Original subtitles

- Give it! - Let go of me, we won the game.

- Ahmad! Throw it! Give us the money!

Give us the money!

Somebody is following us! Go to your room, you two!

When is this going to stop?

When are you going to behave like a girl your age, tell me?

If I'm not allowed to take part in everything, then never.

Always ready with an answer, miss cheeky!

If you weren't that good at school I'd have broken your legs.

And you! Keep your head in your book, and don't you dare set foot outside!

Take the ten Shekels. - Ok.

337 Shekels.

Take your noise away! People are dying and you're singing?

Why aunty, what did we do to you? We're soaking wet.

Go away!

I don't like what we're doing.

We need real instruments.

What are you talking about? We need another 5 years for that.

You're such a dreamer. You want to create a band with real instruments?

In Gaza? Now? You're crazy!

I'm not crazy. Where there's a will there's a way.

Where did you hear this? On which TV?

Do you want to reach The Opera House in Cairo or not?

You're aiming too high. You'll definitely be disappointed.

Can we keep it simple? Just playing for fun?

I might have a solution.

- Come on Ahmad, push. - God is Most Generous.

Grab some of our lovely food! Try Gaza's fish!

Come try some fish!

Give me the red one! Fish is a dish for kings!

Come try our fish! - I want that one.

Excuse me, You didn't pay!

- Boys, he didn't pay! - What?!

Come here, son of a..!

Omar you take that way! Ahmad that way and I'll go this way.

Shekel for the fish.

We need musical instruments.

- What? - Musical instruments.

Do you see any here?

Who sent you? Abul'Abed

- Abul'Abed? Yes, Abul'Abed

- How much do you have? 473 Shekels.

What can I get you with 473 Shekels?

Microphone, two amplifiers, a guitar.

Who plays the guitar?

Me. Yeah? Guitar.

A 6-piece Yamaha drum set.

Something for you to begin...

Are they used?

- Yes of course. All second-hand?

Look!

The money you have wouldn't buy you a string in a flee market.

Take.

warn you, you'll be in deep trouble if anyone finds out you were here.

Don't worry, your secret is safe.

- Are you a boy or a girl? - A girl.

A blind man went to collect his brother from the crossing,

he kissed the bag and carried his brother.

Any news from the best smuggler in town?

Not yet.

We've been waiting for weeks now! We have to sort it out.

He could've smuggled a whole orchestra by now!

Come here!

What are you doing here?

Didn't I tell you not to come here? Do you want to get me killed?

Get killed? Not before you've delivered.

Listen you! This isn't a joke.

Don't show up here again! I'll contact you when I get the stuff.

If we don't hear from you soon, we'll be back. And you won't like it.

I'm going to count to one, not three! Get out of here!

You want to count to one?

I'm going to count to one!

Get out of here!

Are you stupid? He could've killed us.

- You want him to rip us off? - No. But we have to use our brains.

So use it. How do you plan to solve this?

It was your call to give him our money!

You need to fight with me not blame me, you coward!

I'm a coward, tomboy? You should be at home.

- I'm a tomboy? - Yes!

Be quiet! Shut up!

She's your sister and you should respect her.

Don't worry, I'll talk to him.

Ok?

I'm not a coward!

Yeah right!

You've taken goods of really good quality.

No, no, this time I sorted them out personally. Don't worry.

Don't worry my friend.

That's it.

I'm really sorry about earlier.

I know you have the money.

Please just give it back and we'll forget about all of this.

It's not much for you.

But it's everything for us!

Please! Let's get it over and done with.

Here are your 473 shekels.

Slow down.

Enough.

If you ever come back, I'll bury you here.

Who did this to you?

I'll kill him and anyone else who would lay a finger on you.

Please.

Thank God nothing's broken, just external bruising.

Nothing serious, doctor? Yes, he's ok. Thank God.

What have you done? Who did this to you? Where were you?

Don't worry, we'll get out of here one day.

I promise you.

And we will play in Cairo. I know we will.

Are you crying?

Don't worry my dear.

It's going to be alright.

We're going to be big.

Say it with me, we're going to be big and change the world!

Stop it.

Say it! Say it!

You're hurting me!

