T A L I Y A

T A L I Y A
(IN ENGLISH)
(from the Original Swahili)
Written and Directed
by
Arnold Mwanjila
PO BOX 59875-00200,
NAIROBI, KENYA
+254 700 582 719

arnoldmwanjila@gmail.com
T A L I Y A
OVER BLACK:
A STRAINING BLEAK CHORD.
Super: TALIYA, which then DROWNS into darkness as the chord

chokes away.
FADE IN:
1 EXT. THE SEA SHORE - NIGHT 1
COMPLETE DARKNESS. We hear only the SOUND of water breaking

gently against the shore.
OBI (O.S.)
(sickly - always, coughing
etc)
Mama Pendo?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Yes, my child?
OBI (O.S.)
Tell me a story.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Any story or the story?
OBI (O.S.)
The story!
Mama Pendo laughs.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Every day?
OBI (O.S.)
Please?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Fine. Let us start.
BEAT. Mama Pendo readies herself to tell the story.
(MOON)LIGHT fades in verrrrry slooooowly across the

conversation below.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Story story?
OBI (O.S.)
Tell the story, Tell the lie, and may
it all be very very sweet!
2.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Good. Except this story is no lie. It
is a true story.
SOUNDS of a BOAT getting dragged across the shore inch by

inch, and the GRUNT of the MAN doing the dragging fade in.
OBI (O.S.)
True for real or only true in story?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Is there such a thing as real truth?
OBI (O.S.)
I don’t know.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

If you don’t know, how am I supposed
to know?
OBI (O.S.)
But you’re older?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I
know everything. Find your own answer
in the story. Don’t ask me tough
questions, okay?
OBI (O.S.)
Okay.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Okay. Good. Once upon a time, in the
era of gods who walked this world just
as we do today,...
CLOSE on FEET struggling forward on a beach, moving towards

the edge of the shore. Our man’s grunts are louder, laboured.

... Zuhura, princess of heaven, and
Kausi, god of seas and oceans, said to
themselves, “Let us make a man in our
own image.”
The feet stop. The end of a ROPE falls at the feet as the
MAN, breathing heavily, rests his hands on his knees, still
clutching onto something else - a VERY NEW NET.

And so they did. But they looked upon
the child and were disgusted and they
cast him out of heaven and he fell on
to the earth.
3.
The MAN straightens up, and We tilt up the man’s body, past
his tight fist holding the net, up his wiry, hardy arm, up
his bare heaving chest, to...

But Asase, Old Mother Earth looked at
the child and loved him saying, “This
is my first-born child, Jabo.” And she
kept him to herself, hid him as far
away as possible from his birth
parents.
(BEAT.)
But blood, like water, calls unto
itself.
... a CLOSE UP of his face, rugged, angry, determined: BABU,

mid-30s.
HIS POV: THE SEA, beautiful in the black blue moonlight,

almost peaceful.

And so one day, many years later,
without knowing how, Jabo, the first
man,...
Babu lifts up the new net to his face, tests Its tensile
strength then tosses it into the BOAT behind him. A SINGLE
KEROSENE LAMP sits in a STABLE BASE at the center.

... made a boat and dragged it across
the whole continent of Africa,...
He walks to the back of the boat and pushes it into the

water.

... up to the ocean, and pushed it in
and went to speak to his father.
He jumps into the boat and pushes off with an OAR.
2 EXT. MIDDLE OF THE SEA - NIGHT 2
Babu paddles to the middle of the sea. He leans over the edge
of the boat and inspects the water with the lamp.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Let us imagine together for a little
bit: What question do you think Jabo
had for his father, Kausi of the seas
and oceans?
BEAT.
4.
A SCHOOL OF FISH appears to rise towards Babu. He reaches for

the net and slips it gently into the water.
OBI (O.S.)
(quiet, sad)
He wanted to know why his father had
abandoned him?
The Net snags almost immediately. Babu smiles grimly, hauls,

fights with the school of fish.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

(also quiet & sad)
True. He wanted to know why his father
had abandoned him so; why, in all
these years, he had yet to look upon
the faces of his parents!
(BEAT.)
And Kausi, rider of waves and bringer
of storms, how did he answer his son?
OBI (O.S.)
He answered with thunder and
lightning.
Babu appears close to triumph over the school of fish.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Yes. With thunder and lightning...
LIGHTNING FLASHES, THUNDER ROARS.
BABU
What now?!
And the rains come heavily, the winds blow, the waves beat
violently against the boat. A sudden mist, too, shrouds him.
He struggles with the fish but his hands are sleek with rain
water. He is losing grip. He pleads!
BABU (CONT'D)
Please... Just one fish! Just one.
But the thunderstorm becomes worse and he rages at the sky.
BABU (CONT'D)
This isn’t fair! Go back! Go back!
A thunderous clap and Babu is pulled into the water.
3 EXT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT 3
Babu gets entangled in his net. He struggles to free himself

but the netting gets tighter and tighter, pulling him down,
dragging him by limb and neck.
5.
Babu reaches into his WAISTBAND, pulls out a SMALL

SWITCHBLADE KNIFE. He flicks out the blade and cuts at the
netting, destroying it as he frees himself.
He kicks off the shreds and pulls himself up towards the

surface.
A SHADOW - MERMAID-LIKE - swims past us, HUMMING, playful -

like a child.
Babu breaks surface, hacking and coughing. He calms himself

down, deep breaths, keeping afloat.
The thunderstorm dies out. He stares angrily at the sky.
5 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - NIGHT 5
A LAST FLASH of LIGHTNING through the WINDOW, and a LOW

RUMBLE as we pan across to a KINDLY OLD WOMAN, MAMA PENDO,
mid-60s, staring out.
OBI (O.S.)
He gave up? Just like that?
Mama Pendo turns, stares down at us.
MAMA PENDO
What would you have done?
REVEAL: OBI, 10 years, UNDER COVERS, but we can still make

out part of his SCARRED DISFIGURED FACE, and the HUMP rising
from his back towards his neck, all of which become more
prominent as he sits up, animated.
OBI
Me? I would have grabbed Kausi by the
neck and shaken him hard until he told
me why he threw me away!
MAMA PENDO
Oh?
OBI
(even more animated)
Oooh! I’d have grabbed him and--
(cough)
And I would--
The coughing gets worse.
MAMA PENDO
Slow down, Obi...
Mama Pendo helps him back into bed. The coughing stops.
6.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

I’m sorry but I think it’s time to say
goodnight--
OBI
But you haven’t finished the story!
MAMA PENDO
You know the story all ready!
OBI
I want to know why they threw Jabo
out. You’ve never said why.
Mama Pendo touches his cheek.

MAMA PENDO
That, too, you know.
He recoils from her touch, turns his face away, sad. She
smiles wistfully then gets up.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Goodnight.
Obi’s face disappears into darkness as she walks off with the
lantern.
Babu pulls his empty boat out of the water, drags it by rope
to a tree nearby, works on tethering it.
Something stirs at the edge of his vision. A CREATURE rises

from DETRITUS that has washed onto the beach - SEA-WEED,
PLASTICS, OLD NETS, CLOTHS, PALM-LEAVES etc.
Composed of the same, it MOANS.
Babu takes a cautious step back.

The creature claws at its face, clears it to reveal MZEE
SANTI, mid-60s. He grins. Ingratiating.
MZEE SANTI
Babu, What have we caught today?
He looks into the boat.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Aah, nothing, I see, but ocean water.
And that at the cost of your new
fishing nets. A worthy investment!
He laughs. Babu stares him down. The laugh dies out. He

hobbles closer to Babu, painfully, leans in closer,
conspiratorial.
7.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Why do you turn down my help, Babu?
BABU
What help can you give, Old Man Santi?
MZEE SANTI
Trust me and I will show you where to
get more fish than you’ll ever need.
BABU
Show me first, then I’ll trust you.
MZEE SANTI
I can’t show you without...
He rubs his fingers and thumb - MONEY. Babu gives a sardonic
smile, turns back to his tether.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Fine then, I’ll lend you one of my
fishing nets.
Babu walks away.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

At a discount, two per-cent.
Babu keeps walking.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Five-percent, then.
Babu waves goodbye. Mzee Santi’s fake smile fades. His face
darkens.
7 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - NIGHT 7
Babu walks into his compound, dejected, past a SMALL SHED,

walks past an ILLUMINATED MOUND - a GRAVEYARD - then steps
back for a look. He sighs, lost.
BEAT.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

She was kind. And full of love.
Babu frowns, turns to look at her.
BABU
I don’t have any money today.
MAMA PENDO
You can pay me later; but Obi needs
his medicine.
Babu shrugs - no money!

8.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

And the money from the church? They
told me you already passed by.
Babu frowns, reluctant, but...
BABU
I bought new fishing nets.
MAMA PENDO
Fishing nets, Babu? But Obi--
BABU
Will get his medicine when I sell the
fish.
She looks down at his empty hands. He clenches them, turns
away, back to looking at the grave.
BABU (CONT'D)
(under his breath, grim)
Though maybe it would be better if he
didn’t.
A SHARP INTAKE OF BREATH.
Both look to Obi’s window. A shadow beats a hasty retreat.
Obi jumps back in bed, covers himself, pretends to sleep.
We hear the MAIN DOOR OPEN as Babu steps inside. His

footsteps approach the bedroom slowly, menacingly. Obi’s
breathing becomes heavier.
The footsteps stop.
SHOT: Through the doorway, looking in on a sleeping Obi.

Obi closes his eyes tighter then sneaks a peek. First one eye
then the other, looks at the doorway. EMPTY.
We HEAR Babu walk about in the other room before slumping

into a couch.
Obi catches his breath, settles back down to sleep.
GIGGLING OFF-SCREEN
CUT TO:
9 INT. BABU’S LIVING ROOM - DAY 9
CLOSE on FOOT MASSAGE/ TICKLING.

9.
AMINA, BABU’S PREGNANT WIFE, mid 20’s, tries with little

success to kick her feet away from a YOUNGER HAPPIER BABU’S
LAP.
AMINA
Babu!
BABU
You said it yourself that we would
become the richest of the super rich,
if I tickled you right here.
AMINA
I said if you found yourself
scratching the palm of your hand after
swimming in the ocean. And it only
means that you shall have some money
in hand soon. Not become super rich.
BABU
Then if I scratched everywhere there
would be a lot more money, no?
And he proceeds to do so, TICKLING her everywhere.
AMINA
Babu, stop! The baby’ll come soon.
Babu stops, smiles mischievously, reaches below.
BABU
Let him come!
Amina smiles, then frowns, looks to the outside. A RUMBLING

NOISE approaches.
AMINA
Babu...?
Babu re-emerges, sees the concern on her face, hears the

rumbling noise. He looks to the main door. It rattles.
He stands up, approaches carefully, opens it.
A WAVE OF WATER pushes him...
10 INT. UNDERWATER - DAY 10
... into the sea. He recovers, looks around, terrified, sees

Amina in front of him.
The water DARKENS around them.
DARK BABY HANDS appear from the MURKY WATERS behind her,
grabbing at her WOMB. She SCREAMS in PAIN.
He tries to reach for her but the same hands pull him back.
10.
She disappears, as he too starts to disappear. He opens his

mouth to scream Amina’s name. BUBBLES.
Babu jerks awake to a lot of COUGHING. He looks around,

disoriented.
It is Obi COUGHING REPEATEDLY in the other room. Babu gets

up, approaches the room.
12 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - DAY 12
Obi hacks away over the side of the bed. He hears Babu’s
approach and sits up, looks to the door where Babu stands
looking at him.
Obi tries and fails to keep from coughing. Babu closes the
door.
13 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET - DAY 13
NOISE! A BASKET OF FISH is plopped down onto a stall. MONEY

SWITCHES HANDS.
We pull back. A MARKET. NOISY. CROWDED. People call out their

wares to passers-by and would-be buyers. Others haggle.
Babu walks briskly, barely paying attention to anything

happening around him.
A GROUP of TOUGH-LOOKING YOUTHS, MILITANTS, have assembled

around a REGAL LOOKING TOUGH GUY, JABARI, 30. One of the
assembled youths shouts at everyone passing by.
TOUGH GUY 1
... those so-called revolutionaries,
they are the blight on our lives! They
are the ones plundering our wealth and
kidnapping our women and children. And
now they threaten us? Saying that our
village is next? No! We will not be
cowed! We have Jabari here! And he has
the support of the government in the
fight against our enemies...
Cheers. Babu keeps going...
14 EXT. WASANII CORNER - DAY 14
... past a SHADED AREA where an ALBINO ACTOR, CHIRIKU, late

20s, performs for a VERY MODEST crowd.
11.
CHIRIKU
...alas, the child is not a child, but
rather a rock, a heavy rock, a rock
too heavy for Musa to carry and so he
fell, and Nyakio transformed. Her eyes
became wider, her teeth sharper, and
her body stretched into that of a
snake from the sea...
The modest crowd gasps. Babu keeps going, walks to a STALL

SELLING NETS.
15 EXT. NET STALL - DAY 15
The STALL OWNER smiles as Babu approaches.
STALL OWNER
Babu! I trust that you caught
thousands of fish with your new nets?
BABU
You sold me faulty nets.
STALL OWNER
Faulty nets?
BABU
They don’t catch. They’re not strong.
STALL OWNER
I can change them for you, if you like
BABU
They sank. Too heavy...
STALL OWNER
I can’t help you there, unless I sell
you another set.
BABU
Or... you give me one to return
tomorrow together with the hiring
cost, after I sell some fish.
STALL OWNER
Sorry, Babu, I don’t rent out my nets.
I have no interest in little monies.
Babu glares at the stall owner.
BABU (O.S.)
Lend me two thousand shillings. I’ll
pay you back tomorrow.
12.
16 EXT. MONEY LENDER STALL - DAY 16
The MONEY LENDER looks up from his BOOKS.
MONEY LENDER
You owe me seventeen thousand
shillings already.
BABU
Seventeen thousand? Where did the
extra seven thousand come from?
MONEY LENDER
Interest.
BABU
Interest of seven thousand shillings?
MONEY LENDER
When will you pay me, Babu?
Babu starts walking away.
MONEY LENDER (CONT'D)

The interest increases everyday!
Tomorrow, you’ll find you owe me
eighteen thousand!
17 EXT. CHURCH - DAY 17
Mama Pendo sweeps the exterior of the church. Babu arrives.
BABU
Mama Pendo.
MAMA PENDO
Babu!
He peers through the church door where A WHITE PRIEST, FATHER

JOHN, late 30s, arranges BIBLES and HYMNS on the pews.
She follows his gaze, then lights up.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Are you coming back to the church? Let
me call Father John...
She moves to go. He stops her with a HARD PAINFUL GRIP on her
arm. She winces. He lets go, then steels himself for the ask.
BABU
I want an advance on the money for
Obi’s medicine.
MAMA PENDO
(disapproving)
Babu...
13.
BABU
Tell him!
She sighs, gives him the BROOM and walks into the church.
18 INT. CHURCH - DAY 18
Father John watches her walk in.
FATHER JOHN
Is that Babu?
She nods, embarrassed.
MAMA PENDO
He is asking if he can have an advance
on next month’s money.
FATHER JOHN
For Obi?
She nods.
FATHER JOHN (CONT'D)

What did he do with the money he got
yesterday?
Mama Pendo looks away, embarrassed.

Tell him the money is Charity money.
Not a salary.
She nods turns to go. He reconsiders.

Wait. Tell him, I will consider his
request if he will cross that
threshold and come back to me, to us.
If he will kneel right there at the
altar and pray to our Father in
heaven.
Mama Pendo frowns, then walks out.
MAMA PENDO
He said--
BABU
I heard!
He returns the broom then spits on the ground and stalks off.
14.
Mama Pendo turns back to look at Father John. He smiles

sadly, shakes his head, goes back to arranging the books.
20 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - DUSK 20
TIME-LAPSE transition to dusk over the sea, then we PAN right

to find Jabari leads his TROUPE OF MILITANT YOUTHS in a
running march drill.
JABARI
Left. Left. Left. Right Left.
We continue panning past them to reveal a RELATIVELY LARGE

MAKESHIFT SHELTER on the beach - MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL - which
is like an extension of him, constructed out of SEA-WEED,
OCEAN PLASTICS, TARP, OLD NETS etc etc
Babu sneaks into view. He looks around then walks to the

hovel, lifts the tarp and peeps inside. He cringes. He puts a
finger in front of his nose and steps inside.
21 INT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - DUSK 21
It looks worse on the inside, barely fit for human living.

One can only imagine the smell, which chokes Babu into a
slight coughing fit.
On one side are a BUNCH OF OLD TATTERED LOOKING NETS UNDER

REPAIR. Babu moves quickly towards them, starts to inspect
them.
MZEE SANTI (O.S.)

What are you doing here?
Babu freezes, turns slowly, to find no-one.
JABARI (O.S.)
What?
He moves towards the entrance, raises the flap and peers

outside.
Jabari turns slowly, away from his militants standing at

attention, and glowers at Mzee Santi.
Mzee Santi takes a cautious step back, smiles unctuously.
MZEE SANTI
What I meant to say--
JABARI
No no no, Mzee Santi. Stand your
ground like a man!
15.
Mzee Santi stops. Someone sniggers at the back.
TOUGH GUY 2
Is mzee Santi a man?
TOUGH GUY 1
I have heard that rumour too...
JABARI
Well, are you a man, Old Man, Santi?
What kind of name is that, even?
Santi. Sounds like a woman’s name!
MZEE SANTI
It’s Santiago. The full name is
Santiago.
Mzee Santi goes down on his knees, grovels.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

But I only meant that we had an
agreement. You do your drills over
there and I carry out my business over
here. You said you didn’t want to see
my face. That’s what you said.
TOUGH GUY 1
This is no man.
Jabari smiles.
JABARI
We will know the truth of that story
today.
Mzee Santi’s eyes widen. He turns on all fours, tries to

crawl away. Jabari steps on his leg to stop his movement. He
cries out in pain.
MZEE SANTI
Please, Jabari! My apologies.
JABARI
What are you waiting for?
His troupe rushes to Mzee Santi and start stripping him.
JABARI (CONT'D)
Strip it all off!
Mzee Santi screams. They laugh.
23 INT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - DUSK 23
Babu watches in horror. He takes a step forward, then STOPS.

THINKS, turns around and looks at the nets. He looks back at
Mzee Santi then CLOSES the flap.
16.
He rushes to the wall, unhooks a net, bundles it up then

heads back to the entrance. He peeps then surreptitiously
steps out.
He slowly makes his escape, tiptoeing.
But Mzee Santi’s screaming stops. As does the laughing.
TOUGH GUY 1 (O.S.)

What the fuck?
Babu stops, turns slowly.
The troupe have all stepped back from Mzee Santi, staring at
him in disgust. One of the members goes off to the side to
VOMIT.
A NAKED Mzee Santi gets up. Babu turns, puzzled at what they
see.
TOUGH GUY 2 gives him back his TROUSERS. Mzee Santi, takes
them and covers himself. He turns, tears streaming down his
face, and hobbles towards his hovel.
Babu ducks, but is unseen by Mzee Santi who disappears into

his shelter.
He looks back at the troupe, almost catches Jabari’s eye. So

he looks away, scampers off.
COUGHING
Obi coughs.
Mama Pendo watches him through the doorway for some time,
pities him, then puts on a brave smile and walks in, hiding
something behind her back.
OBI
Mama Pendo!
MAMA PENDO
I have a surprise for you.
She whips out a BOTTLE OF COUGH SYRUP and a TEASPOON.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Tada!
OBI
Dad bought medicine?
17.
Mama Pendo hesitates then nods her head, lies.
MAMA PENDO
Yes...he did.
She moves to his side, opens up the bottle.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

All right, open up.
She pours him two teaspoons and feeds them to him.
OBI
Yuck!
She smiles at him as he deals with the disgusting aftertaste.

