All language subtitles for Universal Language 2024 1080p AMZN WEB-DL DDP2 0 H 264-BYNDR

A Presentation of the Winnipeg Institute for the
Intellectual Development of Children and Young People

In the name of Friendship

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

ROBERT H. SMITH SCHOOL

Be silent!

I thought after your vacation,
you would show some maturity.

But what do I find instead?

Shouting, screaming
and misbehaviours!

You think I'm late
for no reason?

My bus broke down
outside the city.

I had to walk all the way here!

Pulling my luggage
over slippery ice!

And you don't even have the
decency to misbehave in French?

I'm not like other
authority figures, you know.

I wear an earring.

And turtleneck sweaters.

I've played my electric
guitar for you more than once.

And still you behave like brats.

I have devoted my life to
making you better humans.

But look at you now.

What happened?

Can anyone translate
this sentence?

Permission to enter, agha?

Why are you late?

I have a note from my father.

Take your seat.

Omid!

I wrote something
on the blackboard.

I intend to prove
something to you creatures.

Translate it.

But I don't understand, agha.

Why?

Because I can't read
your handwriting.

Because you're blind as a bat!

Actually I'm myopic, agha.

I can't see far away.

Be silent!

When the school year started,

you sat at the back
next to Ali Hemmati.

I let you sit at the front
so you could see better.

Even though you have
below-average intelligence.

Morteza!

Why is your face like that?

- I'm Groucho.
- What?

Groucho Marx, the comedian.

Your face is
disgusting to others.

Go stand in the closet.

Look Omid,

your father came to me
three times and said,

"Forgive me agha,
I work three jobs.

When school reopens
after winter break,

my son Omid will come to
class with new glasses."

Three times he promised me.

- Was he lying to me?
- No.

- Then where are your glasses?
- I lost them, but it's not my fault.

Why is that?

I was obstructed by a turkey.

Omid, I'm in no
mood for tall tales.

Really!

A turkey was wandering through
the Centennial Parking Pavilion.

The gobbling startled me,

I tripped,

and the glasses
fell off my face.

And I suppose the turkey
ran off with them.

My father helped me look,

but we couldn't find them.

You should do like Dena

and wear an elastic band.

I did!

Omid, what do you want
to be when you grow up?

Excuse me, agha?

What do you want to
be when you grow up?

I want to be a tour guide.

A tour guide?

In this town?

Reza, what about you?

A fashion photographer, agha.

Negin?

A diplomat.

A diplomat?

Morteza, what do you want
to be when you grow up?

A comedian, agha!

You have to be funny first.

Sohrab?

I want to breed donkeys.

What did you say?

I want to breed donkeys, agha.

All of you will fail.

You know why?

It's called REALITY.

When I look at you, I see
little hope for human survival.

Read this sentence!

We are lost forever
in this world.

That's right, exactly.

And you are all expelled!

Until Omid can see properly!

No more education! Everyone
go stand in the closet!

Agha, we can't all fit in there!

Not my problem!

Everybody in the closet!

Your bag in your other hand.

Put your arm around her.

Now frown.

Three swings only!

One,

two,

three.

Next!

Three swings only!

Omid, my sister's school is
near the Parking Pavilion.

We could go look there together.

I have to wait for my mom
at the Kleenex Repository.

Do you need help to get there?

My feet know the way.

If I find your glasses,
I'll bring them to you.

Okay.

Alright friends,

our tour concludes here at the
Centennial Parking Pavilion.

Actually, we have to go, agha.

But you'll miss the best part!

The jewel of the Grey District!

Your tour was very long, agha.

We have to get going.
Thank you, goodbye.

But I've hired a group of youths

to re-enact the Great Parallel
Parking Incident of 1958.

Please stay!

The youths put in
a lot of effort!

I appreciate the effort.

But since when is a parking lot
a site of historical importance?

Snow shoveler here!

Shoveling! Sweeping!
All a good price!

