All language subtitles for Palm Trees in the Snow 2015

- Kilian, time to go.
- Coming.

Always remember me as I am now.
I shall do the same with you.

Good luck.

My luck runs out
here and now.

Goodbye.

Farewell.

Eternal rest grant unto
Jacobo de Rabaltu�, O Lord.

And let perpetual light
shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls
of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.

Come on,
it's a bit quieter in here.

We had so many
things left to say.

Dad...
I should have come earlier.

How's your father?

He has good days when
he seems to be alright...

and others when he isn't.

He seems to lose it,
saying things I don't understand

about Bioko, the plantation...

It's as if the past is more
real than the present.

Sometimes he looks at me
like he doesn't even know me.

And sometimes I'm not
sure I know him either.

I know exactly
what you mean.

Last week the lawyers from
the ski resort were here again.

They want to finalise the purchase
of our land as soon as possible

so they can start
building in the spring.

And, well, we need your
signature to finalise the sale.

I think I put the contract
over here.

Clarence,
I know this isn't the best time,

but the sooner we get
this over with, the better.

Here...

- What's this?
- My father's diary.

- Sorry.
- It's OK.

- Daniela.
- What?

Kilian.

Coming.

Dad, hey.
Hi.

Again?
My daughter, I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

- Could you help me, Clarence?
- Yes.

OK, done.

I don't understand you, Dad...
but it sounds very pretty.

Daniela, stay with me.

Yes, Dad.

Julia.

- You really didn't have to.
- It's no bother.

Would you like a cup
of hot chocolate?

The day I say no to that is the
day you can start worrying!

While I was sorting through
some papers in the office...

I found, part of,

a letter that looks like
it was sent from Africa.

Forgive me.

An old woman's
sentimental nonsense.

It's my husband's handwriting.

Do you know who
he's talking about?

He mentions a woman and some
children they used to send money to...

I can read, Clarence.

I had a look at the accounts...

and it looks like regular payments
were sent from here.

- Maybe you should ask your uncle.
- He's in no condition to talk.

I wouldn't want anyone important
to be forgotten about.

Julia, what's wrong?

If we hadn't had to leave
the way we did...

I don't think I would've
moved back to Pasolobino.

And my father? Would he
have liked to have stayed too?

Your father was never one
to show his feelings.

I know that better than anyone.

Well, perhaps my mother,

but she didn't seem to be
a particularly happy woman.

I've decided to go to Bioko.

It's been almost forty
years since we left.

You won't like what you find.

- It doesn't matter.
- The Fernando Poo we knew is gone.

Also, it's a very dangerous trip
for a woman travelling on her own.

There's no way I'm going to be able
to talk you out of it, is there?

You know, Clarence,

to the Bubis, nothing is as important
as honoring your ancestors.

Remember that.

When you get to Sampaka
ask for Sim�n.

He was Kilian's houseboy
for all those years

and he was also Manuel's
contact for the money

that was being sent to
Guinea this whole time.

He might put you in touch with
someone just a little older than you

called Fernando.

It shouldn't be too hard,
that place is as small as this valley.

I will make sure she
gets your money.

She and her children are fine
thanks to what you send.

January 18th, 1954.

Dear Catalina...

I stared at our house's fa�ade as if
I was trying to memorise every detail.

Kilian!
Hurry up!

You've still got time.

Don't worry about me,
I'm fine.

Come on.

There are no men
left in our house.

If only it wasn't so far away.

Six thousand kilometers is nothing,
Mum.

We should continue on skis.

We'd better say goodbye now.

Just in case you get hungry.

I'm really going to miss you.

Write in this when
you think of me.

That way I can read everything
when you get back.

Thank you.

- Take care of your brother.
- Yes.

Come back soon.

Goodbye, Mum.

I don't understand why this language is
written one way and pronounced another.

You won't have to write
to the Nigerians.

I've underlined everything
you need to know.

Jacobo, what do you know
about life in this country?

Nothing.

I can't wait to see the sea.

February 2, 1954.

Dear Catalina, there's not long
left until we reach Guinea.

We ran into Manuel Ruiz
on board.

I already knew him
from Santa Isabel Hospital.

He's going to be the new
doctor on the estate.

I can't wait to get to my birthplace
and discover indigenous Guinea.

The real Guinea.

If anything is left of it.

What do you think?

He's speechless!

See all those black people?
They're all the same.

Just like sheep,
you won't be able

to tell them apart until
a few months from now.

Father.

Jacobo.

- Welcome to your birthplace, Son.
- Thank you.

How are you?

Are you alright?

Yes, I'm fine. This last campaign
was harder than we expected.

This suitcase is full of things
Mum packed for you.

I am sure you'll be feeling
better in no time.

Good afternoon.

This is my son Kilian and that's Manuel,
the estate's new doctor.

Welcome.
And thank you for the package.

First lesson, Kilian,
you have to keep the guards happy.

Every now and again
give them cigarettes,

whisky, eggs, whatever.

The happier you keep them,

the faster they'll come
when you need them.

Enough lessons.
And let Os� drive.

I don't think the boss would
like to see you driving his car.

Garuz won't know,
will he, Os�?

Come on.

Everything appears
to be in order.

How is it that a young man
with a promising future like you

prefers the colony to Madrid?
Thank you.

Well, my second
vocation is Botany.

I'd like to study the local plant
species and their medical applications.

I'm not sure you'll
have time for that.

And you, young man?

We need energetic and
decisive people around here.

You'll spend the first two
weeks focussed on learning.

Observe your colleagues,
do as they do.

You'll be going to
Obsay with Gregorio.

But won't he with
me at Yacato?

Obsay is not working as well as it should.
A new person will be good.

Yes, sir.

Treat the workers with
authority but also justice.

If you don't resolve issues properly,
you'll lose their respect.