MAMA PENDO
The bitter pill loves you best.
She stands to go.
OBI
Story story?
She stops, smiles.
MAMA PENDO
Tell the story, Tell the lie...
OBI
No! You’re the one to tell me the
story!
MAMA PENDO
And you? When will you tell me your
story?
OBI
When you finish yours. The one about
Jabo.
MAMA PENDO
But you know that one already!
OBI
I still want to hear it.
He stares at her stubbornly. She smiles, sits back down.
MAMA PENDO
Fine. Where had we reached?
OBI
When Jabo’s father replied to him with
thunder and lightning.
18.
MAMA PENDO
Ah yes, thunder and lightning.
There is a slight FLASH and a LOW RUMBLE. Mama Pendo smiles.

Obi gets cozier.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Even so, Jabo did not despair. In
fact, Kausi’s response gave him hope,
and so Jabo returned the next night,
and the night after that, and the
night after that night...
We slowly pan away from her...
... and pan across the sea to Babu, leaning over his boat,
his LAMP at hand, peering determinedly into the water.
The water is calm. Maybe a little too calm. A SHADOW deep

below.
Babu leans farther in, closer to the surface of the water.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Forcing Kausi to give him a different
answer...
A HARD BUMP against the bottom of the boat throws Babu off-
balance. He picks himself up, picks the lamp, rushes to the
other side.
A FISHTAIL flicks the surface; a shadow glides below the

boat. Babu starts, then moves quick, excitedly. He grabs his
stolen net and throws it over the opposite side.
He waits, breathing heavily, and is suddenly yanked forward.

He braces himself against the side of the boat, hauls back.
But whatever beast he’s captured is massive. And strong. And
it takes every single ounce of strength in his body just to
hold on.
The boat is dragged forward. Another SUDDEN THUNDERSTORM

claps into being. Babu pulls harder. The net thrashes about.
Babu shouts, wraps the netting around his arms even more,
gains advantage slowly, inch by inch, until one last haul and
one last shout and he pulls the beast HOWLING AND SCREECHING
into the boat.
The BEAST pushes him back and he hits the back of the boat
with the back of his head.
The SCREECHING AND SCREAMING get louder.

19.
Babu shakes his head, tries to clear his eyes and his mind,
fights with the SCREAMING SOUND and with the VIOLENTLY
BUFFETING WIND. But he manages somehow to cast a glance at
the beast and every noise dies down but for the SCREAMING
which becomes louder and MORE PIERCING.
Babu stares in horror! TRANSFIXED by what he sees and by the

SHRILL PIN-POINT of sound SKEWERING through his PARALYZED
MIND.
REVEAL: TALIYA, 25, HALF-WOMAN HALF-FISH, screaming as she

thrashes in the net.
Obi JOLTS awake screaming in pain.
28 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET - NIGHT 28
Chiriku stirs from sleep turns to look towards the sea then
turns back and stares into a RAGING LOG FIRE, terrified.
29 INT. CHURCH - NIGHT 29
Father John, on his knees, muttering a prayer, stops

suddenly, looks up and about, also terrified.
30 INT. JABARI’S HOME - NIGHT 30
Jabari sits up in bed, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily.

He stares out his window grimly.
Babu rouses himself from his shock, fights through the sound
and wind, grabs an OAR and KNOCKS Taliya out.
32 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - NIGHT 32
Mzee Santi stares out to sea, sees and hears nothing but the
storm dying out.. He cocks his head to listen closer.
Babu stares at the unconscious water-spirit in shock. As the

storm lifts. He touches his ear. BLOOD.
He stumbles, tries to steady himself, fails, falls on his

butt.
He catches his breath.

20.
Babu pulls his boat onto the shore, cautious to make as

little noise as possible.
He ties the boat to its usual tree then returns to the boat.
He looks at the ENTANGLE BUNDLE inside, makes a few strategic

knots then picks it up, stumbles then finds his base of
support.
He heaves Taliya over his shoulder then makes his way inland.
He sneaks into his compound, heads straight to his shed.
He puts Taliya down gently, and slowly opens the SCREECHING

door.
Obi, fully under cover, breathes heavily, fearfully. The door

to the shed WAILS. He closes his eyes and holds his breath,
then opens them again, more determined.
He slowly peels off his BLANKETS then sneaks towards the

window, peers outside.
Babu comes out of the shed, the ENTANGLED BUNDLE GONE,

presumably inside.
He locks up, uses AN OLD PADLOCK.
He pauses, then looks up at Obi’s bedroom.
Obi ducks just in time.
Babu frowns then fully secures the door, slips the PADLOCK
KEY into his pockets, walks to the house.
Obi sneaks back into his bed, covers himself.
Babu appears in the doorway, watches his sleeping son for a

moment then quietly shuts the door.
21.
39 INT. BABU’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 39
Babu walks to his couch, stands over it hesitantly. He turns

and looks at the window, frowns at the thing in the shed
outside.
The Universe has shifted completely for him and he knows it.
But he is hopeful it is for the better.
He eases himself onto the couch, feet up, and falls into--
40 INT. SEA UNDERWATER - DAWN 40
--WATER.
He is startled at first then pleased, to see where he is -

BEAUTIFUL underwater: SEA WEEDS, MULTICOLOURED ROCKS, A
SINGLE COLOURFUL FISH.
He twists and turns in the water, enjoying the swim.
A FEMALE HAND - TALIYA'S - appears, stretched from behind

him. It touches his face gently. He turns, smiles.
The hand reaches seductively for his neck, and squeezes hard.
His eyes go wide. DARKNESS diffuses into the water.
Babu jerks awake with a yelp, startles Mama Pendo and Obi,
both of whom are in their SUNDAY BEST OUTFITS, Obi sitting in
a WHEELCHAIR, behind which stands Mama Pendo.
Babu looks at them embarrassed then hardens.
BABU
What?
Obi looks away, embarrassed for his father.
MAMA PENDO
Are you all right?
BABU
I’m fine.
MAMA PENDO
Why don’t we... go to church?
He glares at her, then turns his glare to his son.
BABU
Why are you taking him?
OBI
I want to go.
22.
BABU
Who asked you?
BEAT.
MAMA PENDO
He wants to go.
BABU
So that everyone can laugh at us? Make
fun of us?
MAMA PENDO
He wants to pray in church.
BABU
To pray to whom? For what?
MAMA PENDO
God--
BABU
God, who has helped this child so well
so far! Look at him! God doesn’t care
about him! Pure suffering. That’s what
God has given him! Him and Me! And his
dearly departed mother!
Obi stifles a cry.
MAMA PENDO
(softly)
Babu...
Babu calms down, looks away.
BABU
Do whatever you want.
BEAT.
MAMA PENDO
Let’s go.
She wheels him out.
Babu turns back to watch them go, grim-faced. He touches his

neck with the memory of his dream, stares out the window.
42 INT. SHED - DAY 42
Taliya, lying on the floor, breathing heavily, OPENS her eyes

SUDDENLY, tries to sit up, afraid of the door to the shed.
It SCREECHES OPEN and Babu steps through the blinding light.

23.
Taliya awake, TIED UP EXPERTLY with ROPE and NET, stares up

at him, BLINKING PAINFULLY - innocent and terribly afraid.
He marvels at her, at her SHIMMERING SKIN at her LARGE TAIL-

FIN.
BABU
I was afraid this was all a dream,
but... here you are.
He steps forward, she flinches.
BABU (CONT'D)
You’re afraid?
(BEAT)
Do not be afraid.
He squats down to look at her better, reaches for her. She
squeezes even farther back, WHIMPERS. He pulls back.
BABU (CONT'D)
Fine. Fine. No touching... I am Babu.
What’s your name?
He stares at her, waits for a response. She stares at his

mouth.
BABU (CONT'D)
We don’t speak? Okay. That’s fine.
(BEAT.)
You will still give me my three
wishes. Or what do your stories say?
Is it three or five?
She opens her mouth to speak, trying to mimic him, moves it

instead like a fish. A STRAINED GURGLE emanates from her
throat.
BABU (CONT'D)
Let’s say three. Three is fine. For my
first wish: I want to be the richest
man in this village--no, no-- the
richest man in the entire country.
And he closes his eyes and smiles as he waits for the magical
change. A SWELL.
He opens his eyes, not too sure if anything has changed. She
stares at him befuddled. He looks down at his clothes. They
have definitely NOT changed.
He looks around, stands up cautiously, optimistic, walks to

the door.
24.
43 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - DAY 43
He steps out, stares at his UNCHANGED HOUSE, at his UNCHANGED

COMPOUND. He frowns.
BABU
Nothing’s changed.
He spots his wife’s burial mound, frowns.
He slams the door shut and turns to face Taliya.
She flinches.
BABU
Give me back my wife!
Nothing.
He takes a step forward. She retreats.
BABU (CONT'D)
Heal my son!
Nothing.
He takes another step forward. She retreats farther.
BABU (CONT'D)
Give me all the riches of this world!
Still nothing.
BABU (CONT'D)
Do your magicks!
She retreats. He moves towards her, grabs her forcefully!

BABU (CONT'D)
Why won’t you do your magicks?
And she screams!
Babu is THROWN BACK against the shed by the force of her

VOICE!
He scrambles to his feet, rushes out, afraid.
45 EXT. SHED - DAY 45
He slams the door shut, LOCKS IT, then puts his back against
it.
25.
He catches his breath, STEELS himself, then launches himself

off the door and strides off.
We GLIDE across RELATIVELY PACKED PEWS to Obi and Mama Pendo,

enraptured, as Father John preaches with his TRANSLATOR by
his side.
FATHER JOHN
Then I stood on the sand of the sea.
TRANSLATOR
Na nikasimama katika mchanga ulioko
ufuoni mwa bahari.
FATHER JOHN
And I saw a beast rising up out of the
sea.
TRANSLATOR
Nami nikamwona mnyama akitoka ndani ya
bahari.
RANDOM CONGREGANTS
(whispering)
Kausi’s children! You are defeated,
spirit of Simbi!
Father John GLOWERS at the whispering congregants, who

quickly shut up. He continues, but with some irritation.
FATHER JOHN
It was a Disfigured thing.
TRANSLATOR
Ilikuwa mnyama aliyeumbuliwa.
Obi shifts in his seat, looks down, embarrassed.
FATHER JOHN
A damaged, ugly, diseased thing.
TRANSLATOR
Mnyama na sura mbaya; hayawani bovu
anayeoza.
FATHER JOHN
With seven heads and ten horns, and on
his heads a blasphemous name.
TRANSLATOR
Na vichwa saba na pembe kumi, na kwa
vichwa vyake jina la kukufuru.
FATHER JOHN
AntiChrist!
26.
TRANSLATOR
Mpinga-Kristo!
Obi flinches. He looks about, catches the eye of other

congregants who look away, move further away from him.
RANDOM CONGREGANTS
Great Fathers of Old, protect us from
these evil spirits.
FATHER JOHN
Stop that! May GOD protect us. GOD!
The One True God!
The room goes quiet. Obi catches the eye of ONE OLD WOMAN who
stares at him intently like the son of Satan he must be! He
looks away.

Translate!
TRANSLATOR
Eh... ah yes... Uh... Mungu Baba
tulinde.
FATHER JOHN
I am the Lord, your God, who brought
you out of the land of Egypt...
TRANSLATOR
Mimi ni Bwana, Mungu wako, aliyekutoa
kutoka nchi ya Misri...
FATHER JOHN
From a house of slavery...
TRANSLATOR
Kutoka nyumba ya utumwa...
FATHER JOHN
You shall have no other God besides
me!
TRANSLATOR
Hamtakuwa na Mungu mwingine ila mimi!
FATHER JOHN
Just me!
TRANSLATOR
Mimi pekee!
Father John looks around, eyes on fire, then bows his head.
FATHER JOHN
Let us Pray.
27.
TRANSLATOR
Tuombe.
They bow their heads to pray. Mama Pendo notices the Old
Woman staring again. She looks at her pointedly again. The
Old Woman bows her head.
FATHER JOHN
Father in Heaven, we know that inside
each one of us are little beasts.
TRANSLATOR
Baba aliye mbinguni, tunajua ndani
yetu, kila mmoja wetu, kuna vijinyama.
FATHER JOHN
Rescue us, O Father, from our Satanic
Traditions.
TRANSLATOR
(hesitant)
Eh... Tuokoe, Baba, kutoka... kutoka
mila zetu za ushetani...
Babu sits outside the church, watching the prayers come to an

end.
The congregants file out. Everybody goes out of their way to

avoid Obi. Babu turns away embarrassed.
The Old Woman from inside approaches Mama Pendo.
OLD WOMAN
(whispering)
It’s a sin to bring a child touched by
the Devil to church!
MAMA PENDO
This child has not been touched--
But she is too late. The Old Woman stalks off.
She bumps into Babu and recognizes him. She GRUNTS HER
DISAPPROVAL and pushes away from him.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Babu?
BABU
Tell me what you know--
He pauses, looks down at Obi, then pulls Mama Pendo aside.

28.
BABU (CONT'D)
I want to know everything you know
about the djinns and spirits of the
sea.
MAMA PENDO
Right now?
BABU
I want to know how... they do their
magicks?
MAMA PENDO
You want me to tell you a story right
now?
BABU
I don’t want a story, Mama Pendo. I
want the truth. Facts.
MAMA PENDO
What I know are stories.
Babu stares at her, skeptical of her belief.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Speak to Mzee Santi.
BABU
Old Man Santi? Of the Sea?
MAMA PENDO
Him, yes.
BABU
What could he possibly know?
Babu looks off towards the ocean. She follows his gaze.
CUT TO:
48 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - DAY 48
Mzee Santi still stares out to sea, still puzzled.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

He claims that we are blind, that him
and him alone in the entire village
knows the truth about the mysteries of
the ocean.
TOUGH GUY 1 (O.S.)

Mzee Santi!
Mzee Santi turns to find Tough Guy 1 and Jabari.

29.
He flinches, takes a step back, protecting his JEWELS. Jabri

scoffs.
JABARI
No one wants to see those rotten
things again!
TOUGH GUY 1
I’m here for my fishing nets. I trust
you have repaired them?
Mzee Santi nods points at his hovel then moves towards it,
skirting as far away from the two men as is possible without
offending them, or embarrassing himself.
CUT BACK TO:
Babu turns away from the sea, narrows his eyes at Obi then
turns to Mama Pendo.
BABU
How do you know, Mzee Santi?
She looks away.
MAMA PENDO
I don’t.
BABU
I hope you haven’t given yourself
extra work taking Obi out to walks by
the beach.
MAMA PENDO
No, I haven’t.
He leans closer to discern the truth in her face.
OBI
Dad, look!
Babu turns sharply to look at Obi who PLAYS with the

wheelchair, turning around IN CIRCLES.
He looks around embarrassed then glares at Obi. Obi stops

playing with the wheelchair, afraid he’s done something
wrong.
Babu pulls Mama Pendo closer to him.
BABU
I don’t want to hear him call me out
in public ever again.
He stalks off.
30.
MAMA PENDO
But everybody knows--
Too late - he’s beyond hearing.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

(to herself)
--you are his father!
She turns to look at Obi, who still puzzles over what he

could have done wrong. She gives him a sad reassuring smile
then moves to grab the wheelchair handles.
50 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - EVENING 50

Everything is a mess. The hovel BULLDOZED, the contents
strewn everywhere on the shore.
Mzee Santi inspects his old nets now spread out, pleading
with Jabari and Tough Guy 1.
MZEE SANTI
It seems like they aren’t here--
TOUGH GUY 1
They are not! I have looked.
MZEE SANTI
Someone must have taken them.
TOUGH GUY 1
They’ve been stolen?
Mzee Santi nods. Jabari feigns deep thought, turns Tough Guy
1.
JABARI
Of course they were stolen. They were
brand new.
Tough Guy 1 gets his meaning.
TOUGH GUY 1
Meaning this Old Man now owes me new
fishing nets.
JABARI
Precisely.
Mzee Santi shakes his head.
MZEE SANTI
No no, they weren’t stolen. I must
have given them out by mistake. Give
me two three days and you’ll have
them, good as new.
31.
Babu arrives just as Jabari grabs Mzee Santi by the collar of

his shirt.
JABARI
What? You hired out our property?
MZEE SANTI
I ddin’t hire them out. Just gave them
to the wrong customer. But I’ll get
them back to you. The repairs on me.
Free of charge!
The two tough guys notice Babu.
JABARI
What are you looking at?
BABU
Nothing. I just came to speak with
Mzee Santi. But finish with him. I’ll
wait.
JABARI
We’re done.
Jabari throws Mzee Santi down. Tough Guy 1 keeps staring at

Babu.
JABARI (CONT'D)
You have one day. Our nets or money to
buy new ones!
TOUGH GUY 1
(to Babu)
You usually speak with this animal
JABARI
Ah, but you know his son, no?
Tough Guy 1 laughs.

TOUGH GUY 1
I do!
He contorts himself, MIMICKING Obi’s monstrous form, GURGLING

and DROOLING!
Jabari laughs.
JABARI
That’s him! And if he is the father of
that wretched thing, then he too must
have a problem.
He gestures at his penis - implies Babu’s emasculation.

32.
TOUGH GUY 1
Aha! I get you! These two are the same
same!
JABARI
Exactly! There are only two men here.
He turns a sudden serious look to Babu.
JABARI (CONT'D)
As for the other two, they would be
better off free of this burdensome
life.
The two men stride off; Jabari purposely pushing past Babu.
Babu watches them go then turns to Mzee Santi, moves to help
him up to his feet.
BABU
Here, Mzee Santi.
Mzee Santi pushes the help away.
MZEE SANTI
I don’t need your help?
He gets up and dusts himself off. He throws an angry look at

Babu then turns his attention to his nets and possessions,
collecting them and inspecting them for damage.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Say what you came to say. And be gone.
BABU
Ehh... yes. So... I was wondering what
you could tell me about the djinns and
spirits of the sea?
Mzee Santi looks at him sharply, suspiciously.

