Unveiled (2022) Movie Script
1
[soft piano music playing]
[music stops]
["Waltz of the Flowers" playing]
[gasps]
[religious chanting in Arabic]
-[religious chanting stops]
-[birds chirping]
[sighs]
[sighs]
-[kissing]
-Stop.
Why not?
We can't.
It's not right.
It feels right.
[birds chirping]
[moans softly]
[water trickles]
You know, what's my favorite
thing about this place
is that we have
our very private bathroom.
Mom's bathroom
felt more spacious.
[woman] Ours feels
more intimate.
And it's praying time,
not playing time.
[man and woman moaning]
[sighs]
I don't know why the water
suddenly got so cold.
God knows.
-[sighs]
-You missed the prayer.
Are the floors here even
clean enough to pray on?
Yes, Mom, the tenant
didn't have any dogs or kids.
The apartment might be clean,
but what about the neighborhood?
At least back home,
you knew who everybody was.
Do you know I've yet
to see another Muslim
in this whole city?
Mom, I'm sure there's
a lot of Muslims here.
It's a big city, Mama.
-[man] No, you get fuck out!
-[woman] You get
the fuck outta here!
-[man] You get
the fuck out. No, fuck you!
-[woman] Get outta here!
-Everything okay?
-Yes. Can you close the blinds?
-Where is Maryam?
-She's asleep.
We can't do this without her.
She needs to pray with us.
Mom, she doesn't know
how to pray yet.
Then it's my duty
to teach her before I leave.
But isn't Maryam
too young to be praying?
She's only seven years old.
Do you know how old Susu was
when he first started to pray?
Look at him now.
[door latches]
[woman] Maryam, wake up, love.
Grandma wants
to teach you something.
I'm not feeling well.
Wake up, dear.
You'll feel better after,
I promise.
You can sleep all you
want after grandma leaves.
-Don't you want
to learn how to pray?
-I know how to pray.
Really?
You just have to cover
yourself and talk to God, see?
Nice try. Wake up, please.
-Leave me alone.
-Maryam.
-Leave me alone.
-Maryam, wake up.
No.
[sighs]
I learned this new game...
where you get
to look like a ballerina,
dance like a ballerina.
[music box cranks]
[soft music]
[mom] Good job, Mama.
-[Maryam chuckles]
-Okay, Maryam.
That's enough practice,
now come here.
What?
What is this?
What? Why did you make
yourself look beautiful?
Mom said God is beautiful
and loves beautiful girls.
[mom chuckles] No!
I told you what the Quran says.
"God is beautiful
and loves beauty."
That's true.
Now, I brought you
a little surprise.
Ah!
And this will help
you keep your beauty
and save it only for God.
Wow, thank you, Teta.
This is how we pray to God.
Get up, let's try it.
Thank you, Mother, but for now,
she's only playing to God.
I'll give it to her when
she's old enough to pray.
Okay, so we're
all gonna pray together
and Teta here,
she's gonna bless our new home.
[family praying in Arabic]
[knocking on door]
[door rattles]
[neighbors moaning, panting]
[woman] Oh, God, oh, God!
[woman] Oh God!
[neighbors moaning]
[continues praying]
-Dad, are they praying too?
-Okay, you've heard
enough for today.
Good job and I think you
should go back to sleep now.
[Maryam] Dad, let me go.
What's with the rush, Mom?
Your flight's for next week.
-You can still
look around the city.
-I've seen enough already.
Any more and I'm gonna
lose my mind.
Or worse, my faith.
I guess we're going
to the airport.
-I can't, I have a student.
-Already?
How do you know
anybody in the city?
I posted an ad online.
-Did you check
if they have any--
-Of course. No single father,
no teenage boys,
no atheists and no dogs.
Good, where is it?
Just right after the first hill.
That's really far away.
How do you expect to get there?
Public transit.
Take a private cab,
I'll pay for it.
Save your money
for a more private place.
I am, Mom, very soon, all right?
For your information,
I have a...
very, very promising
job interview tomorrow.
[up tempo drumbeat]
[train rattling]
[up tempo drumbeat]
[train rattling continues]
[water splashes]
-[boy] Can I touch your hair?
-I've already said no.
Do you even have hair?
So, you put X on this side,
and everything else
on this side.
Why don't you try again?
So, are you learning anything?
Yeah, Dad, she's awesome.
Hi, I'm Donald.
[knocking on window]
Can you please
put on some clothes?
You know I don't like
to wear clothes around my house.
Sorry, sometimes I feel
like I have two kids.
So, how's our Allen doing?
Is he gonna pass his exam?
I can't promise anything,
it was just the first session.
Could you stay
a bit longer then?
Sorry, I can't,
I need to get home.
Just a little bit longer?
I could pay you
extra for your trouble.
-It's not that, it's just...
-[reporter on TV] Breaking news.
I can't miss my prayers.
-[reporter] The result
of a naked woman...
-Could you pray here?
[reporter] If you're
in a rush, you might want
to avoid the highway.
["La donna mobile" playing]
[grunts]
[gasps]
[music continues]
[starts prayer]
[man] Censorship is a holy job.
We cut sins out of scenes.
If one sin
escapes our attention,
thousands may get infected
and their sins becomes our sins.
-Do you understand?
-Yes, sir.
-Welcome aboard.
-[exhales] Thank you, sir.
So, which one
of those is my office?
Office?
You work from home for now.
Home?
Once you gain some experience,
you may get your own office.
Wait.
I... I can't...
I don't know if I can edit
in front of my wife and my kid.
-You do understand?
-I understand.
Maybe this is not the most
suitable work for you.
No, no, no, no,
not at all. Um...
They'll have to understand
once I explain the holiness
of it and all.
Good.
[festive guitar music]
[singing in Spanish]
[teacher] And one, two, three,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three
and turn, five, six, seven.
One, two, three,
now turn and dip.
[participants applauding]
All right, very good.
Now you guys,
I want you to do
the exact same thing,
just a little bit closer.
I want you guys
to stay connected.
And here we go.
Two, three, five six, seven
and one, two, three and turn,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three, turn and dip.
Your body right beside me
You've got
The smile of a prince
From a long, long time ago
Hands slide up to find me
And your gaze
Comes down to see
The face of someone
Who's always loved you so
Darling...
You're late.
I've been praying
-for your safe arrival.
-Anyone else home?
Just Maryam, she's asleep.
Where'd you get this?
Spin me.
What?
I said, spin me.
Give me all your love
When I look into your eyes
Kiss me under scarlet skies
[panting]
[kissing]
[both moaning]
[woman] Did you come? Saeed?
[door slams]
[sighs]
-[festive guitar music blaring]
-[neighbors chattering]
Windows back home
were thicker than these walls.
Can you give me some space?
I'm falling off.
[festive guitar music continues]
What happened to our view?
Do you mean all the buildings
and people watching us?
Who's watching?
I like looking out.
You can still look out.
But nobody can look in.
Brilliant, right?
What about the plants?
There you go.
[Saeed exhales]
It feels
just like Mom's basement.
No, no, it doesn't.
-I can't teach her like this.
-Then go to their homes.
Really? How about
you put on a hijab
and see how many people
welcome you
to teach at their homes?
I bet I look better
than you in a hijab.
[chuckles]
[phone rings]
Hello? Who is this?
-Who is it, Mama?
-Allen.
-He wants to talk to mom.
-Who is Allen?
My nine-year-old
boyfriend, relax.
-It's the kid I had
class with yesterday.
-Very funny, why is he calling?
Hi, Allen. How are you?
Hello, Elise.
Today, at your work?
[mouthing]
-Is there a private space?
-[silverware clanks]
I guess it's fine.
Can I come too, Mama?
I want to play with Allen.
Is it okay
if my daughter comes too?
She gets really bored at home.
Just get Dad's permission.
Dad, can I go please?
-No.
-Please, Dad, I want a friend.
-No, stop.
-Dad.
Okay, stop.
But what were the rules
about playing with boys?
-Don't let them
get too close to me.
-Yes. Why?
Do you remember what
happened to the princess
who kissed the wrong prince
who was not her husband?
Yes, she turned
into an ugly frog.
The frog story again?
I'm teaching her how
to be a good Muslim.
Good Muslims
don't teach with fear.
She's going to public school
next year.
You think they're gonna teach
her about her duties?
-About the responsibilities
of puberty?
-Mom, what's "puperdy"?
Puberty. Nothing you have
to worry about yet, honey.
Puperdy, puperdy, puperdy.
I'm leaving. [shushes]
Do you want her
to stay here instead?
With all this?
No, just keep an eye on her
playing
and text me the address.
Puperdy, puperdy, puperdy,
puperdy,
puperdy, puperdy.
[people cheering, clapping]
[door creaks]
[indistinct chatter]
[door creaks]
-Oh, Farash, hi.
-Hey.
-You're early.
-Sorry.
That's okay, come on in.
-Hi, is this your daughter?
-Yes. Maryam.
Hi Maryam! Welcome to my studio.
[Farash] Thank you.
We're just taking a break.
Let me introduce you
to the class.
-[man] Just a second.
-[woman] Um... Come in.
[Elise] Class, this is Farash.
Hey, Farash, I'm Edward.
Sorry, it's nothing personal
I just...
-can't, 'cause I...
-Because she has puperdy.
-Maryam!
-[actors giggling]
[whispering]
Okay, thanks, everybody.
Give us five.
Sorry, she never thinks
of what she says.
That's good.
Think less and feel more.
Took me years to teach
that to my students.
-Please have a seat.
-Thank you.
What do you teach here?
Introduction to acting.
Well, please make yourself
at home. I'll be back shortly.
[actors chattering softly]
Breathe into any areas
of tension in your body.
Notice any stored emotions,
or feelings
that are coming up in your body.
Just become aware of them,
no judgment.
Good warm up, everybody.
-What's this?
-I was not sure.
There's only one right answer.
[Elise] If you're here
to always get it right,
then you're in the wrong class.
Acting is about being open.
Open to infinite choices.
[soft piano music]
-So?
-Ah, I don't know.
Follow the same rule
and the answer
is always the same.
Allen, six times four...
is 24.
[Elise] Our true feelings
are often
the opposite of what we express.
I want you to try the line,
"I think I'm in love again,"
using different emotions.
Xantia, seduction.
I think I'm in love again.
Martin, fear.
I think I'm in love again.
[Elise] Julie, sadness.
-[Julie] I think
I'm in love again.
-[soft flute, piano music]
[Elise] We're afraid
of making eye contact
and letting people see
us for who we truly are.
So we build walls to protect
ourselves from getting hurt.
Here, we have no walls.
Only open windows
to get to know each other.
I want you to keep eye contact
with the person across from you
until you feel connected.
Until you see yourself in them.
-I don't have a partner.
-Then take turns.
Somebody
will eventually sign up.
-Hey sweetie, how was class?
-Good.
Sorry, I hope my class
wasn't too distracting.
-We're getting ready for a play.
-A play?
-Yes.
-Play? Can I play with Allen?
Of course.
-Let's go, let's go.
-[Allen giggles]
I was never allowed
to be in a play, but I was
a very playful child.
Well, I guess
we'll never stop playing.
I'm sorry, I don't understand
anything about acting.
This is not how I imagined
an acting class to be.
To be a good actor, you first
need to learn not to act.
To be yourself,
to know yourself.
To know myself? But how?
Some things are better
expressed than explained.
Why don't you give it a try?
-Acting?
-Mmm-hmm.
[Farash laughs]
Why not?
Sorry, we must get home.
Okay. Thank you.
-Maryam, let's go.
-Mom, I'm playing.
-I said let's go.
-Mom, let me play. Mom.
[ruler tapping]
[relaxing guitar music]
-[Maryam] Mom,
this is so much fun.
-I know.
[Maryam giggles] Good job, Mom.
Mom, get back up.
-It's fire, you'll burn.
-Oh. Sorry.
[Maryam] Oh, my God,
I wish Dad was here.
[elevator dings]
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.
-Yes!
-[both] Rock, paper,
scissors, shoot.
[sighs]
Didn't I tell you knock
before walking in? I'm working.
You never know
what could be on screen.
-[Saeed exhales]
-I'm sorry.
Why... Why are you late again?
I took Maryam to the park.
She loved the city.
-You missed Mahdi prayers.
-I prayed in the park.
In the park, in public?
In front of people?
God knows how many people
stared at your ass
every time you bent.
Here. Start with
the forgiveness prayers.
We'll redo your prayer
when I'm finished with work.
[Saeed sighs]
[Farash breathing deeply]
[Farash breathing deeply]
What the hell are you doing?
[microwave beeps]
[sighs]
Could you please put
something on? Maryam's home.
Don't worry, she can't get
out of bed, the door is locked.
