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 Movement 1

Refugee: Journey to America…

This Movement, Movement 1, depicts a refugees journey from Ethiopia to America. After an introductory speech by an Ethiopian elder about the film's story and characters, a series of scenes takes place to show a journe
from Africa to the New World i.e. NY City. The Ethiopia/Africa sequence has scenes of war, starvation, and Communist Revolution... from the cold war. Nairobi, Kenya is portrayed as a pleasant and positive interlude;
Paris is represented as a large and sophisticated western metropolis. Finally, the NY City skyline / Statue of Liberty concludes the movement with the immigrants successful arrival into the Land of Promise, America.
Most of the material here in these sequences is stock footage, photo stills, etc exclusive of the elder and original fill-in scenes . The female figure at the beginning of the Journey is a magical realism sequence. She is a
symbol called Sophia. In this case, a symbol of the origins of the immigrant - i.e. Ethiopia, the Fatherland or Mother Africa.

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 `

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 New York City -
Some years later...

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 Movement II
- The 7 Days -

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 Movement 2

The NYC Immigrant: Some years later... Day 1

Wake up and Dream: "A Face in

move… the water..."
"7 years, Iman. 7 Years…& I still think of Rebecca…"

Movement 2, beginning here, is made up of 7 days from the life of the NYC immigrant. The films plot is developed gradually over the course of these 7 days. The plot revolves around a woman called
Ribka ("Rebecca"). All the scenes start in the morning, dawn and end at in the night/evening. Day 1, shown above, is a simple working day in the Immigrants life. After an alarm clock rings at dawn , and
an elaborate wake up - shower - dress - breakfast routine, the immigrant's leaves his apt to work in the city (as a shoe-shine man) inside a Manhattan office building. In the evening, he returns to his apt
and relaxes. He then re-reads an old letter sent by an Ethiopian woman called Iman who writes him regarding her friend, Rebecca. As shown above, in the beginning and end of the day, there are magical
realism scenes of a honey comb, a bee and a face in the water.

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 Movement 2

Triumph (by The Pen) Day 2

"Every Man has a Dream… "

Like the first day , Day 2, shown above, also starts at Dawn and ends in the Evening. After another waking up sequence, the immigrant settles in his apt to write and type. After a prolonged session
of writing, (interspersed with Sky scenes & terse Poetry) he leaves the apt to participate in a Chess Tournament in a NY Chess club in Manhattan. He does well, winning second prize and returns to
his apt with a Chess trophy . On this day in the immigrants life, the main idea is "Triumph". The title Triumph (by the Pen) refers to the 'triumph' of his becoming a writer. The morning's magical
realism scenes of a powerful mountain, in this case, the famous Matterhorn , is to symbolize this and other Triumphs. The final evening Magical realism scene is a pool sequence with Sophie. The
pure water, the high mountain top, and the Sky scenes ("Skyworld") convoke the exhilaration of a rare and high achievement (i.e. A major Triump.) a priori.

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 Movement 2

Joie de Day 3

Angela Hermes

"Keep it Reel"

Day 3 is a beautiful vacation day on the beach somewhere in the Sun. The theme of the day is Joy . The Morning Magical realism scenes are a display of exquisite precious jewelry
("JOYAS" in Brasilian Portuguese") which are to notate JOY. The immigrant is on a vacation day, Times are fine. The whole day is one of enjoyment and relaxation and comfort on
the beach and hotel. On this sea-influenced day, the immigrant voiceovers an imaginary letter to Rebecca... "I wonder where you are, Rebecca..." and it is made clear he does not
know where this young, mysterious woman is.... Later, the immigrant has an impromptu birthday celebration/barbecue right on the beach with other guests staying at the same hotel -
a Brasilian family also on vacation. They are also immigrants (from NYC ) and the chat is is about coisas Brasileiras. There is also one Angela Hermes.... a beautiful and unique
woman. Finally, the 'day' ends with the immigrant back in Manhattan and his Apt. The final Magical realism sequence is of a smiling Sophie. For the first time, Sophie speaks, saying
"Keep it REEL"a play on words on the phrase "Keep it Real."

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 Movement 2

Day 4

Mystic Camera

"Chinatown...
do as little as possible."

Day 4 - New York City. Big City of Dreams - of Poets and Artists. The immigrant is cleaning and preparing a camera before leaving his apt to snap photos of NY. Once on the street, he takes photos of
China Town, Central Park, Mid-town, etc. While snapping photos, the immigrant voiceovers a letter to Iman "How would we find her, Iman?" ( This is a development of the correspondance with the
woman, Iman.) At one point during the day, a confusing argument also breaks out between the immigrant and a Chinese man on the street. The argument is bewildering but some one cautions the
immigrant - "It's Chinatown." a la Polanski. The immigrant finally returns to his apt tired at the end of the day. The evening magical realism sequence has Sophia whisper in Portuguese/Brasilian - "I
am the city" - Eu sou a grande cidade.

