Disco Afrika: une histoire malgache (2023) Movie Script
1
News Special:
12 o'clock news reminder.
Two poll workers were killed in Analalava,
a neighborhood of Ankazoabo.
They were on their way to
their neighborhood's polling station,
in the southern region of the island,
in the Analalava neighborhood,
the town of Ankazoabo,
south Ankazoabo district.
The police are still searching
for the killers.
The two victims, both male,
were armed with shotguns.
Following a southern island custom
many men arm themselves
when leaving their homes.
Sadly, the investigation
is making little headway,
as their weapons remain
to be found at this time.
But back to Antananarivo
where the riots are intensifying.
Our reporters are in the field.
In order to challenge
the election results,
authorities respond with violence
and silences its people.
No matter what happens,
we won't give up.
If I find sapphires,
I'll ensure my mom has all she needs.
And then leave the country.
Me,
I'm going back to Toamasina
where I'll buy a large plot of land
with a big house to live in with my wife.
Don't you think
we need to look further ahead?
Go to France or around the world,
as we'll have too much money to spend.
Let's go!
Stop!
Where are you going?
Don't move!
Get down!
Get down!
Don't move or I'll shoot you!
DISCO AFRIKA
A Malagasy Story
I spoke to the gendarmerie commander.
We all have to get out of here.
The land has been sold to foreigners.
It's over for us.
We can't sit back and
let this happen.
They come and
we have to leave.
We have to defend ourselves,
we have to fight.
We're not going to let it happen.
Fighting the police?
We can't win.
We're no match for them.
What we can do,
is gather all the sapphires
and find a lawyer.
Who will defend us?
Here, we're a long way from justice.
Wherever we go,
we will always be chased.
I'm done!
There's no point in fighting.
There's no hope left.
If your father was still alive,
it wouldn't be like this.
Aren't you going to defend yourself?
Don't you want to fight?
Don't you?
Want to spark a revolution?
Why did Coco mention your father?
What did he mean?
They knew each other,
that's all.
How did your father die?
I was 4 years old,
He disappeared during a protest.
And you never tried
to find out more?
It was his choice.
He knew it was dangerous,
but he went anyway.
Kwame! Check this out!
Is that one?
Hurry up, they're coming!
Kwame!
I've lost
the sapphire!
Shut up!
Rivo?
We're going to pull him onto the roof.
Okay, send the strap.
Here.
OK.
Careful.
OK, he's tied up, let's go!
Grandson, let me have a word with you.
Let me tell you something, my child.
Your friends who wander the streets,
leave them behind.
There is no fortune or glory over there.
What happened to you, Grandson?
Why did you go astray my child?
Come on, get out!
Get out! I'm telling you.
What's going on?
Haven't you heard?
Tana's mayor says
he won the elections.
The president has fled to Toamasina
and deployed his militia.
Let me see your papers.
Here you go, boss.
Are there any journalists?
No.
What's your route?
From Antananarivo to Tamatave.
You, check the rest of the bus.
Your papers!
Your papers!
Hurry up!
Kwame.
Don't forget,
the people of Madagascar,
must rest in the land
of their ancestors.
Otherwise,
the souls of the dead will not rest.
And the living will not be at peace.
I don't know where
the soul I seek has gone.
It never came back,
it went too far away.
For too long
without saying goodbye.
What's happened?
I'm tired, Mum.
Thank God you're home.
Rivo's father,
forgive me for speaking
in front of your family.
I'm sorry for your loss and
I ask for your forgiveness,
I couldn't save your son.
I know you Kwame,
Rivo was a brother to you.
Until today,
you've looked after him.
Now,
it's our family's turn
to take care of him.
You can leave us now.
Why did you go there?
You should have stayed home.
You would still be with us.
Kwame?
It's my fault Rivo is dead.
I couldn't save him.
I didn't know death was lurking.
It'll be all right.
Can you hear me?
Make some noise if you're there!
The story I'm about to tell you
is about two friends,
Deba and Dada,
who are responsible for the political
unrest of our beautiful country.
Here, take this!
You, take this!
What do you want?
Dare to fight or not?
Go on, strike!
Again!
Another one! Another one!
In this case, I will
tell you the story
of the prince, heir to the throne,
to whom the people's enemies
had cast an evil spell.
He had fallen into a deep sleep.
According to legend,
only the Elders' song
could wake him up.
Despite life's difficulties
we are always reunited.
You my brother, my friend,
we will always find each other.