Say it already!

We'll be big and we'll change the world.

We'll be big and we'll change the world.

- I can't hear you! - We'll be big and we'll change the world.

I know a way to earn some money.

But I'll need your help.

Will we all end up in hospital this time?

I am serious!

God bless your voice Mohammed.

God bless you.

Thank you.

-Hello Abu-Wassim. -Hello, uncle Abu-Wassim.

See you, uncle Abu-Wassim. Come on guys, push!

I'm sure he will help us.

No! I said no!

I am against you singing at weddings. What will people say?

Me too. I think we should only sing on national stages.

Mum, this is temporary. In order to grow,

we have to develop our skills

and singing at weddings helps us a a lot.

Mr big words! Say something!

To be honest, I agree with your mum.

But you are both talented and I can't stand in your way.

What do you think, Samiah?

I don't know.

Is that a girl?

Nobody can see that.

I can see that!

Kids are bad enough but girls too?

What do you think your party is?

It's just a lousy wedding party, and I don't mind not playing at it!

We've been practicing for a while.

Come on. This is about what's available.

We can do much better. You can do much better.

Who told you I want to do better?

What are you afraid of, Mohammed? You have a great voice.

I'm not afraid!

Please! We have to take it step by step.

You should pay us more!

We did a lot of weddings before.

She'll be in the back, no one will notice.

You know what they'll do to me if they find a girl on stage?

If you want a real band, you have to pay real money.

You paid us a fraction, so keep quiet and be happy!

You let kids sing at your wedding?

Shut up!

Nour! Nour! Get up!

Nour, what is it? Get up! Get up!

The tests show that she has kidney failure.

There are two courses of action.

Dialysis once a week, where we filter her blood

Or you buy a new kidney.

How much will it cost?

$15,000, plus hospital and operation fees.

But, it's impossible for us to raise that amount.

Is there another way?

If we can find a suitable donor

to give one of his kidneys, that could work.

I'll do it. I'll give her one of mine.

He needs to have the same blood type.

For now, we can start with dialysis.

Hopefully, she'll I get well.

Thank you, doctor.

Come on mum, you're embarrassing me. I'm not dead yet.

And you're not going to.

What's the big deal? It's only a kidney cleanse.

You will never get married.

Better! I prefer cleaning my kidney to cleaning the house!

Visiting time is over.

- Goodbye my dear. Look after yourself. - Ok.

Omar?

I forgot to give you this.

What is this?

I made it for you.

And?

I just want to tell you don't worry, I'm here by your side.

Omar, I told you a thousand times, get me out of your head,

I don't have time for your nonsense.

It's not nonsense, why are you so cruel?

Did it ever occur to you that I might not like you?

Take it.

You really don't want to get married?

It won't help our progress.

How do you think you got this disease?

Can you believe my luck?!

I think if you were a Swedish child, you wouldn't have gotten it.

It's all from frustration.

Seriously, I won't let this disease stop us from playing.

Come on, you have to take care of your health.

Hurry up. It's not a birthday party!

Are you waiting for dialysis?

Why else do people wait here?

Are you here all alone? Where's your mother?

My sister is waiting downstairs.

She can't stand the smell of hospitals.

Maybe she can't stand your rudeness!

- May she feel better. - Thank you, let's go.

Slowly.

Get well, Amal.

Get well, my dear.

- Where are your parents? - Outside

Don't worry. I just got a job.

What is it? Wacdonalds.

Wacdonald's in Gaza?

They opened a forged one in Alarish, Egypt.

And they deliver through the tunnels, thanks to me.

The tunnels? Are you crazy? You'll die!

You should see the tips I get when I deliver the food warm.

Anyway, we have to keep singing at weddings. We need every Shekel.

I'm sorry. I can't be involved with music anymore. I'm leaving the band.

What? Why?

I don't see a future in it.

At least we make money from it.

There's no guarantee this will change our lives on Earth.

I want to make sure my life in the hereafter is in Paradise.

What are you talking about? You sound like a religious man.

- So what? And that's why you're quitting?

Anyway, music is a tool of the Devil.

So we're his followers? But we're good people.

Then, according to you, the Devil is also good.

