Original subtitles

YOUTH

Are you okay?

Are you ill?

- Open the door so we can help you. - No

I don't want to be seen.

There's just us.

Open the door.

Make sure no one can come in.

Wait!

Come to the infirmary.

No.

Listen, it happens to everyone.

Call an ambulance.

An ambulance? Why?

Can you walk to the gate?

Hold my abaya.

Give her your scarf. I'll get a taxi.

Wait for me.

You won't tell anyone, will you?

Don't worry.

Girls look out for each other.

Promise you'll see a doctor?

What was all that?

She had a miscarriage.

I hope she'll be okay. The same happened to my mother and she nearly died.

Maybe we shouldn't have let her go alone?

UNDERSTANDING A MISCARIAGE

Deka!

What's she up to? Deka, hurry up!

Coming, Mum!

You took your time.

All right, Mum.

You look tired.

I'm all right. Can you stop it slipping?

I've showed you how hundreds of times.

- Done your ablutions? - Yes.

You don't need a phone for prayers.

- Hello, happy Eid. - You too.

Happy Eid, Aunty.

Button yourself up.

Yes.

Eid pancakes are better than Ethiopian.

Did you find a good sheep?

Yes, but we couldn't see and they cost a lot.

They were no good, I didn't buy one.

Eid prayer, collective prayer.

May God bless me, and bless you.

Please stand to pray.

Allah is greatest.

Allah is greatest.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.

It is You we worship and You we ask for help.

Guide us to the straight path, on whom You have bestowed favour,

not those who have evoked anger or those gone astray.

Allah is greatest.

May Allah's peace, mercy and blessing be upon you.

May Allah's peace, mercy and blessing be upon you.

Happy Eid.

Hello.

Hello.

- Where are you taking me today? - Surprise.

Happy Eid.

You too.

- Any news? - No.

Feeling better?

It must have been hard during Eid.

Hard to hide it from my parents,

but all's well.

Did you tell him?

Feeling better today?

A bit.

Had you been together long?

Six months, but... it's not like he was the love of my life.

Six months!

Poor guy.

He must wonder what's up.

I don't care what he thinks. It's all his fault.

I don't know about you two, but you did sleep with him.

Aren't all those texts a pain?

Who is it?

Going by how she looks,

I'd say a boy.

I think it's sweet.

Will you say who?

No.

Saved by the gong.

You won't get away like that.

Is he a student?

Stop going on about it!

Is he married?

I don't believe it! You're worse than me.

- Good morning.

The headmaster has asked me to explain the university application procedure.

Applications for Djibouti University

won't begin until next September, so you have time.

Dream on!

But... But, those of you who want to study abroad

only have until 2 April to send the applications.

It's your first adult act

and it affects you most.

So don't take shortcuts, be responsible,

and think carefully about your choices.

I'm going to ask my sister. She's in Paris

and knows what to do.

Do you want to go away next year, too?

I'd have to get a scholarship

and that... is like trying to find snake shit.

What is this proverb?

Quiet now, please.

I suggest you make an appointment soon with the careers advisor.

Think of the freedom!

No one holding you to account, no one looking at you.

"You're so-and-so's daughter."

That's worth a lot.

Tell me about it!

But it's going to be hard work.

- Isn't Asma with you? - No.

She's started revising.

She's crazy.

A bucket of ice for Rejean!

You'll never get used to it!

I'd still rather be here.

I want to start a business.

What "business" is that?

You may laugh,

but when no one wants you, don't come asking me for work.

What's your dream, Deka?

I don't know.

Deka, superstar!

No, I'm the star here.

Your old man?

I asked you to tidy up!

What's this mess?

Miss Know-It-All.

You aren't our mum!

- Who gave you my scarf? - My hair!

I hardly touched you, cry-baby!

Don't fight with your sister.

Mummy, isn't Daddy eating with us?

He hasn't finished his rounds.

What's up? Don't you like it?

It's the same as yesterday.

Daughter, I get up at dawn every day to work in the market.

Do well at school, earn a good living like your sister will, Insh'Allah

and that way, you'll have a cook

to make you mouth-watering food!

Mum, can I go to the kiosk after school?

No, Asma.

You know you have to check the girls' homework, and your own

and tidy the house. No time for hanging out.

The dromedary...

Yes, I know.

It gets in step with the one in front!

What dromedary?

It means set an example.

She's right.

Her voice is really calming.

Hey! Don't mind me!

Who is it?

You only know American rap stars!