Thank you, Mr Lorenzo.

- Ant�n, who is his houseboy?
- Sim�n, the new one.

Don't let him get away with anything
or he will come and go as he wishes.

That will be all.

- Good morning.
- Thank you very much.

Obey.

I order you.

Come here.

I am the boss.

I am the boss.

Work.

You get to work!

- Massa the drum is sounding, wake up.
- I'm coming. One moment.

I'm coming!
One moment!

Sim�n, Massa.
At your service.

It's still night time.

When the work starts
it will be daytime.

In 10 minutes everybody will
have to be standing outside.

- I'll help you get dressed.
- Thanks, I can do it alone.

- I'll help.
- I'll do it! Give me that.

Come on. Another minute
and you won't get paid.

- Good luck.
- That man who's coming with dad...

- is Gregorio.
- Good morning.

You'd better behave
with my boy.

Another Rabaltu�.
The whole family will be here soon.

Let's go, father.
Bye.

20 men per brigade.

Start counting.

I am sick, Massa.

Every day the
same old story!

Get to work.

Lies. They always lie. Come on.
Excuses and superstitions.

What do you think your brother is
carrying around that melongo rod for?

The owner wants his profits and it's
our job to see that he gets them.

You're in charge of those...
What the...?

- Snake! Snake!
- What's the hell's wrong?

Snake!

Get up there and kill it.

Get up there!

Is this what you're afraid of?

This?

Send the injured to hospital.
The rest go back to work.

Come on, work harder!

How is your first day going?

What are these songs about?

About work.

Working and not thinking.

What's wrong?
You like watching?

I'm sorry.

You left me halfway.

None of that.
This time doesn't count.

Don't veer off the path.

You wouldn't last more than
a couple of hours in the jungle.

Kilian!

Don't you remember me?

- Julia.
- Yes.

Forgive me, you look so...

- You've grown a lot too. We were...
- I don't know.

Ten years old?

Has it been that long since
we last saw each other?

- How are you?
- Very well, come in.

- How are your parents?
- They're doing really well.

I keep promising myself
I'll go back to Pasolobino,

but for one reason or
another I end up not going.

I always ask Jacobo
about the mountains.

- By the way, is he back?
- Yes, but...

Here he is.

Hi, Julia.
How are you?

How are you doing?

- Very well, you?
- Very good.

- Did you enjoy your vacations?
- Fantastic.

Didn't you miss
us even a little?

Well, we're in a
big hurry today.

Let me see...

My parents are organizing a farewell
dinner for D�maso, the doctor.

You could come over too,
it's going to be fun.

Kilian looks like he needs
a break from the forest.

We'd be happy to.

You idiot.

Marvelous.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

I'm going to put this in too
for the mosquito bites.

- OK.
- It works wonders.

- Thank you.
- Let me see.

Jacobo.

Look at how happy they are.

Just dying to spend their
wages in Santa Isabel.

Look.

And we have to go to a stupid dinner
because you can't say "no".

- Julia is a charming girl.
- They're all charming, Kilian.

Until they tie you down.

Come on, cheer up.

Father!

Wow...
Are we late?

No, no. I was on the balcony
and when I saw you I came down.

- You look great.
- Thank you.

Well...

You've chosen a good
time to leave, D�maso.

New found independence
from Kenya to Belgian Congo

won't take long
to reach Guinea.

You're getting to know this
country in troubling times.

I read on the boat about
the Mau Mau movement.

Can you leave the conversation
of politics for another day, please?

Tell me, Kilian,
how are Mariana and Catalina?

- They miss us.
- Sure.

I need you to help me convince
my father to take a holiday.

Listen to your son, Ant�n.

I can't even think how lonely
they must feel on their own.

When the season is over.

Stop making excuses
and decide on a date.

You are a father and
a husband to them.

It's not only about
sending money home.

Looks like the food is
going down well, Jacobo.

- Congratulations to the cook.
- Don't look at me.

You've got her sitting
in front of you.

Julia.

Excuse me for a second.

Well...

Excuse me.

Julita.

Mr D�maso, have you said
goodbye to everyone?

I believe so.

But to everyone though?

Because I know someone
who'll be very sad tonight.

Like the rest of
them will be too.

You leave a footprint
wherever you tread.

They mean Regina,
a friend of D�maso's for many years.

Doesn't he have a wife
and children in Spain?

Spain is very far away.

Let the man who is free of sin
cast the first stone, right, Father?

If you stayed away
from women and drink,

your health and wallet
would appreciate it.

Not to mention your spirits.
Mind whose company you keep, young man.

Thanks, Julia.

If we haven't known each other
since we were children,

I might think I was
making you nervous.

No, it's my father.
I think he feels a bit down.

Yes, I think so too.

Massa Jacobo.
Massa Jacobo.

What happens?

Some men were having a
party in the barrack huts

and suddenly a fight broke
out with machetes and all.

We need someone to
handle the situation.

There are injured people.
As it's Saturday

there are no white people to put
things in order, not even the doctor.

Damn! Mr. Emilio, Generosa...
Come on, Kilian. I'm really sorry.

- We were having a great night.
- First things first.

There will be other occasions.

- Of course. Come on, Kilian.
- Hurry up.

- Emilio will drive your father.
- Don't worry, I'll take care of him.

- You take care.
- Take care, please.

Wait. Thank you!
Good evening! Come on, Kilian.

- Good job, Nelson.
- You're shameless.

Welcome to Santa Isabel's nights.
We're on our way, Anita Guau!

- Good evening, Jacobo!
- Hey!

- Hello!
- Well look who's here.

- We've missed you, Jacobo.
- Me too, darling.

- This is my brother Kilian.
- Welcome. Enjoy!

That's what we came for!
You already drunk?

Look, look.

Black label. The best whisky
and cheaper than beer.