Oh woman,
with your grace and beauty,
I long to find you, but I can't.
So
You're back home now?
Yes, I came home, because
my friend Rivo died.
Tell me Babaa?
How old were you when
my father died?
This is the last photo
I took of him.
Did you have a
a band?
Yes.
The 'Tout-Puissant Africa Voice'.
Take a look.
Your father sang
and played the bass,
He was a very good composer.
Back in the day, music
allowed us to convey our ideas.
We even tried
to spread it all over the world.
At the time, Pan-African music
was like a philosophy.
Were you involved
in the struggle?
Yes.
But I wasn't brave
like your father.
Is it brave to get killed by the police?
Not necessarily.
But...
To change things,
you have to take risks.
Your father
wanted to restore
people's dignity,
the oppressed.
He was an upright man.
He couldn't stand corruption.
Babaa,
You're not making any sense.
You talk about oppression,
about people's living conditions,
you talk about corruption.
But nothing has changed today.
What you did was pointless.
Easy, kid.
Don't say anything
you can't take back.
It's not so easy to change things.
Are you all right, Kwame?
Hi, Mama.
Did you find a job?
No, not yet.
Stay strong, don't give up.
Where did you get this box?
Babaa gave it to me.
You went to see Babaa?
I needed him to take a photo
for my CV.
It's your father's album.
That's him on the cover.
It's the only album he ever recorded.
Let's play it.
The record player is broken.
Do you ever think about him?
Of course, I think about him.
Is he at peace wherever he is?
You know,
you never really told me
about Dad's death.
The police refused to tell me anything.
That's the police, but what about you?
The cargo vessel 'Flying' was arrested
in the process of loading rosewood.
The chase for the vessel began
around 9 a.m. yesterday.
The Chinese crew members
were also apprehended.
The vessel was waiting offshore.
Speedboats were used
to transship the precious wood.
The rosewood was hidden under
the sand and beach grass.
The supermarket was vandalized yesterday.
We're not hiring right now.
You might be able to find
work at the docks.
- Thanks.
- Stay strong.
Kwame!
Oh Brother! What's up?
- Hey Idi!
- What's up brother?
Long time no see!
Nothing's changed.
Are you home now?
Yes, I'm back.
Where were you all this time?
Looking for sapphires
but I didn't find any.
You're kidding?
Is your mother okay?
Yes, she's fine.
Far from worries?
We did a lot of silly things
when we were kids.
I have good memories.
I've changed a lot.
Yes, you look good!
Is this your car?
Yes.
Idi, let's go!
Gotta go,
see you soon!
- The one in blue and the one in yellow.
- We can't, Bezara.
Come on, let them in.
Come on, we want to work!
You, come here!
- Hi, Chief.
- What do you want?
I'm looking for a job.
- Where were you before?
- At the mines.
Really?
Show me your hands.
Can you carry?
Of course.
Go ahead.
It's your lucky day.
It's full!
C'mon, let us in!
There's no more room!
Don't you get it?
Hey Brother!
I'm Bezara.
Was it you
who let me in this morning?
Yes we need to help each other.
I'm the delegate
for the union.
If you need anything,
you can call me.
You did very well
this morning.
Thanks, brother.
Next in line!
- Your name?
- Kwame.
Your vest.
That's it?
What did you expect?
You've just started.
Do better tomorrow
and you'll get double. Next!
Jean-Luc.
- Thank you.
- Tsarafara.
Have some cheap carrots!
Our carrots are cheap!
- How much do you want?
- One kilo.
Don't you want a cabbage?
I'll make it cheap.
No thanks.
Look, weighs almost 2 kilos!
Only 7500 FMG.
I must still buy some meat.
Mama?
I've got good news!
Check it out.
How did it go today?
- I found a job.
- Really?
At the docks.
We're going to have a good meal, Mama.
Thank you, Son.
Mama?
Come and dance.
I remember when you were a boy.
You always made us laugh.
He looks just like his father.
You should be proud of him.
What a kid!
You see, these are our LPs
from the '70s!
Ever since you gave them to him,
he listens to them all the time.
Really?
The music is on all the time.
This is Kwame Nkrumah.
He was the president of Ghana.
This man really fought
for the independence of African states.
That's why your name is Kwame.
Where are the candles?
Check the table over there.
Babaa...
What are you doing here?
Mama.
The main reason I've gathered
you two together tonight,
is that I would like to know
what happened to my father.
It was a long time ago.
I know,
but I would like you to tell me, please.