It's Empress Deeqa.

Never heard of her.

- Shall I take you home? - No, my dad's coming for me.

Hey, kids!

Asma, come on, your mother's waiting.

What about you?

The bus goes past my house. Laters.

Asma!

Wait for me.

Hello Dad.

Hello, Daughter.

- Hi Hossein, all good? - Good to see you.

What time will you finish?

God only knows.

No hello today?

Hello, uncle.

How's the family?

Well, thank God.

- Greet your mum, may God protect her. - Yes.

- Where's the warden? - Gone to get matches.

Rince your feet.

What are we eating?

Fish sauce, rice, beetroot salad.

OK.

- Deka, come and eat. - Coming, Mum.

And your homework?

Done. This is a list of what I want to do

before leaving Djibouti.

I've saved up, you mustn't fail.

Yes, Mum.

What a pretty bracelet!

Lend it to me?

- For school? - Yes.

That's new.

Let's eat.

Yes.

Anab, go see what she's up to.

Come and sit down.

I've already eaten.

But there's an hour till school.

Leave her, it doesn't matter.

I love this song. Turn the sound up.

- What's that? - Hibo!

You scared me.

We've been waiting for you outside.

I didn't see the time.

I chill out here.

You should tell your parents to give you a break.

Are you crazy?

A love story?

Silk, by Alessandro Barricho. Is it good?

It's an incredibly romantic story.

It's hot!

Do you do all this?

You should be the one saying what you do!

Honestly, what do you see in that guy?

He's old, he's married, not even rich.

Yes, if he covered me in gold it would be OK.

It would be a start. What about after the exams?

Will his wife, children and maid come with you?

Lighten up!

Stop talking

or I'll ask you to leave.

- Are you being careful? - We haven't done it yet.

What?

Maybe he'll drop you.

He isn't like that.

You think so?

Ah, Deka, I was wanting to see you.

A problem?

The careers advisor says you haven't made up your mind.

If you want to go abroad you must hurry.

- All right? - Thank you.

That's new.

Who gave it to you?

Hey, doll?

Stop it. I hate you calling me that.

What should I call you?

Sweetheart?

- My father called me sweetheart. - Is he dead?

No.

So, do you love me?

Stop it!

I'm going home.

- I'll take you. - No, it's OK.

A polish, Uncle?

Did you get my Facebook invite?

- Yes, but there's no date. - Damn!

- Hi! - Hi.

What date?

Her birthday party.

At the Kemp, 5 February from 3 onwards. Sent.

You know I haven't got a computer.

I'll text it to you.

My mum may not let me come.

I had to beg for the concert tomorrow.

Come on! It's in a month's time.

And I'll lend you a great dress.

That's not the point!

You have to. You can't leave me all alone.

OK, I'll manage.

Thanks.

No news from Youssouf?

No.

It's your fault.

- What? - Because of all that fuss.

I was afraid. I did something silly.

Come on, let's go.

- The butter. - I've got some.

You'll spill tea on it.

OK.

Open it.

Come in.

Don't put butter in like on Friday.

So we can eat bread with it.

Waiting for a message?

Anything else?

Hello Deka,

bringing the tea?

- Is everyone well? - God willing.

What about your brothers?

Yes, thank God.

Come and sit down

Have you ever left Djibouti, Uncle?

Yes.

In 1944.

Why was that?

I went to France

for the war.

When you're young, you aren't afraid.

It's when you're old that you get afraid.

With the Somali March Battalion.

We began with the Pointe de Grave.

The confrontation lasted from 4 in the morning till 3 the next day.

We used all our weapons to defend ourselves,

and pushed the Germans back 5 km from the coast.

So the battalions that had remained on the other bank

finished the battle with cannon shots.

We carried on fighting in Royan

then we went to La Rochelle,

where the French army and the Somali fighters,

who I was one of, paraded.

A group of women greeted us

with water, wine...

It was in May and it was hot.

They slipped into the ranks to wipe us down.

The whole town was celebrating, dancing everywhere.

Since we didn't know how to dance their way

we said we were tired.

We stayed a fortnight.

Then we went back to Bordeaux, the departure point to return to Djibouti.

I got back on 15 July, 1946.

I stayed in the army, and in 1947

I was in the battle of Madagascar.

That was my story.

And you? Made a decision?

I wonder what the point is leaving

Your mother has made huge sacrifices for you.

I know all that!

But why must I go and study abroad

to have a better future?

What does your father think?

I don't know.