Advantages of being a free port.
The rest is nonsense.

Come on, follow me.

- Jacobo
- Anita Guau!

Kilian, come on.

Where are they from?

Corisquenians, Nigerians, Fang
and Ndow� from the Muni river.

- A bit of everything.
- And Bubis?

Bubis no way. If they lose
their virginity they're punished.

You mean...?

Look, look,
who's coming our way.

Oba, Sade.
Come sit at our table.

Hello, guys!

Where have you been?
I was missing you.

Today we were told that some
natives have eaten a bishop.

A sect or something.
Did you hear anything?

You whites are so scared
of being eaten by us.

But then you come here
to spend your money.

The bishop is a monkey.

Pao, any luck?

She went off someone younger.

I give up. I'll just have
to have another drink.

Drink with us.

Let's dance.

Look at them.

Don't mind them.
Just go with the flow.

What's wrong?
Are you afraid that I'll eat you up?

You want to join us?

April 24, 1954.

Mother, Catalina,
we are working from dusk till dawn.

The land here is so fertile that we
have to weed the fields every day

so that the vegetation
doesn't invade the cocoa.

Manuel always comes over
when he has some free time

to study the local plant life.

And on our days off,

we tend to escape to Santa Isabel
with Dick and Pau, Jacobo's friends.

I still haven't been able to
make friends with the natives.

Even though I was born here,

I feel that they see me
as just another outsider.

Maybe this could
change in time.

Your son and brother who misses you,
Kilian de Rabaltu�.

- Emilio.
- Kilian, how are you?

- Gustavo?
- Kilian?

Would you excuse me a second?
Sorry.

Thank you.

Are you expecting someone?

Actually, I am.

- Nelson.
- Nelson?

I suppose he won't be long in
rescuing you from this boring party.

What you're talking about?

There was no fight
at the estate.

I can imagine where you
went off to in such a hurry.

As far as I know, you're not my
girlfriend, you can't control me.

Julia.

Let's dance.

Forgive me for what
happened the other day

and for stepping
on your toes.

Don't worry. I'm not
the most gifted dancer either.

And not as skilled as the miningas,
at least this dance is free.

Julia, don't compare
yourself with them.

You guys can do as you please
and no one dares to judge you.

We girls have to wait
until you get tired of flings

and come back to get a good,
loyal wife, at home, locked up.

Because you have a name for
women who behave as you do, right?

All this is new to me.

What would you think of me

if I gave myself to anyone
I felt like every weekend?

This conversation is
not appropriate for...

For a woman.

Julia.

Wait a second, please.

- Manuel.
- Yes?

He's the estate's doctor.

Julia is the daughter
of my parents' friends.

A pleasure.

Have we seen each
other before?

I often come here to swim
and on Sundays I'll play cards.

That must be it,
I usually come too.

Do you want something to drink?

- Thanks.
- No, thanks.

I wasn't expecting this, Gustavo!
Enough!

Emilio!

I've sacrificed my
whole life on this land

so that my family
could have a better life.

I won't put up with
being threatened!

You've exploited us long enough!
Sooner or later you'll have to go!

- Enough, Dad.
- Ungrateful, that's what you are!

Enough!
Look at me. Enough.

Please.

Gustavo, forgive him.
He loves this island so much

that he gets very upset
when they call him a foreigner.

I hope you can see that.

Forgive him, please.

Dad, don't allow politics to damage
so many years of friendship.

Come on.

Listen to her.

Please.

Let's go home.
Come on.

Come on, Emilio.

Dad, let's go home.

She's a special girl.

Not now, Sim�n.

- Come on, wake up.
- What's wrong, Dad?

The casino, Santa Isabel...

You've been here for more than a
month and that's all you've seen.

I won't let you waste your time
as your brother does. Get up.

Come on, get up.
Os� is waiting for us.

- Too much party last night?
- Not really.

It's just...
I feel out of place.

I miss my home.

This is your home, Massa Kilian.

It looks like we have
arrived in time.

It's a male.

Once it leaves for the sea,
it will never again set foot on land.

When the times comes, the female
turtles come back to this beach

- to lay their eggs.
- How do they find their way back?

One never forgets
where one was born.

Massa Ant�n, Massa Ant�n,
we want sweets!

I don't have any.

Hi, hi.

Your father comes here from
time to time for our special oils.

They're good for exhaustion.

Come, I'll introduce
you to my friends.

I have a message for Massa Jacobo,
I have a message for Massa Jacobo.

I have a message
for Massa Jacobo.

Hello, I have a message
for Massa Jacobo.

- Can I help you, miss?
- Yes, I have a message...

Why is everything so dark?

An electricity problem.
Park just before you reach the house.

The Nigerians have filled
the main courtyard.

Thank you.

- Remember the other day when...
- Wait. Marcial.

Julia.

Manuel, what's all this about?

The laborers have organized
a forest rat hunt.

- Hunting grompis? In the dark?
- There's a party in the courtyards.

The jungle at night is full of mystery.
Do you want to have a look?

Well, well.

What are you doing
here this late?

I was going to
the cinema and...

To the cinema?

You took a pretty
big detour then?

Yes, but I remembered on my way that
Manuel had invited me to the hunt.

Shall we?

- You want some?
- Thank you.

- Cheers, Father.
- Hello.

Kilian.

Be careful!

It's delicious.

This is no place for a woman.

Oh, Jacobo,
don't be so old-fashioned.

You remind me of Mariana
when she was young.

How's my daughter doing at hospital?
Does she give you much trouble?

No, no!
She's a fast learner.

I think it'll be easy to persuade
Garuz to hire her.

How did this get
into my bedroom?

Who paid you to do it?

Tell me!

Who paid you, Sim�n?

- I'm talking to you.
- Umaru!

I saw Umaru coming down the stairs.
That's why I came to see you.