So when is that
yoga class of yours?
Tomorrow. Why? You want
to make fun of me again?
No, I'm just trying to make sure
it's a safe environment
for you to teach.
-[Farash hisses]
-Are you okay?
-Yes.
-Good, when can I see it?
-You can't.
-Why not?
I told you,
it's a private class,
and don't worry, it's safe.
So what else do you do
there besides breathing?
Nothing, just a bunch
of women talking.
About what?
I don't know. How to get
to know themselves...
So you're telling me
this is all women talking,
trying to get
to know themselves?
Swear to God.
[microwaves beeps]
Sorry.
[laughs]
Now it makes sense.
No one understands women,
even women.
Funny.
So you think you know yourself
just because you're a man?
No, because I'm a Muslim man.
It's my duty to know myself.
Even our Prophet says, "To know
God is to know yourself."
But the actual hadith says,
"To know yourself
is to know God."
Same thing. The point is, you
have to know yourself, period.
Do you?
-I don't know.
-You should know.
-What if there's--
-There's no "what if"
when it comes to an order.
Even if it costs your family.
Remember the story of Noah?
He sacrificed his own child
for God's command,
to pass his test.
It says so on page...
On page...
45 and it was his duty
to do it and he did it,
and you keep questioning
everything I tell you.
Why can't you just
do what I'm telling you to do?
I know what's best for you.
[knocking on door]
[door creaks]
Hi, I don't think
we have any more classes.
No, we don't.
I think I forgot something here.
Imagination.
Acting is imagining what
or who we could become
instead of who we actually are.
Now, for the rest of this term,
each of you will be
assigned a role to play
based on your performance.
You want a script?
-I'm not interested.
-Just an extra copy.
Today, we're working
on a substitution technique.
I'm gonna tell you
an imaginary story
and you're gonna substitute it
with real life experience
to make it feel real.
Now close your eyes.
Now imagine
you're a little puppy.
You go from door to door
hopelessly looking for shelter.
It's getting dark.
But suddenly, you feel
a tightness around your neck.
It's a leash.
You try to get out of it,
but you can't.
The harder you struggle,
the tighter it gets.
You're scared
that if you run off,
you'll be lost again
and you'll never find a home.
[Farash weeps]
Farash?
Farash, are you okay?
Farash?
Farash, wait.
Farash!
Farash, stop.
Hey, are you crying?
No, I just wanted
to feel the rain.
Is there something
you want to share?
-I shouldn't have stayed.
-Was it something I said?
-[sighs] No.
-Farash, are you okay?
-I'm scared.
-It's okay to be scared.
If you face this, you'll
overcome it, I promise.
Don't use
your acting tricks on me!
I'm not, I'm just trying
to know what's scaring you.
You think you know
everything, don't you?
You don't know me, you have
no idea who I really am.
How can I know you
if you're not even willing
to know yourself?
I know myself and I don't
need you to tell me who I am.
I'm a married Muslim woman
with a kid and a husband
and I'm the least
likely person in this world
to become an actor.
This is who I am.
Is that all you could be?
Farash.
-[fireworks whistling]
-[people chattering]
[fish tank bubbling]
Can you leave me alone
at least with God?
What's gotten into you?
A Muslim never breaks
her prayer, never.
You can't break
your prayer like this.
Now start over
and do it the right way.
No, I'm not praying your way.
My God's home is every way.
[Saeed] Your God?
Farash, your God?
-Open the door, Farash.
-[knocking on door]
Your God? [chuckles]
I taught you about God, Farash,
and now you're teaching me, huh?
Open the door.
If you don't respect me,
at least respect God
and finish your prayers.
I chose my God
and I choose how to pray.
-Stop saying "my God."
-[knocking on door]
You don't get to choose your
God, Farash. He chooses you.
Now open the door!
-[screaming] Leave me alone!
-Leave you alone?
Like your parents did?
Stop. Maryam could hear you.
Finish your prayers,
or I swear--
Or what?
Saeed, it's not back home here!
[Maryam] Dad, what's happening?
[Saeed] Nothing, sweetie.
How did you get out of bed?
-Is Mommy okay?
-She's fine, yes.
-Now go back to sleep.
-Dad,
-do you love Mom anymore?
-Of course I do.
[Maryam] Then why
do you always fight?
Because I love her too much.
[Maryam] Mom,
do you still love Daddy?
Mom?
Mom?
-[Maryam] Mom.
-Yes, darling.
-I think I'm in love again.
-[fireworks whistling]
I think I'm in love again.
-[fireworks booming]
-[relaxing piano, flute music]
[actors laughing]
[music continues]
I heard you're looking
for a new student.
[Elise] Embrace
your inner animal.
-[actors growling]
-[steady tempo drumbeat]
-Follow your impulses.
-[actors snarling]
-Imagine you're in the wild.
-[shakers rattling]
-That's it.
-[actors howling]
[actors snarling]
Get in the circle.
-You chose a bird.
-Yes, it's a peacock.
Peacocks can't fly.
-But they're very colorful.
-Fair enough.
Okay.
I want you to forget
Farash, you're a peacock.
I'm gonna play the drum,
and you're gonna move
around like a peacock, okay?
-I'm not sure if I can.
-Yes you can, follow me.
Okay, you can do this.
Right here in the center.
Take a deep breath in, relax.
Close your eyes.
Nobody's gonna be watching,
it's just you.
Okay, beautiful peacock,
show me your colors.
[lights clacking]
[door closes]
[up tempo drumbeat]
[fast paced music]
[shakers rattling]
[knife chops]
[faint religious chanting
in Arabic]
-Dad, can you play?
-I'm busy, ask your mom.
Mom said she's busy praying.
She's still praying?
[faint religious chanting
in Arabic]
-Can you play
with Maryam? She's--
-[Farash gasps]
Are you okay?
I'll be out in a minute.
I've never
seen you so beautiful.
You're glowing.
It's true.
They say when someone prays
deep down from their heart,
angels come down
to kiss their tears.
[steady tempo music]
[Saeed] Oh.
[Saeed clapping]
You look nice.
Good job, Maryam.
Wow, Mama's been teaching you.
Maryam, I didn't know
you could dance like that.
Yeah, just do like your mom.
-Come dance with us.
-No, no, no, no.
-Come on.
-Please don't.
-Come on.
-No, please don't.
[upbeat ensemble music]
[kissing]
Maryam, do you know
what happens to people
who eat before praying?
Nothing happens.
Would you like
to do the prayer, Mama?
Okay.
God, thank you for making
my dad cook
and for making my mommy laugh,
and for making me so beautiful.
[Saeed chuckles]
Is that it?
You don't want
to ask for anything?
[silverware clanking]
-So, how is class?
-So much fun.
Fun?
Yeah, I mean Allen
is a fun kid to teach.
Oh, good.
-How's the food?
-Not bad for the first time.
[Saeed] Don't get used to it.
It might be the last time too.
Maryam, what are you doing?
God, please don't make
my dad cook again.
-Mama, please finish that.
-It's a sin to waste food.
It just needs a little
more spice, right?
Your dad sometimes forgets
the importance
of adding spice to things.
Yes, but not too spicy.
Maybe a little bit more spice.
[silverware clanking softly]
Dad, are you praying again?
Each of these costumes
represents a character
you'll be playing.
It's so easy for people
to judge others just by
the way they dress or look.
But actors never judge
a character they play.
To play each character
truthfully, you need
to understand their essence.
Today, we're gonna try
something new.
I want you to get a closer look
at the person across from you
and analyze them as if they're
another character in a story.
You still might
not know much about them...
but try to imagine what
kind of life they have,
how they spend their days,
how they interact with others...
even how they make love.
I want you to literally
put yourself in their shoes.
I want you to exchange
clothes with them.
-Are you kidding me?
-You serious?
Are you serious
about being an actor?
Farash, you gave me
your full commitment.
I don't feel
comfortable with this.
Me neither.
If you don't feel comfortable
with feeling uncomfortable,
you can't be an actor.
Okay, if you put it this way.
-Where are you going?
-Change room.
[Elise scoffs]
-You're safe in this class.
-I know.
Then what's blocking you?
I can't show my hair.
Then don't.
[soft flute, piano music]
-Wow.
-No way.
Slay.
What the fuck?
-[giggles]
-[Elise] How do you feel?
Um... Hot.
-[Elise] And you?
-Very hot.
[actors laughing, clapping]
[woman] Nice.
You've just put yourselves
into your character's shoes.
Now it's time to walk in them.
We're here. [giggles]
-Here?
-Yeah.
Are you serious?
Well, Elise said, "Live the
character and do what
they do, go where they go,"
so this is how I live.
-But you're pushing it too far.
-I'm pushing it too far?
I just went
to the mosque for you.
[hard rock music]
[Xantia giggles]
Do you like that?
Okay, can we go now?
That's good enough.
Hey, we just got here.
Come on!
You can try one of these.
-Stop.
-[whip thwacks]
-Stop.
-Try it, try it.
-Here.
-[whispering] Xantia, let's go.
The owner keeps staring at us.
So?
I should be the one
feeling uncomfortable
wearing this, not you.
Oh, God, okay, let's get you
something lighter for starters.
Hmm. Here.
This should make you
feel more comfortable.
-Stop.
-Hey, it's nice.
So how's my sex life looking?
What?
I mean your sex life,
-my character's sex life?
-It's very private.
I know, but how am I
gonna spice up my relationship?
I should know what
my husband's like.
What's he like?
-Very controlling.
-Controlling?
Things are gonna
get kinky, spill.
-Please don't go there.
-Come on.
Fine, I know what to get
for my controlling husband
to loosen up.
[Xantia giggles]
Good choice, sexy.
Have you tried 'em before?
-They're for me.
-For you?
Don't you guys have enough
locks and chains at home?
Excuse me?
They're not for sale.
-What do you mean?
-That's okay, I don't want it.
-[whispering] He keeps
staring at us.
-We don't have Muslim toys here.
Excuse me?
I said I don't want it,
Xantia, let's go.
Wait, I want to know
what's his fucking problem.
What do you mean "Muslim toys"?
What's your fucking problem?
You are the fucking problem.
Now get the fuck
out of my store.
We're sorry, I don't want it.
Listen, Farash, it's not for
you,
it's for my character.
She's gonna learn
how to stand up
for her rights,
for her freedom.
What the fuck are you
weirdos talking about?
I'm talking about
these fucking handcuffs.
Now you're gonna sell them to me
or I'm gonna test
all these fucking dildos
up your ass one by one
starting with the biggest one.
[hard rock music]
[Farash and Xantia laughing]
[car horn blares]
[soft music]
Are you feeling okay?
Relax and let me
do all the work.
No, no, take it off.
Shh.
I can't see what you're doing.
You've seen enough,
it's time to feel.
What are you doing?
Just trust me.
[Saeed sighs]
-Farash, take it off.
-Relax...
and let it go.
[Farash purrs]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Farash, stop.
-[kissing]
-Ooh, Farash, no.
I told you not to do that.
-No, don't.
-[Farash moans]
Don't go there, Farash.
[Saeed moaning]
[Saeed] All right,
so it's "La ikraha fil deen."
Try again.
[Maryam] La...
la ik...
I can't.
Can I finish my drawing?
-Not until you learn properly.
-It's a different language.
I don't know what it even means.
It's okay, honey.
Your dad doesn't know
what it means either.
Go finish your drawing.
Can you iron that dressy shirt?
-We have guests tonight.
-What guests?
I invited my boss and his family
over for dinner.
Saeed, why couldn't you tell me
earlier?
-You know I have a class today.
-Then cancel it.
Do I have to take your
permission every time
I need to invite guests
to my own home?
It's my home too,
I pay half the rent.
If I don't make friends
with them,
I'll never get promoted.
Speaking of rent,
did you deposit your half?
It's the first of the month.
Yes. When did I have
time to go to the bank?
-I've been in class all week.
-Good, don't forget.
-[washer door slams]
-[electronic beeps]
[Saeed sighs]
Any colored shirts?
No, just wash this one.
What for?
-So she can wear it.
-Can I wash it myself?
-I know how to do laundry.
-No, you don't.
I do!
I wash my own dolls' clothes.
No, it's not her duty yet.
It is our duty to protect her.
The building
is filled with strangers.
So?
We're not in a Muslim
community anymore.
The place is filled
with wandering eyes.
Then cover people's eyes,
not our head.
You don't know
what's in people's heads.
Or in yours, Saeed.
We're talking about
our daughter here,
not some person
on the screen to be censored.
You know what?
Let's get her to decide
what's right for her.
-You're kidding, right?
-I can explain it to her.
-She's a smart girl.
-Yes, Mom, I'm very smart.
