

But I'm sure, Ms. Hayat,
that you'll find out who locked her in.

God will lead you.

No one knows who did it.

Someone knows.

[solemn music playing]

[woman crying]

God bless you.

Assalamu alaikum.

My condolences.

[sobs]

Umm Amira,

my condolences.

You were responsible for my daughter.
How did you lose her?

I understand what you are going through.
May God console you.

My daughter was fine
when she left my house.

She went to your school,
under your responsibility.

They set her on fire
and buried her in the storeroom.

Where were you? Where?

[sobs] Answer me. Who locked her in?

Who burned her
and burned my heart with her?

[sobs] Who killed her?

Your answer will console me.

Answer! Say something!

Why are you silent?

Answer me!

[crying]

May God suffice me!

May God suffice me!

[crying]

Oh, my girl! Amira!

[crying continues]

[Amira's mother sobbing] Oh God!

[music fades]

I still can't believe Amira is dead.

It's a path we all end up taking, my girl.

Death is inevitable.

Listen, stay here with me.
Don't go to school.

I enjoy your company.

That's the reality of it.

We cannot change fate.

[pensive music playing]

[generator clicking]

[generator whirring]

Right now, it's been
over two weeks since the fire.

We'll come to school in the evening
to finish our curriculum

while workers restore the building by day.

Unfortunately,

the fire took from us a great educator

and an ideal student.

May they rest in peace.

It tarnished the reputation of the school.

That's why I've decided no student
may leave class without her teacher.

And no teacher
may send a student on any errand.

Starting from today…

no leniency
for any violation of the rules.

All the school doors are open.

If you want to learn, you're welcome.

If you don't,

you can leave.

Now, all of you, open your bags.
I need to inspect them.

Anyone with prohibited items,
hand them over to me.

[students chattering]

Principal Hayat.

Listen, Seham,

I've decided to conduct an investigation

to find out how this disaster happened.

But what could we do more than the police?

Seham, the police don't know
the relationships among our students

like we do.

So we must give them a hand

and set a good example
for all other schools.

[Wedad] Well, well. Cigarettes? You smoke?

Step aside.

I want
all the students' violation records now.

I have them on a flash memory.
All the paperwork got burned.

Excellent. Get it.

This is bad.

-[Mashael] What do you have on you?
-My phone.

Didn't we say that each day
only one of us would bring it?

I don't know. It just happened.

-Hide it quickly.
-All right, hush. We'll get caught.

-Sh!
-[Wedad] Don't you want to quit?

Step aside.

PRINCIPAL HAYAT RADY

This is Mona's phone. I searched it
and found some disturbing messages.

WE'LL BURN IT
THE PUNISHMENT WILL BE SEVERE

I printed their conversation,
and here are the records.

YOU TOOK A PHOTO? DELETE IT.
IT LOOKS STUPID. WE'LL BURN IT.

DON'T BE LATE. IF THEY FIND OUT THIS TIME,
THE PUNISHMENT WILL BE SEVERE.

I'm sure that our investigation
will uncover how Amira got locked in

and who started the fire.

Bring me the girls.

[mysterious music playing]

Are these the records of students
or the Mafia?

As far as I'm concerned,
the three of you are suspects.

You lured Amira to the storeroom
and took photos of her.

Maybe you locked her in
and set the school on fire.

What? What are you saying?

You? You're the last one to speak.

Stand still and listen.

You had this conversation
on your phones, correct?

[bell ringing]

It's very clear
that you planned your crime.

No, ma'am. You misjudged us.

Ma'am, the girls just wanted to celebrate
my birthday at school. That's it.

And that day,
I had bought a candle for her birthday.

It was long and stupid.

So I took a picture of it.
They laughed at me, and I deleted it.

Correct.

And we know we have
a lot of violations in our records,

so I said to Mona that if they caught us,
the punishment will be severe.

Incredible how quick you all are
at making up stories.

Ma'am, the whole conversation
with the picture is on my phone.

If you promise not to write me up again,
I can show it to you.

Show me.

Sorry, but could you
look the other way, please?

So I can take the phone out.

[breathes deeply]

[sighs]

[typing]

Here.