MZEE SANTI
Who has sent you?
BABU
No one. No one’s sent me. I asked Mama
Pendo about her stories--
MZEE SANTI
Mama Pendo remembers nothing!
BABU
Remembers nothing...?
MZEE SANTI
She knows nothing, that’s what I
meant.
33.
BABU
And you?
MZEE SANTI
Why are you so interested in fantasies
and fairy tales?
BABU
Fairy tales?
(BEAT)
I’m just asking.
MZEE SANTI
Nobody just asks about these things.
BEAT as the two stare at each other, Mzee Santi’s suspicious

growing.
BABU
Fine. I’m not just asking. I think I
sawa one such djinn as I was fishing
last night?
MZEE SANTI
You think you saw?
BABU
I didn’t see it very well, but it
looked human except it had a tail-fin
like a fish, instead of legs.
Mzee Santi moves desperately, grabs Babu’s hand.
MZEE SANTI
Where? Where did you see it?
BABU
Out at sea--
MZEE SANTI
Where exactly?
Babu pries off Mzee Santi’s grip.
BABU
I think it was in that area over
there.
He points vaguely. Mzee Santi squints at the sea.
MZEE SANTI
(to self)
No wonder the weather...
BABU
What?
34.
MZEE SANTI
Nthing.
BABU
I’ve heard that if you caught one, it
would grant you three wishes.
Mzee Santi gives him a quizzical look then starts laughing.
BABU (CONT'D)
Or is it five?
He laughs louder.
MZEE SANTI
Who told you that? Forget those
children’s tales.
BABU
They don’t grant wishes?
Mzee Santi shakes his head, becomes grave again, gets lost in
a memory for a moment, fear flickers across his face. He
shakes it off, smiles ingratiatingly at Babu.
MZEE SANTI
Do this, babu. Next time you see that
demon, catch it. Just think, how much
would someone be willing to pay to see
it like this, with their own eyes.
Babu’s face lights up. He quickly tries to hide it.
BABU
Actually, I’ve just remembered...
there’s something I forgot to do. At
home.
MZEE SANTI
No fishing today?
BABU
Ah.. no. Not today.
And he leaves in a rush. Mzee Santi watches him go, suspicion

mounting.
51 INT. SHED - EVENING 51
Taliya lies entangled in her net and rope restraints, weak.
She stirs, looks up afraid, stares at the door, her breathing

getting more erratic.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Some of us know her as Mohana...
35.
OBI (O.S.)
(repeating reverently)
Mohana...
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Others Simbi.
OBI (O.S.)
Sssimbi!
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Others, yet, call her Mami Wata,
Mother of the Sea,
OBI (O.S.)
Mami Wata...
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

But we call her...
OBI (O.S.)
Taliya!
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Yes. Taliya. Mother of Snakes.
The door swings open. Taliya hisses, even as she retreats.
Babu steps through, stands in the doorway. She retreats as

far as she can.
Babu smiles.
BABU
You will grant me my wishes, one way
or another. You begin work tomorrow.
He swings the door shut.
52 INT. BABU’S LIVING ROOM - EVENING 52
We watch through Obi’s bedroom door as Mama Pendo narrates

her story to Obi in bed.
OBI
But isn’t Taliya also Kausi’s child.
Just like Jabo.
MAMA PENDO
That’s true, she is also Kausi’s
daughter, but Jabo was created in
Heaven, out of Earth and Sea, while
Taliya, whose mother and father both,
is Kausi alone, was created purely out
of Water.
Babu enters the house. They both turn to look at him.

36.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Babu, you’re home early today.
Babu grunts walks off to his couch, sits, inspects the food
left out for him, pushes it aside.
He turns, lies down to sleep.
OBI
Meaning Taliya is a djinn of the
water?
MAMA PENDO
Shshs... Your father is sleeping.
We inch closer to Babu, panning away from the bedroom door,

approaching his sleeping face.
OBI (O.S.)
(whispering)
Is Taliya an evil djinn?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

She is the mother of all djinns and
spirits of the sea.
OBI (O.S.)
Why would Jabo marry a djinn?
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

One word. Love.
OBI (O.S.)
(repeating, trying out the
word with feeling)
Love.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Yes. Love is One-eyed. She sees
neither evil nor wickedness.
CLOSE on Babu’s sleeping form. He turns away from us,
twists...
53 INT. SEA SHORE - DAY[DREAM] 53
... about in SHALLOW water. His eyes fly open. Finds himself
on the water’s edge of the beach.
He looks about concerned then sees a MASS on the beach. He

freaks out, stands up, approaches the mass cautiously.
He looks down at it and his face CONTORTS into pain. The SKY
BEHIND and ABOVE HIM DARKENS.
REVEAL: pregnant Amina DEAD.

37.
Then her Belly moves. ANOTHER SMALLER MASS BLEEDS out from
below her dress.
Babu takes a step back. The MASS twists its HEAD to look at
him: OBI as a SNAKE. It leaps at him.
JOLTS awake to a LOW (MUFFLED) YET PIERCING SCREAM.
Not his.
He looks to Obi’s bedroom where the sound comes from.
We see through the doorway as he WRITHES in pain, trying to

muffle his scream by BITING DOWN on his beddings.
Babu gets up, approaches the door, looks inside for a moment
then silently CLOSES THE DOOR to mute the boy’s screams.
ANOTHER LOW SCREAM comes into range.
Babu looks outside to the shed.
Taliya writhes in pain as well, BITING DOWN on the netting to

both free herself and keep the pain at bay.
Babu steps out of his compound, walks past his wife’s grave
site - now with a BLACK PATCH. He stops outside the shed.
Looks at it.
Taliya’s pain stops momentarily, she turns and stares at the

door, stares seemingly at Babu.
Babu breaks the ‘eye contact’ and moves on out of the

compound.
We tilt down slowly, as he walks away, inching towards the

BLACK PATCH on the grave to see it better: A BLIGHT on the
foliage on and around the mound. And closer still, we realize
that it is SPREADING. SLOWLY.
38.
Babu walks through the village. But something is different.

The day and the mood is SOMBER.
He kicks a bunch of what looks like DEAD ROTTING FISH and he

pauses. He looks around.
DEAD ROTTING FISH is strewn all over.
The market is SUBDUED. HUSHED. Less people than there were

before and these are HUDDLED TOGETHER, puzzled and puzzling
over what has transpired.
One such group has congregated around Jabari.
JABARI
All of them?
FISHERMAN
All of them. Even those we caught this
morning.
JABARI
Is there something wrong with the
water?
FISH SELLER
(superstitious)
Not the water. A malicious spirit
walks among us.
She looks up at the skies. They follow her gaze. Babu

included. The skies are OMINOUS.
Babu shivers. Then collects himself. Marches on.
Mzee Santi emerges from around a CORNER, pursues Babu...
... to where Chiriku holds court, RE-ENACTING HIS STORY IN

GREAT DETAIL before a somewhat bigger crowd.
CHIRIKU
Ssssssimbi whom we call Taliya laughed
at Asase, ha-ha-ha! And turned, showed
her back to her Mother-in-Law,
strutted off, a proud snake, the
winner of the battle between them over
Jabo’s heart.
Chiriku pauses. A DRAMATIC PAUSE. Babu joins the fringes of

the crowd, but tries to remain somewhat apart and above the
rest.
39.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
(dramatic)
But she didn’t know the weight of the
curse from our Mother of the Earth,
strutting off with her nose in the
air. Prideful. And so she missed the
signs of that curse, didn’t see nor
smell them, that first sign being...
(ANOTHER DRAMATIC PAUSE)
Thousands upon thousands of dead fish,
rotting everywhere even unto the path
on which Taliya walked.
He stops, LEANS BACK subtly, and smiles when he sees the

crowd respond by LEANING FORWARD, EAGER.
He holds them so, waiting, until a YOUNG WOMAN in the crowd
can’t help herself.
YOUNG WOMAN
What did Taliya do when she discovered
she had been cursed by Asase?
Chiriku stands upright suddenly.
CHIRIKU
And that brings us to the end of our
story today.
The crowd voices their disappointment. Chiriku grins

mischievously.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
If you want to know what Simbi did
next, if Asase’s curse truly was the
end of their battle over Jabo’s heart,
come back tomorrow. Same time, Same
place, same price!
And he immediately removes his ELABORATE HEADGEAR and holds

it out for CASH, thanking each CONTRIBUTING PATRON before
they leave to go about their business.
Chiriku extends his headgear to the last patron, Babu.
Babu shrugs.
BABU
I just got here. I don’t even know
what story you’re telling.
CHIRIKU
It doesn’t matter. You stand to
listen, you pay the tax. Or... I might
find it difficult to continue telling
my stories, and my faithful listeners
might turn on you in revenge. I
wouldn’t wish that upon your person.
40.
Babu smiles.
BABU
I have an extraordinary offer of work.
A true story to tell your faithful
listeners. A truly astonishing story.
CHIRIKU
No thank you. My money, that I may be
on my way.
BABU
My name is Babu--
CHIRIKU
I know you, Babu, father to Obi, the
Hunchback. I know everyone in this
village.
Babu glares at him.
BABU
That is not his name.
Chiriku glares back.
CHIRIKU
Obi is not his name?
They stare at each other like this for a moment then Babu
breaks off the contact.
BABU
If you know me, then you know where I
live. Come by later for whatever you
think I owe you
He turns to go then stops.
BABU (CONT'D)
Come alone.
And he walks off. Chiriku watches him, curious. Mzee Santi
peeps from behind him, also curious.
61 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - EVENING 61
TIME-LAPSE: CLOSE on the BLACK PATCH. It spreads, as time

TRANSITIONS from DAY TO EVENING.
Then we tilt up to reveal Babu looking at the patch, puzzled.
A HAND-BEATEN DRUM SOUNDS. Babu stirs, turns to find Chiriku

making a GRAND ENTRANCE. He ULULATES, BEATS the drum harder
then stops suddenly.
41.
CHIRIKU
He is here now, him for whom you have
waited with bated breath!
Babu moves quick to him.
BABU
Shshsh! You’re alerting the whole
neighbourhood!
CHIRIKU
How else will they know of my arrival?
BABU
I dont want them to know; you were to
come in secret.
CHIRIKU
Why come in secret? It’s my money I’m
coming for, is it not?
Babu stares at him for a moment then steers him to the shed.
BABU
Follow me.
CLOSE on a rather SICKLY-LOOKING Taliya, afraid, waiting.
The door opens. Babu ushers Chiriku inside with a FLOURISH.
BABU
Behold!
And looks keenly at Chiriku, watches for his expression.
Chiriku’s eyes HURT. He shuts them tight then opens them

wide, waits for them to ADJUST.
He frowns then takes an ALARMED STEP back.
CHIRIKU
What is this?
Babu smiles.
BABU
This is a spirit of the sea. This is
that story...
And he falters as he turns to look at Taliya, frowns as well.
REVEAL: Taliya’s full body entangled in the net. WITH HUMAN

LEGS and in a DRESS the COLOUR and TEXTURE of her TAIL FIN.
42.
CHIRIKU
I don’t know what you’re doing here,
but I want no part in it!
And he turns to go.
BABU
Wait.
Too late. Babu turns back to Taliya, his puzzle turning to

anger.
BABU (CONT'D)
What have you done?
Taliya retreats.
BABU (CONT'D)
Turn yourself back!
He grabs her violently, lifts her easily.
BABU (CONT'D)
I said turn yourself back!
He shakes her violently and she struggles in pain with her

scream caught in her throat.
BABU (CONT'D)
You are not human! You are a spirit of
the sea so turn yourself--
Babu chokes suddenly. His eyes widen but he doesn’t let go.
The two struggle, both choking, but Taliya manages to pull
the language from his mouth into her own.
TALIYA
(mix of her voice and his)
LET ME GO!
And Babu is thrown back across the room by the force.

He scrambles backwards, terrified, trips on an OLD NET and
FALLS BACKWARDS into...
63 INT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT[MARE] 63
... DARK MURKY water, ENTANGLED IN A NET.
He flails about, terrified! Then tries to disentangle

himself. But he stops. Pauses. Looks up into the shadow in
front of him.
A pair of GLOWING YELLOW EYES FLASH OPEN in the darkness. As

does a GLOWING RAZOR-TOOTHED JAW. A vicious smile.
43.
Babu jolts awake, drenched, disoriented, his breathing

erratic and RASPY.
He looks around, orienting himself, then to the window.
BABU
(raspy whisper)
How?
He clutches his throat, remembering the shout.
CUT TO:
Babu scrambles away from Taliya, makes it to the door.
66 EXT. SHED - NIGHT 66
He slams the door shut and immediately falls to his knees.
He THROWS UP.
CUT BACK TO:
Babu shakes his head to clear his mind. He relaxes.
A LOUD KNOCKING startles him. It sounds again. Then again. He

steels himself, gets up, goes to the door.
He opens the door cautiously, looks outside, sees Mzee Santi

with a SMALL ROCK, trying to BREAK the lock to the shed.
Babu rushes out.
BABU
Hey!!!
Mzee Santi ignores him, continues banging on the lock.
Babu pushes him aside, grabs the rock and tosses it away.
BABU (CONT'D)
What are you doing here, Mzee Santi?
MZEE SANTI
What are you doing here, Babu?
44.
BABU
I don’t understand. This is my home.
MZEE SANTI
Open. Let me see her.
BABU
I don’t know what you’re talking
about.
MZEE SANTI
Has her tail turned to human legs or
not yet?
Babu’s eyes widen. Mzee Santi smiles.
69 I/E. SHED - NIGHT 69
The door to the shed opens. Mzee Santi PUSHES past Babu’s
USHERING ARM.
He cries out in wonder, goes down on his knees.
MZEE SANTI
I am healed!
He reaches for her and she flinches back. He stops. The joy
DRAINS out of his face.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

(disappointed)
No, it’s not you...
(determined)
But still.
He stands up, painfully, stops midway, narrows his eyes at

the net holding her then turns to Babu.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Where did you get these fishing nets?
BABU
They’re mine.
Mzee Santi eyes him then lets it slide.
MZEE SANTI
You will pay me.
BABU
Pay you for what?
MZEE SANTI
I saw you speaking to Chiriku at the
market.
45.
BABU
You were following me?
MZEE SANTI
I know what you’re planning. You will
pay me and I will show you how to
restore her tail-fin.
BABU
I don’t have any money right now.
Maybe I pay you later.
Mzee Santi shakes his head.
MZEE SANTI
No.
And walks towards the exit. But he stops with a new idea. He
turns back to look at Babu then at Taliya.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Has she started speaking?
Babu looks at him for a moment then at her, shakes his head.
BABU
Not yet.
Mzee Santi nods, steps back inside.
MZEE SANTI
Fine. You’ll pay me later. Bring some
water.
BABU
Water?
MZEE SANTI
Bucketfuls.
Babu understands suddenly, rushes out.

Mzee Santi watches him go then turns to look at Taliya, takes
a tentative step forward.
She retreats. Mzee Santi SMILES AFFECTIONATELY.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Don’t be afraid of me.
(points at self)
Friend.
Taliya mouths, tries to say the word, roughly GURGLES it.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Yes. Like that. Friend. Mzee Santi.
Your friend.
46.
Babu comes BUSTLING in with a BUCKET OF WATER. Mzee Santi

straightens up.
BABU
On the legs?
MZEE SANTI
Everywhere.
Babu braces himself, excited. He POURS the water then steps

back.
A SHIMMERING LIGHT plays on their faces. Babu’s face lights

up - HAPPINESS and AWE! He can barely breathe.
BABU
How do you know these things, Old Man?
MZEE SANTI
(also awed)
Everyone knows. They just don’t
remember.
REVEAL: Taliya, eyes closes, BREATHES EASY for the first

time. HEALTH GLOWS back into her face and skin. And her fish
tail SHIMMERS IN AND OUT OF EXISTENCE.
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
(awe, breathy)
Taliya, mother of Snakes...
CUT TO:
70 INT. SHED - MORNING 70
NEXT DAY. Chiriku, MESMERIZED, stands in between Mzee Santi

and Babu, both smiling PROUDLY, the latter with the empty
bucket. LIGHT SHIMMERS in their faces.
CHIRIKU
(more to self than to the
others)
My name will be known every where. The
Great Chiriku!
Babu and Mzee Santi turn and look at him. He stands upright,
sheepish.
71 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - MORNING 71
Babu locks up, turns to face his two colleagues.
CHIRIKU
The first thing we need are posters
and fliers.
(MORE)
47.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
(thinking to himself)
The artwork must be flashy!
Mzee Santi and Babu give him a questioning look.
CUT TO:
72 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET STALL - DAY 72
FULL FRAME: FLASHY ENCHANTING MERMAID ARTWORK. The name

TALIYA clearly visible.
CU: Chiriku smiles widely, nods his approval. The DESIGNER

smiles back.
CUT BACK TO:
Mzee Santi and Babu still question him with their looks.
CHIRIKU
We’ll need about twenty posters and
maybe one hundred and fifty fliers. To
jump start good word of mouth.
BABU
Word of mouth?
CHIRIKU
That’s Marketing 101! People will tell
others about Taliya and our story will
grow and spread and people will come
see Taliya for themselves.
BABU
And our pockets shall be filled.
CHIRIKU
And our pockets shall be filled.
BABU
Fine. Go do that.
(turns to Mzee Santi)
I don’t want people--
He stops. Turns back to Chiriku, looks down at his

outstretched hand.
Babu sighs.
BABU (CONT'D)
I don’t have any money. I already told
you.
Chiriku looks at Mzee Santi. Mzee Santi GLARES back.

48.
CHIRIKU
I doubt they’ll sell to me on
credit...
CUT TO:
74 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET STALL - DAY 74
Chiriku reaches for the poster.
CLOSE on poster as hand comes in. BIG HAND.
Chiriku picks up the SMALL POSTER (FLIER SIZE), struggles to

make out the words. Then nods his acceptance, reaches into
his pockets and GIVES OUT a FEW SHILLING COINS.
Chiriku looks up at a sign. NO CREDIT. With added

handwriting: KWANZA WEWE, CHIRIKU.
CUT BACK TO:
Babu turns to Mzee Santi.
BABU
I don’t want people to see her
transformation just yet.
Mzee Santi lights up, understanding.
MZEE SANTI
That they may return to witness it
later.
BABU
And to pay for it as well.
MZEE SANTI
Then I suggest...
CUT TO:
76 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET CARPENTER’S STALL - DAY 76
TILT UP from Babu’s hands holding SKETCHES ON PAPER of a TUB.
MZEE SANTI (O.S.)

...we build a tub big enough for her.
To A CARPENTER fashioning the tub itself.
BABU (O.S.)
A tub, yes.
49.
Babu watches the man’s work keenly. TWO OR SO DEAD FISH lie
nearby.
77 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL BY THE SEA - DAY 77
Mzee Santi prepares a bunch of nets. The Beach is strewn with

DEAD ROTTEN FISH EVERYWHERE.
MZEE SANTI (O.S.)

And I will prepare more fishing nets
to secure her better.
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
Bring me some as well, to drape on the
inside of the shed.
CUT TO:
The two look at Chiriku, puzzled again.
CHIRIKU
It’s called Production Design. This is
a grand play and the stage must be set
just right or we lose our audience.
Mzee Santi looks at Babu, shrugs.
Mama Pendo walks into the compound, STOPS puzzled when she
sees the trio.
MAMA PENDO
Hello.
BABU CHIRIKU
Hello. Hi.
Mzee Santi TRIES TO HIDE HIS FACE from her. Babu and Chiriku
turn to look at him, bemused.
Mama Pendo ANGLES HER HEAD to look at him better.
MAMA PENDO
Santiago?
MZEE SANTI
(mumbling)
Hello.
She SEES the lock on the door.
MAMA PENDO
(playfully)
Oh! What are you hiding in there?
50.
MZEE SANTI
What does it concern you, Mama Pendo?
She raises her hands, TAKEN ABACK by his hostility. As are

Babu and Chiriku.
MAMA PENDO
Ah, no. I was just making small talk.
I’ll... just get out of your way.
And she walks towards the house. They watch her go until she
disappears inside. Babu turns to his colleagues.
BABU
All right then. All hands on deck!
We PULL BACK from Chiriku’s MOUTH as he ULULATES! Find him

holding up his SMALL POSTER to a SMALL CROWD.
We see, too, the WORSENING STATE of the VILLAGE MARKET -

BIRDS feeding on FROGS feeding on MAGGOTS feeding on the DEAD
FISH.
CHIRIKU
Story! Story!
CROWD
it all be very--
CHIRIKU
Let me stop you right there, please,
because, unfortunately I cannot
continue with my story today.
The SMALL CROWD MURMERS - disappointment, anger etc etc.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
Instead, I will show you just how
beautiful Taliya is. In person.
Babu and the carpenter CARRY the FINISHED TUB into the
compound towards the shed.
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
You will see for yourselves the beauty
that seduced Jabo when he fished her
out of water. You will see the very
face he looked upon that first time in
his boat.
Babu stops at the doorway, pays off the carpenter.