I don't want to hear this.

Stop, stop. I told you, try to go an octave higher. Try!

You're not trying.

It sounds out of tune.

To be a good singer you shouldn't worry about being out of tune.

No. No. That's really good. You're on the right track.

Do you think I'm stupid?

I don't know what more I can do.

Why do you sing, Mohammed?

I just want to help Nour.

Singing has its own reasons.

I don't understand.

You have to merge your voice with your passion and your soul.

Will all of these help my sister get a new kidney?

Don't let anybody make you feel your dreams don't matter, ok?

Sometimes that's all we have left.

Is this your CD?

Yes.

Put them here, thank you. One second...

Keep the change.

This is a hospital, you shouldn't be playing.

What's so funny?

Enough, enough!

- It's starting. The winner is..

Rami Suleiman!

Come on!

Those I like always lose!

You should bet on those you don't like,

that way, your favourite will win.

You're so silly.

You deserve to be there!

The band is not working.

You don't need the band, you're better than all of us!

You're a headache!

Arrest them!

To the car quickly!

Well done Omar!

You proved yourself!

Nour?

What is it?

I'm sorry, his blood type is incompatible with his sister's.

What can we do? How long will I this go on?

The only other choice is to buy a new kidney.

- Let's hope for the best. God willing

May she feel better. Thank you.

- Is this a house or an airport? - Don't embarrass us.

Hello young man.

How are you?

- Sorry to keep you waiting. No worries

Have a seat.

How are you my friend? Good.

You look healthier every day.

What can I do for you?

As I told you on the phone, we have this young talent.

His voice is beyond expectations.

You know how culture is important to Our society.

And to the resistance and to our image abroad.

He will allow us to dream again, to fly again.

What exactly does he need?

15,000 Dollars.

What do I get in return?

I'll sign a contract that whatever I earn from my voice will be yours.

You can't talk to him like that.

We don't have time!

But that's not the way. You let him hear your voice first,

get him to believe in you, then you ask for some money.

Then if he likes you, you ask for more. Where will we find someone like him?

I don't understand! Why do they always put me after you?

Good morning to you too, what an entrance!

I've had enough, really.

Had enough of what?

What?

Don't say that. You're still young.

Look at my brother. He has zero support,

but he still has a great spirit and a golden voice.

Don't listen to her.

He has a golden voice and looks like a tiger, lucky him.

- A tiger? - The nickname suits you.

- Tiger! Come on tiger, sing something for us.

I'm not in the mood.

Singing fixes the mood.

Not necessarily.

C'mon Tiger. Shall I beg you more?

Don't give up Nour.

I promise to get you a new kidney.

I promise.

Don't give up.

We're going to play in Cairo.

We will overcome.

Say it. We'll be big and we'll change the world.

Say it! We'll be big and we'll change the world.

Say it! say it! We'll be big and we'll change the world.

We'll be big...

Say it! We'll be big and we'll change the world.

We'll be big and we'll change the world.

We'll be big and we'll change the world.

Don't take her!

Goodbye my darling.

Yes, I can confirm that the situation in Gaza

is catastrophic, with all the sense of the word...

Why did you take this road? This is the long way.

If I go through the city, it's going to cost you more.

You should consult your customers and treat them with respect.

Not like this, shame on you!

Welcome, welcome Mohammed.

How are your parents? Good.

Good.

Do you think you can get me on "Palestine Star"?

It's difficult. You'd need to go to Ramallah, and you're not allowed.

I need to get out of this place before it kills me.

But you need a lot of practice.

I'll do whatever you want. Just get me out of here.

Do you want to Call Ahmad or should I?

I'm so happy we're back together.

This is Ali.

How are you? Fine.

Hi Ahmad.

- I'm Ali Kushk. Mohammed Assaf.

Are we ready?

No, we just had a power cut.

Do we have a generator? No.

Hang on, I'll figure something out.

How can I sing without electricity? Should we call Israel to restore it?

This is live, we have to be ready in ten minutes. Where's the power?

Relax!

Mohammed!

Generator? - Yes.

Does it work? - Hold this.

Start it! - Pull!

You do it. Hold on.

You pull!

Stop!