Clean my bedroom!
Now!

Jacobo, Jacobo!

- Umaru?
- He's there.

Don't let him move!

Don't move.

What were you
doing in my room?

What is he saying?

What is he saying?

He says he's been at the
party the whole time.

Bring me the rod.

Bring me the rod!

Father, let him do it.

Hold him.

You too, hold him.

Hold him!

Turn him around.

That's enough, Massa. Stop.
The boy will tell you everything.

He found a nest of bitis
in the cocoa trees.

He called Massa Gregor so that
he could kill it but Massa Gregor...

Congratulations.
You're now almost like me.

You'll do well on the island.

Kilian.

Kilian.
Father!

Look at me. Look at me. Manuel!
Open your eyes, Kilian!

Where am I?

- Kilian, I didn't think you'd make it.
- What happened?

What could it be?
The bitis bit you.

But if you're awake that
means you're out of danger.

You really scared us.

Come on, men!
Come on!

Mother, Catalina, I can't believe it,
but my first season has ended.

Apparently it's one of the best
harvests they've had in years.

Julia has become very good friends
with Manuel, the estate's doctor.

I wouldn't be surprised if we
hear wedding bells any day now.

By the way, Os� is taking father
and I to his daughter's wedding.

I'll try to convince father
to take some vacation

because I know
he really misses you two.

- What's your son-in-law called, Os�?
- Mosi.

How did they fall in love?

What did I say?

He's telling her she must always
be faithful to her husband,

like sand on the beach that
may only be washed by one sea.

He wishes them happiness and
strength on their new journey.

She's asking Mosi to
never abandon his wife

in spite of the many other
wives he may have.

How can you understand
their language, Father?

I spend a lot of
time with them.

I've witnessed many
weddings like this one.

May the spirits
bless your marriage

with many children.

- What should I say?
- Whatever you want.

Something sweet. She's been
very kind to me, and to you.

I hope you'll both
be very happy.

Let's go.

Massa Kilian!

What's wrong?
What's wrong, Sim�n?

It's Massa Ant�n.

They found him passed out in the office.
He's sedated now.

I've given him a higher
dose of morphine.

Higher?

For months now he's been taking
morphine to ease the pain.

Kilian, your dad has an
illness that can't be cured.

We can't operate.

He only has a matter of days.

I'm sorry.

Did you know about this?

Os�.

He made me swear
not to say anything.

It's in God's hands now.

God does not send the illness.

God is the creator
of beautiful things.

Illness is sent by the
spirits of our ancestors

when we don't honor
them as we should.

I don't know what the hell
you're doing in a hospital

instead of in the jungle
invoking your spirits.

Jacobo.

What cannot be avoided,
cannot be avoided.

Here, at least we can
help him with the pain.

I feel useless.

You take care of my father in a
way that I've never been taught.

I don't even dare touch him.

If it were your father on that bed,
what would you do?

I'd let the doctor who has always
taken care of him come and visit him.

Father.

It's Kilian.

I was walking in the snow
with my father.

Soon I'll be back
with my loved ones.

If you were so ill,
why didn't you go home?

- Do you remember the turtles?
- Yes.

Once they leave for the sea,
they never again set foot on land.

I have also chosen
where I want to die.

But mother...

I didn't want her to
see my lifeless body.

God has chosen me to go first.

And I'm grateful.

Is there anything
you want me to tell her?

There's nothing she
doesn't already know.

Well, yes. Tell her I'll be waiting
for her in the place where I'm going.

I've seen that place
in my dreams, Kilian.

That witch doctor
opened my eyes.

Life is a tornado.

Peace, fury...

and then peace again.

Father.

Jacobo.

Jacobo.

Jacobo, I know...

I know nothing I say
could ever console you,

but I want you to know that
I'm here if you need anything.

Don't you ever do that again!

I'm engaged to Manuel.

But you don't love him.

I spent half my life
chasing you down

and you had to wait until Manuel
showed up to realise that I was here.

You're going to
ruin your life, Julia.

I waited so long for you, Jacobo.

It's time I started living.

And you should do the same.

Julia!

I'm afraid I can't help you.

My uncle has Alzheimer's and he's
no longer able to manage by himself.

And my father passed
away a few days ago.

I don't know...

If someone important to
them were having problems,

I couldn't forgive myself.

If you could put me in contact with Sim�n,
I might be able to find them.

He was my uncle's houseboy and
the contact between my family...

And the woman mentioned
in the letter.

Concerning the dates you mentioned,
I don't think he works here anymore.

If you have a look at the
files that my father kept

you might find what
you're looking for.

- Are you the new secretary?
- No.

I'm looking for documents from
when my father worked here.

You're the daughter
of a colonist.

Employee of the estate,
it's not the same thing.

I see you haven't wasted any time.
Did you find anything interesting?

Not much really.

I have to close up now, but if
you can come back another day.

Iniko can take you
back to the hotel, right?

I'd always imagined this
place under a blazing sun.

That is because you know
nothing about this land.

And the little I've
heard is all lies.

I heard Bubis were charming

and hospitable people.

My hotel is that way.

I have to pick someone up
from the airport.

I'm late. I'll leave you
at the hotel afterwards.

- Hi.
- Man, what's up?

- How are you?
- Good.

Good?

- How's everything?
- Good.

- Hi, I'm Laha.
- Clarence.

Nice to meet you.

Do you want me to
sit in the back?

Don't worry, I'll go sit there.

What are you doing in Malabo?
Let me guess...

- Volunteer for some NGO?
- No.

- UN envoy sent to write
up a report? - No.

Businesswoman, engineer...
Iniko, give me a hint.

Researcher.

No, I'm a professor of Linguistics.

I'm here to look at the level
of Spanish spoken in Guinea.

And how is it?

I don't know yet,
I've just arrived.