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 Movement 2

Mementoes… de Africa Day 5

The fifth day begins with an Magical Realism sequence of Chocolates(e.g. Toblerone). The Day's Theme is "Mementos de Africa." The Ethiopian immigrant is drinking Wine, eating chocolate and
Writing…. And drinking some more. It is a sunny afternoon in his apartment and as he types it is made clear he is typing concerning Afro-Brasilian culture in the new world. The typing/writing and
drinking (and soon, samba drum steps tapping) alternate with Historical images, art and photos in this part of the new World. Done writing, the immigrant leaves the apartment and is next at a bar
drinking Guinness Beer listening to Music. After a long drinking session, the night ends in a vulgar manner. He returns to his apartment highly intoxicated...

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 Movement 2 Movement 2

Rebecca's Story… Day 666

But Look how all things could be new

again...
Something from
if you remembered,
the Barzak if you gave thanks and Praise…
if you gave thanks and Praise…
if you gave thanks and Praise…
…………….

`Don't act surprised.

I am You in the Barzak, stupid.
I am The Guilt. The Shame
For the Year Getiing and spending
The White Hot Greed….

....about to THROW UP! Day 6-6-6 titled here, is not a new day -but continues seamlessly from Day 5. It is a 'day 'of Memory and Horror - the memory of 'Rebecca's story' and 2ndly, a
supernatural experience by the immigrant. The intoxicated immigrant first heads to the bathroom to wretch.... and then drags himself to the living room floor where he begins to hallucinate. The
first Hallucination is of a head and gunshot wound and then of a young girl in silhouette, collapsing in a heap of grief and sobbing. The next is of the spectral man (the same man from the dream in
day 1.) This spectre addresses the Ethiopian calmly and powerfully - "I am You. The Guilt and shame. The years of getting and spending... the years of greed and uselessness... .] A white dove
flying in black space, with the spectre speaking his last words, ends the Hallucination Day 666 is over. The Sabbath, Sunday, has begun. The immigrant remains still on the floor with empty,
vacant eyes.

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 Movement 2

Day 7
On the Seventh Day…

"Good. It is Good now.

But David, He did not let
go of Rebecca... He and
Iman looked for her…
" I do... I give thanks and Praise... " but Rebecca kissed a
mountain goodbye… ."
FTB

At noon, the following day, the immigrant wakes up from the trying night, He eats bread, drinks water and Honey.... on a quite sombre Sunday. When he finally, recovers, He voice-overs a
statement to Iman while looking out the window. "... Come soon, Iman. Come Soon. " This voice over ends and fades with the appearance of the Ethiopian Elder from Movement 1. The 7 days
are over. The portrait of the Ethiopian immigrant in NYC is done. The magical realism elder makes a brief speech and says goodbye. He has been a discreet host for the film.

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 Movement III
- The Search -

Movement 3 (Ethiopian)

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The Search for Rebecca

"Good luck to
you with the
Girl.'
- Band Member

Movement 2, organized as 7 days, ends and MOVEMENT 3 begins here. Movement 3 is titled the search for Rebecca. It is shot entirely in black and white .
In this movement, The immigrant's Ethiopian friend "IMAN" comes to America and has Dinner at the immigrant's place. (the transition from Movement 2 to 3 is Iman's own Journey to America- a much shorter' Iman-Journey-
montage' similar to Movement 1 .) They have dinner during which Iman reveals Rebecca's and the immigrants background story. The two ultimately agree to look for Rebecca . (This search is made possible by the fact that
Iman had come upon a photograph of Rebecca with an Ethiopian Music Band( taken in NYC .... while she was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.) The two visit the Ethiopian Community center/Church in NY inquiring about Rebecca
to the Leaders/Christian Elders there. The Leaders direct them to Washington, DC indicating that the Band in the photo is currently based in that town. The Priests have no clue who Rebecca is. On the way out of the
community center, The immigrant and Iman pass by Priests performing the DANCE of David at the Church and the immigrant is affected deeply. Next, the Immigrant and Iman arrive by Train/Amtrak to Washington, DC and
attend an Ethiopian ethnic wedding where the band is performing that night. The band informs them "Yeah, they remember the girl from overseas. I think Germany. It was about a year ago..." Rebecca or Rachel or was her
name" but she was not "open or communicative about herself..." With that the clues end and the search ends barely after it started. Iman decides to stay with friends in the Capital and the immigrant returns to NY. On a
happy note, he enjoys himself further at the wedding where he sees so many Ethiopian compatriots in a long time. He is first intrigued and then spellbound by the spirit surrounding the beautiful young Ethiopian bride and
groom of the wedding. It sparks and awakens a sharp and vivid memory of the spirit he once had for Rebecca.... and he realizes it is the one and very same spirit that embraced them, years ago in Addis Ababa ,Ethiopia.
The immigrant, whose name is David , communicates this simple discovery in a final voice over to Iman during his Amtrak train ride back alone to NYC.... He feels exhilaration... a great inner Excitement... all the way back
to the Penn Station and the heart of the City. For the first time, David feels Free. ...