Maybe you should ask his advice.

Asma? Asma!

What?

Coming to do homework?

OK, I'm coming.

Can't you do it with Saraido for once?

I have to go.

Simane.

2x2 doesn't make 8!

That's no good!

- No bottom! - Too skinny!

I like his hands.

His hands?

No luck today.

Yeah.

My mum always says,

"Learn patience, or your life will be only suffering."

He looks like a flamingo.

I don't like moustaches. Too scratchy.

Look at that one.

Nice little ears.

Are you kidding?

You could even fancy a monkey!

Hello.

Hello.

Greetings to your parents.

I'll tell them.

There's no getting away from it.

We won't stop living for that!

Bet he's good in bed.

What are you saying?

I'm only telling the truth!

My God,

we'll be late for school.

Let's go!

Spoilsport!

What's that old pervert looking at?

That's Youssouf.

That's not the guy in the photo.

- He's ugly. - Rubbish.

Are you going?

Someone might see me.

I haven't heard from him for ages.

What love!

Lol, he dances like my dad.

Thank you, thank you.

The next song is called 'Hooyo' (Mother).

I wrote it for my mother, and for all mothers.

Why are you here?

I was missing you. It's been too long.

I'm with my friends.

Come and have a drink.

I can't.

If you're not glad I'm here, say so.

No.

Of course I'm glad you're here.

It's just... never when I want to.

Come on, doll, your friends see you all the time.

Come on!

No. Not this evening.

Watch where you're going!

Isn't your bodyguard with you?

You can't hide in your 4x4!

On your way!

Hold that.

I'm going to mash you so badly you won't dare look in a mirror.

Just try!

Stop it! Stop it!

Those stupid "balbalois"! I can't wait to get away from them.

Hibo, watch what you say! I'm one of them.

You weren't after me 12 on 1, were you?

Hibo! Calm down.

You flash your bling bling at them!

So it's my fault?

Hibo, you have no idea how we live.

You think your money gives you rights.

I'm going.

DEGREE IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATION

SPEAK TO DAD

What if he won't see me?

He's your dad. Why would he not want to see you?

I dunno. It's not like I live in Calcutta.

Why do I never see him?

Maybe your parents don't get on.

Have you asked your mum?

No way! I'd be afraid of hurting her.

She never says a word about him.

It's like he ceased to exist.

Even more reason to go and see him, Deka.

He divorced your mum, not you.

If you want him in your life again, go ahead.

Your mum will understand.

Won't she?

What are you saying?

Deka and her dad.

You're right, it's always complicated.

Forget it.

What?

- Can I? - Go ahead.

There's talk of shopping in Dubai.

We don't need to go all the way there!

Classy!

God, I'd never dare wear this.

You'll be stunning.

Wow!

We'll find you a boyfriend in minutes!

- No time. - When, then?

Next year in medical school,

even less time.

She's right, for once!

For now, no one can be interested in me.

What rubbish!

- Look at you. - Girls!

We leave in half an hour.

What?

Do you know that girl?

Not at all.

You did know he was married!

Yes, but I didn't expect... to see them

like that, together.

Come on, let's have a dance.

And now, for the queen of the evening, straight in from Paris,

your sister Idill!

You said you'd be back for the holidays!

It wouldn't have been a surprise!

This is Deka and Asma. They're at my school.

Hello! Wait a sec, I'll be back.

Go and get a drink.

Isn't that the dress you wore last year?

Did you give it to her?

Fine. I'm going to get something to drink.

Stupid cows.

- I shouldn't have worn this. - It suits you much better.

But it isn't me.

Hi.

I'm called Nour.

Asma.

- Are you friends with Hibo? - Idill.

This is all too much, don't you think?

Hibo's always over the top.

- Deka! - What's up with her?

I don't know. I'll go and see.

I'll come with you.

Smoking, now?

All my friends do. I think it looks cool.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

Youssouf is here with is wife

Here? At my birthday party?

Remember, this is a hotel.

He was so cold.

What did you expect?

An introduction?

You're such a bitch!

What's got into you?

After all we've done,

you can't even manage a little kindness.

So I'm not kind? Who invited you?

Who lent you all that?

You're ashamed of us. Think I don't realise?

Tonight, we don't fit in your world.

It's not my fault you're poor.

I don't need your charity!

Stop! Asma, stop.

You care about appearances?

You weren't so pretty in those toilets!

We're there to clean up your blood and dry your tears,

but where are you when we need you?