Can I have the phone back?

Leave it with me.

[sighs]

Mona, stay here.

Ms. Seham, take the rest and wait outside.

Clean that filth off of your brows.

Ma'am, please, no.

If I take it off, I'll look like a fool,
and all the girls will laugh at me.

[sighs] Shall we call your parents?

How would you describe
your relationship with Amira?

Ma'am, don't make me think of her.

I'm a very sensitive person.
I can't take it.

Whenever Amira is mentioned, I get upset.

Do you feel guilty?

There's an incident
of you locking her in the computer lab.

I was joking with her that day.

COMPUTER LAB

Heba, I forgot the math homework.

You're joking, right?

-No.
-[tuts]

[exhales] Oh God, Mona.
I was counting on copying it from you.

Now what do we do?

What do we do?

-What do we do?
-I'm thinking. I'm thinking. Let me think.

Listen, there's only one solution.

You copy it from the nerd.
Then I copy it from you.

Hmm, that's right.

Amira, give me your math homework
before the teacher arrives.

-Really?
-Yes.

I will not give you my work.

[Mona] Why not?

It's my hard work.

Do your own.

Follow me.

Hey!

[Heba] Quickly!

If we had the key, I would lock her in so
she wouldn't make it to Ms. Wedad's class.

[Amira] Open the door!

-That's to teach you to give us your work.
-Girls!

What's going on?

I want to know, why do you keep doing that
to your classmate?

Huh?

No answer?

Wait for me at Ms. Seham's office.
Now! Go! Move!

[Hayat] You are under a microscope.

But suppose I believe you.

Who do you think would do that to Amira?

I can't accuse anyone, ma'am.
No, no. I don't know.

Get out and call Heba.

[pensive music playing]

What did she want?

I'm not sure,
but she keeps bringing up past violations.

But didn't she know about
our previous violations?

I don't think so,

but it looks like she wants to…
blame us for locking up Amira.

She wants you now.

-What for?
-I don't know, Heba.

Move.

You are the one
I have been the most lenient with.

Don't worry, ma'am.
I'm graduating in a month.

[scoffs]

It's sweet that you think you'll graduate
with all these violations.

An immoral act.

Why did you go
to the bathroom with Mashael?

We were just talking on the phone.
I swear.

May God forgive whoever reported us.

And who do you think reported you?

Amira, may she rest in peace.

And that is a strong motive
for you to hurt her and hate her.

No, ma'am, no.
It's true that I didn't like her.

It's fine.
Not everyone has to like each other.

But, of course, I'd never lock her in
and cause her death.

Really?

In my view, you are suspect number one.

And not because of the bathroom incident.

There is something else.

Proof in your own handwriting.

Isn't this your handwriting?

Shall I remind you of what you wrote?

"I wish I could erase Amira
from the school and from existence."

Go, Heba.

And tell your friends to go.
We'll continue tomorrow.

[pensive music playing]

[music fades]

Assalamu alaikum. Warahmatullah

Assalamu alaikum. Warahmatullah.

You should thank God for your safety.

Mom, I cannot sleep.

Even when I can, nightmares wake me up.

Sweetheart, you'll get over the shock.

No one lives forever. Isn't that right?

Take this pill.

Here. It will help you sleep.

You don't need to go to school.

Stay home for a few days.

[Hayat's mother] Good evening.

Honey, for the love of God,
your daughter is still young.

Don't give her sleeping pills.

Rana is in shock, and she needs to rest.

She needs to sleep.

Fine. You're always right.

[phone ringing]

-[man] Hello.
-Yes?

I really think we should talk
directly to each other

instead of through our attorneys.

Talk about what? Talking is over.

Seriously, Hayat?

All these lawsuits
and courtroom complaints.

They don't suit
your name and reputation, Hayat.

I kept sending you
a thousand riyals every month,

willingly and wholeheartedly,
and I trusted you.

Suddenly, you deny this
and demand from me six years of expenses?

And you think a thousand riyals is enough?

Do you know how much
your daughter spends a day?

Or are you really that out of touch?

And you being so "in touch,"

where has this gotten you
with our daughter?