51.
Babu pushes open the door, smiles at Taliya who stares at him
curiously
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
You will come to know preciesly why,
Asase, Mother Earth, Jabo’s Mother,
why she was struck with jealousy when
Jabo brought Taliya home to be his
first wife.
Chiriku SELLS his story to ANOTHER SMALL CROWD.
CHIRIKU
You will be dazed and amazed! Muddled
and befuddled! You’ll be astounded and
dumbfounded. I have no story to give
today, but be not alarmed, for without
a doubt, you will be alarmed.
Taliya, BOUND in Mzee Santi’s netting, is lowered into the

tub. Water poured in after.
Babu stares at her transformation, TRANSFIXED, a CURTAIN OF

NETS behind him.
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
And you will say, “Ah, so these things
are real!” And I shall say, “Of course
they are real!”
YET ANOTHER SMALL CROWD.
CHIRIKU
But don’t believe my words. Come see
for yourselves, at Babu’s, behind the
Old Market. Come see and marvel at the
wondrous mysteries of this world.
Babu steps out of the shed still in awe. His face DROPS.
The gathered crowd is EXTREMELY SMALL.
He turns to a VERY EXCITED Chiriku standing next to a

scowling Mzee Santi.
52.
CHIRIKU
Are we ready?
Babu leans in to whisper to them.
BABU
This crowd is too small.
CHIRIKU
(whispering back)
This is day one. But these are the
‘influencers.’
Babu and Mzee Santi frown, not grasping his meaning.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
Gossips and rumourmongers, the lot.
Especially that lady over there. Let
her in first.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
(calling out to her)
Hey, Mama Nani, you’re first.
She claps her hands excitedly then goes in.
SHE SCREAMS then BACKS OUT.
CROWD
What was it? What’s the matter?
She turns to face them, COMPLETE SHOCK and HORROR on her

face.
She moves her mouth to speak and faints instead.
Almost immediately the crowd moves, eager to see what she has
seen.
Chiriku blocks their path,

CHIRIKU
Eh! Eh! Eh! We had an agreement. One-
by-one!
They line up, JOSTLING EACH OTHER for better positions.
Chiriku turns to Babu and smiles. Babu smiles back,

WOLFISHLY.
BABU
Cash-in-hand, please. Ten shillings to
enter.
They stare at him for a moment then quickly dig into their
pockets.
Babu smiles at Mzee Santi.

53.
MONTAGE:
One by one, the VILLAGERS APPEAR, moving past the hanging

nets,leaning to see better, UTTER SHOCK AND AWE!
Some LAUGH, others CRY OUT, one falls to his knees IN PRAYER,
a CHILD hides behind his MOTHER.
Taliya watches each one CURIOUSLY, MIMICKING some of their

expressions, LEANING towards the child.
Chiriku leads in one of his customers, TEASING and

encouraging the YOUNG WOMAN, who has her hands over her eyes
in fear.
Taliya watches them, puzzled, mimics her.
She finally puts her hands down and SCREAMS.
Taliya SCREAMS as well.
The Young Woman runs out of the shed, still screaming,

straight into Mama Pendo’s arms.
MAMA PENDO
Excuse me...
(off her horrified look)
What’s the matter?
And she looks up to see the SMALL CROWD lining outside the
shed.
She throws a SUSPICIOUS LOOK at Babu. He shrugs, gives a half-

smile.
CUT TO:
Mama Pendo and Babu lean forward, just like the Villagers
did.
Taliya FLICKS her fish-tail.
Mama Pendo GASPS, pulls back, pulls Babu with her behind the
net curtain.
MAMA PENDO
What witchcraft is this?
Babu laughs.
54.
BABU
There is no witchcraft here.
MAMA PENDO
That’s a djinn! An evil spirit!
Satan’s Daughter!
Taliya cocks her head at them, listening intently.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

You have welcomed the enemy into your
house!
BABU
This is not--
He pauses. Mama Pendo chokes momentarily.
TALIYA
(trying out the word)
E...ne...my..
They both turn to look at her. She smiles. Mama Pendo takes a
step back, touches her throat.
MAMA PENDO
What did she say?
Babu frowns.
BABU
Nothing.
He pushes her out of the shed.
BABU
It’s not witchcraft. It’s...tricks and
illusions. And there’s this too...
He shows her the COINS he has already collected.
BABU (CONT'D)
People are paying to see her. This is
real money.
Mama Pendo GLARES.
90 I/E. OBI’S BEDROOM WINDOW - DAY 90
We watch the two argue through Obi’s window, Obi himself,

SHUFFLING closer.
Mama Pendo points at the window and Babu, somewhat angrily,

shoves a HANDFUL OF COINS into her hands.
55.
OBI (O.S.)
What is Dad showing people in the
shed?
CUT TO:
91 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - EVENING 91
Mama Pendo, TUCKING Obi into bed, pauses for a moment to

consider the question, then SMILES at him.
MAMA PENDO
Your father has prepared a.. show for
the villagers.
Babako amewaandalia wanavijiji mchezo
wa kuigiza.
OBI
A show?
MAMA PENDO
Yes, indeed. And which story do you
think he is entertaining them with?
Obi shakes her head.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

The one you love the most.
OBI
(excitedly)
The story of Jabo and Taliya?
MAMA PENDO
The very one.
OBI
Has he told them how Jabo fished
Taliya out of the sea?
MAMA PENDO
He has.
OBI
And how he carried her over his
shoulder all the way home?
MAMA PENDO
I think he has.
OBI
And also how he married her in the
biggest wedding ceremony ever, even
bigger than when Lungu, King of the
Heavens, married Waresa, the Dawn of
Light?
56.
Mama Pendo laughs at his enthusiasm.
Obi quiets down, DRAMATIC GRAVITY!
OBI (CONT'D)
And has he told them how Asase, his
nursing mother, was filled with
jealousy, and started a fight with
Taliya?
MAMA PENDO
(getting into the story)
And how many years did they fight each
other?
OBI
For three years non-stop, while Jabo
slept.
MAMA PENDO
And what did all this fighting create?
OBI
All the islands that we know of today.
MAMA PENDO
Very good.
(BEAT.)
I’m not sure if they have reached that
point in the story, but I know they
must tell how Taliya laughed at her
Mother-in-Law and was cursed for it.
OBI
Unable to bear children of her own.
MAMA PENDO
Unable to bear children of her own.
OBI
(quiet)
And when Jabo woke up, he threw her
out.
MAMA PENDO
And took Raheli as his new wife.
OBI
Raheli, created out of mud, by Asase
herself.
MAMA PENDO
Indeed.
And the two sit still, lost in the sadness of the story.
OBI
I feel sorry for Taliya?
57.
MAMA PENDO
You do? Even after joining forces with
Nduli, keeper of the dead, in order to
give birth to all the djinns and evil
sprites and diseases and all other
ills and ailments that affect us human
beings to this day?
OBI
She was angry. Maybe if Asase had
accepted her into the family, maybe we
would be living today without those
diseases... and disabilities.
Mama Pendo thinks about the wise words from Obi, smiles sadly
at him then looks down at her own BELLY, touches it gently.
MAMA PENDO
Maybe.
Taliya sits in her tub of water, somewhat exhausted.
She watches curiously as Babu whispers to Mzee Santi and

Chiriku beyond the veil of nets, following their mouth
movements, mimicking them.
Babu dishes out the cash they collected over the day.
MZEE SANTI
25 percent?
BABU
We hadn’t decided how to split the
profits, but I think 50 per-cent to
you and 50 per-cent to me sounds fair.
MZEE SANTI
I thought we were partners.
BABU
We are partners. But if partners
disagree, it might mean everyone to
look for other partners with other
Taliyas.
He stares at Mzee Santi, daring him to walk away.
CHIRIKU
25-25-50 is fine.
BABU
Good. And I expect your share of 25
per-cent will be even bigger tomorrow,
because of Word of Mouth?
58.
He grins at Chiriku. Chiriku breaks out into a wide smile
CHIRIKU
Absolutely. You’ll see the power of
Word of Mouth very soon.
They shake hands, and Mzee Santi and Chiriku depart.
TALIYA
Word.. of.. Mouth...
Babu turns sharply, looks at her. He walks towards her,

passes through the veil of nets.
BABU
What did you say?
TALIYA
What... did... you say?
BABU
Oh... you’re teaching yourself
language.
She goes to repeat then stops, thinks about the words then...
TALIYA
I... already teached... myself.
Babu takes a step back in shock.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
Still... getting used. But... soon...
me... be like you!
She smiles.
Babu’s shock turns into a frown.
BABU
No no, you are an animal from the sea.
I am a human being. Big difference.
She frowns as she takes in his words. He turns to go.
TALIYA
Wa..it.
He stops.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
Me... hungry.
He turns to look at her, flashes a sinister smile, approaches

her.
59.
BABU
Okay. Let’s make a pact. This work we
are doing must go on. You work well,
you eat. And don’t talk to anyone
other than me. Understood.
She parses the words then nods.
BABU (CONT'D)
Good.
He turns and walks towards the exit.
TALIYA
Gooood.
He pauses briefly, then walks out.
Chiriku walks down a loose line of A BIGGER CROWD, each

villager JOSTLING and JOCKEYING for a better position or a
better eye-line.
CHIRIKU
Story Story!
CROWD
it all be very sweet!
CHIRIKU
Ah.. a sweet tale indeed. For today
our story is like a movie. Rather than
tell you, I’ll let you see for
yourself, I’ll let you see that
Taliya, whom Jabo wed, in the biggest
wedding ceremony ever held. See it
with me... see it in your mind, that
wedding. A reception so large, spread
across the entire continent without
end. See the sun rise over the
horizon, see--
RANDOM MAN
Ei! Chiriku, you’re talking too much.
You said you’d let us see for
ourselves or is that a lie!
CHIRIKU
Ah, yes yes. Forgive me. I got carried
away by the story. But come on, come
closer.
He turns to Mzee Santi who stands by the door, smiles at him

then makes his way inside.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 60.
MZEE SANTI
One by One! Money in hand!
Chiriku sidles up to Babu as a MAN steps through the veil,

completely bewildered, walks out.
Chiriku and Babu smile at each other.
BABU
Next!
A YOUNG MAN walks in excitedly, flashes a smile at Babu.
YOUNG MAN
This is my third time! I can’t get
enough!
Chiriku and Babu give him a thumbs up.
He walks through the veil then stops, somewhat disappointed.
YOUNG MAN (CONT'D)

Eh... Babu, what’s wrong with her?
REVEAL: Taliya out of it - too EXHAUSTED and too HUNGRY -

eyes closed, her shimmer gone, her legs BLINKING in and out
of existence.
Babu and Chiriku step through the veil. Chiriku frowns.
CUT TO:
YOUNG CHIRIKU as a HUNGRY CHILD, weak in HIS MOTHER’S ARMS as

she narrates a story.
MAMA CHIRIKU
And that is how Mansa chased out
Hunger from his country forever.
YOUNG CHIRIKU *
Scared him with just a story? Is that
true?
MAMA CHIRIKU
A true story has only one conclusion.
A lie has seven.
He opens his mouth to respond. A Shadow falls on them. He

looks up: TALIYA puzzled.
CUT BACK TO:

61.
Chiriku starts. Taliya stares at him, PUZZLED. Babu turns to

him and the young man.
BABU
Out.
(off Chiriku’s look)
You too.
The young man steps back, walks out. Chiriku looks at Babu
suspiciously then SHARES A LOOK with Taliya before stepping
through the veil as well.
Babu grabs Taliya’s chin, raises her face.
BABU (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Hey! Wake up!
She stirs. He slaps her.
BABU (CONT'D)
Wake up!
Her eyes flutter open.
TALIYA
Babu... hungry...
BABU
What did I tell you? You work well,
you eat. But this is not working well.
You’re affecting my business.
TALIYA
Ple..Please.
BABU
Do the work and you shall eat.
Taliya nods, picks herself up.
BABU (CONT'D)
Good.
He gets up.
Babu steps out. Chiriku and Mzee Santi huddle around Babu.
CHIRIKU
What’s wrong with her?
62.
BABU
Nothing.
(to the crowd)
Next!
A FATHER enters with his SON, who has a ROTTING FISH on a

STRING as a toy.
They push past the curtain and the little boy gasps in
wonder.
Taliya’s eyes NARROW. She sniffs the air, ZEROES IN on the

rotting fish on the string.
She looks at the boy, smiles invitingly. He smiles back,

steps forward.
She leans forward, almost imperceptibly, puts out her hand.
The boy looks at it cautiously, then looks at his father who

smiles his approval.
The boy steps forward, reaches for Taliya’s hand.
WE LINGER on this moment, this magical Monster and Boy

moment. Then she grabs his hand, pulls him forcefully.
He screams!
Babu, Chiriku and Mzee Santi react, run into the shed.
And find Taliya struggling with the FATHER over the ‘custody’
of the boy. They pause briefly to take this in then rush over
to help the father.
They succeed in PULLING the boy away but not before she
SNATCHES UP the rotting fish.
They all stumble back, HER STRENGTH!, and look up at her,

terrified for their lives for a moment. But her focus is on
the fish which she SNIFFS at then CRINGES.
She PLAYS HER FINGERS over the body of the fish and
MIRACULOUSLY the decay reverses... and suddenly the fish
COMES TO LIFE. It flops about on Taliya’s hands.
The others stare in AWE, almost in worship. Taliya smiles at

them then OPENS HER JAWS to reveal RAZOR SHARP TEETH. And she
chomps down on the raw fish.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 63.
They all stare, still in awe, but tinged with horror, except
Babu who’s EYES GO WIDE with the possibilities available.
BABU (O.S.)
This is another opportunity to make
more money.
Babu talks EXCITEDLY to Chiriku and Mzee Santi, both rather

SOMBER.
BABU
We tell everyone to bring their
rotting fish. And we raise the
entrance fee.
They look at Babu incredulously.
MZEE SANTI
You do realize she is the reason all
that fish is rotting in the first
place.
BABU
So? And do you have proof of that?
Mzee Santi looks away.
BABU (CONT'D)
No. You don’t.
Babu walks away.
102 EXT. MZEE SANTI’S HOVEL - DUSK 102
Mzee Santi stares out to sea.
MZEE SANTI
(to self)
Where are you, Friend...? Where are
you? Come. Come to me.
A RAIN DROP falls on his hand. He looks at it then at the

DARK CLOUDS forming above him. He smiles.
YOUNGER MAMA PENDO (O.S.) *

Santiago...
Mzee Santi turns to find a YOUNGER MAMA PENDO walking towards

him.
He cries out, covers his eyes as if in PAIN.
MZEE SANTI
Stop right there! Not a step closer!
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 64.
Younger Mama Pendo stops, puzzled.
Mzee Santi turns, stares painfully in ‘Taliya’s direction’
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

There is no need for you to show me
this!
103 INT. SHED - DUSK 103
Taliya reels back in shock, her eyes UNCLOUDING.

Mzee Santi frowns at the DISSIPATING CLOUD.
MZEE SANTI
Wait! Wait! Let’s talk!
He turns to look at the Younger Mama Pendo who is puzzled by

her own FADING FORM. He hobbles towards her as quickly as he
can.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Wait! Wait!
He tries to engulf her in a hug, catches WISPS of nothing,

and falls, propelled by his forward motion.
Taliya frowns, puzzled, looks at her hands, thinks to

herself.
Mzee Santi catches his breath then looks up at the rest of

the beach as other NOISES invade.
107 EXT. THE SEA SHORE - DUSK 107
Mzee Santi’s POV: Villagers SCRAMBLE and PUSH each other as *

they COLLECT DEAD FISH off the beach.
108 EXT. VILLAGE MARKET - DUSK 108
Same thing happens here. Villagers scramble for the rotting

fish. TWO MEN ACTUALLY FIGHT over one.
Father John watches from a distance, DISGUST etched on his

face.
65.
A BEAUTIFUL SOULFUL HUMMING takes us into the next scene.
Babu, A BAG OF MEDS in hand, enters the house to the humming,

frowns. He walks to Obi’s door, sees Mama Pendo humming as
she tucks a SICKLY BUT BRAVE Obi in. He watches them for a
moment, his FROWN DEEPENING as Obi STRUGGLES to join in the
humming.
He clears his throat. They start.
MAMA PENDO
Babu!
BABU
I have brought Obi his medicine.
He LIFTS the bag of meds. Mama Pendo, SUPER GRATEFUL, moves

towards him.
MAMA PENDO
Thank you.
She grabs the bag. He HOLDS ON.
BABU
Which song were you singing?
She looks him in the eye then SHAKES HER HEAD.
MAMA PENDO
I... I don’t know. It just came to me.
He looks at her for another second longer then lets go of the

bag.
He walks away from the doorway, settles on his couch.

Take some before you sleep...
Obi murmurs a response.
Mama Pendo starts HUMMING AGAIN. He cocks his head to listen

for a moment then REACHES for his light.
SHOT of the house as Babu’s living room light goes off. We

see Mama Pendo’s silhouette continue with her business in
Obi’s room.
Her humming MIXES IN with another SIMILAR BUT DARKER HUM.

66.
We PAN slowly towards the shed as Mama Pendo’s hum fades away
and Taliya’s grows stronger, becomes SINGULAR.
SNAP TO:
ANOTHER LOOOONG LINE OF PEOPLE. Each carries rotten fish in

various ways - BASKETS, BOWLS, PLATES, NETS, BARE HANDS,
BUCKETS etc etc.
CHIRIKU
Behold, she who fought Old Mother
Earth, Asase. Three years. And
everywhere they fought islands
erupted, for their battle was a battle
of elementss, a battle between Earth
and Sea. Come then, and see Taliya,
whom we have captured with Asase’s
help. Come see. Come with your money
in your hand.
He ushers in a WOMAN with a PLATE OF ROTTING FISH.
She watches in wonder as Taliya MAKES THEM WHOLE. But

Taliya’s mouth WATERS, and her STOMACH GRUMBLES.
Babu gives her a COLD look so she returns the fish to the
owner who thanks her and steps out.
A MAN enters with a WHOLE BASKET of FISH.
Taliya starts her ministrations, her stomach still grumbling.
Babu steps out.
Babu finds Mzee Santi and Chiriku negotiating with another

CUSTOMER, holding a MUG with ONE FISH.
CUSTOMER
It was twenty just yesterday. How is
it a hundred today?
MZEE SANTI
The entry fee is now fifty shillings.
If you want to enter with your fish,
add another fifty.
CUSTOMER
But it’s just one fish.
67.
CHIRIKU
That’s the price of admission for one.
Come with a basket and you get in with
two hundred and fifty.
BABU
Or you can go back home.
The Customer looks at Babu then at Mzee Santi and Chiriku,

then reluctantly parts with the cash.
MAN W/ BASKET (O.S.)