Snow shoveler!

Snow shoveler!

Mahi! Don't do your homework
in the bath again, okay?

You should pay more
attention, Saina.

My dear Nazgol!

You got the best
mark. Congratulations!

Thank you.

If Falardeau was here, he
would have loved your essay.

Come to the flower shop. I
want to get you a nice gift.

Thanks Mme Zardooz, but
I have a santoor lesson.

It will only take a moment.

Okay.

Hello Mr. Golchin.

SPEAK SOFTLY FLOWERS
ARE SENSITIVE

I hope you are not tired.

Hello, dear girl.

Hello.

Were you a good student
in Mme Zardooz's class?

She got the best
mark in the class.

Bravo.

And are you kind to
all of god's creatures?

Yes.

Do you speak calmly
around flowers?

DO NOT SCREAM NEAR THE FLOWERS

And do you pay respect
to your elders,

even when they show stupidity?

That is a trick
question, I think.

Get my cigarettes. There,
next to the samovar.

Mahi, where's Nazgol?

Flower shop.

Did you know that saffron
comes from the crocus?

And as our provincial flower,
it represents all of us.

When our hearts fill
with the gloom of winter

I tell people: "Go stand
next to this flower.

You will feel better."

When you can stand
next to this flower,

it is always springtime.

It will live a long life
if you take care of it.

Be kind to it.

Here you go.

Thank you so much, agha.

What do we say about
such a flower in French?

This flower is very beautiful.

Well done.

- Hello.
- Hello.

- Salam.
- Salam.

Would you accept some walnuts
in exchange for a flower?

I'm a small business
owner, agha.

I'm on my way to the
cemetery, but I have no money.

I can lend you some money.

- Nazgol! Come quick!
- What is it?

A matter of life and
death! Come right now!

Agha, this flower is very
beautiful. Here you are.

- Sorry, agha.
- Don't slam the door!

- Negin! What's going on?
- Hurry!

Snow Shoveler!

Negin!

Negin!

Why are you running?

Just run!

Snow Shoveler here!

We're so lucky. I found
500 Riels in the ice!

500 Riels! Negin! We
can buy so many socks!

No, we have to help
my friend Omid.

You want to give it all away?

He can't see well.

And a turkey ran off
with his glasses.

What?

It's a long story.

- Mr. Bilodeau is insane.
- Why?

He expelled everybody until
Omid can see the blackboard.

With this money, he
can buy new glasses.

But how do we get it out?

We can use your
skates to chip it out.

Negin, you know ringette
is on Tuesday nights.

And Shabnam is
sharpening our skates.

What do you have there?

- 500 Riels.
- Yes.

Frozen in the ice.

Yes.

How will we get it out?

I heard a Snow Shoveler
down the corridor.

We'll borrow his shovel.

You mean Agha Javad?

He's grumpy. He won't
lend you his shovel.

People like to help each other.

And I want to help you, too.

But a shovel is too dull.

You need a sharper tool.

Like an axe.

- Do you have an axe?
- No.

Fortunately, I know
where you can find one.

Go to my friend,
Mr. Abdolrahman Ghamghosar.

In the beige building at
the end of Zamenhof Street.

Knock on his door,
he'll lend you his axe.

Go! It's getting dark.
I'll wait for you here.

Why don't you go, agha?

Excuse me?

He's your friend, you
know where he lives.

We'll wait for you.

My dear!

This neighbourhood is
dangerous for children.

Besides, you'll get cold.

I like being cold.

We don't need your help, agha.

But little missy, using
an axe is difficult!

Who will cut the ice for you?

Who will carry it to
a warm place for you?

You can't do it by yourself.

But we found it first.

But it still doesn't
belong to you!

For all you know, I
could have lost it!

I might be suffering.

I might need this money
to help my loved ones.

And yet here I am,
trying to help you,

even as you treat
me with suspicion!