You left her, and you left your school
in chaos for what?

So you can fight with me in court
over some money, Hayat?

You denied me the right
to see my daughter in normal places.

And when you allowed me to see her,

she was in the hospital
being treated for burns.

And the second time at the police station,
testifying about the death of her friend.

Are these your achievements
with our daughter, Hayat?

How are you blaming and accusing me?

You will never be able to handle
the responsibilities of raising a child

and ensuring that she's in the best
and safest place.

Please enough.
We have nothing more to talk about.

In court only.

Are you done ranting?

Every day, the same story.

God has given you plenty.
You don't need his money.

I don't care about his money.
What makes me mad is his disregard.

For six years, he didn't ask about her,

and now that he's married
to another woman, who gave him a boy?

"I'm building family ties," he says!
I swear he will never see his daughter.

It will never be over like this.

[pensive music playing]

[Hayat] Wow, your school record
is full of achievements.

You sell cigarettes to students.

It seems you're an expert smuggler.

No way, ma'am. It was just one time.

How am I an expert? I am really sorry.

Forget about the cigarettes.

Tell me,

who do you think drew Amira on the board?

[bell ringing]

Wasn't it you?

Ma'am, when Ms. Afaf
kicked us out of the storeroom,

and we went back to class.

It was Heba that drew Amira
on the board, not me.

[in Arabic] ♪ Who's the one on my mind ♪

♪ Who's the one who broke my heart ♪

-♪ Who's the one on my mind ♪
-Clap your hands!

Hey, hey!

-♪ Who's the one who broke my heart ♪
-Clap your hands for Mona!

[crying, coughs]

♪ Line up, girls ♪

♪ Let me see the one on my mind
The one who broke my heart ♪

♪ My heart was taken from me
I used to be happy ♪

♪ If you know who she is, tell me… ♪

[in English] What's all this nonsense
and vulgarity?

Is this a school or a wedding hall?

[crying]

Which lowlife drew this on the board?

[Amira crying]

Amira, come with me.

[crying]

[laughing]

Be quiet!

[whispers] I'm gonna go have a look.

[kisses]

[Mashael] I never told anything to anyone
except Heba, I swear to God.

[Hayat] What you saw
was not what you imagined.

Your Ms. Wedad was consoling Amira
after you all had bullied her.

TEACHERS' ROOM

Ms. Seham was standing at the door.

She saw them, and then she told me.

So much imagination and no integrity.
Why do you hate Amira?

I don't hate her. Why would I hate her?
There was nothing between me and her.

What about the report of cheating?

Didn't Amira tell on you?

Isn't it better
to just study for the exam?

It's so easy.

Will you stop your preaching,
or should I glue your mouth shut, huh?

Unlike you, we have a life.

What a pain.

Girls, put your desks back.

Oh, really?

Stand up.

Stand up.

Go stand by the board.

When did you write all that?

How do you even read these?

It needs a telescope.

You're too much.
You could outwit the devil himself.

Amira.

Was Mashael with them?

Stand up.

Go over there.

[Mashael] Ma'am,
I only got upset that day,

but I have a kind heart,
and I don't hold grudges.

Anyway, Amira told on Heba and Mona too.
Not just me.

I don't know why
you all hate Amira and envy her

and try to hurt her reputation
merely because she's an excellent student.

Ma'am, I swear
there's nothing between me and Amira.

I didn't do anything to her.
I never hurt her--

Enough, enough! Sh! Enough! Go away!

[bell ringing]

[mysterious music playing]

[fire crackling]

[tense music playing]

Rana. [echoing]

[Rana breathing heavily]

You don't want to play? [echoing]

[gasps, breathes heavily]

[in Arabic] In Allah,
we seek refuge from Satan.

In the name of Allah,
who with his name nothing can cause harm,

he is the all-hearing, all-knowing.

[in English] What's wrong with you,
my child?

How long have I been asleep?

You took the pill and slept right away.

Try to go back to sleep. Try.

[in Arabic] In the name of Allah.

[in English] I'm right here. Don't worry.

Yes, come.

I want you to tell Principal Hayat
what you were just telling me.