Get up!

Stand here.

Stay where you are.

Our next participant from Gaza, unfortunately was not able to pass

through Israeli checkpoints and join us in Ramallah.

But our show managed to break the siege via Skype.

God bless technology.

Any moment we'll meet our next singer from Gaza.

Move the Mic!

Mohammed Assaf can you hear me?

Introduce yourself and tell us what will you sing?

Sorry,can you repeat?

Run! Run!

I hope Gaza can stand strong against more Israeli aggression.

May God keep them safe, we'll be back.

What a rotten world. I'm quitting. I'll never sing again.

What does singing have to do with this?

Because this place sucks.

And your music sucks. You all suck.

Damn you! Was it my fault there was no electricity?

You should've got a better generator.

Why didn't you do it yourself?

I leave stupid jobs for stupid people.

Stop it! Enough!

Enough! What are you doing?

Out of my way!

What are you doing?

Who do you think you are?

We are working hard for you.

Appreciate it or get lost!

This is your chance, now,

to be the next "Arab Idol" star.

Last chance for auditions, this Saturday 6:00 am at the Marriott Hotel, Cairo.

Darling, to succeed, you have to be open to failure.

You're still young.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

I don't make mistakes.

You are right, you don't.

It's my fault I tried to talk to you.

What do plumbers and doctors have in common?

They both bury their mistakes.

You don't say! You should do stand-up comedy.

After we took part in "Palestine Star"

I made a Facebook page called "A boy, a generator and a donkey.

I have more than 23 followers.

Seriously 23! You don't believe me?

- I do believe you. You don't seem convinced.

Take a look. Let me see.

Amal Saker posted to the page: 'Where r u Tiger?'

Commenting as - With salad? - Yes.

With salad? Yes.

- Here's 5 Shekels and your phone. - Thank you.

Amal? Hello!

- It's been a while, how are you? Mohammed!

Oh my God, you've grown.

You too. God bless!

You were great on TV.

Hiba, this is the boy I told you about a long time ago.

Boy?

He's a young man now. Don't you remember him?

don't!

The tiger.

Ah, the Tiger.

Hello, Tiger.

Where are you going? If not to school, then to the hospital.

I'll drive you.

No need, it's a short walk.

What have you been up to?

At university and I work as a taxi driver to pay tuition fees.

How do you feel?

Apart from my kidneys, excellent! Enjoying every minute of my life.

She's so worked up about never getting married.

- Be quiet! - I told you...

God wouldn't mind if you die a spinster.

What a big mouth you have! Quiet!

Marriage is not the issue,

just want to fall in love, what's wrong with that?

Nothing. We're just talking.

What say the doctors?

For the time being dialysis is the only option.

But I might catch an infection at any moment and die.

That's so depressing. Can we change the subject?

Can you sing for us?

- No, I can't. Please.

- No, I can't. Please.

Amal, I can't. - Why?

-You wouldn't understand. Understand what?

understand that when you sing I feel better.

Just sing already! Do you think you're in the Opera House?!

If you don't I'll get out.

Fine, fine...

We may be surrounded by ugliness, but your voice is so beautiful.

God bless it.

The whole world should hear it.

Here you go.

No, this ride is on me.

Wow, first class service as well.

Okay, Tiger, goodbye. Don't disappear again.

My sister would like to see you more. Or rather it's her who will want that.

Be quiet! Go already!

Bye Mohammed.

Amal! Amal!

Amal! I'm going to sing!

I promise you I will.

You almost killed me. Is this your way of apologizing?

Ahmad, I have to go to Egypt.

So you have to kill me first?

The last day for the Arab Idol auditions is this weekend.

You know, people swim from Cuba to America to escape.

- You can swim from here to Egypt. KIA Ahmad, stop joking!

We have to get a visa.

I think swimming would be easier.

Omar! Omar!

Peace be upon you. Hello

Peace be upon you too.

Can we go for a walk?

I need to participate in Arab Idol.

We need your help to get a visa to Egypt.

As you know, Rafah Crossing is closed

and since you work there, you may help us to get an emergency Visa?

Sorry, I can't help.

What you are doing is a great sin and I can't be a part in it.