We didn't mean to
insult you, agha.

Then don't waste my
time! Go to Ghamghosar.

Are you Monsieur Castonguay?

Indeed.

Mario?

Matthew.

Nice to meet you.

Mathieu, right.
Nice to meet you.

Do you mind if I eat?

Please do.

I hear it's your last
day here, is that right?

Yes, it is.

And you’re going back
to your country, right?

I've been in Montreal
for a long time now,

but yes, I grew up in Winnipeg.

So you don't like
Quebec anymore!

No, it's not that.

But you'd rather
live in Alberta?

No, in Manitoba.

Pardon?

Winnipeg is in Manitoba.
Alberta is a different place.

On the contrary,

Alberta is the
capital of Winnipeg.

No.

If you take the map of Canada,
first there's Quebec, then Ontario,

and then the Province of Manitoba.
Winnipeg is the capital city.

To get to Alberta,
you have to...

Okay, okay!

You and your Western Canada
and your Rocky Mountains.

Personally, I don't
give a rat's ass.

In 1995, I campaigned
for the Yes side.

- Understand?
- Yes.

- That means Quebec independence.
- Yes.

- Ring any bells?
- Yes.

So excuse me if I'm not a
Canadian geography fanatic.

No problem, Mr. Castonguay. It's
just the two solitudes, it's normal.

Alright.

So, Mario.

We need to discuss
your new life.

I need to make sure the Quebec
government will come off looking good.

- How do you mean?
- Let me tell you something.

The public is losing
confidence in government.

Not just here in Quebec,

but everywhere!

I'm all for freedom of
expression, of course,

But there are goddamn limits!

So, we expect

that you tell all
the other Albertans

that your career here
with the Ministry

was one of the most positive
experiences of your life.

Or neutral.

Preferably positive, but
we can accept neutral.

But under no circumstances
can you say you were unhappy

or that it was negative.

Positive or neutral.

Understood?

No problem.

It was by far the most
neutral experience of my life.

Good luck.

Can you shut your trap?

I'd like some sleeping
pills, please.

Small, medium or large?

Large.

Life is worth living, sir.

Come here, my boy.

Thank you.

Your mother should be here soon.

- Have some tea.
- Thank you, dear Aonan.

Hurry, Negin. It'll be dark
soon. Mother will be worried.

I don't trust that man.

Don't jump to conclusions.

I fear he's leading us off a
cliff like a herd of bison.

You judge people too quickly.
Look for the beige building.

They're all beige!
He tricked us!

We'll ring the doors one by one.

Excuse me, agha.

Does Abdolrahman
Ghamghosar live here?

Ostad Ghamghosar?
The turkey dealer?

Yes!

No, but his shop is close by.

Can you tell us how to find it?

You're now in the
Brown District.

You must go back through
the Beige District.

Beyond the Cold Storage
Depot, you will see his shop.

Is it a beige building?

Of course not!

The Cold Storage Depot marks
the border to the Grey District.

Thank you, agha!

You wouldn't have a cigarette?

Such impolite children.

My misfortune is unrelenting.

You see? He sent
us the wrong way!

Try to be charitable, Negin.

But he told us the
building was beige!

Maybe he's colour blind.
Grey is very close to beige.

This isn't even Zamenhof street.

Stop complaining.

A. GHAMGHOSAR

Salam. Are you
Abdolrahman Ghamghosar?

No, my dear.

I'm his brother, Hafez.
Like the great poet.

Will he be back soon?

He went to the Bus Terminal
to pick up a beautiful turkey.

I don't know when he'll return.

His friend sent us
here to borrow an axe.

What friend?

We don't know his name.

My darlings, I can't
lend you an axe.

Please agha, we'll
return it quickly.

Sweetheart,

do I look like someone
who could use an axe?

To provide you with top
quality turkey products,

we use only the gentlest
system of circular saws.

No axe here!

Could we borrow a circular saw?