You're old enough now.
You're right.
There were riots at that time
for several weeks already.
Babaa and your father went
to demonstrate together.
We waited for him at home,
but he never came back.
A neighbor told me that they had been
arrested by the police.
It was at the nightclub where
they used to play.
Some policemen had spotted
Babaa and your father.
They were keeping a close eye on them.
It was the owner of the Afrika
who turned him in.
It was Idi's father.
He's dead now.
If he was still alive...
I don't know whether these are rumors,
but a peasant saw a group of opponents
being escorted out of town
by the police.
What else did he see?
They shot them all,
all of them were killed,
and they threw them into a mass grave
like dogs.
That's all I know.
Did you ever try to find that peasant?
You were best friends and
you never tried to find his remains?
Babaa?
Yes?
It's getting late, go home.
Can't you see it's blocked?
Let us through!
This road is blocked!
Let us through!
Hey guys!
Look at the time!
I was blocked by the strikes.
Where do you think you are?
You're not paid to be late!
I'm sorry.
There are no excuses!
You beg for work and then you're late!
That goes for all of you!
Little brother, come here.
Make way for our friend.
Welcome to the family.
Guys, this is Kwame.
Welcome.
Hi Kwame.
Hi there.
So,
to get back to our business.
You'll have to be on the lookout
and come early to beat the police.
If there's a tip-off,
things could go wrong.
Are you taking care of Morarano?
You're giving the signal
but you must be precise,
so we don't lose focus.
Which district are you covering?
We're at the Depot District.
Here, you need
more than one person in charge.
Big Brother!
I want to get involved.
You know, we're one big family.
To be part of it,
you have to prove that
that you are trustworthy.
How do you know
the man in white there?
Our fathers were friends,
as kids we played football together.
We've been watching him
for a while.
He comes here every day at this hour.
It's his eatery,
he eats lunch there.
What he's doing to our country
is not right.
He's stealing our wealth with
his rosewood trafficking.
He even retrieves items
during police seizures.
We can't accept all of this.
Even you!
He won't hesitate to betray you.
You're nothing to him.
Look at what happened to your father.
We have to end this illegal business.
What do you want me to do?
It's simple.
You make friends with him,
you keep us informed of his business
and we'll nail him.
I don't know if I can.
Live from the province
of Toamasina.
We've just learned the Marovola bridge
was blown up at around 11 p.m.
At this time, the barricade on the roads
have not been lifted
causing an unprecedented
situation in the country.
There will be riots
if no negotiation is undertaken.
Is everything okay?
So, tell me about the sapphires?
Dreams and reality
are two different things.
Excuse me.
You didn't find anything?
It's not as easy as it sounds.
I found one,
but it's really tiny.
I'm interested,
even with just a small one.
Take a look, I need a sapphire,
it brings good luck.
Drink up!
Too much talking.
Does he always stare at people like that?
He's one of my guys,
it's rough here in Toamasina.
You can't trust anyone.
He's actually scanning you.
He wants to know if you're legit.
There's something
I want to talk to you about.
When we were kids,
there were riots
and my dad disappeared during one.
I know...
My father did things I don't support.
We are not responsible
for their actions.
I wonder if with your connections
you could help me find his body.
What you're
asking me is tricky, Brother.
Follow me and we'll continue
chatting on the way.
Cheer up, Bro.
Let me see what I can do.
It's a great honor for me
to speak today.
Let's thank Mr. Idi, our devoted son
who always remembers his roots.
If the wood of the dugout is strong,
it means the soil of the tree is fruitful.
Thank you for everything you've given us.
I'm very grateful to you.
Here you go, madam.
Thanks
for your time.
Here you go.
Thank you.
What's new in Toamasina?
The Basesa makes us dance.
What's new in Toamasina?
The Basesa makes us dance.
From its very first tones,
its rhythm makes me long for my homeland.
Everyone loves it,
from south to north.
Everyone loves it,
from east to west.
My friends, I bid you farewell,
my life is over there.
There is too much corruption
in this country,
that's why we want justice.
Is it true?
Yes, it's true!
Many of our comrades are fighting.
Many of our comrades
died in the struggle.
We have to put an end to the arrests,
to the torture and to
all this state violence.
We will not accept it.
We will not accept it.
That's why we keep fighting!
For justice!
We will no longer accept abuse of power.
The power cuts have to stop,
inflation has to stop,
and our roads have to be safe.
Do we accept it?
We will not accept it.