[birds chirping]
[relaxing guitar music]
[music continues]
[music fades out]
[Saeed laughs]
It looks good on you.
You like it?
Can I have all different colors?
-As many as you like.
-When do I get my prize?
If you ask me one more time,
you're not gonna get it.
I didn't know there's
a prize involved in this.
Does Mom get a prize
for wearing her scarf too?
Your mom already bought
herself bags of prizes
without dad's approval.
Mom, where's your prize?
Did you eat it already?
You're my prize.
You're my prize.
[Maryam giggles]
Can you adjust her hijab?
It's falling off.
No one's watching.
Mom, dad says
God is always watching.
-God doesn't--
-That's my girl.
God doesn't have
a bad eye, Maryam.
I said, adjust her goddamn
hijab, for God's sake.
[birds cawing]
Mom, Mom, it's too tight,
I can't breathe.
Mom.
-[woman] Come on, Karim.
-Others have tried.
-Ah. I gotcha.
-Yay!
Is Farash feeling well?
I feel like we've hardly
seen her tonight.
She's been working
so much that I decided
to give her the day off
and let her relax...
And now she hates me
for it. Can you believe it?
Poor girl.
She did seem exhausted.
Yeah, the poor girl doesn't
have time to even look
good for her husband.
Not a single drop
of makeup on that tired face.
-[silverware clatters]
-Quiet.
Maybe if you spent less
time putting on makeup...
you'd have more time
to find your own husband too.
Karim, they say women's
power is in her beauty...
and men's beauty
in his power.
And who says a woman
can't have them both?
[Karim's wife] There she is.
Sit next to your husband, dear.
Let him spoil you.
It's okay, she prefers to sit
on yoga mats these days.
-Saeed.
-Yoga mat?
Yeah, the class she's teaching
at is apparently a yoga class.
So how did you
end up teaching yoga?
Oh, the woman is a yoga teacher
with a little kid.
She's barely home,
so I have to go there--
Typical North American woman
thinking she's a man.
I was talking.
Since I can't teach here
and she's never home,
I have to go there.
At this point,
I can't refuse work,
especially when I have
a moral and ethical obligation.
Okay, okay, stop making me
look like I'm the bad guy
in front of my boss.
Go teach the poor kid.
Really?
[sighs]
-[lips smooch]
-Why?
Sorry.
Wait, who's gonna do the dishes?
Can I do it after?
I'm running late.
I can do it.
[water trickling]
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Sorry.
You know, my brother never
does favors for anyone...
except his favorite
little sister.
[water trickling]
[hands slapping]
[actors laughing]
There must be a place for us.
Somewhere where every
color of the keyboard
plays the same song.
Somewhere where being ourselves
is not being wrong.
You say "Fuck it, let's go."
I know my line.
Can we change it?
No, the line won't change.
You have to change.
-I can't say it.
-Yes, you can.
F-U-C-K, "fuck."
Sometimes you just
have to say "Fuck it."
Come on.
"Fuck it," say it. "Fuck it."
-I can't say it.
-Yes, you fucking can.
Please stop swearing.
Just fucking say it,
it's just a fucking word.
-Oh, my God, fuck it.
-Yeah, fuck it.
Come on.
Farash, let it out, let it out.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
[laughing]
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
[everyone] Fuck it,
fuck it, fuck it, fuck it!
[Saeed] When are you
going to your class?
Soon. When are you
going to the mosque?
-Soon.
-What about dinner?
-I'm not that hungry.
-What about Maryam?
[blow dryer whirring]
I said what about Maryam?
I'll drop her off at
the praying lesson for kids.
They usually feed them.
-What?
-You look handsome.
You just noticed?
You're going
to the mosque like that?
-Yeah, why not?
-I thought you didn't like red.
Of course I do,
it's a great color. I love it.
God is beautiful
and loves beauty, right?
[sighs]
[Elise] Just keep exploring.
-[Farash giggles]
-And as you're exiting
from the curtain,
keep connecting
with your partner.
[film reel whirring]
-[fists thudding]
-[Saeed weeps]
[phone ringing]
I told you
to never to call me at home.
[woman] I told you
he would listen to me.
It's a done deal, honey.
What?
[soft piano music]
What's going on?
You're looking at the new
control supervisor.
-You got promoted?
-I just found out.
[Farash squeals elatedly]
[Farash giggles]
-How did it happen so fast?
-I told you, everything
happens quicker in the city.
Twice the pay for half the work.
And the best part, I have three
people working under me. Three.
-Congratulations!
-[kissing]
Just what you were dreaming of.
This is why
we moved to the city.
I'm so proud of you.
Now you can finally
stay at home.
What do you mean?
You know you don't have to work
anymore,
I can provide.
I never had to work,
I always wanted to.
If you want a full-time job,
you can be a full-time mom.
I can afford it and Maryam
certainly needs you.
I can't afford to be home
all day, my job fulfills me.
Don't worry.
If everything goes right,
you'll have a very fulfilling
job for the next nine months.
-What do you mean?
-Tease my heart
Don't waste away,
Let me love, I want you
[Saeed] I want a son.
-What?
-I want a son.
A brother for Maryam.
A bigger family for us.
I see myself in you
Set me free
I need release
Saeed, I don't think
we're ready.
If you break my heart
We weren't ready for Maryam
either but it all worked out.
It was different then.
Things have changed
since we moved here.
What's changed? Nothing.
Except I have a better job
to sustain a family now.
Isn't this what
you've always dreamed of?
Now you're asking
about my dreams?
Knows just how to
Drive you insane
I thought you'd be happy.
I mean, what else
could you dream of, huh?
Tell me, anything you want.
I put my heart
Inside a prison
I still want to teach.
If you insist, I'll let you
teach from home.
Break me apart
Kiss by kiss
Take my body, take my heart
Love me gentle
Love me rough, I want you
I want you to kiss me apart
Break me apart
Kiss by kiss, take my body
Saeed, I'm not in the mood.
Saeed, we really need
to think this through.
This is a very big decision.
We made this decision
a very long time ago.
Tonight is a very whole
night to conceive.
[kissing]
I said no, Saeed.
Pray with me, please.
-I said no! Get the fuck off me!
-What did you just say?
-I said get the fuck off.
-[hand slaps]
[Farash gasps]
This one's from God
for disrespecting your husband.
The next one's from me
and I won't be as nice.
[Farash pants]
Saeed, get the fuck off me!
-No.
-[Saeed grunts]
[muffled] I don't want to!
[Saeed] Shut up!
[Farash] No! No!
[Farash weeps]
-No!
-[Saeed grunting]
No!
[Saeed grunting]
Get off me! No!
[Farash screams]
[scream echoes]
[birds cawing]
[Saeed] Hey, not too far.
I can already see them
running around playing.
Can you imagine?
You'll thank me one day.
This will bring us
closer together.
-Dad, get back up.
-What?
-You're burning in lava.
What's the rush?
I have class.
Good, make sure you tell them
it's your last class.
I know it's overwhelming,
but I want you to be
the lead in the play.
You've earned it.
You've worked
really hard, Farash.
-I can't.
-Of course you can.
Hey, believe in yourself,
you totally can do this.
-Trust me.
-Elise, I really can't.
-My husband's gonna find out.
-Your husband?
Don't even worry
about your husband.
I've got it all figured out.
With all these
costumes and makeup,
even your husband's
not gonna recognize you.
And you're gonna have
a stage name.
Any other excuse?
[Farash sighs]
Welcome everyone
to the last class of the term.
But for now, I want to celebrate
this new chapter with a poem.
"Life is like a short play.
We're born on the stage.
We act, direct and write it.
Every day, a single page.
Don't hide behind the curtains.
Be good enough without a mask.
You'll never know who you are...
if you never dare to ask.
Life's stage is full of rules.
What is wrong and what is right.
But the sun you seek is in you.
Just follow your inner light."
[relaxing piano, flute music]
Now let's go back to our chairs
and put your mask on.
Get ready for the next exercise.
This represents
what the character
is saying in the text.
I'm happy.
Underneath is what
the character actually feels.
I'm sad.
The subtext.
[relaxing piano, flute music]
Today, we're going to unmask.
I think you're a nice guy...
but sometimes
you can be an asshole.
I feel like
you're a scared little bird.
Surprise me.
Be brave.
I feel like you want
to connect with me.
But every time I try,
you get scared and shut me out.
Farash, look him
straight in the eyes.
He's your partner.
Say how you
actually feel underneath.
Farash...
what's happening with you today?
Drop all your fears.
What's underneath?
[voice echoing] Unmask.
[low, anxious music]
I feel like
you never let me feel.
I feel like you're hiding
me from the entire world,
even from my own self,
just 'cause
of your own insecurities.
I feel like every time
I start to feel like myself,
you punish me,
'cause you're scared
to know who I really am.
Maybe if you knew,
you wouldn't love me anymore.
I feel trapped.
Trapped in a good Muslim
and a good wife,
and anything
that makes you feel good.
I feel I have too many
impulses for my beliefs
and my beliefs make it
impossible for my impulses.
Someone must have fucked up.
And yes, I can say
the word "fuck."
It doesn't mean
I want to fuck anyone.
That's just how I feel
in this moment right now.
I want to feel whatever
the fuck I want to feel,
because here,
my feelings are mine.
My body is mine, my God is mine.
I'm not just a tool
to bring your babies to life.
I'm also a storyteller
that brings characters to life.
And neither you or anyone else
can take that away from me.
I may not be able to raise
my voice at you at home,
but here, I'm giving
a voice to characters
that don't have a voice.
So I can still feel alive.
[low, anxious music continues]
[Elise] Farash,
follow you impulse.
["Waltz of the Flowers" playing]
-[slow clapping]
-[Farash gasps]
Is Mom gonna turn
into an ugly frog?
[book thuds]
Dad, who's that guy?
[Edward] Farash, you okay?
-Shit.
-[Farash thuds]
[Elise] Farash, Farash,
can you breathe?
Farash.
[Xantia] Oh, my god.
Somebody call 911.
Get some water.
[fire crackling]
[Elise] Farash, he's still
her father, I'm sure she's fine.
But you just stay here
until he calms down.
I know his plan.
He just wants to get me home.
[Farash sighs]
Farash.
Listen, if he's that crazy,
let's call the cops.
And say what?
"I cheated on my husband and
I'm too scared to go home now?"
Stop saying you cheated on him.
-Fine. I'm gonna call the cops.
-No. What if they take him?
What am I supposed to do
with a kid in a new city?
And what am I supposed
to tell Maryam?
I'm sorry, I don't know.
-[Farash coughs]
-Farash, Farash, are you...
-[phone rings]
-Shit. It's him.
Farash, it's him.
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Where is Farash?
She can't come
to the phone right now.
Who the hell are you?
It's Elise, the acting coach.
Where the fuck do you live?
It's none of your business
where I live.
Get my wife on the phone
or I swear to you.
Okay, calm down.
I swear to God...
He's just barking.
Don't be scared.
I can't, not over the phone.
Tell him I want
to meet him in person.
-Okay, Saeed.
-I swear on my life...
Listen to us, yes,
she's gonna meet you,
just calm down.
-Give me my wife...
-She wants to meet
somewhere in public.
Don't make him angry.
...and I'll come right over
there...
Listen, Saeed,
just listen to us.
-Please calm down.
-My ass.
I don't need you to
tell me what to do.
-I'm the boss...
-I need to make
sure if Maryam's safe first.
Get her on the phone now.
She says she--
I said, get her
on the phone now,
or I swear to God,
if she does not come home,
she will never see Maryam
again.
Do you understand?
Hello?
He says if you don't come home,
you'll never see Maryam again.
Tell him if anything
happens to Maryam...
You have my daughter
and I have your son.
-Come home right--
-[call end tone]
His son?
[patrons chattering]
[knocking on window]
[door creaks]
Mom, Mom, where were you?
-Mom, I missed you so much.
-Hey, Mama, I'm here.
I'm here now.
Are you okay, are you all right?
Yes, yes.
I just couldn't sleep,
even with the music box.
I'm sorry, honey. I'm here now.
-You're not leaving us?
-Of course not.
-Of course not, Maryam.
-[kissing]
Then why did
daddy cry all night?
Why don't you
go get some face paint
while Mom and I talk?
-[patrons chattering]
-[dishes clanking]
More spice...
right?
-[glass thuds]
-Right?
[patrons chattering]
Saeed, you have
every right to be upset
but I swear to God,
it's not what you think it--
[hand slaps]
Don't swear to God again.
-You're lucky you're pregnant.
-People are watching.
Now you're afraid
of people watching?
People, huh?
What about God?
You don't think God was watching
when you were cheating on me?
Quiet, I was not cheating.
How are you loving
couple doing today, huh?