You'd need a very large
truck to cart it away.

Would you like to see it?

No thank you, agha.

We are in a hurry,
can't you help us?

My intelligent, clever girl.

Tell me, what do you want
to be when you grow up?

A cognitive neuroscientist.

Very good. Well done.

In order to study
the human brain,

you must learn to
operate circular saws.

Come, my dear, let me show you.

Another time. We
just need an axe.

It's an emergency!

So why not try Ashdown's
Hardware Store?

You'll find an axe there.

Or try the Snow Shoveler
at the Parking Pavilion.

You can borrow his ice pick.

Where's Ashdown's Hardware?

In the Bazaar. Behind
the Cold Storage Depot.

Let's split up.

- Negin, this is hopeless.
- Why?

If I cut through the
Cold Storage Depot,

I can still make my
santoor lesson on time.

Forget your santoor!
I'll go to the Bazaar.

Whoever finds an axe first
goes straight to the Pavilion.

But if I miss a week,
I'll fall behind!

You'll be fine!

If we lose each other, go
to the Kleenex Repository.

Omid's mom works there.

Okay, but you owe me.

I got you.

Thank you, agha!

Come back to see the
circular saws another time.

Salam, welcome! What
can I do for you?

I need some turkey.

The lowest prices in
Quebec? Are you sure?

Jean is sure!

At Jean Suissûr, our
reputation is your guarantee.

- Got chairs?
- Jean's got 'em!

- Got shelves?
- Jean's got 'em!

- Got sofas?
- Jean's got 'em!

- Got cheap carpets?
- Jean's got 'em! And that's not all!

A ticket to Winnipeg, please.

One-way or return?

I don't know.

It's cheaper if you
buy a return ticket.

Cash only. The
machine is broken.

- I only have $120 in cash...
- One way.

You can buy the return
ticket in Alberta.

In Manitoba.

What?

At Jean Suissûr, our used
furniture is used only in Quebec,

by fellow Quebecers.

Proud and pure, are you sure?

Everything is sure!
Or my name isn’t Jean!

Jean Suissûr!

Mind if I sit here?

Okay.

Does my face give
you a headache?

Sorry?

My face arrived just
before your Advil.

Ah no, it's just
a sleeping pill.

I was going to sleep
through Ontario.

Oh, that's a shame.

You'll miss out.

Ontario is very romantic
in the moonlight.

Cigarette?

Iraj. Iraj Bilodeau.

Matthew.

Are you from Montreal?

Usually.

Tourist?

Kind of.

Winnipeg is a strange
destination for tourism.

My ex-wife, Maryse, always
felt homesick in Winnipeg.

She was from Quebec.
A bit like you.

She always wanted to
move back to Montreal,

but I had to take
care of my parents.

During the 1995 referendum,

she finally left me.

And the very day she
returned to Montreal,

she was flattened in a
steamrolling accident.

I loved her with all my heart.
I wanted her to be happy.

Every spring, I make this trip
to Montreal to visit her grave.

You know the Winnipeg
song "These Eyes"?

These eyes

Cry every night for you

These arms

Long to hold you again

You know Persian?

A little.

Khanoum jan!

Khanoum jan!

Yes, khanoum. What's wrong?

I refuse to sit
next to this turkey.

The turkey has a
ticket, just like you.

He is a paying customer.

Normally we store turkeys
down below with the luggage.

Buses should be for humans only.

Khanoum,

didn't you feel the
frost this morning?

Would you put your goldfish or
your cat down there to freeze?

How am I supposed to relax
with so much gobbling?

Khanoum, this turkey belongs
to Abdolrahman Ghamghosar.

Mr. Ghamghosar?

Yes.

The famous turkey expert?

Yes, khanoum.

He paid for its seat and will
welcome it at the Bus Terminal.

I have known great
suffering in life, you know.

My sons choked to death in a
marshmallow-eating competition.

My husband was killed
by a swarm of wasps.