But we're your friends.

My duty to God is much more important.

What are we doing against God?

Participating in such a program is sinful.

They're using your misery to make the rich richer.

He who tells you that God is against singing is a good friend.

Keep him close.

Mohammed, I'm doing this for your own sake!

I'll never let you participate!

These programs are made to distract us from our main goal!

Peace be upon you.

Do you remember me?

You stole a lot of money from me years ago, and beat me up.

I stole from so many people. The past is in the past.

I'm not here for revenge.

I need an emergency visa to Egypt.

Son, I don't do these things anymore.

I saw death with my own eyes, my leg was the price I paid.

My life is precious to me.

My life is precious to me, too.

I truly need this favour from you.

You owe me!

Why take this risk?

Our voice must be heard.

No one knows that we are refugees and not allowed to go home!

Good luck. - You need it more than I do.

- Are you going to win? - It won't be easy.

Don't worry. Just enjoy.

Can you bring me a souvenir pyramid?

I'll bring you a real one.

With mummies?

With mummies.

Have a safe trip.

Hot water and honey. Wait I'll put it in a bag.

I'm sorry.

It's ok.

Whatever you do, just sing for the right cause

and do it from the heart.

And don't be afraid of being out of tune. Okay?

Thank you, Mr Kamal.

Good bye.

Be careful, Mohammed.

May God be with you.

- Don't forget this. Goodbye mother.

God bless you and keep you safe.

Tell them to hurry up! Come on, the road is clear.

Let's go. Come on!

You'll be in Egypt in ten minutes.

And if not, we'll visit you in jail.

What is he doing here?

Didn't you say Omar is off today?

I don't know, that's what they told me!

Get out, get out.

Get out of the car!

Where is he?

I know you're bringing him to the border.

So much for friendship. Shut up.

What is this? Do you take me for a fool?

I'm here to meet my aunt. She went for an eye operation.

Turn around.

- I have an operation in two days. - Where?

Al Shifa hospital in Cairo.

Have a safe trip.

- Peace be upon you. Peace be upon you too.

Is this real?

No, it's forged.

Do you know you'll end up in jail for this?

- Officer, I really need to go to Cairo. Why?

I'm going to a competition. What competition?

Qur'an recitation.

Really?

Recite something then.

My God.

You're amazing. God bless this voice.

Good luck with the Egyptians. All the best.

Hold on.

Omar, Please.

You know this guy?

His voice is amazing!

At least for Nour..

I have to get out of here.

If you leave, I can't guarantee your return.

It's not just up to me. - Omar...

I have no other choice.

Wait!

Thank you, Omar.

I'll help you with the Egyptians.

Thank you!

Excuse me, are the auditions here? Yes.

If your ticket is blue stand in line, if it's yellow, come tomorrow.

I have neither.

Then come next year.

They gave all the tickets away.

But it said to be here at 6.

People have been here at 6 for two days.

Attention, if you have a blue ticket, stand in line.

and if you have a yellow ticket come back tomorrow.

The tickets ran out, so if you don't have a ticket please don't wait here.

You dropped this Thank you.

Get down!

One without a ticket.

What are you doing? Get down!

- Where did he go? - He went in from the second floor.

- There on the second floor. - I'm on the second floor.

Over there, Ahmad!

Hey! Stop!

Are you alright?

Yes, why?

I heard you singing in the bathroom. What an incredible voice.

Well, in the bathroom all voices sound incredible.

Where are you from?

From Gaza, Palestine.

No kidding! I'm also from Palestine.

You too?

I was born in Egypt, but I'm originally from Palestine.

Are you here for Arab Idol?

Yeah, well no. I'm not participating.

Why not?

I failed to get a ticket.

What is this?

Take it.

No, I can't.

I'm here for the experience. I don't have a shot.

But you have. Please take it.

- I'll pay... What are you doing?

Don't even think about it. Take it.

I'm grateful.

I'm Ismael.

Mohammed Assaf. Good luck, Mohammed.

- Thanks a lot. You're welcome.

- 289! - Me!

Follow me.

Stand here please.

- Where are you from? Palestine.

Ready?

I want you to briefly introduce yourself.