I feel great!

I'd been wanting to say that for ages.

But throwing the miscarriage in her face...

You're such a hypocrite!

I'm sick of you being wishy-washy.

You want to stay. You want to leave.

You want love but you stay with a married man you don't even sleep with.

Want a father?

You aren't even brave enough to speak to your own!

I'm sick of watching you do nothing.

Asma!

Here.

Hasn't Deka answered?

What's Paris like?

Stressful. You're always on the move. It's tiring, I tell you.

You sound just like Mum: "You don't understand,

"going to Dubai and back "has worn me out!"

The first month,

I spent all the money Dad gave me on eating out and nonsense.

When I realised I couldn't pay my rent,

- Dad told me to cope alone. - What?

So I thought, well, no more restaurants

I'll just have to eat at home more often.

And I realised something.

I couldn't cook!

Nothing!

I didn't even know what to buy.

It was endless.

I had to learn everything: how to cook, wash my clothes...

Washing clothes is maid's work.

In Paris it's yours, and laundries are a nightmare.

Do you think I'll have Anab?

Next year, welcome to real life with no maid.

It's going to be hell.

I'll never cope.

Tell me, Hibado,

how do you like the new boubous?

I haven't had time to look. Too many meetings.

You're elegant today.

For your new sweetheart?

A sweetheart?

With three children? Introduce me!

Actually, I saw your daughter with a good-looking man...

on Venice promenade, last month.

I thought he was your friend.

Venice?

Hibado, bring me the Shirdan file please.

Hi Rejean.

Evening, Deka.

You don't look happy.

We're still not speaking.

It's doing my head in.

It's weird without them.

Exams in three months

and God knows where we'll go.

Don't worry, it will sort itself out.

Asma was right.

I need to decide,

or my life will pass me by.

Start with something easy.

Hibado, your daughter is great! And enterprising.

I've spoken about Deka to a friend who manages a big NGO.

She can ask any questions she likes.

- Thank you. - You're welcome, Deka.

Hibado, I'll be back in an hour.

How did you see her without asking me?

Want me to lose my job?

I didn't want to...

What? Talk to your mother about your future?

I'm looking for answers.

Where I want to be in 10 years.

These aren't easy decisions.

So you asked a man on Venice promenade?

Off you go, now. I'm busy. We'll sort this out.

Goal.

One-nil.

What time is this?

Have you lost your mind?

Have I ever kept you in?

Who's the man?

There's no man, Mum.

Lying, like your father?

Want your brothers watching you?

No more freedom, you're warned.

Don't believe gossip, Mum.

Look at me, Deka.

Now go to bed, it's late.

Yes, Mum. Goodnight.

Today we'll talk about Aristophanes

and the origin of love.

- Asma, are you with us? - Sorry.

There are three categories of human beings:

all male,

all female,

and half-male, half-female,

known as androgynous.

Those beings were endowed with great strength and pride

and set themselves against the gods.

Yes, Hibo?

May I go out? I'm not feeling well.

Go to the sick room. Do you want someone with you?

Let's carry on.

They set themselves against the gods,

who, to punish them, cut them in two.

Hello.

Obviously you're cross. What did you want?

Should I have dropped my wife and left hand in hand with you?

It's not important any more.

The rumour reached my mother's ears. It's over.

Oh, is that all? No worries,

we'll go somewhere else and be more careful.

I don't want to be more careful, I want to be happy.

I'm sick of waiting for you.

Do you really like me?

Hello, how are you?

Hello, I'm fine thanks.

UNIVERSITY OF DJIBOUTI

- Good morning. - Good morning.

I would like a registration form.

You had it before.

Yes, but I've made my decision

and I'd like to register here.

- Aren't you Hibado's daughter? - Yes...

But you have an opportunity to study abroad!

I can do very well here, too.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

What's up? Aren't you eating?

- Do you like it? - Of course,

it's Anab's speciality.

Today, I did the cooking.

Well done, daughter.

Are you sure we won't be ill?

A power cut, yeah!

Go and buy some candles.

Well done, daughter.

Pull hard.

Abdillahi? Where are you off to?

Hibo?

I'm taking a generator to Asma, she needs one.

I don't want you walking around that kind of neighbourhood in the dark.

Mum, if I can manage on my own in Paris

I can walk anywhere in town,

even in the dark.

Deka!

- Hibo! - Come with us?

- Asma!

Yes, Dad.

Hello, hello.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

Delicious!

I know how to make that now, too.