Movement 3 (Ethiopian)

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 The Search for Rebecca Back in NY Day

Fade into color

Back in Apt/NYC - Evening

Look out Window … Voice over to Iman - fade to NYC

at Night

The girl was

Who is the
looking for Aster is her
No place is Perfect, Bride? Is her
someone called name…
Buddy…. But Good luck name Rebecca? Fade into Water and Sophia / Jump
David to Bernese Mtn.'s
finding the girl anyway.

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 "Ribka"

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 One day in the life of Rebecca
Movement 4

At this point, the search has failed but not without a special discovery by the immigrant during his search for Rebecca at the Ethiopian-American Wedding in Washington DC and the Dance of
David in NY. In this last movement/chapter, the story jumps to an exotic scenario presenting One day in the life of this young woman called Rebecca(german title). It is indeed "a different
World " - in this case, Zurich, Switzerland. The scenes are in Swiss German with Sub-titles. To careful viewers, the Magical realism Images/scenes from Movement 2 i.e. the Matterhorn,
Chocolates, Watches, etc foreshadowed this exceptionally mountainous and water-rich country. Rebecca is first introduced walking on a Zurich street. outside a travel agency. She is next at
an indoor swimming race practice where an incident with one of the swimmers occurs. She is next in her apt in the evening/Night. A phone message from her Mother informs her "Rebecca,
someone called from America. She said you know her. Iman... Iman Ford. She was hysterical, My God, call her, Dear.... And when are you coming back from your trip?" Rebecca then has an
expression on her face. An expression of...sheer Joy. She goes to bed and she has a dream of the north face of the Eiger Mountain.... The following morning she is at the airport with Iris
seeing her off about to fly to somewhere unidentified ... The last scene is of Rebecca at the airport in the departure lounge looking at the runaway and planes taxing into takeoff position.

"I dreamt of the North Face last Night…"

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 Ein Tag im Leben von Rebecca
(A Day in the Life of Rebecca)
(A Day in the Life of Rebecca)

An diesem Punkt ist die Suche ausgefallen. Aber der Immigrant hat eine spezielle Entdeckung während seiner Suche nach Rebecca gebildet. In dieser letzten Bewegung oder in Kapitel die Geschichtesprünge zu einem
exotischen Drehbuch. Wir stellen einen Tag im Leben dieser jungen Frau dar, die Rebecca angerufen wird. Es ist in der Tat "eine andere Welt." Zürich, Die Schweiz. Die Szenen sind auf Deutsch mit englischen Sub-titles. Zu
einem vorsichtigen Publikum deuteten die magischen Realismusszenen von Bewegung 2 (d.h. das Matterhorn, die Schokoladen, die Bewachungen, das usw.) die Schweiz vorher an. Ein außergewöhnlich Gebirgs- und
Wasser-reiches Land. Rebecca ist zuerst eingeführ`tes Gehen auf eine Zürich Straße. Sie ist an einer Innenswimmingrennenpraxis folgend, in der ein Ereignis mit einem der Swimmers auftritt. Sie ist in ihrer Wohnung im
evening/Night folgend. Eine Telefonanzeige von ihrer Mutter informiert sie - "Rebecca, jemand, das von Amerika benannt wird. Sie sagte, daß Sie sie kennen. Iman... Iman Ford. Sie war, mein Gott hysterical! Rufen Sie sie
an, lieb.... " Rebecca hat dann einen Ausdruck auf ihrem Gesicht. Ein Ausdruck von... (von Aluizio und vom schweizer Direktor entschieden werden.) Der folgende Morgen ist sie am Flughafen (mit ihrem Freund, Blende,
sagen Auf Wiedersehen) ungefähr, zum zu einem nicht identifizierten Bestimmungsort zu fliegen... Die letzte Szene ist von der Blende am Flughafenanschluß. Sie betrachtet das Flughafendurchgehen und die Boeing
Flächen, die besteuern in Position... Mozart Muzik.

"I dreamt of the North Face last Night…"

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 Epilogue

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 I feel Free, Iman. Free...

fin...

A day from Rebecca's life is over. The story now returns for a final magical realism epilogue in NY. The Immigrant is in his apt looking out the window at the city. The
city fades into the face of Sophia, the Imaginary figure, who makes fixed eye contact with him. An sequence ensues that ends on a low-key note. This is a 'confidential'
sequence but a good idea of what it is like is to the dreamy flying ending of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In this case, it is the immigrant who is doing the floating fall
in the water towards Sophie and an embrace of Beauty and Wisdom.

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 fin...

With Special Thanks to

Christie-Anne Leao
Poojah Kapoor
Keliani

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