- Are you on holiday?
- Yes and no.

Let's see.

I study Engineering in Madrid.

We have a lot of oil and gas here but
it is extracted by foreign companies.

Yeah.

If more people had the
same opportunities as me...

Excuse my brother's manners.

Is he your brother?

- Didn't he tell you?
- No.

He's not a big conversationalist.
Right, Iniko?

What are you up to tonight?

Nothing.

Would you accept some Bubi
hospitality to welcome you to Malabo?

I'd be happy to.

Well...

- You'll see, you're going
to have fun. - OK.

You're going to like it.

I'm sorry.

- Is there a problem?
- No.

- No, I'm sorry.
- What?

Let's go, Clarence.

You remind me of somebody.

Someone I knew
a long time ago.

Be careful, you might find
what you have come here for.

Who's that woman?

Mama Sade.

The man with her is her son.

They say his father
is a white man

she fell in love with,
and then he left her.

- What is his son's name?
- What are you, a gossip?

They're dangerous people.
Don't get in trouble with them.

Let's go.

Come on!
We will have a good time anyway.

- Are you OK?
- Yes, thanks.

No, really.

Come on.

This is better than
being in the hotel room.

- Thanks for inviting me.
- I didn't invite you.

Don't look so much.
Listen.

Feel the music...

here.

Here.

And here.

See?
It's not that difficult.

What are you doing, Clarence?

What are you thinking about?

I'm running out of time and
I haven't made any progress.

Why did you come here?
Tell me the truth.

My dad passed away
a few days ago.

I think he kept in touch
with someone here.

My grandfather died here.

I visited his grave and
there were fresh flowers.

Do you know a
man called Sim�n

- who is now around 65 years old?
- No.

Do you know his African name?

No.

Is that the Basile Peak?

It's actually a volcano.

In Bubi it's called Ow�ssa.

The Nigerian called it Big Pico and
the British called it Clarence Peak.

Did you know you were named
after an African volcano?

An extinguished volcano.

It's dormant.

Only it knows how
alive it is inside.

Where are we going?

It's a surprise.

What are you waiting for?
Get out.

Come, it's this way.

What do you think?

Every December thousands of sea
turtles cross the Ocean Atlantic

to come here and lay their eggs,
the place where they were born.

Look.

That is the guardian
of the island.

It looks after the
inhabitants of Ureka.

An offering for
the guardian.

Come over here!

I was in prison, Black Beach.

What got you arrested?

Being Bubi.

They arrested hundreds.

I was lucky and was
released from prison.

Others didn't survive.

There are still so many things
I don't understand about this place...

My dad and uncle probably
saw these palm trees grow.

One day there'll be nobody to tell
stories of palm trees in the snow.

Look.

Hold this.

- You're not allowed to take photos.
- Garuz told me I can.

Just a second.

Taking pictures is forbidden!

We're leaving now.

We're leaving now.

Put the camera away.

Let's leave before
we get into trouble.

That man saw you
taking pictures. See?

- Maybe one of them knows Sim�n.
- Enough questions for today.

I should have started there.

- Wait.
- Let me...

Excuse me.
Excuse me, I'll put it away.

- I just want to ask something.
- White girl!

Go back to your country,
we don't want white people here.

Keep walking.

Keep walking.

- Now you have foreigner friends?
- Fuck!

Come on.

Enough.

Let me talk to him.

He says you have the eyes
of the people of your land.

Everything is fine!
Everything is fine!

Let me deal with them.

Who is he?

He worked at the estate
when this was a Spanish colony.

Ask him if he's Sim�n.

Do you understand me?

You speak my language.

He swore to never speak
your language again,

but yes, he understands you.

Sometimes I'd
prefer not to, though.

What's he saying?

He's asking,
what brings you here.

My grandfather Ant�n,
my father Jacobo and my uncle Kilian

worked on this land
for many years.

My dad passed away
a few days ago

and I came to visit my grandfather's
grave, Ant�n de Rabaltu�.

Did you know him?

He says my grandfather
and yours were good friends.

He asks you to send his
regards to Massa Kilian

and to tell him that life
hasn't been as cruel

as it could have been,
in spite of everything.

He says he will
be glad to hear it.

Yes, he will be glad to hear it.

What blood divided,
blood will unite.

- Sim�n...
- Let's go.

- I need to find Fernando.
- Let's go now!

I need...

Who's that Fernando
you're looking for?

My dad or my uncle used to send money
to a woman here in Bioko for years.

One of them had
a son with her.

I just know he is
called Fernando.

In those days, children were baptized with
a Spanish name and an African name.

Fernando is a very common name,
but it's Laha's second name.

Look.

- Where did you get that picture?
- I found it among my uncle's letters.

That woman is my mother.

I knew this day would come.

Kilian...

We lived really hard times.

Thanks to him,
we could get by.

Surely, we wouldn't be here

without his help.

Mum.

Kilian is my father?

The spirits have decided
that the time has come

for my sons to
know their story.

The...
The spirits?

Didn't you heard their voice,
Clarence?

Why, if not, have
you come to Bioko?

My uncle stopped writing...
as soon as my grandfather passed.

This is my story, too.

Please.

Kilian went home
and stayed there

for almost three years.

In that time,
many things changed.

The gods blessed
me with a child

and my life with
Mosi became easier

thanks to that gift.

I missed you, Grandfather.

Come meet him.

Look!

But when Kilian came back

and we saw each
other again...

it was like all that time

that we had been apart...

Congratulations.

Had never existed.

What's his name?

Iniko.

Where you come from it means
"born in difficult times".

May I?

I don't know your name yet.

My name is Daniela Bisila.

Congratulations, Mosi.

Kilian!

And to think that I have
the son of a Bubi chief

- as my houseboy. Don't I, Sim�n?
- We'll see for how long.