I have neighbours
who steal my rhubarb.

And now, after all
I've had to endure,

you make me sit
next to this turkey?

Khanoum, this turkey has
won Avian Beauty Pageants.

You're fortunate to sit next
to such a splendid creature.

Nonsense! I'd rather
he was a bowl of soup!

Do you know how many turkeys
I've roasted in my life?

Millions!

I work at a French
immersion school.

You can't imagine
the little bastards.

I'd even call them repugnant.

No culture, no intelligence.

There are some I suspect of...

Well, in any case,
they're unclean.

They're like vermin.

Are you asleep?

Agha, are you asleep?

Khanoum!

Khanoum jan, you're still here?

The bus broke down.

Even the turkey evacuated!

Hurry along! You’ll
warm up by walking.

Come on! Move it!

WELCOME TO WINNIPEG

ONE GREAT CITY!

WINNIPEG COLD STORAGE

OLD DUTCH CHIPS

NUTTY CLUB CANDIES & NUTS

NATIONAL TYPEWRITER

Have a birthday cake, agha.

My birthday is in August, agha.

How unfortunate!

Keep it in your freezer!

It'll be good five
birthdays from now!

No worry at all, agha!

God stands witness!

G 54.

O 64.

N 37.

B 7.

Single 7.

N 42.

BINGO EVERY DAY FROM 6AM

G 45.

- Salam, agha.
- Salam, agha.

How many bingo
cards do you want?

Sorry agha, can I
use your telephone?

Our game is for a
good cause today.

There's a woman in East
Kildonan who can't stop crying.

Today's jackpot wins her a
year's supply of Kleenex.

You should buy many cards.

Please agha, your telephone.

Here's the phone.

Yes, we have a winner!

Congratulations, khanoum!

Now, who will win
the November Kleenex?

Congratulations.

Thanks agha, but I don't want to
use the jackpot to buy Kleenex.

What's wrong with Kleenex?

Oh, I love Kleenex.

I am the lacrimologist
at Brookside Cemetery.

- Hello.
- Hello.

Is this 284-5197?

Yes. Who's this?

Can I speak with
Mrs. Rankin please?

I am her son.

Agha Rankin!

I'm so happy to meet
you! Are you in Winnipeg?

Yes.

Who is speaking?

My name is Massoud, agha.

Alright. May I speak
with my mother, please?

Your mother is
resting at the moment.

I have to go to work now.

But we can meet tonight.

Who are you exactly?

Meet me at the Tim Horton's.
Across from the Louis Riel Grave...

...drop by sometime, I'll
show you my tear collection.

Bravo! Well done!

Mrs. Shanazarian has
so many new fans!

IT'S A LONG TRAMP

CHAINSAWS

MATTHEW, AGE 5

MATTHEW, AGE 8

MATTHEW, AGE 12

I hope your hands don't suffer.

Here you go, agha.
Finest quality ice cream.

Agha, this is too kind.

And a cup of tea so
you don't catch cold.

Thank you, Dara.

Sorry for the detour, agha.

But I thought you'd like
to see the city again.

My parents met at
this ice-cream stand.

They fell in love here.

Back then, Winnipeg was
a very romantic place.

Anyway, I'll take you
to the Tim Hortons now.

Who's meeting you there?

He said his name was Massoud.

Is he a friend of your family?

Maybe. I called my mother's
phone and he answered.

She never mentioned him before?

I don't remember.

You can stay with us
whenever you like.

Your mother also.

It's still your home, agha.

Mind if I put on some music?

Do you find the
city has changed?

No, not really.

My eldest son Morteza
is learning French.

He wants to be a
famous comedian.

Perhaps he will move away too.

I hope he will remember to
visit us once in a while.

This is the grave of Louis
Riel, founder of Manitoba.

150 years ago, he led an uprising
against the Canadian Government

to protect the rights
of the Métis Nation.