Hello everyone.
Hello.
Together, let's look towards the future.
I want freedom.
We want freedom.
I want to live.
We want to live.
For the people!
For our country!
For our dignity!
Do you know the story
of this square?
This is where the city of
Toamasina was established.
Ancestral rites were performed here.
When the whites arrived,
they did everything they could
to erase our identity,
to make us forget our history.
The day your father died,
the day he disappeared,
we heard on the radio
that the president had
announced a state of emergency.
People were afraid,
they barricaded themselves.
But your father
and I wanted to fight.
We agreed to meet on this square.
This is where I saw your father
for the last time.
It was in this room
where we were blindfolded.
We were then dragged
through the corridors.
I could hear our comrades
screaming under torture.
They were shouting: Help! Help!
Did my father suffer too?
I'll never forgive myself
for not saving him.
See that car?
What is it?
It's for my business, don't worry.
Can you do it?
Here.
Who are you?
We've never met.
I am a friend of Idi.
A friend of Idi?
Are you sure?
What are you doing here?
Speak up, you prick!
How did it go?
They weren't too harsh
on you?
Take it!
Go on, open it!
Take it!
Open it, I'm telling you do it.
What's wrong?
It's what you asked for.
I help you
and this is how you thank me.
This is where your father died.
Thank you, Idi.
No big deal.
You're like a brother to me.
Come on, let's celebrate.
Have some.
No thanks.
You really haven't changed.
You see, Brother,
I have a nice deal coming up.
An easy job
with a lot of dough in it.
Are you interested?
Come here!
Take a look.
See all these people?
Wanna be like them?
Wasting your time just standing there.
Life is tough here,
and it's expensive.
Do you think you can get off that easily?
You have to be smart, my brother.
What's your plan?
We get the job done.
And off we go.
Come tomorrow evening,
at 10 p.m.
Go downstairs
and have some fun if you want.
That's just crazy!
You know, curiosity is a deadly poison
if you're not careful.
Off the beaten track,
it's easy to get lost
and to step on a snake,
a snake that kills.
You read the papers,
watch TV?
Remember that woman
who was too curious,
who opened her eyes too wide.
Damaged, for so little.
Do you know
what happened to her?
They gouged out both her eyes.
No matter how much she begged,
how much she cried, it didn't stop them.
Waiter, a whisky!
There were policemen
in this nightclub.
This is where I saw your father
for the last time.
Of course
I'm thinking about him.
Kwame, you came home
very late last night?
The cargo was late.
Are you sure everything's okay?
If you need to talk, I'm here.
Breakfast is ready.
Watch out for the night.
Nobody followed you?
If I help you,
what are you going to do to him?
Do you see me as a killer?
It's unlike me.
It's up to you,
I'm not forcing you to trust me.
But if you want to do something
for your country, it's now or never.
Alright.
The rendez-vous is
at 10 p.m. at the Afrika.
Get out, it's the truck over there.
Kwame!
Do you really trust him?
Don't give me that again.
He came out of nowhere,
I can't sense him.
You bring him into our business,
I don't understand you.
Lift it up.
Let's go.
Hurry.
We're running out of time.
We've got to hurry.
Lift it up.
Stop it! Hold it right there!
On your knees! Don't move!
Come on, hurry up!
You, on your knees.
Hurry up!
Don't move.
Where's your boss?
Don't you want to talk?
Where is your boss?
Have you lost your tongue?
Kwame? Come here!
Where is Idi?
I don't know, I think he's not far.
Get out of here.
Beat it!
Guys, what do you want?
Fight with us for our country
or do you want to die here?
Mama?
Mama?
We will not accept it!
We will not accept it!
We will not accept it!
Kwame!
What are you doing?
Being a wise guy?
You tried to ditch us?
I did nothing.
You think I'm stupid?
Bastard!
You fucked it up!
We're screwed because of you!
You betrayed us?
We're going to kill you, you fucker.
Hey, what are you doing?
None of your business.
Let him go!
Fuck off!
Do you agree with the price of rice?
We don't agree!
Do you agree with the power cuts?
We don't agree!
Do you agree?
We don't agree.
Babaa!
Kwame!
Move back!
Final warning!
Kwame!
This is where he is buried.
Can I take some soil?
Yes.
Dad, rest in peace.
Red island,
beloved land.
Digging in your depths,
I have long sought my way.
Today I know that it is not from stones
that you draw your value,
but from brave souls
who have given you their blood.