And next time,
don't raise your voice at me.

I'll still let the school hear
that you tarnished my name!

Why did you give my message to Hayat?

To tarnish my reputation
and ruin my future, clearly!

First, lower your voice.
Second, it's Principal Hayat.

You really are so crass and rude!

At least I am not like you,

pretending to be pious
while you are full of sin!

-Calm down!
-Get off!

[Hayat] Stop! Enough!

Not one word, especially from you!

Ms. Seham, write a report
with all the details.

[doorbell rings]

[doorbell rings]

[Rana] Grandma.

Grandma, where are you? Where did you go?

-Here. I'm here, Ranno.
-Where were you?

Another nightmare?

Uh, Uncle Saeed was here?

Uh, Amira's dad was here?

Yes, he was. Why are you so frightened?

No, but why? Did something happen?

He brought you a gift.

A gift. For me?

Yes.

But what for?

Ah, Ranno. Gift means "gift."

He says his daughter,
may she rest in peace,

asked him to paint a special painting
for you for your birthday.

[in Arabic] God bless.

[in English] Amira's dad is a real artist.

May your daughter rest in peace,
and may God console you.

Come and see. Come and see.

[in Arabic] God bless.

[in English] What's wrong?

Grandma…

You miss her? I know.
I know, my dear girl, that you miss her.

Parting is difficult.

[in Arabic] There's no power or strength
except with Allah.

[Rana sobs]

[in English] Talk to me, my dear.
Let it out. Tell me.

It's my fault.

I'm the one who killed Amira.

What are you talking about?

On the day of the fire…

I was worried that Ms. Wedad
might choose Amira

and write her name on the list of honor.

Then I heard Amira saying

she was going to get a math book
from the storeroom.

Once she left the classroom,

I followed her.

She went in the storeroom
and left the key in the door.

So I locked her in.

[Amira] Who's there?

[Amira] Wait, I'm inside! Wait!

All I was thinking about
was having my name on the list of honor

so my mom wouldn't be mad at me.

Rana, you're not yourself.

It must be all the medication
your mother keeps giving you.

No, Grandma. I'm not hallucinating.

During the investigation,
I was afraid, so I lied.

But this is the truth.
I am the one who locked her in.

I just wish my hand would be cut off
before I did it.

My love. Sweetheart, for the love of God,

for my sake, no one must ever hear this.

And forget that you ever told me
in the first place, okay?

I tell you what,
you'd better get some sleep.

Come have a bite to eat
and then go to sleep.

[Rana] Grandma, I swear to you.

All your friends agreed
that you hate Amira

and that you hurt her the most.

Yes, and what's new?

The whole school knows
that I don't like Amira.

And my friends know me very well.

And you know them very well?

What do you mean?

When you were
in the bathroom with Mashael,

do you think it was Amira
who reported you?

Yes. Who else would it be?

Promise me you won't hurt her
or lay a hand on her

because if that happens, I'll expel you.

I won't tell anyone or do anything.
I just want to know.

Mona?

[sighs]

This world keeps smacking me
across the face,

each time worse than the last.

What a shame
that your good friend reported you

and added an offense to your record.

I think she likes Amira.

Who likes Amira?

Mona?

Mona is the biggest hypocrite
with what she's done to me and Mashael.

And Mona is the one who hates Amira most
in the first place.

Especially after she got her in trouble
for going out with Mashael and Saad.

I'm listening. Go on.

[mysterious music playing]

Mashael has a boyfriend called Saad.

At the end of last year,

she introduced Mona to Saad's friend,

and the two of them skipped school
to go meet the boys.

And Amira knew that.

When they were late,

Amira got scared for them
and reported them to Ms. Seham.

Then, Ms. Seham
made a huge problem out of it.

And because of this problem,
Mona's father got her married.

Heba, leave.

Mona! Mashael!

Honestly, you would have every right
to hate Amira

and want to get revenge on her.

-We would never do such a thing.
-What? Of course not!

-[Mashael] What kind of talk is that?
-I'm not accusing you.

Honestly, if I had
the same experience you had with her,

I would feel the same thing.

Especially when she snitched
about you going out with Saad.