There's the menu,
we have Devil's Kiss
as special for today.
We don't drink. Thank you.
No problem, sir.
We can make it
a virgin if you want.
I'll leave you guys
alone for a few minutes.
[Saeed blows]
How can you come back home,
and sleep next to me
after all of that?
It was just an acting class.
-I needed to get to know myself.
-Get to know yourself?
At least now I got to know you.
Saeed, you don't know me.
You never even tried.
Don't give me
that acting bullshit.
Did you have to fuck the guy,
huh, in the name of acting?
Okay. I'm not gonna let
you talk to me like this.
I'm leaving
and I'm taking Maryam with me.
Next time you leave, there won't
be anything to live for.
-Let go, Saeed.
-Oh, I can let go.
You can go, I just want
to hold onto my son.
-Let go or I'll scream, Saeed.
-Please, the stage is all yours.
Actress.
What do you think of it, Mom?
Do you like it?
Yes, honey. I just think
it needs more paint on it.
Do you want some...
you wanna paint too?
[Saeed sighs]
My mom was right
about this city.
She said it would divide us.
Saeed, you're the one building
walls since we moved in.
If you could only open up.
Thanks.
You've opened up enough
for all of us.
I told my mom you're pregnant.
-Does she know about--
-No, she doesn't know
about your cheating.
We've decided
that it's best for the baby
if you and Maryam move
back in with her while
I work in the city.
-It's safer.
-What do you mean "We decided?"
You go back to living
in the community,
like you did before,
and everything will go back
to normal like nothing happened.
Nothing happened
and I'm not going anywhere.
-Farash, I'm forgiving you.
-I don't need
your forgiveness, Saeed.
And if there is punishment,
I'll let God do it, not me.
I said I'm forgiving you.
On one condition.
What's this?
This is to fix the trust
you broke, to protect you.
To protect me or to hide me?
It's the only way, Farash.
No, I'm not gonna
let you censor my face.
I swear to God, Farash,
do not play with fire
-or I swear to God--
-Or what?
I'll make your life miserable,
you'll never see Maryam
ever again,
do you understand me?
You're gonna live alone
on the streets.
You think you're gonna
go back to anybody, huh?
You don't even have
the family you left, huh?
You're gonna
go back to living alone.
I saved you. I saved you.
You'll never see Maryam again,
do you understand me?
Go and wear it.
Bitch.
[water dripping]
[anxious violin music]
[Farash weeps]
[fist thuds]
-Thanks, Dad, for the ice cream.
-You're so welcome, sweetie.
[patrons laughing]
Who's this?
Don't worry, it's mommy.
Mm, don't touch it.
Eat your ice cream.
We're celebrating mommy, daddy
and all of us together again.
Stop it. Finish your ice cream.
[Maryam laughs]
[Saeed] Hey, stop laughing,
it's not funny.
[Maryam laughs]
Hey, shh, it's not funny.
-Where are you going?
-Lady's room.
Don't take long.
-And where are you running to?
-If I can wear a hijab,
then I can pee
in the ladies room too.
[water dripping]
[stall door creaks]
Farash? Farash?
[woman] Hey, what
the fuck are you doing?
[soft music]
[music intensifies]
[music intensifies]
-Farash?
-Yes, that's me.
-That's your daughter?
-Yes, Maryam.
Hi.
I'm sorry but you don't qualify
to stay at the women's shelter.
Clearly you're not under
any threat, and we only
accommodate women
who are in immediate danger
or mentally unstable.
Sorry.
Mama, just stay here. Excuse me.
[siren blaring]
All right, hold on, stay there.
Hey, do you think if you
or your mom went home,
that something might happen?
Yes. She'll turn
into an ugly frog.
You can stay for a month max.
Lights go off at 10:00,
meals are announced over the PA.
General bathroom is downstairs
and there's a limit
to one shower per day.
And most importantly,
no visitors without permission,
especially men.
Perfect.
Okay, you're writing
on a chalkboard.
-You're... You're a teacher!
-Nope.
-Your mother.
-No.
-It's God, I win.
-[woman] That's not fair.
That's not fair,
you can't play God.
[woman 2] Yeah, you're supposed
to do something we can see.
-I can see God. Right, Mom?
-Yes, honey.
-Wanna play too?
-No, you keep playing.
I have to go pray. Could you
please keep an eye on her?
Don't worry, she's safe here.
[whispering prayer softly]
[door creaks]
[ominous music]
[Saeed] Farash.
You're not good
at playing hide and seek.
Why are you shaking?
Huh?
You're scared of me?
You should not be scared of me.
Only God.
You should only fear God.
Are you talking to him now?
-Asking for forgiveness?
-[Farash pants, quivers]
Do you think
he has forgiven you?
Huh?
Do you really believe
he's forgiven you?
Huh?
Well, your God
is certainly very forgiving.
Mine is not.
-[liquid splashes]
-[Farash screams]
[thuds]
You want to be an actress?
Fine, I'll do my job,
you do yours.
[liquid splashes]
[Farash screams]
Leave my mom alone!
-[shouting]
-[liquid splashes]
Ow, Mom! Mom, my face!
Mom, Mom, my face! What is it?
Oh, my God, Farash.
[distorted voices]
[Maryam] Mom.
[somber music]
[music continues]
[cloth rustling]
[music fades out]
[Farash] Maryam,
your dress is ready.
Maryam.
[woman on speaker]
Hi, Farash, it's Dr. Johnson.
I hope you both
are recovering well.
I noticed you missed
your appointment last week
to remove your bandages.
Can you please give me a call
at the clinic right away?
-[beep]
-Farash, it's Dr. Johnson
again.
I've been trying to reach you.
It's very urgent
that you remove those bandages.
-Can you please call me--
-[beep]
Hey, it's Elise.
Everyone misses you.
-If you need any help--
-[beep]
[Elise] Farash, I have
some good news for you.
-Please come to the studio.
-[beep]
[door creaks]
-What are you doing?
-I want to see how I look.
No, what did I say?
But, Mom, I can't wait
anymore, it still burns.
Don't you want to turn
into a beautiful princess?
Then you have to wait
for the magic potion to work.
To break the spell,
like in the stories.
Promise me you won't look again.
I promise.
[lips smooch]
[iron crackles]
[children yelling]
Mom, is dad coming home
for my birthday?
I don't know.
What are you drawing?
It's you, me and dad.
That doesn't look like me.
Is dad coming home
for my birthday?
Mom, is dad coming
home for my birthday?
I said I don't know.
-Are we still hiding?
-Yes.
The last time we ran off,
you said we weren't
hiding anymore.
I lied, okay?
Dad said, "If you lie,
you go to hell."
Your dad can burn in hell!
[Maryam weeping]
[Maryam continues weeping]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, honey.
Sorry.
I miss dad.
Why can't you give him
a clue so he can find us?
Do you want to look like
a princess for your birthday?
[Maryam] Shouldn't we get
Dad's permission first?
[Farash] We don't need anyone's
permission anymore.
-Pick any color you want.
-Pink.
[relaxing guitar music]
Towards me please, princess.
Where are your eyebrows?
Let's draw you some eyebrows.
So, what kind of princess
do you want to look like?
There's no red,
but there's this color.
This color, gimme this color.
[relaxing tar, violin music]
[lips smack]
-Oh, I can't.
-You'll like it.
I think you need
some hearts too.
A big heart from Mama.
A big heart from me.
-My heart's bigger.
-No.
Yes.
-You're a blue princess.
-You look like
a really creepy clown.
[both laughing]
Pink because I love "love."
-Aww.
-And I love you.
[knocking on door]
-It's dad, it's dad.
-Who is it?
[door creaks]
Mom, look.
[silverware clanking]
It's a script... script.
Mom, I think this is for you.
[crickets chirping]
-What is it?
-Go open your gifts, Mama.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Maryam
Happy birthday to you
Make a wish.
[Maryam blows]
-One more, one more, yay!
-[Farash and Maryam clapping]
[somber guitar music]
-[Farash] More.
-That's good. [laughs]
No, I'm great.
You don't like it?
[Farash gasps, laughs]
[laughing] Oh, my God.
You're a naughty birthday girl.
-I'm gonna catch you.
-No, please, no.
-Birthday girl.
-Mom.
[Farash and Maryam laughing]
Here you are. I got her.
I got her. I got her.
[somber guitar music]
[Maryam laughs, stops]
What?
Nothing.
You have some cake on your face.
Let's go change your bandages.
But I don't have
any cake on my face.
Now you do. Let's go.
[Maryam] Am I a princess now?
You're already a princess.
-[Maryam] Can I see?
-Not yet, honey. Soon.
Why are you crying?
I've just... I've just never
seen you so beautiful.
Mom, is dad in heaven?
Why would you ask that?
'Cause when people are gone
for too long, and others cry,
they say they're in heaven,
like grandpa.
I don't know.
Daddy always wanted to go there.
I'm not sure about him.
But honey,
you'll definitely go to heaven.
Will he come with me?
[somber guitar music]
Mom?
Dad said, I have a new playmate.
Is it true?
-Yes.
-Where is he?
-He's here.
-Can I see him?
No, but maybe you can hear him.
[door creaks]
[gas hissing]
[gas hissing continues]
[Farash pants softly]
-[Farash panting]
-[somber violin music]
-Hey, Mom, look what I found.
-Why are you awake?
I had a bad dream.
I tried to wake up,
but I couldn't.
What dream?
We were going through a tunnel.
A very dark, one-way tunnel.
I kept shouting "Mom, Mom,
come back, it's a dead end!"
But you couldn't see
or hear anything.
You kept dragging me along.
I couldn't see
or hear anything anymore.
Suddenly, this butterfly sat
on my face and woke me up.
Isn't it beautiful?
It is beautiful.
Everything still is.
[Farash and Maryam panting]
-[somber violin music]
-[crickets chirping]
-[birds chirping]
-[waves crashing]
[Farash] Are you trying
to torture me?
Farash, is that you?
Oh, my god, we've been--
-Are you trying to torture me?
-Torture you?
-[Farash] What's this?
-It's the script for the play.
I know what it is.
Do I look like I can act?
-Listen, I just want--
-I want you to look at me,
and tell me if I look
like I can act.
[waves crashing]
[birds chirping]
You're still my lead.
It's not a reason to hide
from the world again, Farash.
The world
that was already scared of me?
Now they have one more
reason to be scared.
If they're scared of the mask,
then show them who's behind it.
Show them the real Farash.
The real Farash did this to me.
Maybe I deserve this.
Maybe women like me
are born to pray, not to play.
Can you hear yourself?
Now you sound
just like your husband.
-Excuse me?
-Can't you see, Farash?
He was using his faith
to justify punishing you,
and now you're using it to
justify punishing yourself.
You know nothing
about my faith, nothing.
I know your God
is beautiful and loves beauty.
And you certainly look
more beautiful like this.
-Are you out of your f--
-Say it, come on.
-Are you out
of your fucking mind?
-Now, that's beautiful.
-[Farash gasps]
-[relaxing piano music]
You crazy bitch.
That's the fucking Farash
I'm talking about.
-She's back.
-[Farash] You're gonna regret
to see who's back.
-Wait 'til I catch you. [laughs]
-[Elise] Oh, my God.
[waves crashing]
[Farash] I still don't
understand why you're
wasting your time.
What's the point of you
teaching me how to act
if I can't even show my face?
I'm not teaching
you acting to act.
-Then what?
-[waves crashing]
I'm teaching you to teach.
To teach? [laughs]
[Elise] Yes, to teach acting.
[Farash] You're crazier
than I thought.
What's blocking you?
[Farash] Who's gonna take
acting classes from a Muslim?
[Farash]
It took a lot of courage
for all of you
to be in this class,
to choose to be an actress
as a Muslim woman.
I want to end the term
with a poem.
"I believe in a beautiful God.
A God who loves beauty.
Play to Him as a prayer.
He's needless of my duty.
My God is a homeless one,
yet His home is everywhere.
He does not need a ending.
Everywhere I look, He's there.
My God does not live too far.
He lives among every tree.
His footprint is on the leaves.
His breath is the dance of
wind.
My God does not fit in books.
He lives in every man's eyes.
He's reborn with every birth.
He does not kill, nor He dies.
My God's not a warrior.
He's the artist and the art.
My God doesn't need jihad.
He conquers a willing heart.
My God is not to kill for.
He is the reason to live.
Life is a gift He won't take.
He only knows how to give.
My God doesn't have a name.
Not Jesus, Allah or Dao.
He can't be named, only felt.
I call Him, "Power of Now."
My God never wears a mask.
He is everything you see.
His beauty is in you.
His beauty is in me."