Madagascar,
oh my country,
I will try to be worthy of you.
News Special:
12 o'clock news reminder.
Two poll workers were killed in Analalava,
a neighborhood of Ankazoabo.
They were on their way to
their neighborhood's polling station,
in the southern region of the island,
in the Analalava neighborhood,
the town of Ankazoabo,
south Ankazoabo district.
The police are still searching
for the killers.
The two victims, both male,
were armed with shotguns.
Following a southern island custom
many men arm themselves
when leaving their homes.
Sadly, the investigation
is making little headway,
as their weapons remain
to be found at this time.
But back to Antananarivo
where the riots are intensifying.
Our reporters are in the field.
In order to challenge
the election results,
authorities respond with violence
and silences its people.
No matter what happens,
we won't give up.
If I find sapphires,
I'll ensure my mom has all she needs.
And then leave the country.
Me,
I'm going back to Toamasina
where I'll buy a large plot of land
with a big house to live in with my wife.
Don't you think
we need to look further ahead?
Go to France or around the world,
as we'll have too much money to spend.
Let's go!
Stop!
Where are you going?
Don't move!
Get down!
Get down!
Don't move or I'll shoot you!
DISCO AFRIKA
A Malagasy Story
I spoke to the gendarmerie commander.
We all have to get out of here.
The land has been sold to foreigners.
It's over for us.
We can't sit back and
let this happen.
They come and
we have to leave.
We have to defend ourselves,
we have to fight.
We're not going to let it happen.
Fighting the police?
We can't win.
We're no match for them.
What we can do,
is gather all the sapphires
and find a lawyer.
Who will defend us?
Here, we're a long way from justice.
Wherever we go,
we will always be chased.
I'm done!
There's no point in fighting.
There's no hope left.
If your father was still alive,
it wouldn't be like this.
Aren't you going to defend yourself?
Don't you want to fight?
Don't you?
Want to spark a revolution?
Why did Coco mention your father?
What did he mean?
They knew each other,
that's all.
How did your father die?
I was 4 years old,
He disappeared during a protest.
And you never tried
to find out more?
It was his choice.
He knew it was dangerous,
but he went anyway.
Kwame! Check this out!
Is that one?
Hurry up, they're coming!
Kwame!
I've lost
the sapphire!
Shut up!
Rivo?
We're going to pull him onto the roof.
Okay, send the strap.
Here.
OK.
Careful.
OK, he's tied up, let's go!
Grandson, let me have a word with you.
Let me tell you something, my child.
Your friends who wander the streets,
leave them behind.
There is no fortune or glory over there.
What happened to you, Grandson?
Why did you go astray my child?
Come on, get out!
Get out! I'm telling you.
What's going on?
Haven't you heard?
Tana's mayor says
he won the elections.
The president has fled to Toamasina
and deployed his militia.
Let me see your papers.
Here you go, boss.
Are there any journalists?
No.
What's your route?
From Antananarivo to Tamatave.
You, check the rest of the bus.
Your papers!
Your papers!
Hurry up!
Kwame.
Don't forget,
the people of Madagascar,
must rest in the land
of their ancestors.
Otherwise,
the souls of the dead will not rest.
And the living will not be at peace.
I don't know where
the soul I seek has gone.
It never came back,
it went too far away.
For too long
without saying goodbye.
What's happened?
I'm tired, Mum.
Thank God you're home.
Rivo's father,
forgive me for speaking
in front of your family.
I'm sorry for your loss and
I ask for your forgiveness,
I couldn't save your son.
I know you Kwame,
Rivo was a brother to you.
Until today,
you've looked after him.
Now,
it's our family's turn
to take care of him.
You can leave us now.
Why did you go there?
You should have stayed home.
You would still be with us.
Kwame?
It's my fault Rivo is dead.
I couldn't save him.
I didn't know death was lurking.
It'll be all right.
Can you hear me?
Make some noise if you're there!
The story I'm about to tell you
is about two friends,
Deba and Dada,
who are responsible for the political
unrest of our beautiful country.
Here, take this!
You, take this!
What do you want?
Dare to fight or not?
Go on, strike!
Again!
Another one! Another one!
In this case, I will
tell you the story
of the prince, heir to the throne,
to whom the people's enemies
had cast an evil spell.
He had fallen into a deep sleep.
According to legend,
only the Elders' song
could wake him up.
Despite life's difficulties
we are always reunited.
You my brother, my friend,
we will always find each other.
Oh woman,
with your grace and beauty,
I long to find you, but I can't.