His name is Saad?

Poor Marzouka, your mom.

She stayed mad at you for three months.

That's, of course, nothing
compared to what happened to you.

When your father learned
about you going out with Saad,

he forced you to marry.

Your dad is really harsh.

How he could marry you off like that?

You stayed married for only two months
and then got divorced?

[sighs]

Your record only says
that you skipped school one day.

All what you had to go through
because of going out with Saad.

I wouldn't have known
if Heba hadn't told me.

That means the two of you
are still suspects.

Why do you think Heba told me?

It's obvious. To throw suspicion off her.

Heba is not actually accused of anything.

She only has the motive of hate.

There is no proof
she was at the storeroom.

Yes, there is.

The day of the fire,

Amira was going to the storeroom
to get a math book

to replace the one she had lost.

No one knew how or when she lost it.

But I know.

The day before,
I saw Heba take Amira's book.

The next day,
she told me that she ripped it up.

But Heba could deny all this.

And even if she didn't, there is testimony
stating that she was in the bathroom.

After Ms. Wedad's class,
Heba said she went to the bathroom.

So this proves that she was not present
in the storeroom.

Come in, Heba.

Heba!

Come in.

Anyway… I'm required
to present all this to the police.

I hope they don't focus on motives,

or else you will be
in a very vulnerable position.

Principal Hayat,

Heba did leave the classroom
after Ms. Wedad's class,

and she went to the bathroom that day.

But not right away.

She left the classroom before me

and entered the bathroom
a while after I did.

Was this enough time for her
to go to the storeroom and lock her in?

Yes, absolutely.

What are you saying? Are you crazy?

You ratted me out
when I was defending you.

Only the three of us
and Ms. Seham knew about Saad.

The whole thing was forgotten,
and you are the reason we are here now.

What do you mean no one knew about it?

Is that why Mona had to get married?
Because no one knew about it?

She never mentioned it after that day.

You should be thankful that I stood by you
and was a friend to you,

the daughter of the cleaning lady.

Good news.

The three of you are expelled from school.

We haven't done anything.

Can you accept my apology, Seham?

You're apologizing to me?

Remember when you warned me
about the girls' bullying?

[wistful music playing]

[sighs]

I wish I had listened to you, Seham,

and put a stop to all of it.

Sadly, I thought
that the bullying they faced

would toughen them up
and help them deal with life.

I never thought
that being lenient with them

would lead us to this tragedy.

[siren wailing]

Had I followed your advice
and put a stop to the bullies…

it wouldn't have come to this.

I would have not only saved Amira…

but I would have also prevented
her bullies from ruining their future.

[reporter] In other news,

that the circumstances
surrounding the death of Amira Saeed,

victim of the School 2300 fire,

are not related to what caused the fire,

adding that it can be considered
a coincidence with tragic consequences.

Regarding potential punishment
for the student Heba Anwar,

the source stated that she will face…

What's he saying?

…charges of intimidation and manslaughter.

Sentencing will be left to the judiciary.

Court procedures…

What happened to Heba?

Honey, did you have breakfast?

You didn't, right?
Let's have breakfast together.

Come.

Grandma, what happened to Heba?
Why is she being charged?

[grandma] Nothing happened
to Heba, my dear.

Listen, did you take your medicine?

No medicine and no breakfast.

Let's have something to eat.

Mom. Mom.
Heba is not the one who locked Amira in.

Uh, Rana. Rana.

Calm down, huh?

-For God's sake, sweetie, calm down.
-Mom.

Honey, you have been sick for two days.
Please, you're hallucinating.

Never mind. Don't respond to her.

She's been hallucinating for two days,

all because of the pills
you've been giving her.

-I'm not hallucinating.
-Calm down, Rana.

-I'm not crazy.
-Rana, my dear, for the love of God.

I am the one who locked her in, Mom.

[solemn music playing]

[Rana] Me.

I did it. Not Heba.

I know that.

[Marzouka] But I am sure, Ms. Hayat,

that you'll find out who locked her in.

God will lead you.

No one knows who did it.

Someone knows.

Who?

Your daughter, she knows.

Rana knows.