And what do you say, Os�?

Do you want independence as well,
like Sim�n and Gustavo?

When two elephants fight,
the one that suffers is the grass.

That is all I know about politics.

Let's go?

- Let's go.
- Let's go, Sim�n.

What's wrong?
Aren't you happy to see me?

Where is my brother?

Your brother is around, looking.
He likes all of them.

On the other hand,
you are a one-woman man.

I've shared you with other men;
I owe you nothing.

That I make a living
the way I do

doesn't mean I don't
have feelings.

Oi!
Show some respect!

Another round on me, damn it.

Another round, my treat.
Money's not a problem.

Kilian.

What are you doing here?
What's wrong?

Catalina?

Mother?

No, they're good.
They send their love.

Aren't you going
to give me a hug?

Of course I bloody will.

Hey, I'm all right, yeah?

I'm all right,
it's just that this season

is turning out to be
a bit harder than expected.

Stay where you are!

Anybody gets close,
I'm gonna blow his brains out!

You better put the gun down.

Put it down.

Since when do we argue
over a woman here?

Don't you understand

that you're not going to
decide for us ever again?

This is the real
face of Whites!

As long as you obey,
everything will be all right.

Stand up!

You don't have enough
bullets for everybody.

There's a lot more of us.

Gregorio.

Gregorio, put the gun down.

Put the gun down.

We'll let you go.
Nobody wants this to end badly.

Hand it over.

No ships come on Fridays.

I came by plane at midday.

And why didn't I see you?

When I got here, I was told
you were still at the cocoa fields.

So I went to pay Os� a visit.

When I came back, you had
already gone and they told me...

I've talked to Garuz.

Now that I'm back, you'll be able
to go home for a few months.

It won't hurt you to get a bit
of rest and fresh air, Jacobo.

I'm glad to see you too, Kilian.

Very glad.

That's it. They're leaving us
on our own. On our own!

- I was starting to think you weren't
around any more. - No, dear.

With things the way they are, I
thought you have left with Jacobo.

He doesn't care about us.

He's been in Pasolobino
almost nine months.

Isn't he coming back?

I don't know.

- Goodbye.
- Bye.

- Hey, ma'am!
- Well!

Not a single article about
what is happening here.

Nobody cares about the
colonies back in Spain?

To tell you the truth,
I don't think they do.

Dad, France and England
have freed their colonies;

Spain wasn't going
to be any different.

Nobody knows their
place any more.

Here, give it to me.

Thank you, Generosa.

And Manuel,
how is he doing?

- Good, he's really doing well.
- Yeah?

When he finishes at the plantation,
he goes to visit the villages,

so we don't get to relax.
But he's good.

Julia?
Julia!

Julia.

What's wrong?

It's Father Rafael.

He called the hospital;
he was really nervous.

He says that a badly injured
man came to the church,

says he's a friend of yours.
His name is Gustavo.

Gustavo?

But he was arrested
months ago.

We need to help him.
But Garuz can't find out.

Kilian, could you take us?

Let's go.

Good afternoon.

Where are you coming from?

We were visiting Father Rafael.

We're headed to Sampaka.
Is there a problem?

And her?

She is the farm nurse. There's
a very ill man who we think will die.

That's why we went
to tell Father Rafael,

to see if he could give him
his last rites.

It'd be best if you
didn't leave Sampaka.

Who did this to him?

Truth is,
could have been anyone.

Spanish soldiers looking
to set an example or...

Or some local leader who considers
him a dangerous opponent.

Nobody is safe
here any more.

More bandages, please.

What did you say to him?

That he looks so ugly the spirits
won't want to take him like this.

When I'm finished with him,
he will be the one to decide

if he wants to go or not.

Julia, go back home.

I'll stay, don't worry.

Are you sure?

I'll be awake.

Let me know when Bisila
has finished, please.

Kilian.

He will be safer here.

You did a good job.

Thank you.
You helped, too.

Anybody would have
done the same.

No.

Not anybody.

Come.

You should get back.

It is probably Manuel.

It's late.

Good evening.

I'm sorry you had to take
care of this. How is he?

Fine, he is resting now.

Well, you can go then,
I'll take it from here.

Thank very much, Bisila.

I knew it the very first
time I heard your voice.

As if you talked to a part of me I
didn't know it existed. Like a spell.

What have you
done to me, Bisila?

My body is not untouched.

But my heart is.

I give it to you.

What is that song about?

The one you were singing
by the river.

About springs that emerge
from the earth unexpectedly

to become rivers.

About streams that
split to rejoin again.

About the sea that,
in the end, welcomes us all.

It talks about life's path.

About destiny.

Why where you crying, then?

Well...

Because I couldn't
choose mine.

As a child,
they told me horrific stories

about punishing
adulterous women.

They were strung up on trees,
stones tied to their feet.

Or they were buried up
to their necks

for the vermin to devour.

I won't let anything bad
happen to you.

We will have to be
very careful, Kilian.

It will be our secret.

We can't hope for
anything more.

I will always be with you.
Always.

See you later!

I'm running out of
excuses to come.

Yesterday, Sim�n asked me rudely
what was hurting me this time.

Oh, yeah?

And what did you tell him
was hurting you?

It's not there that hurts.

- No?
- No.

You said it really well.

- Really?
- Yes.

Now it's my turn.

Not even half as
bad as I can be.

Yeah, Fernando Poo
voted against independence,

but it's a minimal margin.
It's just a matter of time, Kilian.

Sooner or later,
we'll need to leave.

Manuel, don't be a pessimist,
please.

With Gustavo in the council,
we have a friend in the new party.

- Don't we?
- I wouldn't be so sure about that.

What do you think, Kilian?

I don't care who's in power.

I only hope things
stay as they are.

Right, Ismael?
Aren't we OK here?

Massa Kilian.