[inspirational violin,
piano music]
[music continues]
[music fades out]
[soft piano music playing]
[music stops]
["Waltz of the Flowers" playing]
[gasps]
[religious chanting in Arabic]
-[religious chanting stops]
-[birds chirping]
[sighs]
[sighs]
-[kissing]
-Stop.
Why not?
We can't.
It's not right.
It feels right.
[birds chirping]
[moans softly]
[water trickles]
You know, what's my favorite
thing about this place
is that we have
our very private bathroom.
Mom's bathroom
felt more spacious.
[woman] Ours feels
more intimate.
And it's praying time,
not playing time.
[man and woman moaning]
[sighs]
I don't know why the water
suddenly got so cold.
God knows.
-[sighs]
-You missed the prayer.
Are the floors here even
clean enough to pray on?
Yes, Mom, the tenant
didn't have any dogs or kids.
The apartment might be clean,
but what about the neighborhood?
At least back home,
you knew who everybody was.
Do you know I've yet
to see another Muslim
in this whole city?
Mom, I'm sure there's
a lot of Muslims here.
It's a big city, Mama.
-[man] No, you get fuck out!
-[woman] You get
the fuck outta here!
-[man] You get
the fuck out. No, fuck you!
-[woman] Get outta here!
-Everything okay?
-Yes. Can you close the blinds?
-Where is Maryam?
-She's asleep.
We can't do this without her.
She needs to pray with us.
Mom, she doesn't know
how to pray yet.
Then it's my duty
to teach her before I leave.
But isn't Maryam
too young to be praying?
She's only seven years old.
Do you know how old Susu was
when he first started to pray?
Look at him now.
[door latches]
[woman] Maryam, wake up, love.
Grandma wants
to teach you something.
I'm not feeling well.
Wake up, dear.
You'll feel better after,
I promise.
You can sleep all you
want after grandma leaves.
-Don't you want
to learn how to pray?
-I know how to pray.
Really?
You just have to cover
yourself and talk to God, see?
Nice try. Wake up, please.
-Leave me alone.
-Maryam.
-Leave me alone.
-Maryam, wake up.
No.
[sighs]
I learned this new game...
where you get
to look like a ballerina,
dance like a ballerina.
[music box cranks]
[soft music]
[mom] Good job, Mama.
-[Maryam chuckles]
-Okay, Maryam.
That's enough practice,
now come here.
What?
What is this?
What? Why did you make
yourself look beautiful?
Mom said God is beautiful
and loves beautiful girls.
[mom chuckles] No!
I told you what the Quran says.
"God is beautiful
and loves beauty."
That's true.
Now, I brought you
a little surprise.
Ah!
And this will help
you keep your beauty
and save it only for God.
Wow, thank you, Teta.
This is how we pray to God.
Get up, let's try it.
Thank you, Mother, but for now,
she's only playing to God.
I'll give it to her when
she's old enough to pray.
Okay, so we're
all gonna pray together
and Teta here,
she's gonna bless our new home.
[family praying in Arabic]
[knocking on door]
[door rattles]
[neighbors moaning, panting]
[woman] Oh, God, oh, God!
[woman] Oh God!
[neighbors moaning]
[continues praying]
-Dad, are they praying too?
-Okay, you've heard
enough for today.
Good job and I think you
should go back to sleep now.
[Maryam] Dad, let me go.
What's with the rush, Mom?
Your flight's for next week.
-You can still
look around the city.
-I've seen enough already.
Any more and I'm gonna
lose my mind.
Or worse, my faith.
I guess we're going
to the airport.
-I can't, I have a student.
-Already?
How do you know
anybody in the city?
I posted an ad online.
-Did you check
if they have any--
-Of course. No single father,
no teenage boys,
no atheists and no dogs.
Good, where is it?
Just right after the first hill.
That's really far away.
How do you expect to get there?
Public transit.
Take a private cab,
I'll pay for it.
Save your money
for a more private place.
I am, Mom, very soon, all right?
For your information,
I have a...
very, very promising
job interview tomorrow.
[up tempo drumbeat]
[train rattling]
[up tempo drumbeat]
[train rattling continues]
[water splashes]
-[boy] Can I touch your hair?
-I've already said no.
Do you even have hair?
So, you put X on this side,
and everything else
on this side.
Why don't you try again?
So, are you learning anything?
Yeah, Dad, she's awesome.
Hi, I'm Donald.
[knocking on window]
Can you please
put on some clothes?
You know I don't like
to wear clothes around my house.
Sorry, sometimes I feel
like I have two kids.
So, how's our Allen doing?
Is he gonna pass his exam?
I can't promise anything,
it was just the first session.
Could you stay
a bit longer then?
Sorry, I can't,
I need to get home.
Just a little bit longer?
I could pay you
extra for your trouble.
-It's not that, it's just...
-[reporter on TV] Breaking news.
I can't miss my prayers.
-[reporter] The result
of a naked woman...
-Could you pray here?
[reporter] If you're
in a rush, you might want
to avoid the highway.
["La donna mobile" playing]
[grunts]
[gasps]
[music continues]
[starts prayer]
[man] Censorship is a holy job.
We cut sins out of scenes.
If one sin
escapes our attention,
thousands may get infected
and their sins becomes our sins.
-Do you understand?
-Yes, sir.
-Welcome aboard.
-[exhales] Thank you, sir.
So, which one
of those is my office?
Office?
You work from home for now.
Home?
Once you gain some experience,
you may get your own office.
Wait.
I... I can't...
I don't know if I can edit
in front of my wife and my kid.
-You do understand?
-I understand.
Maybe this is not the most
suitable work for you.
No, no, no, no,
not at all. Um...
They'll have to understand
once I explain the holiness
of it and all.
Good.
[festive guitar music]
[singing in Spanish]
[teacher] And one, two, three,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three
and turn, five, six, seven.
One, two, three,
now turn and dip.
[participants applauding]
All right, very good.
Now you guys,
I want you to do
the exact same thing,
just a little bit closer.
I want you guys
to stay connected.
And here we go.
Two, three, five six, seven
and one, two, three and turn,
five, six, seven.
One, two, three, turn and dip.
Your body right beside me
You've got
The smile of a prince
From a long, long time ago
Hands slide up to find me
And your gaze
Comes down to see
The face of someone
Who's always loved you so
Darling...
You're late.
I've been praying
-for your safe arrival.
-Anyone else home?
Just Maryam, she's asleep.
Where'd you get this?
Spin me.
What?
I said, spin me.
Give me all your love
When I look into your eyes
Kiss me under scarlet skies
[panting]
[kissing]
[both moaning]
[woman] Did you come? Saeed?
[door slams]
[sighs]
-[festive guitar music blaring]
-[neighbors chattering]
Windows back home
were thicker than these walls.
Can you give me some space?
I'm falling off.
[festive guitar music continues]
What happened to our view?
Do you mean all the buildings
and people watching us?
Who's watching?
I like looking out.
You can still look out.
But nobody can look in.
Brilliant, right?
What about the plants?
There you go.
[Saeed exhales]
It feels
just like Mom's basement.
No, no, it doesn't.
-I can't teach her like this.
-Then go to their homes.
Really? How about
you put on a hijab
and see how many people
welcome you
to teach at their homes?
I bet I look better
than you in a hijab.
[chuckles]
[phone rings]
Hello? Who is this?
-Who is it, Mama?
-Allen.
-He wants to talk to mom.
-Who is Allen?
My nine-year-old
boyfriend, relax.
-It's the kid I had
class with yesterday.
-Very funny, why is he calling?
Hi, Allen. How are you?
Hello, Elise.
Today, at your work?
[mouthing]
-Is there a private space?
-[silverware clanks]
I guess it's fine.
Can I come too, Mama?
I want to play with Allen.
Is it okay
if my daughter comes too?
She gets really bored at home.
Just get Dad's permission.
Dad, can I go please?
-No.
-Please, Dad, I want a friend.
-No, stop.
-Dad.
Okay, stop.
But what were the rules
about playing with boys?
-Don't let them
get too close to me.
-Yes. Why?
Do you remember what
happened to the princess
who kissed the wrong prince
who was not her husband?
Yes, she turned
into an ugly frog.
The frog story again?
I'm teaching her how
to be a good Muslim.
Good Muslims
don't teach with fear.
She's going to public school
next year.
You think they're gonna teach
her about her duties?
-About the responsibilities
of puberty?
-Mom, what's "puperdy"?
Puberty. Nothing you have
to worry about yet, honey.
Puperdy, puperdy, puperdy.
I'm leaving. [shushes]
Do you want her
to stay here instead?
With all this?
No, just keep an eye on her
playing
and text me the address.
Puperdy, puperdy, puperdy,
puperdy,
puperdy, puperdy.
[people cheering, clapping]
[door creaks]
[indistinct chatter]
[door creaks]
-Oh, Farash, hi.
-Hey.
-You're early.
-Sorry.
That's okay, come on in.
-Hi, is this your daughter?
-Yes. Maryam.
Hi Maryam! Welcome to my studio.
[Farash] Thank you.
We're just taking a break.
Let me introduce you
to the class.
-[man] Just a second.
-[woman] Um... Come in.
[Elise] Class, this is Farash.
Hey, Farash, I'm Edward.
Sorry, it's nothing personal
I just...
-can't, 'cause I...
-Because she has puperdy.
-Maryam!
-[actors giggling]
[whispering]
Okay, thanks, everybody.
Give us five.
Sorry, she never thinks
of what she says.
That's good.
Think less and feel more.
Took me years to teach
that to my students.
-Please have a seat.
-Thank you.
What do you teach here?
Introduction to acting.
Well, please make yourself
at home. I'll be back shortly.
[actors chattering softly]
Breathe into any areas
of tension in your body.
Notice any stored emotions,
or feelings
that are coming up in your body.
Just become aware of them,
no judgment.
Good warm up, everybody.
-What's this?
-I was not sure.
There's only one right answer.
[Elise] If you're here
to always get it right,
then you're in the wrong class.
Acting is about being open.
Open to infinite choices.
[soft piano music]
-So?
-Ah, I don't know.
Follow the same rule
and the answer
is always the same.
Allen, six times four...
is 24.
[Elise] Our true feelings
are often
the opposite of what we express.
I want you to try the line,
"I think I'm in love again,"
using different emotions.
Xantia, seduction.
I think I'm in love again.
Martin, fear.
I think I'm in love again.
[Elise] Julie, sadness.
-[Julie] I think
I'm in love again.
-[soft flute, piano music]
[Elise] We're afraid
of making eye contact
and letting people see
us for who we truly are.
So we build walls to protect
ourselves from getting hurt.
Here, we have no walls.
Only open windows
to get to know each other.
I want you to keep eye contact
with the person across from you
until you feel connected.
Until you see yourself in them.
-I don't have a partner.
-Then take turns.
Somebody
will eventually sign up.
-Hey sweetie, how was class?
-Good.
Sorry, I hope my class
wasn't too distracting.
-We're getting ready for a play.
-A play?
-Yes.
-Play? Can I play with Allen?
Of course.
-Let's go, let's go.
-[Allen giggles]
I was never allowed
to be in a play, but I was
a very playful child.
Well, I guess
we'll never stop playing.
I'm sorry, I don't understand
anything about acting.
This is not how I imagined
an acting class to be.
To be a good actor, you first
need to learn not to act.
To be yourself,
to know yourself.
To know myself? But how?
Some things are better
expressed than explained.
Why don't you give it a try?
-Acting?
-Mmm-hmm.
[Farash laughs]
Why not?
Sorry, we must get home.
Okay. Thank you.
-Maryam, let's go.
-Mom, I'm playing.
-I said let's go.
-Mom, let me play. Mom.
[ruler tapping]
[relaxing guitar music]
-[Maryam] Mom,
this is so much fun.
-I know.
[Maryam giggles] Good job, Mom.
Mom, get back up.
-It's fire, you'll burn.
-Oh. Sorry.
[Maryam] Oh, my God,
I wish Dad was here.
[elevator dings]
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.
-Yes!
-[both] Rock, paper,
scissors, shoot.
[sighs]
Didn't I tell you knock
before walking in? I'm working.
You never know
what could be on screen.
-[Saeed exhales]
-I'm sorry.
Why... Why are you late again?
I took Maryam to the park.
She loved the city.
-You missed Mahdi prayers.
-I prayed in the park.
In the park, in public?
In front of people?
God knows how many people
stared at your ass
every time you bent.
Here. Start with
the forgiveness prayers.
We'll redo your prayer
when I'm finished with work.
[Saeed sighs]
[Farash breathing deeply]
[Farash breathing deeply]
What the hell are you doing?
[microwave beeps]
[sighs]
Could you please put
something on? Maryam's home.
Don't worry, she can't get
out of bed, the door is locked.