For this, he was convicted of
treason and sentenced to death.

Was he able to earn a good
income as a revolutionary?

What was his annual
salary, for example?

Riel did not care about money. He
devoted his life to helping others.

Do people still think
of him as a traitor?

No.

Our ancestors hurt him and
punished him for his courage.

But today we understand
that he was a hero.

Everything you see around you,

every building, every
parking lot, every flower

owes something to his sacrifice.

Let us honour his dear memory
with 30 minutes of silence.

LOUIS RIEL (1844-1885)
FATHER OF MANITOBA

What time will this
Massoud meet you there?

He said seven o'clock.

That's a long time to wait.

What will you do all afternoon?

I don't know. Maybe
I'll just wait.

It's actually a very
beautiful Tim Hortons.

And there's a relaxing
view of the highway.

Time will pass quickly, agha.

Here we are.

TIM HORTONS

ALWAYS FRESH

Sure you don't want
me to wait with you?

I'll be fine.

Shirin wanted to give your
mother these candied walnuts.

Mothers worry when their
children are far away.

Please give these to her,
and invite her to visit us.

I will. Thank you.

And here are some
socks for you, agha.

The closest thing
your feet will touch.

Agha, you are very kind.

I would die for you.

I'll never forget this day.

I have three
brothers in my life.

You are the fourth.

May all your days be filled
with joy and happiness.

Our competitors put genetic
mutations on your dinner table.

Unacceptable!

Or imitation turkey
meat made from pigeons.

Unacceptable!

Our grandfather came to Manitoba
90 years ago with a dream.

You know friends,

he was the most voluptuous
turkey I've ever seen.

I met him online.

We texted for months until
I knew he was the one.

I spent a fortune to
bring him to our shop.

Master, let me get you a
double-double. It will cheer you up.

I cannot accept!

I have been crying on
your shoulder all morning.

I will pay!

The dream of delicious and
reasonably-priced turkey products

for all Winnipeggers.

I sing poems to my
turkeys every night

so they will live
calm and happy lives.

We have the gizzards!

We have the gravy!

Khanoum jan! You brought
tea from outside?

Throw it out! This
is Tim Hortons.

Come get a turkey
at 843 Main Street.

We want to serve you!

ROD PEELER, REALTOR
"I NEVER SLEEP!"

This is one of the first
residential structures

in Winnipeg's historic
Beige District.

There once was a tree which
blocked this magnificent fresco.

Thankfully, the tree
was chopped down.

So now everyone
can enjoy the view.

Did any famous people live here?

No.

But many nice, unknown
people have lived here.

Like who?

For example, Siavash Yazdanmehr,

the administrative assistant.

Aidin Firouzabadi,

the fax machine operator.

Lots of people.

Let's move now to our
next point of interest.

Someone forgot this
briefcase here in 1978.

Since then, nobody has dared
to move it from this spot.

What's inside, agha?

No one has ever looked inside.

- Who was the owner?
- Nobody knows.

It is said he was
waiting for a bus.

Perhaps he will
return for it one day.

A few years ago, the Forgotten
Briefcase and its bench

were enshrined as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.

A monument to absolute
inter-human solidarity,

even at its most
basic and banal.

OK. Let's move on to our
next interesting place.

I don't know about you, but I've
had quite enough of this tour.

And in such frozen weather!

Even if you beat the dog,
it still won't go out.

And yet he drags us on!

I left my poor beautiful
cat Pashmak alone at home

and came on this tour
in this horrific cold!

The skin on my
face is destroyed!

My whole body is shaking!

A STRONG ECONOMY HELPS TO
PREVENT FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS

PORTAGE PLACE SHOPPING MALL IMPROVING
DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG SINCE 1987

NO LOITERING ZERO TOLERANCE

Agha, why doesn't the
clock have any hands?

Portage Place is timeless.

Do they still screen 3D films?

No, 3D films were too exciting.

Now they only show
one-dimensional films.