What's the matter, Sim�n?

A telegram arrived.

It's not good news.

What's wrong, Kilian?
Is it Jacobo?

It's Catalina.

She's very ill.
They don't think she'll get better.

They are asking me to go home,
to say goodbye.

Dear Catalina...

I stared at our house as if I was
trying to memorise every detail.

Am� came close to me
and strongly grabbed my arm.

We struggled to walk forward,
arm-in-arm,

with our suitcase and skies.

The snow was
up to our knees.

It didn't take us
long to reach Jacobo.

You were very cold.

I warmed you up.

We walked along
the snowy streets.

The mountain
was full of snow.

You were very sad.

We were all fighting to hold back
our tears and control our emotions.

It was then that
you gave me this diary.

Kilian!

You have mail!
From Africa!

Have you gone crazy?

This is a hospital!

A hospital for workers
of this plantation!

Don't stick your nose into
other people's business!

- What happened?
- This was a warning!

- How are you?
- Fine.

How is your mother?

I won't tell you that she's fine,
to be honest.

But, since they saw it coming, she
had time to come to terms with it.

At least Kilian is going to stay
with her for a while.

And when will he come back?

What, aren't you
happy to see me?

Don't be silly, Jacobo,
of course I'm happy.

What?

Nothing, it's just...

It's just that it doesn't seem
like you to let others see you...

vulnerable.

I might be changing.

You can't fool me, Jacobo.
I'm sorry, but you can't fool me.

You will never change.

I've met someone special.

Her name is Carmen.

You don't know her,
she's not from Pasolobino.

Then I'm very happy for you.
Truly.

Although I can't say
the same for her, huh?

She's got a lot in store for her,
poor girl.

And how is it going with Manuel?

Really well.
He is a good husband.

And look at me now,
with two little ones.

Who would have said that
a couple of years ago, huh?

I am very happy.

It's OK, it's OK.

It's OK, it's OK.

It's OK, baby.

Well, I'd better
leave you alone.

It seems like the
little one is hungry.

You can't fool me either, Julia.

Leave.

A young lady alone
at this time?

She's looking for something.

Let me pass. I'm a nurse,
they're waiting for me at the hospital.

Stop, please.

I'm sorry, I...

It's not your fault, Clarence.

Nothing of what
happened is your fault.

No one helped you?

Bisila.

Nobody can know.

Do you hear me?
Do you hear me?

It can't come to light.

A strong tug.

I'm afraid I'll hurt you.

Don't be afraid.
You'll do it right.

Stop, stop, stop.

Kilian.

Jacobo!

Syphilis.

How could he have caught syphilis,
Manuel?

He will stay with us
for three weeks,

that's if he responds
well to the treatment.

But he will need to be on medication
for at least three months.

Now, if you will excuse me,
I have more things to do.

Come on!
Quick!

Come on! Quick.
We don't have all day.

What happened to you?

I was mowed down
by a pick-up truck.

My brother is very ill,
you've got to help him.

I know perfectly well
what your brother has.

I hope he dies.

Bisila...

Do you know them?

Two white men murdered
the old-fashioned way.

Now they'll say that it's the spirits
who don't want whites on the island.

As if things weren't
chaotic enough.

Kilian.

Tell your brother
to be very careful.

Is anybody going to tell
me what's going on?

Sim�n.

I thought we were friends.

I don't understand anything.

Truly. I know something happened
when I was in Pasolobino.

Something that has to do
with Dick and Pao.

My brother?

Bisila...?

Os�, tell me it's not true.

Mosi knows.

I told him I saw Dick,
Pao and Jacobo

hanging around that night.

Let Mosi do what
he has to do.

If you try to stop him,
he'll know about you and Bisila.

And then you both will end up
hanging from a tree, too.

If you really love her,
stay out of it.

Well then!

How are you doing?

It's not contagious,
give me a hug, man.

Haven't you heard?

Dick and Pao.

What, they caught
the same thing I did?

They were found
hanging from a tree.

Because of something they did.

Because of something
you did, too.

I drank so much I don't even know
how I woke up in my bed.

Well, maybe I went too far
with the iboga as well...

- What happened the other night?
- I'm trying to tell you,

I can't remember, Kilian.
And it's none of your business.

Do you even know
who she was?

What does it matter
which one she was?

What's the problem,
that I left without paying?

You raped a woman.

You raped her!

Os�'s daughter, my woman.

Jacobo, my woman!

I should kill you myself.

It'd be much less painful
than what Mosi can do to you.

Kilian!

Kilian!

I need to speak
to your father.

What were you thinking, crossing
the forest at night on your own?

You're my only friend here,
you need to help me.

What is this?

It's something I need to say.

I know everything.

I'm sorry.

I'm asking you
for forgiveness

and from your ancestors

in the name of my brother

and my ancestors.

I'm asking for forgiveness
from all women

who have been humiliated

by men such as myself.

I promised

to never abandon you.

And I won't

unless you

ask me to.

I need time, Kilian.

We don't have it.

Bisila.

Tomorrow is Friday.

Everybody will be at
Santa Isabel at night.

This place will be empty.

Want to go to
Santa Isabel later?

Well, well, well,
what's with this banger?

Stop, pull over there.

What's wrong?

I don't know anything
about engines.

Tell Maximiliano to send Waldo;
tell him to hurry up, come on.

Let's go!

Come on.

Jacobo, it's me, Kilian.

- Kilian!
- Calm down.

Mosi is here, Kilian.
Mosi...

Kilian...

Kilian.

Whose is that?
The gun.

Gregorio.

Get off my island.

Hurry up.

You're not going to
come with me?

Go.

Hurry up.

Kilian, look at me.

Go back home.

You've still got time
to start your life anew.

Your hair.

I've still got the images
in my mind, Kilian.

I can't erase them.