HEY!!!
Babu starts. The men rush in...
... to find the Man pulling his Basket of MOSTLY RESTORED

FISH backwards.
BABU
What is it?
MAN W/ BASKET
She’s stealing from me!
They look at Taliya who stops her CHEWING, leans back, afraid
and guilty. In her right hand a HALF-BITTEN FISH in her hand.
Babu moves fast towards her and SLAPS the MORSEL OUT OF her
mouth.
She bares her SHARP TEETH at him. He stares her down. She
backs away, hiding the fish behind her back. He turns to the
Man w/ Basket, looks at his basket.
BABU
Was she done with the rest of your
fish?
Man w/ Basket nods. Babu indicates for him to leave. He turns

back to Taliya.
BABU (CONT'D)
Try that again if you want to test me.
(shouting)
NEXT.
He turns and makes for the exit as another Villager steps in.
He points at Chiriku and Mzee Santi.
BABU (CONT'D)
Watch her.
He steps out.
68.
Finds the Man w/ Basket waiting for him.
MAN W/ BASKET
Will you pay me back for the fish she
has eaten?
BABU
You already got a discount. The price
of admission with one fish is one
hundred. Do you want us to count how
many fish you entered with?
MAN W/ BASKET
(changing tune)
Ah... no no.. I’m good. Thanks.
He quickly shakes Babu’s hand and marches off.
Chiriku emerges from inside.
CHIRIKU
Babu...
BABU
Hm?
CHIRIKU
Why don’t we give Taliya something to
eat?
Babu turns and GLARES at Chiriku. Chiriku takes a step back.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
At least restore some of her strength,
enable her continue this work.
BABU
What work is it you do here? This
crowd could be bigger. Focus on your
work and I’ll focus on mine, okay?
Chiriku raises his hands in acquiescence.
Just then a COMMOTION erupts at the back of the crowd.
TOUGH GUY 1
Out! Out of the way!
Babu and Chiriku look up. Mzee Santi emerges to see what’s
what. Jabari’s minions CLEAR A PATH through the crowds for
him and Father John.
Babu turns BODILY to face them as they get closer.
The minions stop just before him, then RESPECTFULLY MOVE

ASIDE.
69.
Jabari and Father John STEP THROUGH. Chiriku takes a SMALL

STEP back into SHADOWS behind Babu, next to Mzee Santi.
JABARI
Babu, we know what you’re hiding in
there!
BABU
Who says I’m hiding anything? Enter if
you want. See for yourselves. But
it’ll cost you. Fifty shillings each.
FATHER JOHN
What you’re doing here, Babu, is a
crime against God.
BABU
Against which God?
FATHER JOHN
There is only One God--
BABU
Before you people came to eat our
country, we had hundreds of gods--
FATHER JOHN
False gods--
BABU
And yours isn’t false?
FATHER JOHN
There is only One TRUE God--
BABU
THERE IS ONLY ME, Father John. Only
me! This is my compound. This is my
house. That animal in there is mine.
All of it, mine!
FATHER JOHN
That is no animal in there, Babu! That
is a demon!
BABU
I have committed zero crimes here.
This is my business. I shall speak to
your father, Jabari, if you try to
stop me.
Jabari flinches.
BABU (CONT'D)
And if the Chief himself is unable to
help me, I shall plead my case in
town, at the courts.
70.
They stare at each other, daring each other.
Jabari and Father John lose the contest.
FATHER JOHN
Beware, Babu. That thing in there is
an evil spirit.
They turn to go.
CHIRIKU
These are our stories, Father John.
They pause, turn back. He takes a step forward.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
They are not, and they will not
become, evil just because you say they
are.
Father John sneers. Jabari scoffs.
JABARI
You dare raise your voice at us,
Chiriku?
Chiriku’s eyes WIDEN IN FEAR.
Taliya raises her head SHARPLY, her eyes WIDENING TOO,

matching Chiriku.
FLASH TO:
DAYS PAST: Chiriku cowers in a corner, protecting his head as

Jabari and his retinue PELT HIM with STONES.
He lifts his head to protest. A STONE FLIES DIRECTLY TOWARDS
HIM.
FLASH BACK TO:
Taliya flinches, RECOILS. She shakes her head to shake clear

of the memory, then stares at the door, and we slowly push in
towards it.
71.
We slowly push in towards Chiriku, STILL LOST in his memory.

He looks up at Jabari and shakes his head.
CHIRIKU
(cowed)
No...
And he takes A STEP BACK, returns to his original shadowed

position.
Jabari SMIRKS, self-satisfied, and turns to go. Father John

GLARES at Babu a bit longer then follows Jabari.
Their retinue follows.
Babu takes in a FEW DEEP BREATHS. He looks at the crowd who

are all waiting for him, then straightens up.
BABU
Have we forgotten why we are here?
Come, come. Pay up, get in, be amazed!
They move, relieved.
He turns to Chiriku and Mzee Santi.
BABU (CONT'D)
Continue with the work. I’ll be back.
He moves.
CHIRIKU
Where are you going?
But he doesn’t respond. A man on a mission. The Crowd parts

respectfully.
Angle on: Chiriku’s face. Grim.

TALIYA (O.S.)
I... see inside... you head!
Chiriku, leaning against the wall next to the doorway, RISES

UP STARTLED, DISORIENTED, as waking up from a dream.
He looks about, sees Taliya still working her magic on a fish

as a CUSTOMER looks on. She sneaks a SINISTER LOOK at him. He
takes a step back.
She finishes her work and the Customer leaves.
Chiriku opens his mouth to shout next but is ARRESTED by her

look. She shakes her head. He frowns.
72.
A DROP OF RAIN WATER falls on his arm. He looks at it,

puzzled. A SECOND DROP lands next to the first. And A VERY
LOW, VERY DISTANT ROAR of THUNDEROUS OCEAN sounds above him.
He looks up and flinches, drawing in a SHARP BREATH.
A RAIN CLOUD ROILS just below the ceiling.
He looks back at Taliya who SHIMMERS BRIGHTER than usual.
CHIRIKU
(crying out in surprise)
What are you--?
But he CHOKES on his words, touches his neck, but the choking
gets worse. His eyes WIDEN IN FEAR. He falls on his knees as
he struggles to breathe, CLAWS at his neck in alarm.
He looks up at Taliya who just stares at him oddly, UNCANNY

CALM.
His choking gets even worse, he gets weaker, and she leans
forward towards him, but just before Chiriku gives up, his
THROAT OPENS UP and he DRAWS IN A DEEP BREATH, and Taliya’s
head SNAPS back - hit by the force of whatever it was that
was lodged in his throat.
Chiriku scrambles to his knees even as Taliya slowly swings

her head back in position, smiling triumphantly.
TALIYA
Chiriku...
He takes one look at that smile and makes for the door.
The door SLAMS SHUT before he can make it out. He whimpers.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
Are you... afraid?
He nods.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
Do not be... afraid. Just want...
talk.
He turns slowly, afraid.
CHIRIKU
Just to talk?
She nods.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
Okay then. What do you want to talk
about?
She smiles. It starts to DRIZZLE.

73.
TALIYA
Why... why they... hit you... with
stone?
CHIRIKU
Nobody has hit me with stones.
TALIYA
No... not today. Other day.. back
day... No. Day... past... ago.
Chiriku leans forward.
CHIRIKU
How... did you know I was hit with
stones.
TALIYA
I see. When you... remember..
Chiriku takes a wary step back. She looks at him, waiting...

then...
TALIYA (CONT'D)
You said... we speak... so.. speak...
answer.
Chiriku looks up at the raining cloud, resigns himself.
CHIRIKU
Why were they stoning me?
He braces himself.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
Because they hate me.
TALIYA
Ja...Jaba...
CHIRIKU
Jabari and his friends, yes.
TALIYA
Jabari. And his friends. Why... they
hate you?
He gives her a DOLEFUL smile then raises his hands.
CHIRIKU
Look at me. I’m different.
TALIYA
Different?
74.
CHIRIKU
In days past, according to our
traditions and customs, people like me
were killed off at birth.
TALIYA
Ba...bies.
CHIRIKU
We remain outcasts to this day.
Unwanted by our families. Untouchable.
Discarded trash. Pariahs.
TALIYA
Pariah.
She goes to speak but stops, looks up at the CLOUDS.
Chiriku follows her gaze, sees them STARTING TO DISSIPATE.

The drizzling slows down.
CHIRIKU
What’s going on--?
He stops on looking at Taliya, finds her with her INDEX

FINGER on HER LIPS.
Her shimmer slowly fades.
The Door flies open. Mzee Santi.
MZEE SANTI
Chiriku! Why is the door closed? And
why aren’t you calling out Next?
He stops, looks at Chiriku who BLINKS as though he has just

woken up, who looks up at the ceiling then looks at his own
self, puzzled and amazed at his DRY CLOTHES & PERSON.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Chiriku!
CHIRIKU
Hm? Ah, yes, next. Next.
He makes for the door, then stops for a moment to look back
at Taliya. He hides his puzzled frown as he steps out.
CHIRIKU (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Next!
Mzee Santi narrows his eyes at Taliya, suspicious, then steps

out.
Taliya leans back, deep in thought, A DANGEROUS LOOK in her

eye, a REALIZATION.
75.
BABU (O.S.)
Is this all of it?
Babu stands with Mzee Santi and Chiriku at the entrance to

his compound, COUNTING OUT the money they’ve made on the day.
Mzee Santi and Chiriku nod yes at the question, then look a
little wary at the TWO HUGE GUARDS behind Babu.
BABU
Don’t mind them. They’re here to
protect our business.
He DIVIDES the cash and gives them their respective shares.
Mzee Santi does some QUICK MATH.
MZEE SANTI
This is twenty per-cent, not twenty-
five.
BABU
How else are we to pay for security?
MZEE SANTI
How much of that payment has come from
your share?
BABU
A whole lot more than has come from
yours.
They stare at each other for a beat.
CHIRIKU
This is fine. Thanks.
Chiriku moves. Mzee Santi continues staring for a moment then

moves as well.
Babu turns to his guards, NODS his head in the DIRECTION OF

THE SHED then turns back to watch his partners go.
Mzee Santi turns one last time to look at him and almost
BUMPS into Mama Pendo.
He turns and the two stare at each other for a moment. Mama
Pendo goes to smile but Mzee Santi quickly CLOSES HIMSELF
OFF, grunts as he brushes past her.
Mama Pendo looks away from Babu embarrassed and quickly makes
her way towards the house, from which we can hear LOUD
PAINFUL HACKING COUGHS.
76.
Obi HACKS as Mama Pendo feeds him his medicine.
He looks CONSIDERABLY WORSE.
OBI
The medicine... isn’t working.
MAMA PENDO
Of course it is. It just takes time.
Be patient. You’ll be healthy soon
enough.
Obi gives her a disbelieving look, snuggles deeper under his

covers.
The MAIN DOOR OPENS & SHUTS. Mama Pendo turns. FOOTSTEPS
APPROACH.
She stands up and moves to intercept Babu as he walks past

the bedroom doorway.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

(whispering)
Babu.
Babu STEPS BACK into view. Mama Pendo looks over her shoulder
at Obi then STEPS CLOSER to Babu, whispers even softer.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Obi’s medicines aren’t as effective
anymore. He’s getting worse.
BABU
(tired)
What do you want me to do?
MAMA PENDO
He’s your child, Babu!
BABU
I will buy more medicine.
MAMA PENDO
He needs a hospital.
Babu considers her words then leans to the side to look at

Obi before taking out some cash and offering it to her.
BABU
Sleep here for tonight. Mind him, then
we talk. Tomorrow.
And he walks to his sofa, sits, takes off his shoes.
Mama Pendo walks back to Obi who SHUTS HIS EYES pretending
not to have heard a thing.
77.
She looks at him sadly, then sits on the bed next to him.
MAMA PENDO
Shall we continue with our story?
BEAT. Then he nods.
We slowly PULL AWAY from her as she starts her story,

Taliya’s humming drawing us back
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

We left off with Jabo asleep, as his
foster mother and his wife fought over
him.
We TURN AWAY from this tableau and...
... find ourselves TIGHT on the LOCK on the shed, which OPENS
on Its own SLOWLY.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

And Taliya was cursed, made barren by
Asase, unable to give Jabo children.
The DOOR SWINGS OPEN. Complete Darkness.

And she hid this truth from Jabo. But
no secret remains hidden forever in
this World.
A LIGHT APPEARS.

And when Jabo found out his rage was
like lightning and thunder, and so ran
Taliya, cast out of her home.
The light approaches, fast, and we SPIN and FALL TO THE
GROUND as it hits us.

But Jabo’s heartbreak broke Asase’s
heart too, and she spat on the Earth
and the Lake Victoria, which we call
Nyanza was formed.
We recover and rise up to find our world LENSED THROUGH A

BUBBLE OF WATER.
We turn and inspect the guards, BOTH ASLEEP - one on his

feet.
78.

And Asase took the mud from the lake
and formed Raheli, mother of men.
We turn to the house NOW DARK, its occupants asleep.
We approach, TRUDGING FORWARD AS THROUGH WATER, wading.

Who gave Jabo his joy back. And was in
time heavy with child.
We stop at the door briefly. The handle turns and we push

through...
... into the living room, moving towards a SLEEPING BABU.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Taliya learnt of the pregnancy, and,
in anger, sought Nduli, god of the
underworld.
We linger on Babu’s ANGRY SLEEPING FACE, before turning

towards Obi’s DARK BEDROOM.

Nduli himself, then King of an Empty
realm, seized the opportunity and
joined Taliya in order to increase his
dominion.
We move fast...
... into the bedroom, where SLEEPS Mama Pendo on a chair next
to Obi’s bed. Our presence ILLUMINATES her RESTLESS FACE.
MAMA PENDO (V.O.)
(soft)
And the result of this union, the
twins: Dis-ease and Dis-ability.
Our bubble washes over Mama Pendo and her eyes FLUTTER open,
then WIDEN in fear; a SCREAM catches in her throat.
Finally REVEAL Taliya as our roving camera, RESPLENDENT on

two feet, yet FLOATING above ground.
MAMA PENDO
Taliya...
Taliya frowns.
79.
TALIYA
You... afraid of me a lot?
MAMA PENDO
What... what do you want?
TALIYA
Why... call me Taliya?
MAMA PENDO
It’s... it’s just a name from one of
our classical stories.
(to self)
Am I dreaming?
TALIYA
Yes. Your story... is it a true story?
MAMA PENDO
I... I wouldn’t know. Maybe you tell
me if it is true or not.
Taliya thinks on this then shakes her head, SHRUGS.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

What’s your true name?
TALIYA
My... true name?
(shaking her head)
In water... no true names.
MAMA PENDO
You don’t have names?
Taliya shakes her head again.
TALIYA
What is your name?
MAMA PENDO
They call me Mama--
TALIYA
Pendo!
(mulling over the word)
Pendo... Pendo...
She places her HAND OVER HER HEART. And smiles.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
Love...
Mama Pendo smiles, nods.
MAMA PENDO
Yes.
80.
Taliya frowns.
TALIYA
But... you not... a mother.
Mama Pendo’s eyes widen briefly, then her face falls. She
instinctively TOUCHES her BELLY.
MAMA PENDO
I was once with child. Her name would
have been Pendo but... but she was
stillborn.
Tears come to her eyes. Taliya frowns at the sight, floats

lower to look at her better.
She raises a CURIOUS hand towards Mama Pendo’s face, reaches

for the tears on the cheeks and is SUDDENLY YANKED BACKWARDS
out of the room.
AND WE QUICK REVERSE our movement all the way back...
126 INT. SHED - NIGHT 126
... into Taliya’s DARK SHED, quickly towards her SLEEPING

FORM.
Her PURPLE-CLOUDY eyes FLY OPEN.
Mama Pendo’s eyes FLY OPEN as well; she looks around,

terrified, puzzled.
Taliya blinks and her eyes TURN COLOUR from purple to blue
and finally to green, as the cloud dissipates.
TWO THUDS sound outside her door. She sits up. The LOCK
jiggles - a BREAK-IN in progress.
Babu jerks awake, looks around, worried.
Mama Pendo comes out of Obi’s room.
MAMA PENDO
Babu?
He SHUSHES her with a finger to his lips. She freezes in

place.
81.
It’s too quiet. He gets up and makes for the door, reaches
for the handle, TWISTS it.
The door to the shed SWINGS OPEN.
A LAMP is thrust inside. Taliya struggles to see against the

light.
JABARI and his TWO MAIN TOUGH GUYS, one carrying a CLUB, walk
through and GASP. COMPLETE UTTER SHOCK.
TOUGH GUY 1
Father in Heaven!
Jabari is the first to recover. He puts the lamp down and

GRABS the CLUB from Tough Guy 1.
JABARI
Let’s go!
The trio moves towards Taliya.
TALIYA
Ja... JABARI!
They freeze.
TOUGH GUY 2
It talks?
TOUGH GUY 1
How does it know you?
They look at Jabari for direction.
JABARI
That doesn’t matter.
He pulls down ONE SIDE OF THE NET CURTAIN.
Taliya FROWNS.
JABARI (CONT'D)
Hold this.
They each grab a corner of the net and move towards her. She
shakes her head, TERRIFIED.
TALIYA
No. No! Let go! Let me go!
They wrap the netting around her. She fights them. Jabari
raises the club above her head, ready to strike her.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 82.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
(screaming)
STOOOOOOOOOOOOP!
And the force of the scream PUSHES Jabari and his henchmen
back. They stumble and fall in SLO-MO...
JABARI (O.S.)
(filtered through time)
You coward!
(a SHOVE)
OOF!
CUT TO:
131 EXT. JABARI’S COMPOUND - DAY 131 *
Jabari CRACKS his head against the floor, CRINGES in pain.
CHIEF (O.S.)
You will not insult me in my own home!
Jabari looks up at his assailant - his FATHER, THE CHIEF, a

BIG MAN too, and DRUNK, holding a bottle of alcohol.
Jabari GLOWERS at him then jumps to his feet, CLENCHING his

fists, ready to fight him
CHIEF (CONT'D)
I dare you!
Jabari hesitates. The two stare down each other, faces INCHES
APART.
JABARI
One of these days those outlawed
revolutionaries will come visit. And
it won’t be a friendly visit, no. They
burnt down the entire village of Chuda
to ashes.
CHIEF
Because they tried to fight them. We
shall talk with them.
JABARI
There is no talking with them, father!
Already the President thinks we are in
league with them. We must show the
government that we are not of or with
them. We must show the strength and
fortitude of this village. We must
join forces with the government to
defeat them completely and utterly. We
must--
The chief forcefully grabs Jabari’s shirt.