Interesting.

When this fountain
was built in 1987,

a magnificent geyser would burst
from the centre every 15 minutes.

It dazzled us.

Hundreds of Winnipeggers
would gather here for hours,

watching in amazement every time
the water would burst forth.

But today, it will not
even shed a teardrop.

Can we still throw in
coins for good luck?

No, all wishes are cancelled.

Why?

To discourage loitering.

Loitering? There's
nothing to see here!

A fountain without
water is meaningless.

I don't know why
you brought us here.

Perhaps I brought
you here out of hope.

A small hope that the
water may someday return

and endazzle us once again.

Salam, agha.

I'm sorry, but there's no
loitering allowed here.

This is a registered
tour group, agha.

I do have a permit.

Let's have a look.

This permit is for
30 seconds only.

You've been here a whole minute.

Forgive me, agha, I
lost track of time.

This is a site of
historical importance.

You can't just hang around
here. There are rules.

- Yes, of course.
- Move along!

Friends, let's go.

We'll head to our next stop.

I'm on my way to the
cemetery but I have no money.

I can lend you some money.

- Nazgol! Come quick!
- What is it?

A matter of life and
death! Come right now!

Agha, this flower is very
beautiful. Here you are.

- Negin! What's going on?
- Hurry!

Children!

BROOKSIDE CEMETERY

Lord Jesus who wept for your
friend Lazarus in the tomb,

wipe away our tears.

Take a Kleenex. Crying
will make you feel better.

What a grave sorrow.

Do you want a Kleenex?

You can cry. Crying
will calm you.

LAIRD FORBES
RANKIN 1940 - 2017

BELOVED FATHER, AUTHOR
AND ADMINISTRATOR

Happy birthday, khanoum.

Thanks, it's for
my mother-in-law.

Excuse me khanoum, where
is Ashdown's Hardware?

- Further down, dear one.
- Thank you.

- Do you need help?
- No, thank you.

J.H. ASHDOWN HARDWARE COMPANY

Salam, khanoum.

What do you want? I'm
closing up, little missy.

- Do you have an axe?
- Small, medium or large?

Sorry?

Here's a small, a medium or a
big one. Which one you want?

What's best for breaking ice?

- Ice?
- Yes.

These are for wood. Are
you going ice-fishing?

No, I need to chip away
some ice on the sidewalk.

Take the small one.
It's 100 Riels.

Can I just borrow it?

Borrow it?

This isn't the West
Kildonan Public Library!

Are you closing already?

- Aziz, my dear! How are you?
- I'm good, and you?

- I'm well. What's new?
- Hold on.

Look what I brought you.

A turkey.

I'll make some soup and
bring you some tomorrow.

Great, I'll stop by then.

You're wasting my time!

Please, khanoum.

Come back with 100 Riels.

Please.

Get out of my shop, little girl.

Agha, do you still have tea?

Come back tomorrow, little
girl. I open at 6 am.

You know, my friend,

this turkey that I lost,

he really was everything to me.

His gobbling breathed
life into my soul.

Now that he's gone, I'm
crazed with depression.

- I don't know what to do!
- I feel you.

Double-double!

Agha.

Agha.

Agha.

Young girl, the tea shop
is no place for you.

Agha, can I borrow
some boiling water?

Borrow water?

You mean you'll bring it back?

I mean I need a whole
samovar of hot water.

I can lend you a kettle.

A full one?

I can hardly carry a full
one and I'm twice your size.

Get a grown-up to help you.

Can't you help me?

I have to serve the tea.

Ask anybody. Everyone is nice.

I know them all.

Except for that man over there.

Go on, someone will help you.

Agha.

Sir?

My sister gave you her flower.

The flower is very beautiful.

Remember?

Why do you speak French so well?

I go to a French
immersion school.

Do you like that?

No, my teacher is
completely insane.

Your accent is
really strange, agha.

Are you from Alberta?