So
You're back home now?
Yes, I came home, because
my friend Rivo died.
Tell me Babaa?
How old were you when
my father died?
This is the last photo
I took of him.
Did you have a
a band?
Yes.
The 'Tout-Puissant Africa Voice'.
Take a look.
Your father sang
and played the bass,
He was a very good composer.
Back in the day, music
allowed us to convey our ideas.
We even tried
to spread it all over the world.
At the time, Pan-African music
was like a philosophy.
Were you involved
in the struggle?
Yes.
But I wasn't brave
like your father.
Is it brave to get killed by the police?
Not necessarily.
But...
To change things,
you have to take risks.
Your father
wanted to restore
people's dignity,
the oppressed.
He was an upright man.
He couldn't stand corruption.
Babaa,
You're not making any sense.
You talk about oppression,
about people's living conditions,
you talk about corruption.
But nothing has changed today.
What you did was pointless.
Easy, kid.
Don't say anything
you can't take back.
It's not so easy to change things.
Are you all right, Kwame?
Hi, Mama.
Did you find a job?
No, not yet.
Stay strong, don't give up.
Where did you get this box?
Babaa gave it to me.
You went to see Babaa?
I needed him to take a photo
for my CV.
It's your father's album.
That's him on the cover.
It's the only album he ever recorded.
Let's play it.
The record player is broken.
Do you ever think about him?
Of course, I think about him.
Is he at peace wherever he is?
You know,
you never really told me
about Dad's death.
The police refused to tell me anything.
That's the police, but what about you?
The cargo vessel 'Flying' was arrested
in the process of loading rosewood.
The chase for the vessel began
around 9 a.m. yesterday.
The Chinese crew members
were also apprehended.
The vessel was waiting offshore.
Speedboats were used
to transship the precious wood.
The rosewood was hidden under
the sand and beach grass.
The supermarket was vandalized yesterday.
We're not hiring right now.
You might be able to find
work at the docks.
- Thanks.
- Stay strong.
Kwame!
Oh Brother! What's up?
- Hey Idi!
- What's up brother?
Long time no see!
Nothing's changed.
Are you home now?
Yes, I'm back.
Where were you all this time?
Looking for sapphires
but I didn't find any.
You're kidding?
Is your mother okay?
Yes, she's fine.
Far from worries?
We did a lot of silly things
when we were kids.
I have good memories.
I've changed a lot.
Yes, you look good!
Is this your car?
Yes.
Idi, let's go!
Gotta go,
see you soon!
- The one in blue and the one in yellow.
- We can't, Bezara.
Come on, let them in.
Come on, we want to work!
You, come here!
- Hi, Chief.
- What do you want?
I'm looking for a job.
- Where were you before?
- At the mines.
Really?
Show me your hands.
Can you carry?
Of course.
Go ahead.
It's your lucky day.
It's full!
C'mon, let us in!
There's no more room!
Don't you get it?
Hey Brother!
I'm Bezara.
Was it you
who let me in this morning?
Yes we need to help each other.
I'm the delegate
for the union.
If you need anything,
you can call me.
You did very well
this morning.
Thanks, brother.
Next in line!
- Your name?
- Kwame.
Your vest.
That's it?
What did you expect?
You've just started.
Do better tomorrow
and you'll get double. Next!
Jean-Luc.
- Thank you.
- Tsarafara.
Have some cheap carrots!
Our carrots are cheap!
- How much do you want?
- One kilo.
Don't you want a cabbage?
I'll make it cheap.
No thanks.
Look, weighs almost 2 kilos!
Only 7500 FMG.
I must still buy some meat.
Mama?
I've got good news!
Check it out.
How did it go today?
- I found a job.
- Really?
At the docks.
We're going to have a good meal, Mama.
Thank you, Son.
Mama?
Come and dance.
I remember when you were a boy.
You always made us laugh.
He looks just like his father.
You should be proud of him.
What a kid!
You see, these are our LPs
from the '70s!
Ever since you gave them to him,
he listens to them all the time.
Really?
The music is on all the time.
This is Kwame Nkrumah.
He was the president of Ghana.
This man really fought
for the independence of African states.
That's why your name is Kwame.
Where are the candles?
Check the table over there.
Babaa...
What are you doing here?
Mama.
The main reason I've gathered
you two together tonight,
is that I would like to know
what happened to my father.
It was a long time ago.
I know,
but I would like you to tell me, please.
You're old enough now.