The day of the fire…

-Rana! Rana, come down!
-[girls screaming]

[coughing]

Come down!

[screams] Rana!

Go up! Go up! Go up!

Amira is in the storeroom.

-Go upstairs! Go upstairs! Go!
-[Rana] Someone help Amira.

In the storeroom.

I am sure

that Rana knows

who locked Amira in.

Rana said that she was with you,

helping you carry a girl
who had passed out.

That's when she was injured.

That is what happened,

and that is what you will say
when you hopefully recover

and when they take your statement.

I cannot see what I did not see.

Marzouka, listen carefully.

Your daughter, Mashael, is up to her ears
with offenses in her record.

Not to mention
that she's friends with troublemakers.

I remember that Amira told me
your daughter skipped school.

This could be motive
for revenge towards Amira.

You wouldn't want this
to be mentioned in the investigation.

It's not in your interest,
nor her interest.

Not counting all the contraband
and the phones in your room

and the catalogs of boys.

It's not in you
and your husband's interest

to be fired from the school
and to sleep in the streets.

So there is no need for you

to say that Rana knows
that Amira was locked in the storeroom.

Understood, Marzouka?

[Rana] What do you mean?

So you handed Heba to the police,
and you lied and framed her?

She deserves punishment.

And you know that she is innocent?

Who are you calling innocent?

She's a vile, hateful, vicious girl.

But she's not the one who locked Amira in.
She did not cause her death.

No one caused Amira's death.

Amira's time had come.

If she hadn't died in the storeroom,
she would have died somewhere else.

Mom, are you listening to yourself?

Do you even understand what you're saying?

What do you want me to say?

What? That I didn't raise you right?
You want me to hand you over to prison?

I covered up your stupidity and failure.

But I was never a failure.

You made me a failure.

I was a failure only in your eyes.

No matter how much I try,
it is never enough for you.

I have to be first or nothing.

Or I don't deserve
to be the daughter of Principal Hayat.

And in order to satisfy you,

I made the worst mistake of my life.

I locked her in
so I could be the best to satisfy you.

It's your fault.
You're the one who made me do this.

[solemn music playing]

Dad?

[Heba] Why did you turn yourself in?

[Rana] Perhaps because I couldn't sleep?

And maybe because at least one of us
needs to say, "Enough is enough,"

and put an end to the hurt.

But you never hurt anyone
except for that horrible day.

[chuckles softly]

You think like my mother.

"It's just one mistake.
Let's forget it and move on."

Heba, you and Mona made a lot of mistakes.

You know that.

But my mistake is bigger.

I watched you mock
and bully Amira every day.

I was afraid to speak up.

All the girls were afraid like me,
and we stood by and did nothing.

In the end,

I dared to try and be like you, too…

and I caused her death.

This time is for those
who do not stand up for justice

to also be held accountable.

[solemn music continues]

STOREROOM
NO ENTRY

THE SCHOOL FAMILY
WELCOMES ALL VISITORS

CLOSED
RESIDENCY IN SCHOOLS IS PROHIBITED

[sighs]

-Hold these, girl.
-I'm not in the mood. Come on!

-I learned to make a circle. Look.
-Show me.

-Who taught you to do that?
-[both laugh]

Quickly!

[lighter clicking]

Hey, you two!

Cigarettes?

To the principal's office right away!
Your parents will come pick you up!

No, ma'am. Please, ma'am. Please.

-My dad can't know that I smoked.
-Please.

I swear to you, ma'am,
he could really kill me.

Please, ma'am.
We won't do it again. Really.

We won't do it again. We won't. Last time.

I will let it go this time,

but I swear to God, next time,
you'll have yourselves to blame.

-Understood?
-Yes, ma'am.

Go back to your class, both of you.
Give me the cigarettes.

Go back to your class.

Hey, you! Just because you live here,

you cannot mess around
and spoil other girls.

It won't happen again.

[lighter clicks]

[Amira] Who's there?

Wait! I'm inside! Wait!

[Amira grunts]

[yells]

-[tense music playing]
-[loud clattering]

[tense music swells]

FROM THE ASHES

[dramatic music playing]

[music fades]