83.
CHIEF
We are not joining forces with this
government! If they don’t even care
for veteran freedom fighters like me,
who do you think you are to them? What
do you think this village is to them?
Jabari grabs his father’s hands, pulls them away, pushes them
down.
JABARI
I am a patriot, a warrior who hasn’t
yet lost his way.
He turns and walks away. The Chief watches him walk away,
saddened.
CUT BACK TO:
Jabari regains consciousness, cringing at the pain at the

back of his head. He remembers why, looks up.
Find Taliya STARING AT HIM ODDLY.
His henchmen, terror-stricken, HELP EACH OTHER from under the

net, and SCRAMBLE for the EXIT.
Jabari clutches the CLUB harder.
TALIYA
I dare you.
He freezes.
Babu rushes in.
BABU
You!
He pauses on seeing the invader.
JABARI
(eyes trained on Taliya)
What witchcraft is this?
BABU
No witchcraft--
JABARI
Don’t lie to me, Babu! It threw me
down with just Its voice!
BABU
This is a water spirit. A real one.
84.
JABARI
You fished it from the ocean?
BABU
I did.
JABARI
Its strength is extraordinary.
Babu looks at the two and an idea SPRINGS to mind. He squats

next to Jabari.
BABU
We can help each other here, Jabari.
We can use her strength in your
fight...
Jabari turns away from Taliya for the first time, looks at
Babu intently as his words sink in. He turns back and looks
at Taliya.
JABARI
The government could use weapons such
as this.
BABU
Just so.
He grabs Jabari’s arm and helps him up.
Jabari nods as Babu leads him out.
JABARI
I will send word immediately.
Babu looks back at Taliya, one last glance.
She stares back, DARING.
He frowns, then pulls the door shut behind him.
Chiriku and Mzee Santi walk into the compound.
CHIRIKU
Today I see--
He pauses, as does Mzee Santi. Shock.
REVEAL: A HUGE CROWD already assembled on the compound. A few

are in line too. People have been camping. They sit on
BLANKETS. More than a few have SNACKS. Parents talk and kids
play games to pass the time. There are still several members
with DEAD FISH for Taliya.
85.
The crowd spots them and break into cheers, standing and
clapping.
CROWD
Chiriku! Chiriku!
Chiriku breaks into a HUGE SMILE. Takes a bow. Mzee Santi

sneers.
Chiriku moves through the crowd, greeting people, kissing

kids on their cheeks, waving, basking in the reception. Mzee
Santi trudges in his wake.
He stops by the door.
CHIRIKU
My friends... thank you.
RANDOM MAN
Open the shed then. We want to see
Taliya.
Chiriku turns to the door and frowns seeing it LOCKED. He

turns back to the crowd and smiles.
CHIRIKU
One minute...
And he moves quickly towards the main house.
He knocks on the door then pushes the door open and peeps.
CHIRIKU
Babu?
Nobody. He enters the room, looking around.
A COUGH from the bedroom.
Chiriku goes to the door. Knocks and peeps through.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
Babu?
Obi stirs, turns and looks at the door, sits halfway up.
Chiriku AVERTS his eyes embarrassedly.
CHIRIKU
I’m sorry. Sorry. I was looking for--
He cuts himself short, moves to close the door then stops mid-
way, changing his mind. He opens the door wider.
86.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
You must be Obi.
OBI
(matter-of-factly)
And you are Chiriku.
Chiriku laughs.
CHIRIKU
My reputation precedes me, I see.
Obi sits up with a GRIM smile.
OBI
Mine too.
Chiriku’s cheeriness dies out.
CHIRIKU
Err.. do you know the story of Taliya.
Obi nods.
OBI
And Jabo. Yes, I know it.
Chiriku leans forward - an audience.
CHIRIKU
Then I’ll let you in on a secret. The
story is true.
OBI
True for real?
CHIRIKU
For real, for real. Come outside and
see for yourself when you get a
chance.
OBI
Outside where? The shed?
Chiriku goes to answer but the main door flies open and Babu
and Jabari come to view.
BABU
Chiriku! What are you doing in my
house?
CHIRIKU
I was looking for you to open--
BABU
It’s open. Go do your work!
Chiriku nods. He smiles and waves at Obi and makes his exit.
87.
Jabari peeps at Obi, SHIVERS IN DISGUST. Babu closes the door

shut.
Jabari shakes his head.
JABARI
I don’t know how you deal with him. If
he were mine, I’d have done what is
customary. Him and Chiriku. And Old
Man Santi. Ah... you’ve surrounded
yourself with retards and cripples,
Babu. I might become suspicious of you
as well.
BABU
What customary thing would you have
done?
JABARI
I’d put these wretched things in
baskets as soon as they are born, and
push them into the ocean, let Kausi
deal with them. And build a sturdy
nation with sturdy men.
Babu sneers and pushes past Jabari.
BABU
And that’s your solution?
Jabari laughs and follows him.
JABARI
A chain is only as strong as its
weakest link.
Obi stares at the door, having eavesdropped on the

conversation.
He notices a PUDDLE OF WATER on the floor next to the door

and looks up at the ceiling. A VERY WISPY ALMOST NONEXISTENT
CLOUD dissipates.
The CLOUDS IN TALIYA’S EYES also dissipate and she wakes up

from her daze to find a VILLAGER waving a dead fish in her
face.
She glares at him, shakes her head, no.

88.
He insists. She hisses at him BARING HER FANGS.
He scrambles backwards and rushes out.
The man almost bumps into Mzee Santi who stands with another
villager with a BASKET OF DEAD FISH, opposite Chiriku.
CHIRIKU
(to Mzee Santi)
What do you mean, she’s refused?
The Villager joins them, raises his fish to Chiriku.
VILLAGER
She’s refused to restore mine too.
Babu and Jabari arrive.
BABU
Why is this line stagnant?
Chiriku turns, then pulls Babu aside.
CHIRIKU
It seems she’s refused to... restore
the fish.
BABU
What?
He pushes past them all. Jabari and Chiriku and Mzee Santi
follow him inside.
Babu and the rest rush into the shed. Babu pushes the curtain
aside and immediately SLAPS Taliya hard across her face.
BABU
You are refusing to do your work!
She hisses, turning upwards to look at him, baring her fangs.
He SLAPS her again.
BABU (CONT'D)
Don’t you bare your teeth at me!
She hisses again and he slaps her yet again. And immediately
cries out. He looks at his hand - A BLEEDING CUT.
BABU (CONT'D)
You dare bite me?
89.
He closes his hand into a FIST and punches her down once,
twice, three times.
BABU (CONT'D)
Play with somebody else. Not me.
And he turns and pushes past his stunned audience. Jabari

smiles, points at her.
JABARI
I dare you!
He turns to go then turns back and does a FAKE LUNGE at her.
She cringes back. He laughs, follows Babu out.
Babu, at the entrance to his compound, binds his bite mark in

an ELASTOPLAST.
He looks up to find Chiriku and Mzee Santi looking at him and

Jabari warily.
BABU
What?
CHIRIKU
You’ve hurt her...
BABU
So?
CHIRIKU
She is... she is the talent.
BABU
What talent?
CHIRIKU
She’s the Star Attraction. People have
come to see her.
BABU
People have come to see her tail not
her face.
MZEE SANTI
This is true... but her face is also
appealing.
BABU
If your dog bites you, are you or are
you not going to discipline it?
90.
JABARI
Good question. Tell us your answer,
Mzee Santi.
MZEE SANTI
This is a spirit of the sea, Babu. You
should be careful not to--
JABARI
Who are you admonishing? Babu isn’t as
weak and feeble as you too. He is a
warrior! Aren’t you, Babu?
He turns to confirm the statement with Babu. Babu frowns, not

too pleased to be having a defender.
Jabari doesn’t notice.
JABARI (CONT'D)
You are the ones who should be
careful. This isn’t a partnership. You
are employees here. He pays you to
work so get to work.
(to Babu)
Let’s go tend to our other business,
Babu.
They depart. Chiriku and Mzee Santi watch them walk away
CHIRIKU
I don’t like that association.
MZEE SANTI
What will you do about it?
CHIRIKU
What can I do?
Mzee Santi scoffs at him and turns back towards the shed.
Chiriku frowns, puzzled at the venom, then shrugs and follows
Mzee Santi.
A BRUISED TALIYA stares ANGRILY INTO EMPTY SPACE. We pull

away from her slowly, turn towards the door.
We weave slowly through the door towards a SLEEPING OBI,

close to his face. FITFUL SLEEP this. He twitches and turns
and moans and SUDDENLY JERKS AWAKE, EYES WIDE IN FEAR.
He slowly gets his breathing in control then stares at his

partially open doorway.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 91.
SOMETHING FLASHES PAST the door - too fast to make out.
Obi’s breath catches, then bravely, he steps out of his bed, *

picks up a HOME-MADE CRUTCH, and moves cautiously towards the *
bedroom door.
Obi peeks through the door into the living room. EMPTY.
He takes a step forward, steps into a PUDDLE OF WATER.
He hisses as he withdraws his foot, looks at it and at the

water, puzzled. He looks at the ceiling. Nothing.
A SOUND in the corner of the room, behind a DOOR, quickly

draws his attention back.
A SHADOW dances in the light below the door.
He steps farther into the room, wiping his foot on the floor
as best as he can.
He moves towards the door, takes a deep breath and grabs the
handle. He yanks open the door. EMPTY
The MAIN DOOR CREAKS. Obi turns and finds it open - DREAMLIKE *
HAZE filters through. TALIYA HUMS. *
Obi takes a step forward, and another, HOBBLES towards the *

door. *
145 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - DAY 145 *
Obi steps outside into the Dreamy Haze, finds an empty *

compound. TOO QUIET. EERIE. Except for Taliya’s hum coming *
from the shed. *
He walks forward as in a dream, approaches the shed finds it *

locked. *
He touches the LOCK and it FADES INTO DUST. He watches the *

dust, dreamy, as it disperses skyward in the wind. *
The door creaks. He turns back to look at it as it opens of *

Its own accord. *
DARKNESS inside. The music calls to him. He steps through. *
146 INT. SHED - DAY 146 *
Obi’s eyes adjust even as the humming FADES away, and he sees *
the veil of nets. He pushes through and finds Taliya’s EMPTY *
tub. He frowns. *
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 92.
A CREAK SOUNDS ABOVE him. He looks up very very slowly and *

comes face to face with Taliya, hanging from the ceiling.
She smiles a SINISTER SMILE, baring her FANGS.
TALIYA (V.O)
Obi...
His eyes widen, in fear at first, then excitement. He smiles. *
OBI (V.O)
Taliya...
She recoils, shocked.
OBI (V.O) (CONT'D)

It is true. You are real.
She frowns, looks at him curiously, looks deeply. *
CHIRIKU (V.O)
(filtered)
According to our traditions and
customs, people like me were killed
off at birth. Outcasts to this day.
She NARROWS her eyes in a flash of anger and LAUNCHES herself

at him.
Obi jerks awake, terrified and EXCITED. Too excited so he

COUGHS and WHEEZES and HACKS like a nearly drowned man.
He reaches for the WATER on his bedside table, but the

coughing gets worse and he KNOCKS the water over.
He steps out of bed, his hacking getting even worse and he

stumbles and falls onto the EXCESSIVELY WET floor, clutching
at his throat, FLOPPING ABOUT like a dying fish in SHALLOW
WATER.
Mama Pendo rushes in and cries out loud on seeing him on the
floor.
She goes to his side and helps him sit up, SMACKING his back,
and COOING at him until the coughing gets under control, then
stops.
He breathes hard, wheezing still, but grateful. He looks up

at Mama Pendo, and smiles weakly.
OBI
I have seen her...
He starts coughing again, coils himself further into her

embrace.
93.
FATHER JOHN (O.S.)

OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF
THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY!
She looks at the window in the direction of the commotion.
148 I/E. SHED - DAY 148
Taliya, awake, stares in ANGRY ANTICIPATION at the door to

the shed.
Father John, CRUCIFIX stretched out before him, pushes

through the crowd together with a NUMBER OF HIS CONGREGANTS.
FATHER JOHN
Out of the way! OUT OF THE WAY! Or we
will curse you to the eternal fires of
hell!
People clear out. Except for Chiriku and Mzee Santi who BLOCK
the shed’s entrance.
Father John sneers at them.

Out of the way. We are here to do the
Lord’s work.
CHIRIKU
Which work?
FATHER JOHN
We are here to protect the village
from the evil thing in there?
CHIRIKU
Protect? Where has the church been all
my life?
FATHER JOHN
Repent and you will come under the
protection of the Lord. Now move.
Mzee Santi and Chiriku fold their arms. Father John bristles.

You are stretching the Lord’s
patience!
MZEE SANTI
Let me ask.. that The Lord, will he
pay the entrance fee?
94.
FATHER JOHN
Blasphemy! You are corrupted already!
(to his followers)
Remove these ungodly men from my
sight!
His followers pull the two aside and Father John walks into
the shed.
He walks cautiously with his crucifix still stretched out

before him. He draws back the net and takes a SHOCKED STEP
BACK.
He draws the CROSS SIGN in the air.
Taliya watches him warily.
FATHER JOHN
Exorcizamus te, omnis immunde
spiritus, omni satanica potestas,
omnis...omni--
And the words catch in his throat. He looks at Taliya,

terrified. She stares back intently.
He drops the crucifix and clutches at his throat, struggles

to breath. Falls to his knees, his breathing becoming
narrower and narrower, his face reddening.
CUT TO:
TIGHT on Father John in DEEP EARNEST PAINFUL PRAYER on his

knees in one of the pews, whispering ANGRILY.
Mama Pendo enters with a BUNCH OF UNOPEN LETTERS.
MAMA PENDO
Father John.
Father John stops his prayer, somewhat embarrassed, composes

himself and stands. He turns to face her with a FORCED SMILE.
FATHER JOHN
Ah. My letters. Thank you thank you
thank you.
He takes the letters and quickly goes through them then stops
at one in particular - a moment of ANXIETY.
He drops the other letters and Mama Pendo bends down to pick
them.
95.

(without looking at her)
No. No... it’s okay. I’ll pick them up
later. You may go.
Mama Pendo rises, casts a worried look at him briefly then

exits.
He immediately RIPS out the letter from its envelope, unfolds

the letter and reads with urgency and increasing ANGER.

My Dearest John, We understand your
wishes but unfortunately there are no
positions open over here as befit your
seniority. We trust that there is
purpose in your presence in Africa and
believe that God will continue to
guide your hand in bringing his light
to a dark continent...
He angrily tears up the letter, rages quiet fire.

Why? Why? Why?
He looks up at the CROSS in the church.

I have prayed and prayed and prayed
and yet you do not answer. I have
served and I am spent! I have nothing
more to give these... savages. They
are barbaric and uncivilized and do
not understand or appreciate the
greatness and the joy of the gift that
we bring to them! Why do they matt--
And he starts choking on his words, struggling to breath. His

hands fly to his throat. He claws and staggers and falls to
his knees.
CUT BACK TO:
Father John, still clawing at his throat, still choking, is

pushed back by the force of the memory.
He looks up at Taliya who still stares intently.
He crouches even lower, losing the battle and then suddenly

he is free, the force of the release flinging him backwards.
He breathes in deeply then quickly as he stares at his would

be murderer.
96.
FATHER JOHN
You demon.
He sees the crucifix and scrambles for it, grabs it and holds
it up, speaks more powerfully.

Exorcizamus te, omnis immunde
spiritus, omni satanica--
She joins in...
TALIYA FATHER JOHN (CONT'D)

--potestas, omnis incursio --potestas, omnis incursio
infernalis... infernalis...
He falters. She goes on.
TALIYA (CONT'D)
... adversarii, omnis congregatio et
secta diabolica.
He takes a terrified step back.
Babu enters the compound to find Father John’s followers

pushing back Chiriku and Mzee Santi.
BABU
What is going on here?
CHIRIKU
Father John is inside.
BABU
What?
(pushing through)
Let me through! This is my property!
He is pushed back by a BIG DISCIPLE
BIG DISCIPLE
Father John has come to save us from
the demon you have summoned here.
Babu turns to the crowd.
BABU
Help me!
BIG DISCIPLE
Do so and get cursed by God.
97.
They take a step back. Babu turns back to the disciples,

takes out a WAD OF NOTES.
BABU
Fine. Fine. How much for you to leave?
The Big Disciple spits at Babu’s feet. The others mimic him.
Father John gathers his courage, raises the crucifix again.
FATHER JOHN
In the name and power of our Lord
Jesus Christ...
A KNIFE slides out of his SLEEVE into his hand. Taliya

hisses.

Vade retro Satana!
He attacks.
Jabari and a WARY Tough Guy 1 appear, find Babu still trying
to bribe and fight his way in.
JABARI
Ala! Babu, what now?
BABU
Father John is inside doing God knows
what to Taliya!
JABARI
(to disciples)
Leave these premises right now!
BIG DISCIPLE
Father John has come to save us from
the demon you have summoned here!
Jabari smiles, turns to the crowd.
JABARI
And you lot, what are you doing?
Father John is a colonizer! Will you
let that colonizer direct your own
lives!
They murmur their discontent.

98.
JABARI (CONT'D)
I can’t hear you! I asked, will you
let that colonizer direct your own
lives?
CROWD
No! We want to see Taliya!
JABARI
Good! Now remove this colonizer and
his sympathizers!
The crowd moves. The disciples threaten them with curses and
fire and brimstone to no avail.
Father John wields his knife over Taliya, who appears to be

HOLDING HIM BACK TELEKINETICALLY, but under much STRAIN.
FATHER JOHN
Vade retro satana!
She spits his words back at him.
TALIYA
Vade retro satana yourself!
The knife gets closer and closer to Taliya.
FATHER JOHN
Be gone you unclean evil spirit.
TALIYA
Vade retro satana!
FATHER JOHN
Be gone you wretched thing born of
this wretched place!
TALIYA
Vade retro satana!
Taliya grits her teeth and starts pushing back.
FATHER JOHN
Be gone you vile...
He stops in fear, Taliya’s eyes BORING into his.
TALIYA
Vade... retro...
Father John’s eyes widen.

99.
The crowd is successful and Babu gets to the door, swings it

open.
TALIYA (O.S.)
SATANA!
Father John comes flying out, bumping into Babu.
The crowd cheers. Babu kicks him away as his disciples help
him up.
He picks himself up, dusts himself off, turns and looks into
the shed. Taliya, WAR-WEARY, PANTING, raises her head and
locks eyes with him - AUDACIOUS.
The crowd behind Babu starts CHANTING JABARI’S NAME.
His eyes narrow. He turns and shoots a JEALOUS LOOK towards

Jabari who revels in the crowd’s praise.
BABU (O.S.)
What is the source of your power?
Babu stands in front of a RECOVERING TALIYA, still worn out

from her earlier bout with Father John.
TALIYA
I don’t know.
Babu grabs her lower jaw, yanks her face upwards to look at
him. She winces in pain, tries to push his hand away. Babu
swats her hands away, squeezes harder.
BABU
Tell me!
TALIYA
You’re hurting me!
BABU
Tell me or I’ll make it worse!
TALIYA
Fine! Fine!
Babu lets go. She massages her jaws then stares at him.
Her eyes CLOUD. He takes a step back. DARKNESS forms. A

CLOUD. WIND BEATS... but she struggles with her WANING
strength and ultimately FAILS, exhausted.
Babu steps forward and slaps the colour back in her eyes.
100.
BABU
What are you trying?
He raises a CLENCHED FIST and KNOCKS her out.
BLACK
159 EXT. SEA SHORE - NIGHT 159
Jabari and Babu stand opposite from Chiriku and Mzee Santi.
BABU
A high ranking officer of our armed
forces will be visiting us tomorrow.
CHIRIKU MZEE SANTI

Why? To do what?
Babu ignores them.
BABU
(to Chiriku)
I will be the Master of Ceremonies,
not you!
And he walks off without waiting for a response. Jabari

smiles at them and follows Babu.
Chiriku and Mzee Santi look at each other.
A RAINDROP lands on Chiriku’s arm. He brushes it off then

looks up at a FORMING CLOUD.
Mzee Santi looks at him curiously then up at the CLEAR SKY.

He frowns.
Taliya, still struggling - WAVERING CLOUDY EYES - looks

DOWNWARDS as though looking down at Chiriku.
Chiriku finds himself on the MISTY SHORE, lit by SPOTLIGHT as

on a stage. Then, from a distance: CHEERING.
SOFT CROWD (O.S.)