So when is that
yoga class of yours?
Tomorrow. Why? You want
to make fun of me again?
No, I'm just trying to make sure
it's a safe environment
for you to teach.
-[Farash hisses]
-Are you okay?
-Yes.
-Good, when can I see it?
-You can't.
-Why not?
I told you,
it's a private class,
and don't worry, it's safe.
So what else do you do
there besides breathing?
Nothing, just a bunch
of women talking.
About what?
I don't know. How to get
to know themselves...
So you're telling me
this is all women talking,
trying to get
to know themselves?
Swear to God.
[microwaves beeps]
Sorry.
[laughs]
Now it makes sense.
No one understands women,
even women.
Funny.
So you think you know yourself
just because you're a man?
No, because I'm a Muslim man.
It's my duty to know myself.
Even our Prophet says, "To know
God is to know yourself."
But the actual hadith says,
"To know yourself
is to know God."
Same thing. The point is, you
have to know yourself, period.
Do you?
-I don't know.
-You should know.
-What if there's--
-There's no "what if"
when it comes to an order.
Even if it costs your family.
Remember the story of Noah?
He sacrificed his own child
for God's command,
to pass his test.
It says so on page...
On page...
45 and it was his duty
to do it and he did it,
and you keep questioning
everything I tell you.
Why can't you just
do what I'm telling you to do?
I know what's best for you.
[knocking on door]
[door creaks]
Hi, I don't think
we have any more classes.
No, we don't.
I think I forgot something here.
Imagination.
Acting is imagining what
or who we could become
instead of who we actually are.
Now, for the rest of this term,
each of you will be
assigned a role to play
based on your performance.
You want a script?
-I'm not interested.
-Just an extra copy.
Today, we're working
on a substitution technique.
I'm gonna tell you
an imaginary story
and you're gonna substitute it
with real life experience
to make it feel real.
Now close your eyes.
Now imagine
you're a little puppy.
You go from door to door
hopelessly looking for shelter.
It's getting dark.
But suddenly, you feel
a tightness around your neck.
It's a leash.
You try to get out of it,
but you can't.
The harder you struggle,
the tighter it gets.
You're scared
that if you run off,
you'll be lost again
and you'll never find a home.
[Farash weeps]
Farash?
Farash, are you okay?
Farash?
Farash, wait.
Farash!
Farash, stop.
Hey, are you crying?
No, I just wanted
to feel the rain.
Is there something
you want to share?
-I shouldn't have stayed.
-Was it something I said?
-[sighs] No.
-Farash, are you okay?
-I'm scared.
-It's okay to be scared.
If you face this, you'll
overcome it, I promise.
Don't use
your acting tricks on me!
I'm not, I'm just trying
to know what's scaring you.
You think you know
everything, don't you?
You don't know me, you have
no idea who I really am.
How can I know you
if you're not even willing
to know yourself?
I know myself and I don't
need you to tell me who I am.
I'm a married Muslim woman
with a kid and a husband
and I'm the least
likely person in this world
to become an actor.
This is who I am.
Is that all you could be?
Farash.
-[fireworks whistling]
-[people chattering]
[fish tank bubbling]
Can you leave me alone
at least with God?
What's gotten into you?
A Muslim never breaks
her prayer, never.
You can't break
your prayer like this.
Now start over
and do it the right way.
No, I'm not praying your way.
My God's home is every way.
[Saeed] Your God?
Farash, your God?
-Open the door, Farash.
-[knocking on door]
Your God? [chuckles]
I taught you about God, Farash,
and now you're teaching me, huh?
Open the door.
If you don't respect me,
at least respect God
and finish your prayers.
I chose my God
and I choose how to pray.
-Stop saying "my God."
-[knocking on door]
You don't get to choose your
God, Farash. He chooses you.
Now open the door!
-[screaming] Leave me alone!
-Leave you alone?
Like your parents did?
Stop. Maryam could hear you.
Finish your prayers,
or I swear--
Or what?
Saeed, it's not back home here!
[Maryam] Dad, what's happening?
[Saeed] Nothing, sweetie.
How did you get out of bed?
-Is Mommy okay?
-She's fine, yes.
-Now go back to sleep.
-Dad,
-do you love Mom anymore?
-Of course I do.
[Maryam] Then why
do you always fight?
Because I love her too much.
[Maryam] Mom,
do you still love Daddy?
Mom?
Mom?
-[Maryam] Mom.
-Yes, darling.
-I think I'm in love again.
-[fireworks whistling]
I think I'm in love again.
-[fireworks booming]
-[relaxing piano, flute music]
[actors laughing]
[music continues]
I heard you're looking
for a new student.
[Elise] Embrace
your inner animal.
-[actors growling]
-[steady tempo drumbeat]
-Follow your impulses.
-[actors snarling]
-Imagine you're in the wild.
-[shakers rattling]
-That's it.
-[actors howling]
[actors snarling]
Get in the circle.
-You chose a bird.
-Yes, it's a peacock.
Peacocks can't fly.
-But they're very colorful.
-Fair enough.
Okay.
I want you to forget
Farash, you're a peacock.
I'm gonna play the drum,
and you're gonna move
around like a peacock, okay?
-I'm not sure if I can.
-Yes you can, follow me.
Okay, you can do this.
Right here in the center.
Take a deep breath in, relax.
Close your eyes.
Nobody's gonna be watching,
it's just you.
Okay, beautiful peacock,
show me your colors.
[lights clacking]
[door closes]
[up tempo drumbeat]
[fast paced music]
[shakers rattling]
[knife chops]
[faint religious chanting
in Arabic]
-Dad, can you play?
-I'm busy, ask your mom.
Mom said she's busy praying.
She's still praying?
[faint religious chanting
in Arabic]
-Can you play
with Maryam? She's--
-[Farash gasps]
Are you okay?
I'll be out in a minute.
I've never
seen you so beautiful.
You're glowing.
It's true.
They say when someone prays
deep down from their heart,
angels come down
to kiss their tears.
[steady tempo music]
[Saeed] Oh.
[Saeed clapping]
You look nice.
Good job, Maryam.
Wow, Mama's been teaching you.
Maryam, I didn't know
you could dance like that.
Yeah, just do like your mom.
-Come dance with us.
-No, no, no, no.
-Come on.
-Please don't.
-Come on.
-No, please don't.
[upbeat ensemble music]
[kissing]
Maryam, do you know
what happens to people
who eat before praying?
Nothing happens.
Would you like
to do the prayer, Mama?
Okay.
God, thank you for making
my dad cook
and for making my mommy laugh,
and for making me so beautiful.
[Saeed chuckles]
Is that it?
You don't want
to ask for anything?
[silverware clanking]
-So, how is class?
-So much fun.
Fun?
Yeah, I mean Allen
is a fun kid to teach.
Oh, good.
-How's the food?
-Not bad for the first time.
[Saeed] Don't get used to it.
It might be the last time too.
Maryam, what are you doing?
God, please don't make
my dad cook again.
-Mama, please finish that.
-It's a sin to waste food.
It just needs a little
more spice, right?
Your dad sometimes forgets
the importance
of adding spice to things.
Yes, but not too spicy.
Maybe a little bit more spice.
[silverware clanking softly]
Dad, are you praying again?
Each of these costumes
represents a character
you'll be playing.
It's so easy for people
to judge others just by
the way they dress or look.
But actors never judge
a character they play.
To play each character
truthfully, you need
to understand their essence.
Today, we're gonna try
something new.
I want you to get a closer look
at the person across from you
and analyze them as if they're
another character in a story.
You still might
not know much about them...
but try to imagine what
kind of life they have,
how they spend their days,
how they interact with others...
even how they make love.
I want you to literally
put yourself in their shoes.
I want you to exchange
clothes with them.
-Are you kidding me?
-You serious?
Are you serious
about being an actor?
Farash, you gave me
your full commitment.
I don't feel
comfortable with this.
Me neither.
If you don't feel comfortable
with feeling uncomfortable,
you can't be an actor.
Okay, if you put it this way.
-Where are you going?
-Change room.
[Elise scoffs]
-You're safe in this class.
-I know.
Then what's blocking you?
I can't show my hair.
Then don't.
[soft flute, piano music]
-Wow.
-No way.
Slay.
What the fuck?
-[giggles]
-[Elise] How do you feel?
Um... Hot.
-[Elise] And you?
-Very hot.
[actors laughing, clapping]
[woman] Nice.
You've just put yourselves
into your character's shoes.
Now it's time to walk in them.
We're here. [giggles]
-Here?
-Yeah.
Are you serious?
Well, Elise said, "Live the
character and do what
they do, go where they go,"
so this is how I live.
-But you're pushing it too far.
-I'm pushing it too far?
I just went
to the mosque for you.
[hard rock music]
[Xantia giggles]
Do you like that?
Okay, can we go now?
That's good enough.
Hey, we just got here.
Come on!
You can try one of these.
-Stop.
-[whip thwacks]
-Stop.
-Try it, try it.
-Here.
-[whispering] Xantia, let's go.
The owner keeps staring at us.
So?
I should be the one
feeling uncomfortable
wearing this, not you.
Oh, God, okay, let's get you
something lighter for starters.
Hmm. Here.
This should make you
feel more comfortable.
-Stop.
-Hey, it's nice.
So how's my sex life looking?
What?
I mean your sex life,
-my character's sex life?
-It's very private.
I know, but how am I
gonna spice up my relationship?
I should know what
my husband's like.
What's he like?
-Very controlling.
-Controlling?
Things are gonna
get kinky, spill.
-Please don't go there.
-Come on.
Fine, I know what to get
for my controlling husband
to loosen up.
[Xantia giggles]
Good choice, sexy.
Have you tried 'em before?
-They're for me.
-For you?
Don't you guys have enough
locks and chains at home?
Excuse me?
They're not for sale.
-What do you mean?
-That's okay, I don't want it.
-[whispering] He keeps
staring at us.
-We don't have Muslim toys here.
Excuse me?
I said I don't want it,
Xantia, let's go.
Wait, I want to know
what's his fucking problem.
What do you mean "Muslim toys"?
What's your fucking problem?
You are the fucking problem.
Now get the fuck
out of my store.
We're sorry, I don't want it.
Listen, Farash, it's not for
you,
it's for my character.
She's gonna learn
how to stand up
for her rights,
for her freedom.
What the fuck are you
weirdos talking about?
I'm talking about
these fucking handcuffs.
Now you're gonna sell them to me
or I'm gonna test
all these fucking dildos
up your ass one by one
starting with the biggest one.
[hard rock music]
[Farash and Xantia laughing]
[car horn blares]
[soft music]
Are you feeling okay?
Relax and let me
do all the work.
No, no, take it off.
Shh.
I can't see what you're doing.
You've seen enough,
it's time to feel.
What are you doing?
Just trust me.
[Saeed sighs]
-Farash, take it off.
-Relax...
and let it go.
[Farash purrs]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Farash, stop.
-[kissing]
-Ooh, Farash, no.
I told you not to do that.
-No, don't.
-[Farash moans]
Don't go there, Farash.
[Saeed moaning]
[Saeed] All right,
so it's "La ikraha fil deen."
Try again.
[Maryam] La...
la ik...
I can't.
Can I finish my drawing?
-Not until you learn properly.
-It's a different language.
I don't know what it even means.
It's okay, honey.
Your dad doesn't know
what it means either.
Go finish your drawing.
Can you iron that dressy shirt?
-We have guests tonight.
-What guests?
I invited my boss and his family
over for dinner.
Saeed, why couldn't you tell me
earlier?
-You know I have a class today.
-Then cancel it.
Do I have to take your
permission every time
I need to invite guests
to my own home?
It's my home too,
I pay half the rent.
If I don't make friends
with them,
I'll never get promoted.
Speaking of rent,
did you deposit your half?
It's the first of the month.
Yes. When did I have
time to go to the bank?
-I've been in class all week.
-Good, don't forget.
-[washer door slams]
-[electronic beeps]
[Saeed sighs]
Any colored shirts?
No, just wash this one.
What for?
-So she can wear it.
-Can I wash it myself?
-I know how to do laundry.
-No, you don't.
I do!
I wash my own dolls' clothes.
No, it's not her duty yet.
It is our duty to protect her.
The building
is filled with strangers.
So?
We're not in a Muslim
community anymore.
The place is filled
with wandering eyes.
Then cover people's eyes,
not our head.
You don't know
what's in people's heads.
Or in yours, Saeed.
We're talking about
our daughter here,
not some person
on the screen to be censored.
You know what?
Let's get her to decide
what's right for her.
-You're kidding, right?
-I can explain it to her.
-She's a smart girl.
-Yes, Mom, I'm very smart.