You're right.
There were riots at that time
for several weeks already.
Babaa and your father went
to demonstrate together.
We waited for him at home,
but he never came back.
A neighbor told me that they had been
arrested by the police.
It was at the nightclub where
they used to play.
Some policemen had spotted
Babaa and your father.
They were keeping a close eye on them.
It was the owner of the Afrika
who turned him in.
It was Idi's father.
He's dead now.
If he was still alive...
I don't know whether these are rumors,
but a peasant saw a group of opponents
being escorted out of town
by the police.
What else did he see?
They shot them all,
all of them were killed,
and they threw them into a mass grave
like dogs.
That's all I know.
Did you ever try to find that peasant?
You were best friends and
you never tried to find his remains?
Babaa?
Yes?
It's getting late, go home.
Can't you see it's blocked?
Let us through!
This road is blocked!
Let us through!
Hey guys!
Look at the time!
I was blocked by the strikes.
Where do you think you are?
You're not paid to be late!
I'm sorry.
There are no excuses!
You beg for work and then you're late!
That goes for all of you!
Little brother, come here.
Make way for our friend.
Welcome to the family.
Guys, this is Kwame.
Welcome.
Hi Kwame.
Hi there.
So,
to get back to our business.
You'll have to be on the lookout
and come early to beat the police.
If there's a tip-off,
things could go wrong.
Are you taking care of Morarano?
You're giving the signal
but you must be precise,
so we don't lose focus.
Which district are you covering?
We're at the Depot District.
Here, you need
more than one person in charge.
Big Brother!
I want to get involved.
You know, we're one big family.
To be part of it,
you have to prove that
that you are trustworthy.
How do you know
the man in white there?
Our fathers were friends,
as kids we played football together.
We've been watching him
for a while.
He comes here every day at this hour.
It's his eatery,
he eats lunch there.
What he's doing to our country
is not right.
He's stealing our wealth with
his rosewood trafficking.
He even retrieves items
during police seizures.
We can't accept all of this.
Even you!
He won't hesitate to betray you.
You're nothing to him.
Look at what happened to your father.
We have to end this illegal business.
What do you want me to do?
It's simple.
You make friends with him,
you keep us informed of his business
and we'll nail him.
I don't know if I can.
Live from the province
of Toamasina.
We've just learned the Marovola bridge
was blown up at around 11 p.m.
At this time, the barricade on the roads
have not been lifted
causing an unprecedented
situation in the country.
There will be riots
if no negotiation is undertaken.
Is everything okay?
So, tell me about the sapphires?
Dreams and reality
are two different things.
Excuse me.
You didn't find anything?
It's not as easy as it sounds.
I found one,
but it's really tiny.
I'm interested,
even with just a small one.
Take a look, I need a sapphire,
it brings good luck.
Drink up!
Too much talking.
Does he always stare at people like that?
He's one of my guys,
it's rough here in Toamasina.
You can't trust anyone.
He's actually scanning you.
He wants to know if you're legit.
There's something
I want to talk to you about.
When we were kids,
there were riots
and my dad disappeared during one.
I know...
My father did things I don't support.
We are not responsible
for their actions.
I wonder if with your connections
you could help me find his body.
What you're
asking me is tricky, Brother.
Follow me and we'll continue
chatting on the way.
Cheer up, Bro.
Let me see what I can do.
It's a great honor for me
to speak today.
Let's thank Mr. Idi, our devoted son
who always remembers his roots.
If the wood of the dugout is strong,
it means the soil of the tree is fruitful.
Thank you for everything you've given us.
I'm very grateful to you.
Here you go, madam.
Thanks
for your time.
Here you go.
Thank you.
What's new in Toamasina?
The Basesa makes us dance.
What's new in Toamasina?
The Basesa makes us dance.
From its very first tones,
its rhythm makes me long for my homeland.
Everyone loves it,
from south to north.
Everyone loves it,
from east to west.
My friends, I bid you farewell,
my life is over there.
There is too much corruption
in this country,
that's why we want justice.
Is it true?
Yes, it's true!
Many of our comrades are fighting.
Many of our comrades
died in the struggle.
We have to put an end to the arrests,
to the torture and to
all this state violence.
We will not accept it.
We will not accept it.
That's why we keep fighting!
For justice!
We will no longer accept abuse of power.
The power cuts have to stop,
inflation has to stop,
and our roads have to be safe.
Do we accept it?
We will not accept it.
Hello everyone.
Hello.