Chiriku! Chiriku! Chiriku!
He looks around and we get a sense of a LARGE CROWD unseen

just beyond the VEIL OF MIST.
101.
TALIYA (V.O)
(struggling)
Everything you have ever wanted,
Chiriku, you shall have.
COINS and FLOWERS come flying through the mist. Chiriku

smiles at the adoration, bows.
But the cheering and adoration suddenly turn to BOOS. ROTTEN

FRUIT is tossed at him. Then this too starts to die out - A
DEPARTING CROWD.
Chiriku panics, runs around the edges of the mist.
CHIRIKU
Wait! Wait! Don’t go! Wait...
But it is too late. The crowd is gone. Chiriku looks around

in despair.
TALIYA (V.O)
Everything you have ever wanted, you
shall have.
CHIRIKU
Where?
TALIYA (V.O)
At the bottom of the ocean... take me
home and everything you want... you
shall have.
CHIRIKU
Take you? How?
TALIYA (V.O)
Come to Babu’s... Come early in the
morning...
Her voice fades.
Taliya’s eyes UNCLOUD, and she comes out of her reverie and
slumps down on all fours, exhausted, breathing heavily.
Chiriku starts as the CLOUDS above dissipate. Finds Mzee

Santi PEERING AT HIM, REAL CLOSE.
Chiriku takes a step back.
CHIRIKU
What is it?
102.
MZEE SANTI
You have spoken to her.
CHIRIKU
I don’t know what you’re--
MZEE SANTI
Don’t lie to me. I know you have
spoken to her. I, too, have spoken
with her.
CHIRIKU
You speak true?
MZEE SANTI
I speak true. What has she told you?
Chiriku gives him a suspicious look, but then decides to

trust him.
CHIRIKU
She wants to go home. To sea.
MZEE SANTI
And she will give you the desires of
your heart?
Chiriku looks at him in shock. Mzee Santi smiles.

Confirmation.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Good. How do we take her home?
CHIRIKU
I don’t know. She told us to go to
Babu’s, early.
Mzee Santi turns and starts hobbling off.
MZEE SANTI
What are you waiting for?
Chiriku starts, joins him.
Taliya, her breathing finally in control, looks up, a

DETERMINED GLEAM in her eye. She STEELS herself as her eyes
start clouding again.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Story story!
OBI (O.S.)
(weak)
Tell the story...
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 103.
Mama Pendo sits on Obi’s bed. He is even worse then before

and he barely whispers the response.
OBI
Tell the lie.... And may it all...
He wheezes.
MAMA PENDO
Here comes the sweetness... Raheli
too, just like Taliya, gave birth to
twins. Mwadime and Mwakio. Of the
morning and of the night.
Babu walks into his compound, walks past his wife’s

ILLUMINATED grave. He backtracks.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.) *

But Taliya’s children had already
infected our world.
He stares at the now MASSIVE CORRUPTION covering the grave

almost entirely... and STILL SPREADING. A ‘FLOWER’ unfolds.
He squats down to inspect it.
MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D) *

And so Mwakio was born with defects,
unable to walk, unable to see, and
barely able to speak.
The ‘flower’ PUFFS POLLEN into his face. He chokes, eyes

widening then falls towards the grave...
167 EXT. SEA - NIGHT 167

... and lands on his BOAT. He blinks in pain and confusion.
STRANGE SUSURRATIONS sound. He slowly gets up, coughing
slightly.
MAMA PENDO
Jabo, unable to deal with Mwakio’s
disabilities, decided to focus on his
other son, Mwadime.
He listens to the susurrus, wary, confused, puzzled by the

FISHING NET in his hand.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

And Raheli, moved by pity, did the
opposite, and gave all her love to
Mwakio.
(MORE)
104.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

But Mwadime, not content with his
father’s love, grew jealous of his
Mother’s love for his twin brother.
A SHADOW PASSES under his boat.
Babu turns in the direction of the shadow. He leans over the

edge of the boat.
MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

So one deep and dark night, Mwadime
woke Mwakio up and took him out, for a
fishing trip, he said. His real plan,
however, was to drown his brother at
sea.
Taliya jumps out of the water and PULLS him UNDER together
with his net.
168 EXT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT 168
Babu, ALONE, ENTANGLED, struggles to get free of the fishing

net. He only makes things worse.
MAMA PENDO
And thus the death became our destiny.
Taliya’s shadow passes behind him.
He turns, terrified. Nothing. Then his eyes widen with

realization. And he turns back. And SCREAMS BUBBLES.
Taliya, SNAKE EYES and FANGS, rushes towards him.
She snaps at him but he holds her back. Her frustration

mounts. She pulls back and twists, SMACKS him with her tail.
BLACK
CHIRIKU (V.O)
(distant)
There he is.
BABU (V.O)
(faint but closer to us -
inner ear)
Wake up...
MZEE SANTI (V.O)

(also distant)
Where are the keys?
BABU (V.O)
Wake up.
CHIRIKU (V.O)
Check his pockets.
105.
BABU (V.O)
Wake up!
And he wakes up. In his living room. DRENCHED and still

ENTANGLED in the fish net.
He struggles to get free of it, but the netting tightens on

its own accord, pulls his head back, chokes him and he opens
his eyes to find Taliya on the ceiling STARING DOWN at him.
TALIYA (V.O)
Let me go!
He bares his teeth at her. She rages, and the netting

tightens around his neck, chokes him to oblivion.
BLACK
CLOSE to us: HEAVY STRUGGLING BREATH - BABU’s.
DISTANT: A JINGLE OF KEYS being pulled from pockets.
CHIRIKU (V.O)
Hurry up! Hurry up!
170 INT. SHED - EARLY MORNING 170
Our view of the Door FADES IN. Taliya’s POV. But it is an

incomplete picture - Two simultaneous but OCCLUDED VIEW - eye
sockets.
BABU (V.O)
(still laboured)
What the...?
A JINGLE OF KEYS on the other side of the door.
Every sound is filtered through space - DISTANT - except

Babu’s VO. His ‘headspace’.
The door swings open. Chiriku and Mzee Santi rush in.
BABU (V.O) (CONT'D)

Chiriku? Mzee Santi?
TALIYA
(also laboured)
Please hurry... I don’t think I can
hold him much longer.
They rush towards us, and lift Taliya’s hands into view, help
her (us) up.
106.
BABU (V.O)
What are you doing?
They drag us towards the door.
BABU (V.O) (CONT'D)

Wait!
She falters.
TALIYA
Hurry! He’s waking up!
They pull us up, pull us out the door.
171 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - EARLY MORNING 171
Into Early Morning light. We look around and spot Babu lying
by his wife’s mound.
BABU (V.O)
Huh!
XCU: BABU’S EYES as they FLY wide open, shock and fear, and
then pain - a headache. He groans as we pull back.
He gets up, nursing his head, then pauses on noticing where

he is. He turns slowly.
REVEAL: Chiriku and Mzee Santi holding Taliya up, frozen as

they watch him.
He stands up, UNSTABLE on his feet, GROGGY.
They turn to go. He whips out his SWITCHBLADE KNIFE from his
waistband, FLICKS out the blade.
BABU (CONT'D)
Stop right there!
They freeze. Then turn slowly to look at him. He sneers at
them.
Taliya lifts her head, bores her ‘BURNING COALS’ into his
eyes.
BABU (CONT'D)
No!
And he lifts his hand to cover his face.
BLACK
TALIYA (V.O)
(venomous)
You’re late!
107.
172 INT. UNDERWATER - EARLY MORNING 172
Babu brings his hand down and we find ourselves underwater

again.
Babu rages! SCREAMS BUBBLES! He attacks the water, swiping

his blade left right top bottom everywhere.
SUDDENLY an ARC OF BLOOD appears in the water, trailing the

blade.
Taliya CRIES OUT.
173 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - EARLY MORNING 173
And we find ourselves back in the compound, Taliya, crying

out in pain, falling off Chiriku’s shoulder, a BLOODY SLASH
across her stomach. Mzee Santi tries and fails to keep her
upright.
Babu turns to face them, gaining his awareness slowly, but

surely. He raises his bloody knife at Mzee Santi and Chiriku.
BABU
Step back!
They hesitate.
BABU (CONT'D)
I swear to God, I will stomp on you
like the little ants you are!
They look at each other and then step aside. He moves towards
Taliya holding his knife out in front of him.
She turns an angry stare up at him.
BABU (CONT'D)
Stop that!
And he punches her down with his free hand.
BABU (CONT'D)
What do you think you were trying?
TALIYA
(defiant)
I want... I want to go home.
He reaches down and grabs her by the hair, pulls her head
back to expose her NECK, and places his blade against it.
Mzee Santi and Chiriku attempt to move to her help but Babu
grounds them with a stare. He leans closer to Taliya’s ear,
whispers.
108.
BABU
Look at them. I can slaughter you here
like a goat and they won’t lift a
finger to help you. Every thing has
been assembled here by my will.
Including you. This, now, is your
home.
He withdraws the blade then picks her up and hauls her back
into the shed.
He throws her into her tub, TIES her up in the netting. REAL
TIGHT. She screams through gritted teeth. Chiriku and Mzee
Santi watch from the doorway.
CHIRIKU
Must you tie her up like that?
Babu stands up, turns, stretches his hand out.
BABU
My keys.
Mzee Santi hesitates. Babu takes a menacing step forward.

Mzee Santi quickly offers them up. Babu snatches them from
his hands.
BABU (CONT'D)
Now, leave! I don’t want to see you
here again!
MZEE SANTI
Babu, please understand--
BABU
GET OUT!
BEAT. Then Chiriku pulls Mzee Santi out the door, with a last
COMMISERATING look towards Taliya.
Babu follows them out, turns back to Taliya for a moment then
exits, SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT, and LOCKS IT UP LOUDLY.
Taliya watches from her restraints, bitting back the pain.

She turns an ANGRY look in the direction of the main house,
then closes her eyes.
175 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING 175
We pull back from Obi’s EYES as he sleeps. FITFUL.

109.
176 INT. SEA SHORE - EARLY MORNING 176
Obi takes a step onto the HAZY shore, looks around, looks up.
OMINOUS CLOUDS.
A SOUND. A HUMMING. He turns. The haze CLEARS up in front of

him to reveal A WOMAN SILHOUETTED, seated at the waters edge.
Our hummer.
He hobbles over to the woman, walks around to look at her

face. AMINA looks up at him and gives him a TIRED but
PLEASANT smile.
AMINA
Obi. You came.
OBI
Mama...?
AMINA
Sit.
He does so, tentative, afraid that he is dreaming.
OBI
Are you... alive?
AMINA
For now, yes. There’s a crack in the
wall that separates us, you and me. It
wasn’t easy to pass through, but I had
to come see you.
OBI
Mama...
He crawls over to her and she takes him into her arms.
OBI (CONT'D)
I have missed you...
AMINA
My baby...
Tears form in both pairs of eyes.
Then Obi starts.
Taliya emerges from shadows, weak, clutching at her stomach,

falls on ALL FOURS. She locks eyes with Obi, still in his
mother’s embrace. ANGRY EYES hers!
OBI
Taliya.
But the eyes unfocus and she collapses completely.

110.
OBI (CONT'D)
Taliya!
Obi moves to help her, crawls over and CRADLES her head.
OBI (CONT'D)
You are hurt... Mama!
He turns to look at where his mum was, finds a MISTY SHROUD

which clears up to reveal no one.
He looks back down at Taliya. Her eyes open again, WAVERING.
She lifts a hand, it hovers for a moment, then strokes his

cheek.
The two are TRANSFIXED in this moment, then Taliya’s eyes
HARDEN and she grabs his THROAT, SQUEEZES.
His eyes widen in shock, then he claws at her hands as he

chokes, but she is too strong and he weakens, until
eventually his eyes roll back.
CUT TO:
177 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING 177
Obi chokes in his sleep then a release. A FINAL BREATH...
178 EXT. BABU’S COMPOUND - DUSK 178
Babu and TWO TOUGH GUYS inspect A MAKESHIFT stage that has
been constructed in the compound.
There are TWO PLASTIC CHAIRS in front of the stage, behind

which a BIG CROWD shifts and chatters in anticipation.
Babu follows another TOUGH GUY carrying a BUCKET OF WATER up

the stage. The TOUGH GUY pours the water into Taliya’s TUB.
Babu inspects and nods. Enough.
He looks out to the crowd and the crowd goes silent. He

smiles.
Jabari appears together with a DISTINGUISHED-LOOKING

GENTLEMAN in MILITARY GARB, escorted by TWO OTHER YOUNGER
MILITARY OFFICERS. Jabari looks at Babu who nods to the seats
at the front.
Jabari guides the GENERAL to the front. A wave of excitement

ripples through the crowd, escorting them.
MAMA PENDO arrives too, on her way to Babu’s, but stops to

see what’s what.
111.
Jabari and the general sit and the chatter dies with them
again. Jabari nods at Babu.
Babu nods back, clears his throat. Turns to the crowd.
BABU
(shaky)
Ladies and gentlement, many of us,
some of us... many of us... we know of
the stories of the djinns and spirits
of the ocean, like Taliya and Nyakio
and--
RANDOM MAN
Where’s Chiriku? We want Chiriku!
And suddenly the crowd erupts, CLAMORING for their proper

entertainer, laughing at Babu.
BABU
Chiriku is on other.. errands...
He tries to quiet them down, but remains unheard. So his

anger grows until...
BABU (CONT'D)
SILENCE!
The crowd goes silent suddenly.
BABU (CONT'D)
Have you come to see Chiriku or
Taliya?
RANDOM WOMAN
Taliya!
RANDOM MAN
Bring Taliya out! We’ve been waiting
all day!
BABU
Fine. Fine!
He turns to the tough guys standing by the door to the shed,

nods at them. Two go in.
The crowd ‘stretches’ in anticipation.
And the two tough guys emerge with Taliya shouldered between
them, WEAK, IN PAIN, WALKING.
The crowd goes quiet. They’ve never seen her feet.
They watch as she is guided up the stage. Babu offers his

hand. She ignores it. He grabs her anyway, pulls her towards
the tub.
112.
She moves RELUCTANTLY at first, then SPOTS THE WATER in the

tub and SUDDENLY PUSHES FORWARD. But Babu RESTRAINS her at
the BRIM. She squirms but he holds her firmly and he SMILES
AT HER, pleased to have this POWER OVER HER.
He turns to the crowd, now MUTTERING IN ANTICIPATION, then

makes eye contact with the General.
BABU (CONT'D)
Behold!
And he SHOVES her into the tub.
The crowd SWELLS, MESMERIZED as she transforms. The General

stands up in shock, takes off his BERET. Jabari grins widely
next to him.
The crowd erupts in APPLAUSE - clapping and whistling - a
celebration as Taliya’s TAIL flips about in the tub. She
closes her eyes to replenish herself.
Her stomach wound is STILL VIVID, but looks more like a SCAR
than a wound. She winces still as she twists and turns,
FAVOURING THE INJURY.
Babu enjoys the adulation of the crowd for a bit, then raises
his hands to silence them. He smiles, tauntingly.
BABU (CONT'D)
Bado.
The general sits.
Babu turns to the tough guys again, nods at them. One goes
into shed again and emerges with a COVERED PLATE.
The crowd watches the tough guy walk up the stage. Taliya’s
eyes fly open, her NOSE TWITCHING, and she quickly ZEROS IN
on the plate.
Babu takes the plate, and uncovers it with a FLOURISH, shows

the general the ROTTEN FISH inside. The General CRINKLES his
nose.
Babu, with the same stage flourish, presents the plate to

Taliya. She reaches for the plate, Babu pulls away, shakes
his head at Taliya.
BABU (CONT'D)
One hand.
Taliya frowns, gives him an angry stare, then sighs. Babu

brings the plate back in front of her.
She lifts one hand, PLAYS her fingers on the fish and the
fish is restored.
113.
The General STARES WIDE-EYED at the flopping fish. Babu

shares a smile with Jabari.
Taliya quickly grabs the fish and stuffs it in her mouth!
Babu, enraged, goes to hit her but the crowd erupts in

laughter. He turns, and fake-laughs with them.
RANDOM MAN
We’ve seen that already!
RANDOM WOMAN
For a whole week!
RANDOM MAN
Show us something else!
The crowd joins in the DEMAND. Babu looks at Jabari in a

panic. Jabari shrugs, gestures for him to do as the crowd
asks. He turns to look at Taliya, she sneers at his
hopelessness.
Babu looks at the crowd, nervous.
BABU
Eh... what do you want to see?
And the suggestions come - too loud to make anything out.

Then A WOMAN pushes through to the front, thrusts HER SICKLY-
LOOKING CHILD forward.
WOMAN W/ SICK CHILD

Heal my child.
The crowd goes quiet for a moment then erupts again with
calls for her to heal the child.
Babu is unsure if that is a possibility.
Mzee Santi and Chiriku sneak into the crowd. Taliya spots
them. Her eyes narrow. Mama Pendo spots them too and frowns.
Taliya rears up to look at the crowd, determined.
TALIYA
I SHALL HEAL HER!
The crowd goes silent, except for the few hushed

exclamations, which eventually die out. The general turns to
Jabari, who avoids his stare, instead glares at Babu.
The Woman with the sick child moves before anybody else can
react.
WOMAN W/ SICK CHILD

Thank you! Thank you!
She half-carries her child to the stage.

114.
Taliya spreads her arms wide and closes her eyes. The child
is suddenly caught in her trance and does the same.
The crowd watches in awe as the two shimmer slightly, then

GASP AUDIBLY when the child’s feet leave the ground.
But almost immediately Taliya breaks the contact, opening her

eyes WIDE, and the child slumps back down into the mother’s
arms.
WOMAN W/ SICK CHILD (CONT'D)

What is wrong?
TALIYA
Your child shall be well, but there is
another who needs my help even more
and right now!
WOMAN W/ SICK CHILD

Who?
Taliya turns and looks at Babu.
TALIYA
Obi, the Hunchback, son of Babu!
The crowd gasps again. Mama Pendo with GREAT CONCERN.
MAMA PENDO
(to self)
Obi...
And she gathers her skirts and moves towards the house.
Babu’s brow furrows in anger.
BABU
(to Taliya)
That is not his name!
(to crowd)
That child is fine!
TALIYA
He is dying, Babu. At this very
moment!
Babu turns back to look at Taliya, unsure. She points at the

house.
He turns and gets a QUICK FLASH OF OBI’S LAST BREATH.
He turns back to Taliya, worried. Then turns to the thugs.
BABU
Watch her.
They move to guard her as he dashes off towards the house.

115.
Jabari leans in to reassure the general.
Taliya looks directly at Mzee Santi and Chiriku.
TALIYA (V.O)
Prepare yourselves!
Mzee Santi flinches. Then he smiles on realizing what has

just happened. He turns to Chiriku who nods imperceptible to
Taliya. Mzee Santi turns back to Taliya and nods excitedly.
She nods back then turns her gaze to the house.
179 INT. BABU’S LIVING ROOM - DUSK 179
The main door flies open as Babu comes rushing in.
BABU
Obi!
He runs towards the bedroom.
Taliya touches her wound. We tilt up to her face. AFLAME. And

she bites back the pain as she BRACES herself for what’s to
come. And maybe we notice STRANDS of her hair rising of their
own accord.
181 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - DUSK 181
Babu yanks open the door and finds himself in a BUBBLE WORLD.
The bedroom itself obscured. He tries to push forward.
BABU
Obi!
In the murky waters ahead, we just make out AMINA. Babu’s

eyes widen. The DOOR SHUTS him OUT.
182 EXT. SEA SHORE - DUSK 182
Mama Pendo, turning to look at the slamming door, finds

herself on the MISTY Sea Shore. She looks around, puzzled.
MAMA PENDO
Obi! Obi!
She runs into the mist.