[birds chirping]
[relaxing guitar music]
[music continues]
[music fades out]
[Saeed laughs]
It looks good on you.
You like it?
Can I have all different colors?
-As many as you like.
-When do I get my prize?
If you ask me one more time,
you're not gonna get it.
I didn't know there's
a prize involved in this.
Does Mom get a prize
for wearing her scarf too?
Your mom already bought
herself bags of prizes
without dad's approval.
Mom, where's your prize?
Did you eat it already?
You're my prize.
You're my prize.
[Maryam giggles]
Can you adjust her hijab?
It's falling off.
No one's watching.
Mom, dad says
God is always watching.
-God doesn't--
-That's my girl.
God doesn't have
a bad eye, Maryam.
I said, adjust her goddamn
hijab, for God's sake.
[birds cawing]
Mom, Mom, it's too tight,
I can't breathe.
Mom.
-[woman] Come on, Karim.
-Others have tried.
-Ah. I gotcha.
-Yay!
Is Farash feeling well?
I feel like we've hardly
seen her tonight.
She's been working
so much that I decided
to give her the day off
and let her relax...
And now she hates me
for it. Can you believe it?
Poor girl.
She did seem exhausted.
Yeah, the poor girl doesn't
have time to even look
good for her husband.
Not a single drop
of makeup on that tired face.
-[silverware clatters]
-Quiet.
Maybe if you spent less
time putting on makeup...
you'd have more time
to find your own husband too.
Karim, they say women's
power is in her beauty...
and men's beauty
in his power.
And who says a woman
can't have them both?
[Karim's wife] There she is.
Sit next to your husband, dear.
Let him spoil you.
It's okay, she prefers to sit
on yoga mats these days.
-Saeed.
-Yoga mat?
Yeah, the class she's teaching
at is apparently a yoga class.
So how did you
end up teaching yoga?
Oh, the woman is a yoga teacher
with a little kid.
She's barely home,
so I have to go there--
Typical North American woman
thinking she's a man.
I was talking.
Since I can't teach here
and she's never home,
I have to go there.
At this point,
I can't refuse work,
especially when I have
a moral and ethical obligation.
Okay, okay, stop making me
look like I'm the bad guy
in front of my boss.
Go teach the poor kid.
Really?
[sighs]
-[lips smooch]
-Why?
Sorry.
Wait, who's gonna do the dishes?
Can I do it after?
I'm running late.
I can do it.
[water trickling]
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Sorry.
You know, my brother never
does favors for anyone...
except his favorite
little sister.
[water trickling]
[hands slapping]
[actors laughing]
There must be a place for us.
Somewhere where every
color of the keyboard
plays the same song.
Somewhere where being ourselves
is not being wrong.
You say "Fuck it, let's go."
I know my line.
Can we change it?
No, the line won't change.
You have to change.
-I can't say it.
-Yes, you can.
F-U-C-K, "fuck."
Sometimes you just
have to say "Fuck it."
Come on.
"Fuck it," say it. "Fuck it."
-I can't say it.
-Yes, you fucking can.
Please stop swearing.
Just fucking say it,
it's just a fucking word.
-Oh, my God, fuck it.
-Yeah, fuck it.
Come on.
Farash, let it out, let it out.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
[laughing]
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
-Fuck it.
[everyone] Fuck it,
fuck it, fuck it, fuck it!
[Saeed] When are you
going to your class?
Soon. When are you
going to the mosque?
-Soon.
-What about dinner?
-I'm not that hungry.
-What about Maryam?
[blow dryer whirring]
I said what about Maryam?
I'll drop her off at
the praying lesson for kids.
They usually feed them.
-What?
-You look handsome.
You just noticed?
You're going
to the mosque like that?
-Yeah, why not?
-I thought you didn't like red.
Of course I do,
it's a great color. I love it.
God is beautiful
and loves beauty, right?
[sighs]
[Elise] Just keep exploring.
-[Farash giggles]
-And as you're exiting
from the curtain,
keep connecting
with your partner.
[film reel whirring]
-[fists thudding]
-[Saeed weeps]
[phone ringing]
I told you
to never to call me at home.
[woman] I told you
he would listen to me.
It's a done deal, honey.
What?
[soft piano music]
What's going on?
You're looking at the new
control supervisor.
-You got promoted?
-I just found out.
[Farash squeals elatedly]
[Farash giggles]
-How did it happen so fast?
-I told you, everything
happens quicker in the city.
Twice the pay for half the work.
And the best part, I have three
people working under me. Three.
-Congratulations!
-[kissing]
Just what you were dreaming of.
This is why
we moved to the city.
I'm so proud of you.
Now you can finally
stay at home.
What do you mean?
You know you don't have to work
anymore,
I can provide.
I never had to work,
I always wanted to.
If you want a full-time job,
you can be a full-time mom.
I can afford it and Maryam
certainly needs you.
I can't afford to be home
all day, my job fulfills me.
Don't worry.
If everything goes right,
you'll have a very fulfilling
job for the next nine months.
-What do you mean?
-Tease my heart
Don't waste away,
Let me love, I want you
[Saeed] I want a son.
-What?
-I want a son.
A brother for Maryam.
A bigger family for us.
I see myself in you
Set me free
I need release
Saeed, I don't think
we're ready.
If you break my heart
We weren't ready for Maryam
either but it all worked out.
It was different then.
Things have changed
since we moved here.
What's changed? Nothing.
Except I have a better job
to sustain a family now.
Isn't this what
you've always dreamed of?
Now you're asking
about my dreams?
Knows just how to
Drive you insane
I thought you'd be happy.
I mean, what else
could you dream of, huh?
Tell me, anything you want.
I put my heart
Inside a prison
I still want to teach.
If you insist, I'll let you
teach from home.
Break me apart
Kiss by kiss
Take my body, take my heart
Love me gentle
Love me rough, I want you
I want you to kiss me apart
Break me apart
Kiss by kiss, take my body
Saeed, I'm not in the mood.
Saeed, we really need
to think this through.
This is a very big decision.
We made this decision
a very long time ago.
Tonight is a very whole
night to conceive.
[kissing]
I said no, Saeed.
Pray with me, please.
-I said no! Get the fuck off me!
-What did you just say?
-I said get the fuck off.
-[hand slaps]
[Farash gasps]
This one's from God
for disrespecting your husband.
The next one's from me
and I won't be as nice.
[Farash pants]
Saeed, get the fuck off me!
-No.
-[Saeed grunts]
[muffled] I don't want to!
[Saeed] Shut up!
[Farash] No! No!
[Farash weeps]
-No!
-[Saeed grunting]
No!
[Saeed grunting]
Get off me! No!
[Farash screams]
[scream echoes]
[birds cawing]
[Saeed] Hey, not too far.
I can already see them
running around playing.
Can you imagine?
You'll thank me one day.
This will bring us
closer together.
-Dad, get back up.
-What?
-You're burning in lava.
What's the rush?
I have class.
Good, make sure you tell them
it's your last class.
I know it's overwhelming,
but I want you to be
the lead in the play.
You've earned it.
You've worked
really hard, Farash.
-I can't.
-Of course you can.
Hey, believe in yourself,
you totally can do this.
-Trust me.
-Elise, I really can't.
-My husband's gonna find out.
-Your husband?
Don't even worry
about your husband.
I've got it all figured out.
With all these
costumes and makeup,
even your husband's
not gonna recognize you.
And you're gonna have
a stage name.
Any other excuse?
[Farash sighs]
Welcome everyone
to the last class of the term.
But for now, I want to celebrate
this new chapter with a poem.
"Life is like a short play.
We're born on the stage.
We act, direct and write it.
Every day, a single page.
Don't hide behind the curtains.
Be good enough without a mask.
You'll never know who you are...
if you never dare to ask.
Life's stage is full of rules.
What is wrong and what is right.
But the sun you seek is in you.
Just follow your inner light."
[relaxing piano, flute music]
Now let's go back to our chairs
and put your mask on.
Get ready for the next exercise.
This represents
what the character
is saying in the text.
I'm happy.
Underneath is what
the character actually feels.
I'm sad.
The subtext.
[relaxing piano, flute music]
Today, we're going to unmask.
I think you're a nice guy...
but sometimes
you can be an asshole.
I feel like
you're a scared little bird.
Surprise me.
Be brave.
I feel like you want
to connect with me.
But every time I try,
you get scared and shut me out.
Farash, look him
straight in the eyes.
He's your partner.
Say how you
actually feel underneath.
Farash...
what's happening with you today?
Drop all your fears.
What's underneath?
[voice echoing] Unmask.
[low, anxious music]
I feel like
you never let me feel.
I feel like you're hiding
me from the entire world,
even from my own self,
just 'cause
of your own insecurities.
I feel like every time
I start to feel like myself,
you punish me,
'cause you're scared
to know who I really am.
Maybe if you knew,
you wouldn't love me anymore.
I feel trapped.
Trapped in a good Muslim
and a good wife,
and anything
that makes you feel good.
I feel I have too many
impulses for my beliefs
and my beliefs make it
impossible for my impulses.
Someone must have fucked up.
And yes, I can say
the word "fuck."
It doesn't mean
I want to fuck anyone.
That's just how I feel
in this moment right now.
I want to feel whatever
the fuck I want to feel,
because here,
my feelings are mine.
My body is mine, my God is mine.
I'm not just a tool
to bring your babies to life.
I'm also a storyteller
that brings characters to life.
And neither you or anyone else
can take that away from me.
I may not be able to raise
my voice at you at home,
but here, I'm giving
a voice to characters
that don't have a voice.
So I can still feel alive.
[low, anxious music continues]
[Elise] Farash,
follow you impulse.
["Waltz of the Flowers" playing]
-[slow clapping]
-[Farash gasps]
Is Mom gonna turn
into an ugly frog?
[book thuds]
Dad, who's that guy?
[Edward] Farash, you okay?
-Shit.
-[Farash thuds]
[Elise] Farash, Farash,
can you breathe?
Farash.
[Xantia] Oh, my god.
Somebody call 911.
Get some water.
[fire crackling]
[Elise] Farash, he's still
her father, I'm sure she's fine.
But you just stay here
until he calms down.
I know his plan.
He just wants to get me home.
[Farash sighs]
Farash.
Listen, if he's that crazy,
let's call the cops.
And say what?
"I cheated on my husband and
I'm too scared to go home now?"
Stop saying you cheated on him.
-Fine. I'm gonna call the cops.
-No. What if they take him?
What am I supposed to do
with a kid in a new city?
And what am I supposed
to tell Maryam?
I'm sorry, I don't know.
-[Farash coughs]
-Farash, Farash, are you...
-[phone rings]
-Shit. It's him.
Farash, it's him.
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Where is Farash?
She can't come
to the phone right now.
Who the hell are you?
It's Elise, the acting coach.
Where the fuck do you live?
It's none of your business
where I live.
Get my wife on the phone
or I swear to you.
Okay, calm down.
I swear to God...
He's just barking.
Don't be scared.
I can't, not over the phone.
Tell him I want
to meet him in person.
-Okay, Saeed.
-I swear on my life...
Listen to us, yes,
she's gonna meet you,
just calm down.
-Give me my wife...
-She wants to meet
somewhere in public.
Don't make him angry.
...and I'll come right over
there...
Listen, Saeed,
just listen to us.
-Please calm down.
-My ass.
I don't need you to
tell me what to do.
-I'm the boss...
-I need to make
sure if Maryam's safe first.
Get her on the phone now.
She says she--
I said, get her
on the phone now,
or I swear to God,
if she does not come home,
she will never see Maryam
again.
Do you understand?
Hello?
He says if you don't come home,
you'll never see Maryam again.
Tell him if anything
happens to Maryam...
You have my daughter
and I have your son.
-Come home right--
-[call end tone]
His son?
[patrons chattering]
[knocking on window]
[door creaks]
Mom, Mom, where were you?
-Mom, I missed you so much.
-Hey, Mama, I'm here.
I'm here now.
Are you okay, are you all right?
Yes, yes.
I just couldn't sleep,
even with the music box.
I'm sorry, honey. I'm here now.
-You're not leaving us?
-Of course not.
-Of course not, Maryam.
-[kissing]
Then why did
daddy cry all night?
Why don't you
go get some face paint
while Mom and I talk?
-[patrons chattering]
-[dishes clanking]
More spice...
right?
-[glass thuds]
-Right?
[patrons chattering]
Saeed, you have
every right to be upset
but I swear to God,
it's not what you think it--
[hand slaps]
Don't swear to God again.
-You're lucky you're pregnant.
-People are watching.
Now you're afraid
of people watching?
People, huh?
What about God?
You don't think God was watching
when you were cheating on me?
Quiet, I was not cheating.
How are you loving
couple doing today, huh?