Should I look at you or at the camera?

Whatever makes you comfortable.

- I'll look at you. Ok great, go ahead.

My name is Mohammed Assaf. I'm a singer from Gaza.

Gaza?

You're the only one to come from Gaza.

How is the situation in Gaza?

It depends. Are you recording this?

- Then I'll tell you later. -Ok.

What would you like to sing?

"Lama bada yatathanna"

You seem quite daring Go ahead.

So tell me...

Wait here. Ok.

Ready? What?

- Are you ready? Yes.

- Are you afraid? - I'm fine.

Now Rand is on stage, after her Kareem, and then it's your turn.

You're on in 20 minutes. Ok.

Good luck. Thank you.

Idol

Arab Idol

We won't take much of your time, a lot of anticipation and a lot of talent.

Now please welcome, from Gaza, Palestine,

Mohammed Assaf.

He's on! He's on! He's on!

Praise is to Palestine that gave birth to you.

A true artist always overcomes the obstacles.

You are rising and I hope you keep rising.

You are a rocket!

I see "Arab Idol" in front of me.

And I see a star.

Your voice is reaching far and wide.

You gave hope to many people.

This is a huge responsibility, guard it well.

Stardom awaits you.

- A rocket. - A rocket, a rocket, a rocket.

Many future talents will try to be like you.

You are on the way to stardom and success and nothing can stop you.

Bravo, bravo, bravo...

Mum, dearest!

I'm fine. just wanted to check up on you.

I hope it goes by quickly. Sometimes, can't sleep.

know you're under a lot of pressure.

People are so thrilled for you! Don't forget that I'm your first fan.

I feel it's a huge responsibility.

There is nothing harder than being a refugee in Gaza living under siege.

You can do it son.

Mohammed Assaf! Mohammed Assaf!

In your opinion how would your participation in Arab Idol

help the Palestinian cause?

One of the judges called you "The Gaza rocket"

Could your voice solve the issue

that couldn't be solved by armed or political interventions?

I just want my voice and that of my people to be heard.

If you don't win, will you be able to go back to Gaza?

Gaza is my home and it will always be. - He is truly amazing.

And what do you think of Mohammed Assaf?

He is very talented.

Mohammed Assaf united us!

At least he made us proud as a Palestinian nation.

He brought pride to the Arab world.

Palestine sounds prettier through Mohammed Assaf's voice.

Our history is full of disasters,

this is the first time we rejoice and hope for victory.

Where is Mohammed? He's late. His rehearsal is in ten minutes!

Where is Mohammed?

Not here yet.

Nobody called him?

- We did, he is not answering. - Great.

I know I'm in charge but what should I do?

Mohammed! Mohammed!

Can you open the door, please?

Mohammed!

Mohammed, what happened?

Can you hear me?

Calm down. I'll call you back.

Can he perform tonight?

He is overstrained, his heart is not coping. We gave him a tranquilizer

What is it?

A panic attack.

What could be the reason?

Probably fear.

The moment I saw you in Cairo, I knew you had a big story behind you.

But you are more than that, you are a great singer.

What are you afraid of?

You have to win.

Do you hear me?

I'm nothing more than a singer.

The world expects more from this voice than it can give.

Enough for today. Have a rest and tomorrow is a new day.

...In today's "Arab Idol" show.

Sources claim that he is under a lot of pressure,

which triggered a panic attack.

This rising star has overcome all difficulties,

and succeeded within a few weeks

to charm the Arab public with his tender voice

and endearing presence, becoming a symbol of perseverance...

Don't worry about me, but you have to stay.

My life is no longer mine. A lot of people are depending on it.

I can't take it anymore.

Mohammed,

when you sing, you give hope to millions.

At least you make me happy.

Really?

Amal,

are you crying?

No.

You promised me that you would let our voice be heard,

So do it, Mohammed. Do it.

One? I'm the one who will count to one!

You can achieve much more.

Mohammed, hurry up. Ok! Ok!

The results are in 5 minutes.

Tonight, only three out of thousands of auditions made it this far.

They are only one step away from the finish line!

Only one of the three contestants

received most votes

and will be the star of "Arab Idol".

Mohammed Assaf!