116.
Everyone is frozen here, or rather IMMOBILIZED inside another

BUBBLE WORLD. And we GLIDE with the CURRENTS from one person
to another.
CU: WOMAN w/ SICK CHILD
QUICK FLASH: She plays happily with the child on the beach.
CU: OLD MAN
QUICK FLASH: He sits in a dark corner of the market, LONELY.
CU: RANDOM MAN
QUICK FLASH: Praying earnestly in church.
CU: CHILD
QUICK FLASH: Wonder on his face as he listens to Chiriku tell

a story.
CU: GENERAL
QUICK FLASH: A SOLDIER under his command bleeds out in the

forest where they hide as an ENEMY COMBATANT stalks close by,
GUN in hand.
CU: JABARI
QUICK FLASH: The beat-down from his father (the ACTUAL SHOVE
that precedes what we saw earlier).
CU: MZEE SANTI
QUICK FLASH: looking younger, stares out to sea, determined

(maybe match Babu’s first shot). Younger Mama Pendo joins
him, weaves her arm around his. But Mzee Santi REMAINS
FOCUSED on the sea, almost unaware of her presence. She
notices, uses a finger to turn his FACE and FOCUS to her. He
smiles, but his eyes STRAY BACK to the sea.
CU: CHIRIKU
FLASH TO:
184 INT. WASANII CORNER - DUSK 184
Chiriku regales the crowd (INCLUDING OUR CHILD) with a story.
CHIRIKU
And the snake opened its mouth, just
so, haaa! Its sharp teeth dripping
venom. It stuck its tongue out,sssss,
and spoke--
117.
TALIYA (V.O)
(soft, sibilant)
Chiriku...
Chiriku turns, terrified.
CHIRIKU
Who is that?
TALIYA (V.O)
Come...
Chiriku turns a few more times, then realization hits. He

looks around, then closes his eyes.
And opens them up in Babu’s compound. He looks around to find

everyone entranced, sees Mzee Santi close to the stage,
STARING UP at Taliya, focused like before.
Chiriku looks up at Taliya on the stage. She locks eyes with

him. The CLOUDS CLEAR briefly.
TALIYA (V.O)
Take me home.
Then cloud again.
Babu pushes through the door into Obi’s room. Amina emerges
fully from the murk. She stands by Obi in his bed. Babu
pauses.
BABU
What are you doing ehre?
AMINA
I am his mother, where else would I
be?
BABU
LIAR!
Taliya is pushed back by the force of Babu’s outburst,

temporarily emerges from her enchanting world.
QUICK FLASH: JABARI’S HOME. Jabari CRACKS his head against

the floor, cries out in pain.
118.
Chiriku, trying to slap Mzee Santi, stops and looks up at

her. She takes a few deep breaths, touches her hand to her
wound.
TALIYA (V.O)
Take me home.
Then goes back into her enchantment.
Chiriku turns back to slap Mzee Santi, who is just emerging

from his world.
CHIRIKU
Wake up!
MZEE SANTI
I’m awake! I’m awake!
He looks around, AWED. Chiriku points at Taliya.
CHIRIKU
Tumpeleke nyumbani.
And quickly moves towards the stage.
Mzee Santi smiles WOLFISHLY then quickly hides the smile and
runs after him.
Jabari stirs, rubbing the back of his head in pain.
188 EXT. SEA SHORE - EVENING 188
Babu stumbles onto the shore, then stands upright, looks

around him angrily.
BABU
(to self)
Where? Where are you?
(to world)
SHOW YOURSELF!
Taliya STRAINS even as Mzee Santi and Chiriku try to lift her
out of the tub.
The General and a few others in the crowd stir, each waking
up, wondering what is going on.
The General turns to Jabari who is still collecting himself.
GENERAL
(stern)
What is going on here?
119.
Jabari shakes his head, both in answer and to clear it, then
he notices the trio on stage.
Jabari finally collects himself, looks up at the stage.
JABARI
You! Stop right there!
Chiriku whispers to Taliya.
CHIRIKU
They are waking up...
She shakes her head.
TALIYA
I can’t...
And her eyes cloud again.
Chiriku looks at Mzee Santi then steels himself. He turns to

the crowd.
CHIRIKU
Ladies and Gentlemen! Fear not. All
this is part of the show. Remember how
Jabo and Taliya fought for the last
time in the stories. This then is how
they fought: a battle of will and
imagination! See there Jabo--
He points in the direction of the house and the crowd turns

in the direction he points.
And we pan in that direction...
CHIRIKU (O.S.) (CONT'D)

See him now...

... pan onto the MISTY SHORE, where Babu stalks about
angrily, still calling for Taliya to show herself.
CHIRIKU (O.S.)
... a raging fire. Knowing now that
Taliya was responsible for the death
of his child. See him there,
confronting Taliya, there at Hades’
mouth...
The mist behind Babu parts and Amina appears. Babu turns,
whipping out his SWITCHBLADE with the motion.
AMINA
Babu...
120.
He hesitates, then pushes his knife out farther.
BABU
Don’t come closer!
AMINA
Babu, it’s me.
BABU
STOP RIGHT THERE!
She stops in her tracks.
BABU (CONT'D)
You are not who say you are!
(turning and raging at the
world)
TALIYA!
AMINA
Babu, Obi stands on the edge of his
grave.
Babu turns back to her, glares at her.
A GOLDEN FLARE off the water catches his eye. He turns to

look at the source.
AMINA (CONT'D)
Are you listening to me... Taliya can
heal him...
But Babu doesn’t listen, he walks instead towards the ocean.
AMINA (CONT'D)
Babu...
He stands on the water’s edge, peering into the distance,

then closes his eyes...
... And opens them on his boat. He smiles, then realizes

there is a GOLDISH REFLECTION OF LIGHT OFF WATER playing on
and around him. He looks into the water and his smile becomes
a WIDE-EYED WOLFISH GRIN. He laughs.
OVERHEAD ANGLE: Babu on the boat in a SEA OF GOLD.
He leans down to get a better look, MARVELLING.
AMINA (V.O)
Babu...
He turns to find Amina on the boat with him. He smiles at

her.
121.
BABU
I know where we are, Taliya.
He reaches into the water, and pulls out a CLOSED FIST, the
ETHEREAL light filtering through cracks in his fingers. He
holds up his fist to Amina.
BABU (CONT'D)
This is your home.
He opens his fist and the gold recedes to reveal MUD. He

starts. The light around him fades as the sea returns to
normal. The LOSS on his face grows.
AMINA
It’s me, Babu. I have come to speak on
Taliya’s behalf. And on behalf of our
son. Let Taliya go and she will save
him.
He turns an angry look in Amina’s direction.
BABU
Why aren’t you granting my wishes?
AMINA
Babu...
BABU
SILENCE!
And he launches himself at her, pushes her off the boat...
... Onto the shore. He holds her down, STRANGLES her.
BABU
Give me my riches, as I commanded you
to!
AMINA
(strained)
Babu...
She points to her side where Obi’s bedroom MATERIALIZES

(SUPERIMPOSED) in the mist.
Babu doesn’t look, raises his knife instead.
Amina closes her eyes, then, determined, she grabs a HANDFUL

OF SAND and flings it into Babu’s eyes before rising to push
him off.
They struggle for a moment then Babu STABS her in the neck
and she goes stiff.
122.
BABU
Amina?
She slides off his arms to the ground.
Babu pushes back in fear, rubbing the sand out of his eyes.
BABU (CONT'D)
Amina?
His eyesight CLEARS and he sees Amina BLEEDING OUT on the

sand, struggling to breath through the FROTH, staring out
towards Obi, reaching out for him.
BABU (CONT'D)
Amina...
A tear drops.
Taliya appears next to him, squats to look at him keenly,

raises a hand but doesn’t quite touch his cheek. Babu just
stares ahead at his twice-dead wife.
CHIRIKU (V.O)
And Taliya knew then the truth. That
there would be no love between her
kind and Jabo’s... until the end of
time.
She fades away.
And wakes up, EXHAUSTED, just as Chiriku finishes his story.

His audience entranced into a STUPOR. A few WET eyes. Jabari
standing, transfixed.
Chiriku, too, is transfixed, a GLOWING SMILE - he has

discovered the true magic of story.
Mzee Santi clears his throat. Chiriku turns to find him
holding up Taliya, awake.
MZEE SANTI
(whispering)
Let’s go.
Chiriku nods, moves to Taliya’s other side. They walk her off
the stage together. Jabari sits down in a stupor. A few
audience members applaud - but it is weak, still stupefied.
They exit.
123.
Babu sits against the wall, tears in his eyes, looking at

Obi.
INTERCUT:
Babu looks at Amina.
He CRAWLS forward to his son. And to his wife.
And we jump back and forth through out until he gets to them
and CRADLES EACH in his arms, crying for his loss.
But something twists in his gut like a knife through the

stomach, and here we remain, in Obi’s Bedroom as his FURY
rises.
Then he CASTS Obi ASIDE and runs out.
He steps outside and finds Taliya gone, finds the crowd still
in some form of stupor. He spots Jabari and runs to him.
BABU
Jabari!
Jabari turns a GLAZED EYE towards him.
BABU (CONT'D)
Where is the Djinn?
Jabari’s face contorts into SYMPATHY for Babu’s loss. Babu

SLAPS him.
BABU (CONT'D)
Jabari!
Jabari wakes up.
JABARI
What?
He touches his cheek.
BABU
Taliya!
JABARI
Chiriku and Mzee Santi took it!
He points to the exit.

124.
Babu runs off. Jabari frowns, thinking about what has

transpired. He stands up and looks at the crowd, then at his
TOUGH GUYS.
JABARI (CONT'D)
We have been played!
197 EXT. PATH TO SEA - NIGHT 197
Chiriku and Mzee Santi hobble forward with Taliya. Mzee Santi
glances back.
WE WHIP: Much further back Babu chases after them, GRIM

DETERMINATION.
The trio breaks out onto the shore. Mzee Santi stops, tired,
lets go of Taliya.
MZEE SANTI
Wait. Wait.
CHIRIKU
What is it?
MZEE SANTI
I am tired.
Chiriku points at the Ocean.
CHIRIKU
We’re already here. Just a few more
steps!
Mzee Santi shakes his head. Chiriku looks at him for a moment
then decides to carry Taliya himself. He gathers her up.
Mzee Santi gives him an EVIL LOOK then launches himself at

them and they fall to the ground.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
What are you doing, Mzee Santi?
But Mzee Santi is FERAL. He pulls Chiriku away from Taliya

and SITS on his back. He lifts Chiriku’s head and STRIKES it
three times on a ROCK.
CHIRIKU (CONT'D)
(strained, through bloody
face)
Why...?
Mzee Santi catches his breath then...

125.
MZEE SANTI
Taliya is my property now!
He lifts his head one last time and smashes it down. Then
gets off Chiriku’s back, and turns to Taliya who has crawled
away and is now a few feet away from the water.
He grabs a ROCK then hobbles over to her, grabs her foot.
MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)

Where do you think you’re going? We
have unfinished business!
He holds her back, turns her onto her back.
TALIYA
Mzee Santi. Santiago. Please...
He shakes his head.
MZEE SANTI
We shall help each other. I’ll allow
you to go back to sea, if you heal me.
TALIYA
If I heal you?
MZEE SANTI
You promised me money and power and
love but gave me nothing, took my
manhood instead!
He pulls down his pants. She CRINGES at the sight, shakes her
head.
TALIYA
That wasn’t me.
MZEE SANTI
Give me back my riches, Taliya, or I
swear to God, you are never going
home! Ever!
He raises the rock.
Babu comes running in, screaming. He tackles Mzee Santi to

the ground.
Taliya quickly turns and pulls herself into the water.
Babu gets up looking for her.
BABU
Taliya!
He sees the ripples in the water, wades in, goes deep, dips
his head under.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 126.
He swims briefly, looking around angrily. A SHADOW passes

behind him. He turns. Nothing.
Then he calms himself, BIDS his time and suddenly turns

again, GRABS TALIYA and PULLS HER UP to the surface.
TALIYA
(strained)
Babu, let me go, please...
BABU
You have taken everything away from
me! Left me with nothing. With no-one.
He starts pulling her back to the shore.
TALIYA
I have done nothing, Babu. Every
choice has been yours.
She tries to fight but is too weak.
BABU
This is my world not yours!
He turns away from her, pulls her farther towards the shore.
She closes her eyes.
OBI (O.S)
Dad. Let her go.
Babu stops and turns back slowly, finds Obi, HEALTHY,

RESTORED, swimming behind Taliya, CRADLING her head.
OBI (CONT'D)
Please.
Taliya opens her eyes, PLEADS with him as well. Babu bites
back his fury.
BABU
You will not manipulate me again!
OBI
It’s me, Dad. I’m Obi for real. She
has healed me. Look.
He shows off his healed self.
Babu shakes his head, angrily. *
BABU *
No! These are your magicks still! I
will not be deceived!
Taliya closes her eyes. *

Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 127.
TALIYA *
(weakly, almost having given *
up) *
Babu... you are his father, but still,
you do not see his just like you...
human...
Babu hesitates. Mzee Santi rises from the water and tackles
Babu down, knocks him semi-unconscious.
Taliya retreats. Mzee Santi grabs a hold of her and is pulled

under...
200 INT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT 200
... pulled DEEPER into the ocean.
Obi pries open his grip and Taliya swims away, KICKING him
momentarily as her LEGS FINALLY, PAINFULLY turn back into a
fin.
Mzee Santi flails, unable to swim, drowning; he reaches

forward looking for help. But Taliya and Obi, who also has a
TAIL FIN, swim away.
Obi stops for a moment, turns back and looks at his Father
and Mzee Santi, motionless in the water, then turns back,
follows Taliya into the INVISIBLE DARK of the sea.
Babu regains consciousness, BREAKING SURFACE with a DEEP

BREATH.
He looks about worried, then sees Mzee Santi, FLOATING in the

water, head under.
BABU
Mzee Santi!
He swims to him then pulls him out, wraps his arms around him
and swims back to shore - SLOWLY, AGONIZINGLY.
Babu drags him to shore and tries to revive him. CHEST

PALPITATIONS, MOUTH TO MOUTH. But nothing. No breath. No
pulse.
He gives up, just as Jabari and his tough guys and a few
other villagers show up, running up to the shore, DETERMINED
at first and then suddenly CONFUSED.
JABARI
What... what are we doing here?
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 128.
TOUGH GUY 1
Who is that in the water?
TOUGH GUY 2
That’s not Babu?
TOUGH GUY 1
Is that a dead body next to him?
TOUGH GUY 2
Old Man Santi...
TOUGH GUY 1
He’s killed him?
Jabari approaches Babu.
JABARI
Babu! What is going on here?
BABU
Jabari!
JABARI
What have you done to Mzee Santi,
Babu?
The Tough Guys pull Mzee Santi farther up the shore, check
his pulse and breathing, shake their heads at Jabari.
BABU
I have done nothing. It wasn’t me. It
was Taliya.
JABARI
Taliya? Who is Taliya?
BABU
The Water Spirit.
JABARI
What?
BABU
Taliya, Taliya. The Djinn that I
fished out of the sea.
TOUGH GUY 1
Has he gone mad?
A VILLAGER crosses herself. *
WOMAN *
He has been possessed by an Evil
Spirit.
Blue Rev. (20/09/18) 129.
JABARI
Let’s take him to the Police Station.
He sounds like a Spy for the
Revolutionaries.
BABU
What? No! No! It’s Taliya! You all saw
her. You came to my place and saw her!
Another woman spits on the ground. *
OTHER WOMAN *
May the Devil and his Spirits be
defeated!
The Tough Guys and the Villagers grab him. He tries to fight
them off.
BABU
Let me go! I didn’t kill Mzee Santi!
Taliya did it! Let me go! It was
Taliya!
But the villagers are too many for him. They drag him away.
BABU (CONT'D)
Taliya! Taliyaaaa!
Drag him past a FADING CHIRIKU who remains unseen to them

all, BLOOD POOLING next to his head, his breathing coming *
slow and hard. *
An IMAGE forms in the pool of blood, and he strains to see

it. TWO MERMAID-LIKE FORMS - Taliya and Obi.
MATCH CUT: To a similar shot of the OCEAN. WIDER. With the

hidden forms swimming about.
Taliya’s song hums.
A MIST BLOWS off the ocean, obscuring us.

AND OUT OF THE MIST appears MAMA PENDO, her hand on her
belly, still searching, but confused, incoherent.
MAMA PENDO
Story story!... Story story!... Story
Story!...
ANGLE WIDE: EMPTY SHORE except for Mama Pendo, stumbling

about.
We Pan out into the ocean, Taliya’s hum still playing.
FADE OUT.

T A L I Y A - English Translation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

T A L I Y A - English Translation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Written and Directed

+254 700 582 719

A STRAINING BLEAK CHORD.

Super: TALIYA, which then DROWNS into darkness as the chord

1 EXT. THE SEA SHORE - NIGHT 1

COMPLETE DARKNESS. We hear only the SOUND of water breaking

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Mama Pendo laughs.

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

BEAT. Mama Pendo readies herself to tell the story.

(MOON)LIGHT fades in verrrrry slooooowly across the

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

SOUNDS of a BOAT getting dragged across the shore inch by

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

CLOSE on FEET struggling forward on a beach, moving towards

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

... a CLOSE UP of his face, rugged, angry, determined: BABU,

HIS POV: THE SEA, beautiful in the black blue moonlight,

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

He walks to the back of the boat and pushes it into the

MAMA PENDO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

2 EXT. MIDDLE OF THE SEA - NIGHT 2

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

A SCHOOL OF FISH appears to rise towards Babu. He reaches for

The Net snags almost immediately. Babu smiles grimly, hauls,

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

Babu appears close to triumph over the school of fish.

MAMA PENDO (O.S.)

LIGHTNING FLASHES, THUNDER ROARS.

But the thunderstorm becomes worse and he rages at the sky.

A thunderous clap and Babu is pulled into the water.

3 EXT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT 3

Babu gets entangled in his net. He struggles to free himself

Babu reaches into his WAISTBAND, pulls out a SMALL

He kicks off the shreds and pulls himself up towards the

A SHADOW - MERMAID-LIKE - swims past us, HUMMING, playful -

4 EXT. MIDDLE OF THE SEA - NIGHT 4

Babu breaks surface, hacking and coughing. He calms himself

The thunderstorm dies out. He stares angrily at the sky.

5 INT. OBI’S BEDROOM - NIGHT 5

A LAST FLASH of LIGHTNING through the WINDOW, and a LOW

Mama Pendo turns, stares down at us.

REVEAL: OBI, 10 years, UNDER COVERS, but we can still make

The coughing gets worse.

MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

Mama Pendo touches his cheek.

MAMA PENDO (CONT'D)

6 EXT. THE SEA SHORE - NIGHT 6

Something stirs at the edge of his vision. A CREATURE rises

Composed of the same, it MOANS.

Babu takes a cautious step back.

He looks into the boat.

MZEE SANTI (CONT'D)