Mosi didn't have a family.

Nobody's going to claim Iniko.

I'm going to leave him
with my mother

and I'll move to a cabin
in the outskirts of town.

I'll need to be
unseen for a while.

Then I'll be able to come out

and I'll be free to go
and do whatever I want to.

I need you to promise that
you won't try to see me.

How long?

A year.

The time it takes
a cocoa tree to bloom.

We don't have that much time,
you know that as well as I do.

Kilian...

I've said this once
and I say it again.

I will always be by your side.

Even though you can't see me,
I'll be there.

A low shot that just
sneaks by the post.

Coming up next, the president
gives his first speech to the people.

I declare formally constituted
the Republic of Equatorial Guinea

of which I become its first
constitutional president.

- Long live the Republic of Equatorial
Guinea! - Long live the Republic!

Kilian, any news on Gregorio?

No.

I thought maybe he'd gone back
to Spain without saying anything,

but all of his things
are still in his bedroom.

Including his passport.

I don't know anything about him.

I don't have the power to protect
the Spaniards any more.

Be careful, Kilian.

Hey, friend!

You look tired,
why don't you hop in?

I prefer walking.

Get in.

I think that will be enough.
You can rest now.

That grave should be
for your brother.

So you're going
to pay for him.

Why didn't you leave as well?

I should return this to you.

You white people are
nothing without them.

Have you all gone crazy?

This man is innocent.

He didn't respect our laws.

That's not true.

You know he didn't
rape Bisila.

She loves him.

She is mourning

to be able to reunite with him.

Jacobo snatched Bisila's
"ribal� r��t�".

And now you will take

his "ribal� r� rih�l�"?

I'll give you time until Bisila's
has finished mourning.

Then, you both
will have to leave.

If not, you know
what to expect.

Sim�n, please,
fetch me that paper over there.

You know what that is?

It's an "el�b�".

It keeps bad spirits away.

Bisila sent it to me
when I was away.

I'd like to ask you a favour.

There's no need for you
to do the natives' work.

I sleep better if I'm tired.

First time I saw you at
the cocoa plantations

you looked lost,
not really knowing what to do.

You asked: "What are the songs
about?", and I told you...

"About work".

Work to keep you from thinking.
Now I understand.

Some of these men spend years
without seeing their wives.

Now I'm just one
more among them.

I was just a girl when
I arrived here.

This is my home.

It's the only one
I've ever known.

If you don't see me cry, it's because
Iran out of tears a long time ago.

On the other hand... I understand
why you don't want to come back,

but it's dangerous here.

Father Rafael is leaving too.

Even Nelson and Oba have realised
that this isn't a safe place to live.

You're not going to
change my mind.

I made a promise, Julia.

I know, I know... Honestly,
I didn't call you to persuade you.

I called to ask you a question.

Would you change your mind if she
would be willing to come with us?

Ma'am.

They are here.

Wait a minute.

Iniko!

He's precious.

Hello, Bisila.

How are you?

His name is Fernando Laha.

May I?

It'll be our secret.

His future siblings won't
notice the difference.

I won't be able to
have more children.

Two is enough.

If you want, nothing can
stop us from being a family.

I want that.

Wait a moment.

Sorry.

Sorry.
Excuse me.

Bisila.

Julia!

Kilian.

I'll see you in a minute.

Thank you very much.

What's the matter?

You are Guinean,
you cannot leave.

This woman is my wife.

- Show me the papers.
- Father!

The papers.

I'm Father Rafael,
the priest of St. Isabel.

Their papers were lost in
a fire during the riots.

I married them,
she's as Spanish as we are.

Children of a Spaniard and a Guinean
are Guinean, not Spanish.

They cannot travel.

This woman is Spanish,
not Guinean.

She's free to go aboard,
but this child is Guinean,

and so is the mulatto.

They don't leave. You decide
whether you leave or you stay.

You'd better get
on the ship.

When we get to Spain,
we'll fix it at the embassy.

They're my family,
I'm not leaving without them.

Then clear the way!
Get out of here! Get out!

You, pass.

Go, come on!

Get up, get up.
Are you OK?

Bisila, are you OK?

Don't move!
Get back!

- Close the doors.
- Let's go!

- Come on, let's go!
- Close!

Get back!

Get back!

Come on!
Come on!

Go, go, go, go!

Kilian!

Kilian!
Kilian!

- Kilian!
- Sit down!

Oba!
Kilian!

Nelson...
Help!

Please!

Nelson!

Let's go.

Kilian!
Kilian!

Sooner or later,
they'll come back for us.

They won't allow us
to live together.

Maybe they won't let
us live together...

But they won't be able
to separate us, either.

Can I now?

No, not yet.

Now you can.

Your turn, undress yourself.

We have two kinds
of marriage.

"Ribal� r��t�", the kind
that buys virginity.

It's the one that
bonded me to Mosi.

But we also have
"ribal� r� rih�l�".

Marriage based on love.

It's not valid before the law.

But it is between us.

We don't have a priestess, but the
keeper of island can be our witness.

If that's what you want.

It's what I want.

Then I must talk first.

I promise

that I will always
be faithful to you

in my heart.

What should I say?

You need to say that you
won't abandon this wife.

Despite the many others
that you may have.

I won't leave you,
no matter what.

In my heart, at least.

All around us,
the world was falling apart...

But in Bisappoo,
we could finally live our love freely.

And that was the only
thing that mattered.

We didn't know how long
happiness could last.

It wasn't long.

Bisappoo would burn soon.

All the Spaniards
had to leave the island...

due to Mac�as' decree

and not be able to return.

Nevertheless, those were
the happiest days of my life.

Enough to give meaning

to an entire lifetime.

Bisila...

She gave me another present
for you, Uncle Kilian.

I hope I can do it right.

I learnt it just like
she taught me.