Together, let's look towards the future.
I want freedom.
We want freedom.
I want to live.
We want to live.
For the people!
For our country!
For our dignity!
Do you know the story
of this square?
This is where the city of
Toamasina was established.
Ancestral rites were performed here.
When the whites arrived,
they did everything they could
to erase our identity,
to make us forget our history.
The day your father died,
the day he disappeared,
we heard on the radio
that the president had
announced a state of emergency.
People were afraid,
they barricaded themselves.
But your father
and I wanted to fight.
We agreed to meet on this square.
This is where I saw your father
for the last time.
It was in this room
where we were blindfolded.
We were then dragged
through the corridors.
I could hear our comrades
screaming under torture.
They were shouting: Help! Help!
Did my father suffer too?
I'll never forgive myself
for not saving him.
See that car?
What is it?
It's for my business, don't worry.
Can you do it?
Here.
Who are you?
We've never met.
I am a friend of Idi.
A friend of Idi?
Are you sure?
What are you doing here?
Speak up, you prick!
How did it go?
They weren't too harsh
on you?
Take it!
Go on, open it!
Take it!
Open it, I'm telling you do it.
What's wrong?
It's what you asked for.
I help you
and this is how you thank me.
This is where your father died.
Thank you, Idi.
No big deal.
You're like a brother to me.
Come on, let's celebrate.
Have some.
No thanks.
You really haven't changed.
You see, Brother,
I have a nice deal coming up.
An easy job
with a lot of dough in it.
Are you interested?
Come here!
Take a look.
See all these people?
Wanna be like them?
Wasting your time just standing there.
Life is tough here,
and it's expensive.
Do you think you can get off that easily?
You have to be smart, my brother.
What's your plan?
We get the job done.
And off we go.
Come tomorrow evening,
at 10 p.m.
Go downstairs
and have some fun if you want.
That's just crazy!
You know, curiosity is a deadly poison
if you're not careful.
Off the beaten track,
it's easy to get lost
and to step on a snake,
a snake that kills.
You read the papers,
watch TV?
Remember that woman
who was too curious,
who opened her eyes too wide.
Damaged, for so little.
Do you know
what happened to her?
They gouged out both her eyes.
No matter how much she begged,
how much she cried, it didn't stop them.
Waiter, a whisky!
There were policemen
in this nightclub.
This is where I saw your father
for the last time.
Of course
I'm thinking about him.
Kwame, you came home
very late last night?
The cargo was late.
Are you sure everything's okay?
If you need to talk, I'm here.
Breakfast is ready.
Watch out for the night.
Nobody followed you?
If I help you,
what are you going to do to him?
Do you see me as a killer?
It's unlike me.
It's up to you,
I'm not forcing you to trust me.
But if you want to do something
for your country, it's now or never.
Alright.
The rendez-vous is
at 10 p.m. at the Afrika.
Get out, it's the truck over there.
Kwame!
Do you really trust him?
Don't give me that again.
He came out of nowhere,
I can't sense him.
You bring him into our business,
I don't understand you.
Lift it up.
Let's go.
Hurry.
We're running out of time.
We've got to hurry.
Lift it up.
Stop it! Hold it right there!
On your knees! Don't move!
Come on, hurry up!
You, on your knees.
Hurry up!
Don't move.
Where's your boss?
Don't you want to talk?
Where is your boss?
Have you lost your tongue?
Kwame? Come here!
Where is Idi?
I don't know, I think he's not far.
Get out of here.
Beat it!
Guys, what do you want?
Fight with us for our country
or do you want to die here?
Mama?
Mama?
We will not accept it!
We will not accept it!
We will not accept it!
Kwame!
What are you doing?
Being a wise guy?
You tried to ditch us?
I did nothing.
You think I'm stupid?
Bastard!
You fucked it up!
We're screwed because of you!
You betrayed us?
We're going to kill you, you fucker.
Hey, what are you doing?
None of your business.
Let him go!
Fuck off!
Do you agree with the price of rice?
We don't agree!
Do you agree with the power cuts?
We don't agree!
Do you agree?
We don't agree.
Babaa!
Kwame!
Move back!
Final warning!
Kwame!
This is where he is buried.
Can I take some soil?
Yes.
Dad, rest in peace.
Red island,
beloved land.
Digging in your depths,
I have long sought my way.
Today I know that it is not from stones
that you draw your value,
but from brave souls
who have given you their blood.
Madagascar,
oh my country,
I will try to be worthy of you.