What? You've learnt to mix water and lemons?

It's Nour.

Miss him?

Who?

Youssouf? Not really.

But I'm going to miss you!

- Are you sure of your decision? - Yes. I want to stay here.

My head's going to explode!

Nothing's going in.

And I want to see Nour.

You're right, I've had enough too.

So? Going to the zoo again?

Tell me, doesn't my scooter look good?

- Yeah! Did you really put it together? - Yes.

Tell me, Idriss

aren't you revising?

Exams aren't for me.

Won't you even sit them?

No point. My garage is open!

Find me a car?

My first customer!

- Are you doing okay? - Yes.

Go to your bedroom, they're revising.

I'm talking to you!

And you, come here!

So we can go out?

No, stay in your room.

Don't bother them.

Take care of your sister.

- At last. - At. Last.

Shit.

I forgot to tell my dad.

Don't worry, be natural.

Who's that?

If a look could ease heartache...

Mum.

Did it go well?

Well, I think so.

Come and listen, then.

Oh women, you have reopened the wound

My heart is once more sorely tested

It makes my whole body tremble

How could I feel nothing at the sight of your breasts?

Your little smiles and other stratagems are only to fool us

For pity's sake, save me from that sight

Your father taught me that poem.

I'm going to see him.

Not that anything is missing or...

So why?

All of a sudden.

It isn't all of a sudden.

You never said.

Like the rest.

How could I dare?

He ceased to exist 5 years ago.

Listen, Deka.

No, you listen for once.

I'm not a little girl.

I see it's hard but he's the only dad I have

and I want to see him.

He could come here.

He doesn't know what being a dad means.

I agree, Mum

and I must ask him my questions.

But it's also important I have your blessing.

Very well, you have it. In any case, in a few weeks you'll be gone.

Deka?

I knew something was up. Are you really ready to mess up your future?

At first I thought it was for Dad.

But I realised it isn't.

That's why you must go away to study.

I want to study in Djibouti.

Studying abroad no longer means you're sure of a job here.

I want experience on the ground from the start.

Make my own opportunities.

I want to spend time here,

go to the zoo, discover all of my country.

Go to the zoo! Go now,

because you'll be on the first plane.

No, Mum. You always said,

"If you want something, you must grab it."

I understand what that means now.

I'm grabbing my decision, and you can't blame me for it.

I know you've worked hard so I could go

and I'll never thank you enough,

but for once in my life I know what I want to do.

Accept my choice, Mum.

- You can't go out like that! - Just for a swim.

God will see you.

Hibo, what are you doing?

I don't want to wet my hair.

You're kidding!

You're such cows!

- All okay? - Er... yes.

Just a bit anxious.

Don't start, or I will too.

Stop it. This is nice.

Let's forget all that. We'll see tomorrow.

Hello? Hi.

It's Idriss.

What? Hang on, I'll ask them.

They want to come over.

No! It's our last times together.

Just the three of us.

What are you on about?

We can see each other all next year.

And if they come, maybe I can invite Nour too.

Come and see us tomorrow. We'll get our results together.

OK?

Hello?

Nour.

All right?

I hope Anab hasn't realised we've gone out.

I've never really thanked you.

Thank you.

It's nothing.

That's all behind us.

No, it's not nothing. Without you, I wouldn't have got over it.

It wasn't nothing.

I'm staying in Djibouti.

I was counting on you to keep Her Majesty in order!

Hibo, I warn you, I won't be your maid.

Ladies and gentlemen, hello and welcome to our programme.

Here are the baccalaureate results.

Those who have passed after the first set of papers,

by order of merit.

Hodan Ahmed Doualeh, with distinction.

Marwo Said Osman, with distinction.

Khadira Haroun Ahmed, with distinction.

Asma Abdi Omar, with distinction.

Neima Djibril Osman, with merit.

Aboubakar Abdi Daoud, with merit.

Hibo Aden Hassan.

Rabeh Djama Mouhammed, Saad Ibrahim Abdi,

Hamza Farah Hassan,

Zakaria Houssein Hassan,

Rabeh Djama Mohamed, Deka Ibrahim Shirdon...

We did it! We did it! We did it!

Congratulations.

You really deserve it.

They didn't work for nothing.

They did good work.

Yes, they really did.

Deka Ibrahim Cherdon...

- I'm going to miss you. - Us too.

Bye.

I'll call you, okay?

Where were you?

Subtitles: Victoria Britten

Subtitling: HIVENTY