There's the menu,
we have Devil's Kiss
as special for today.
We don't drink. Thank you.
No problem, sir.
We can make it
a virgin if you want.
I'll leave you guys
alone for a few minutes.
[Saeed blows]
How can you come back home,
and sleep next to me
after all of that?
It was just an acting class.
-I needed to get to know myself.
-Get to know yourself?
At least now I got to know you.
Saeed, you don't know me.
You never even tried.
Don't give me
that acting bullshit.
Did you have to fuck the guy,
huh, in the name of acting?
Okay. I'm not gonna let
you talk to me like this.
I'm leaving
and I'm taking Maryam with me.
Next time you leave, there won't
be anything to live for.
-Let go, Saeed.
-Oh, I can let go.
You can go, I just want
to hold onto my son.
-Let go or I'll scream, Saeed.
-Please, the stage is all yours.
Actress.
What do you think of it, Mom?
Do you like it?
Yes, honey. I just think
it needs more paint on it.
Do you want some...
you wanna paint too?
[Saeed sighs]
My mom was right
about this city.
She said it would divide us.
Saeed, you're the one building
walls since we moved in.
If you could only open up.
Thanks.
You've opened up enough
for all of us.
I told my mom you're pregnant.
-Does she know about--
-No, she doesn't know
about your cheating.
We've decided
that it's best for the baby
if you and Maryam move
back in with her while
I work in the city.
-It's safer.
-What do you mean "We decided?"
You go back to living
in the community,
like you did before,
and everything will go back
to normal like nothing happened.
Nothing happened
and I'm not going anywhere.
-Farash, I'm forgiving you.
-I don't need
your forgiveness, Saeed.
And if there is punishment,
I'll let God do it, not me.
I said I'm forgiving you.
On one condition.
What's this?
This is to fix the trust
you broke, to protect you.
To protect me or to hide me?
It's the only way, Farash.
No, I'm not gonna
let you censor my face.
I swear to God, Farash,
do not play with fire
-or I swear to God--
-Or what?
I'll make your life miserable,
you'll never see Maryam
ever again,
do you understand me?
You're gonna live alone
on the streets.
You think you're gonna
go back to anybody, huh?
You don't even have
the family you left, huh?
You're gonna
go back to living alone.
I saved you. I saved you.
You'll never see Maryam again,
do you understand me?
Go and wear it.
Bitch.
[water dripping]
[anxious violin music]
[Farash weeps]
[fist thuds]
-Thanks, Dad, for the ice cream.
-You're so welcome, sweetie.
[patrons laughing]
Who's this?
Don't worry, it's mommy.
Mm, don't touch it.
Eat your ice cream.
We're celebrating mommy, daddy
and all of us together again.
Stop it. Finish your ice cream.
[Maryam laughs]
[Saeed] Hey, stop laughing,
it's not funny.
[Maryam laughs]
Hey, shh, it's not funny.
-Where are you going?
-Lady's room.
Don't take long.
-And where are you running to?
-If I can wear a hijab,
then I can pee
in the ladies room too.
[water dripping]
[stall door creaks]
Farash? Farash?
[woman] Hey, what
the fuck are you doing?
[soft music]
[music intensifies]
[music intensifies]
-Farash?
-Yes, that's me.
-That's your daughter?
-Yes, Maryam.
Hi.
I'm sorry but you don't qualify
to stay at the women's shelter.
Clearly you're not under
any threat, and we only
accommodate women
who are in immediate danger
or mentally unstable.
Sorry.
Mama, just stay here. Excuse me.
[siren blaring]
All right, hold on, stay there.
Hey, do you think if you
or your mom went home,
that something might happen?
Yes. She'll turn
into an ugly frog.
You can stay for a month max.
Lights go off at 10:00,
meals are announced over the PA.
General bathroom is downstairs
and there's a limit
to one shower per day.
And most importantly,
no visitors without permission,
especially men.
Perfect.
Okay, you're writing
on a chalkboard.
-You're... You're a teacher!
-Nope.
-Your mother.
-No.
-It's God, I win.
-[woman] That's not fair.
That's not fair,
you can't play God.
[woman 2] Yeah, you're supposed
to do something we can see.
-I can see God. Right, Mom?
-Yes, honey.
-Wanna play too?
-No, you keep playing.
I have to go pray. Could you
please keep an eye on her?
Don't worry, she's safe here.
[whispering prayer softly]
[door creaks]
[ominous music]
[Saeed] Farash.
You're not good
at playing hide and seek.
Why are you shaking?
Huh?
You're scared of me?
You should not be scared of me.
Only God.
You should only fear God.
Are you talking to him now?
-Asking for forgiveness?
-[Farash pants, quivers]
Do you think
he has forgiven you?
Huh?
Do you really believe
he's forgiven you?
Huh?
Well, your God
is certainly very forgiving.
Mine is not.
-[liquid splashes]
-[Farash screams]
[thuds]
You want to be an actress?
Fine, I'll do my job,
you do yours.
[liquid splashes]
[Farash screams]
Leave my mom alone!
-[shouting]
-[liquid splashes]
Ow, Mom! Mom, my face!
Mom, Mom, my face! What is it?
Oh, my God, Farash.
[distorted voices]
[Maryam] Mom.
[somber music]
[music continues]
[cloth rustling]
[music fades out]
[Farash] Maryam,
your dress is ready.
Maryam.
[woman on speaker]
Hi, Farash, it's Dr. Johnson.
I hope you both
are recovering well.
I noticed you missed
your appointment last week
to remove your bandages.
Can you please give me a call
at the clinic right away?
-[beep]
-Farash, it's Dr. Johnson
again.
I've been trying to reach you.
It's very urgent
that you remove those bandages.
-Can you please call me--
-[beep]
Hey, it's Elise.
Everyone misses you.
-If you need any help--
-[beep]
[Elise] Farash, I have
some good news for you.
-Please come to the studio.
-[beep]
[door creaks]
-What are you doing?
-I want to see how I look.
No, what did I say?
But, Mom, I can't wait
anymore, it still burns.
Don't you want to turn
into a beautiful princess?
Then you have to wait
for the magic potion to work.
To break the spell,
like in the stories.
Promise me you won't look again.
I promise.
[lips smooch]
[iron crackles]
[children yelling]
Mom, is dad coming home
for my birthday?
I don't know.
What are you drawing?
It's you, me and dad.
That doesn't look like me.
Is dad coming home
for my birthday?
Mom, is dad coming
home for my birthday?
I said I don't know.
-Are we still hiding?
-Yes.
The last time we ran off,
you said we weren't
hiding anymore.
I lied, okay?
Dad said, "If you lie,
you go to hell."
Your dad can burn in hell!
[Maryam weeping]
[Maryam continues weeping]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, honey.
Sorry.
I miss dad.
Why can't you give him
a clue so he can find us?
Do you want to look like
a princess for your birthday?
[Maryam] Shouldn't we get
Dad's permission first?
[Farash] We don't need anyone's
permission anymore.
-Pick any color you want.
-Pink.
[relaxing guitar music]
Towards me please, princess.
Where are your eyebrows?
Let's draw you some eyebrows.
So, what kind of princess
do you want to look like?
There's no red,
but there's this color.
This color, gimme this color.
[relaxing tar, violin music]
[lips smack]
-Oh, I can't.
-You'll like it.
I think you need
some hearts too.
A big heart from Mama.
A big heart from me.
-My heart's bigger.
-No.
Yes.
-You're a blue princess.
-You look like
a really creepy clown.
[both laughing]
Pink because I love "love."
-Aww.
-And I love you.
[knocking on door]
-It's dad, it's dad.
-Who is it?
[door creaks]
Mom, look.
[silverware clanking]
It's a script... script.
Mom, I think this is for you.
[crickets chirping]
-What is it?
-Go open your gifts, Mama.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Maryam
Happy birthday to you
Make a wish.
[Maryam blows]
-One more, one more, yay!
-[Farash and Maryam clapping]
[somber guitar music]
-[Farash] More.
-That's good. [laughs]
No, I'm great.
You don't like it?
[Farash gasps, laughs]
[laughing] Oh, my God.
You're a naughty birthday girl.
-I'm gonna catch you.
-No, please, no.
-Birthday girl.
-Mom.
[Farash and Maryam laughing]
Here you are. I got her.
I got her. I got her.
[somber guitar music]
[Maryam laughs, stops]
What?
Nothing.
You have some cake on your face.
Let's go change your bandages.
But I don't have
any cake on my face.
Now you do. Let's go.
[Maryam] Am I a princess now?
You're already a princess.
-[Maryam] Can I see?
-Not yet, honey. Soon.
Why are you crying?
I've just... I've just never
seen you so beautiful.
Mom, is dad in heaven?
Why would you ask that?
'Cause when people are gone
for too long, and others cry,
they say they're in heaven,
like grandpa.
I don't know.
Daddy always wanted to go there.
I'm not sure about him.
But honey,
you'll definitely go to heaven.
Will he come with me?
[somber guitar music]
Mom?
Dad said, I have a new playmate.
Is it true?
-Yes.
-Where is he?
-He's here.
-Can I see him?
No, but maybe you can hear him.
[door creaks]
[gas hissing]
[gas hissing continues]
[Farash pants softly]
-[Farash panting]
-[somber violin music]
-Hey, Mom, look what I found.
-Why are you awake?
I had a bad dream.
I tried to wake up,
but I couldn't.
What dream?
We were going through a tunnel.
A very dark, one-way tunnel.
I kept shouting "Mom, Mom,
come back, it's a dead end!"
But you couldn't see
or hear anything.
You kept dragging me along.
I couldn't see
or hear anything anymore.
Suddenly, this butterfly sat
on my face and woke me up.
Isn't it beautiful?
It is beautiful.
Everything still is.
[Farash and Maryam panting]
-[somber violin music]
-[crickets chirping]
-[birds chirping]
-[waves crashing]
[Farash] Are you trying
to torture me?
Farash, is that you?
Oh, my god, we've been--
-Are you trying to torture me?
-Torture you?
-[Farash] What's this?
-It's the script for the play.
I know what it is.
Do I look like I can act?
-Listen, I just want--
-I want you to look at me,
and tell me if I look
like I can act.
[waves crashing]
[birds chirping]
You're still my lead.
It's not a reason to hide
from the world again, Farash.
The world
that was already scared of me?
Now they have one more
reason to be scared.
If they're scared of the mask,
then show them who's behind it.
Show them the real Farash.
The real Farash did this to me.
Maybe I deserve this.
Maybe women like me
are born to pray, not to play.
Can you hear yourself?
Now you sound
just like your husband.
-Excuse me?
-Can't you see, Farash?
He was using his faith
to justify punishing you,
and now you're using it to
justify punishing yourself.
You know nothing
about my faith, nothing.
I know your God
is beautiful and loves beauty.
And you certainly look
more beautiful like this.
-Are you out of your f--
-Say it, come on.
-Are you out
of your fucking mind?
-Now, that's beautiful.
-[Farash gasps]
-[relaxing piano music]
You crazy bitch.
That's the fucking Farash
I'm talking about.
-She's back.
-[Farash] You're gonna regret
to see who's back.
-Wait 'til I catch you. [laughs]
-[Elise] Oh, my God.
[waves crashing]
[Farash] I still don't
understand why you're
wasting your time.
What's the point of you
teaching me how to act
if I can't even show my face?
I'm not teaching
you acting to act.
-Then what?
-[waves crashing]
I'm teaching you to teach.
To teach? [laughs]
[Elise] Yes, to teach acting.
[Farash] You're crazier
than I thought.
What's blocking you?
[Farash] Who's gonna take
acting classes from a Muslim?
[Farash]
It took a lot of courage
for all of you
to be in this class,
to choose to be an actress
as a Muslim woman.
I want to end the term
with a poem.
"I believe in a beautiful God.
A God who loves beauty.
Play to Him as a prayer.
He's needless of my duty.
My God is a homeless one,
yet His home is everywhere.
He does not need a ending.
Everywhere I look, He's there.
My God does not live too far.
He lives among every tree.
His footprint is on the leaves.
His breath is the dance of
wind.
My God does not fit in books.
He lives in every man's eyes.
He's reborn with every birth.
He does not kill, nor He dies.
My God's not a warrior.
He's the artist and the art.
My God doesn't need jihad.
He conquers a willing heart.
My God is not to kill for.
He is the reason to live.
Life is a gift He won't take.
He only knows how to give.
My God doesn't have a name.
Not Jesus, Allah or Dao.
He can't be named, only felt.
I call Him, "Power of Now."
My God never wears a mask.
He is everything you see.
His beauty is in you.
His beauty is in me."
[inspirational violin,
piano music]
[music continues]
[music fades out]