I've been away for a long time.

- Is it much further?
- No, it's just up ahead.

I have to get back
to Tim Hortons.

- Don't worry, agha.
- Okay.

No!

It's gone.

Perhaps your sister
came back for it.

Maybe.

Would you like a walnut?

No, thank you.

I have to go find my sister,
agha. Forgive me, agha! Goodbye!

Sorry agha. We blew a fuse.

But the tea is still hot.

A gift from Mr. Horton.

Drink before it gets cold.

Mr. Rankin?

Salam.

My name is Massoud.

We spoke on the telephone.

Are you well, agha?

So nice to meet you.

Do you know today’s date, agha?

The 28th?

It's February 29th!

Your mother's 76th birthday.

My wife has ordered a
cake from Jila's Bakery.

Do you have any children, agha?

No.

My son is quite a handful.

Are you married?

No.

Now that you are home,

maybe you can meet
someone and settle down.

It's nice to be with loved
ones in this cold weather.

Buy this paper
shredder! Only 30 Riels.

We have no papers to shred.

You can make noodles
with it. Or shoelaces.

No thank you. We
don't need it.

Shortly after your
father passed away,

I started working
for your mother.

I shoveled snow for her.

For three winters I
shoveled her walkway.

But one day she called me
in the middle of summer.

Forgive me for saying so, agha,

but her memory was fading.

She believed that I was you.

Matthew, Massoud, the
names are similar.

Of course I tried to tell her,

"No, Mrs. Rankin,
my name is Massoud.

"Your son Matthew lives
in Montreal, remember?"

But when I returned that
winter to shovel her walkway,

she was so overjoyed to see you.

She invited me in for tea.

She showed me photographs
from my childhood.

The story of the day I was born.

My first steps.

My first words.

And how much I cried
whenever she let me go.

Careful reminders of what
to do if I ever got lost,

and how to find my way home.

She was so happy to be
close to you again, agha.

I know it's difficult
to understand.

I hope you don't
think less of me.

But I played a role.

But why does she live with you?

The bank expropriated her house.

So she came to live with us.

We have a modest apartment,

but we do our best
to take care of her.

My wife Sahar is a lacrimologist
at Brookside Cemetery.

We take in laundry
from the neighbours.

I shovel snow when I can.

And I work as a customer
service representative

at the Winnipeg
Earmuff Authority.

I'm also a freelance tour guide.

There is very little
tourism in Winnipeg,

but I love to show people
the places I care about.

Your mother is very happy here.

You'll see.

COLLECTED TEARS 2002-2019

Have some tea, agha.

You’ll feel better.

Why do so much?

She had no one else, agha.

Yes.

But it's not your problem.

Just as the Assiniboine

joins the Red River

and together they flow
into Lake Winnipeg,

we are all connected, agha.

I could have helped.

We tried to find you.

To be honest, we
thought you were dead.

When your mother
came to live with us,

we transferred her
phone number here.

Hoping that you
might call one day.

I understand if you were busy.

Listen agha, Sahar
will be home soon.

We can all have cake

and celebrate Mother's
birthday together.

Go to her room now.

You will see that it looks just
like your home on Elm Street.

Your childhood photo
is on the wall.

I've seen her looking
at you many times

with such loving eyes.

Get up now, agha.

Go wake her gently.

Turn on her nightlight.

So her eyes can slowly
adjust to the light.

Tell her you are home now.

Mother.

Mother, are you awake?

It's Matthew.

Do you recognize me?

Turn on my night light, dear.

Is it morning or night?

It's night, mother.

- Salam.
- Salam.

Are you well?

Omid, your glasses!

Where did you find them?

Come in!

These nice girls found them!

I invited them
for birthday cake.

Salam, agha.

Did you clear the clothesline?

Mother.

This morning I
went to Elm Street.

The family that lives
there is very kind.

They asked me to give
you these walnuts,

so that you don't
worry about me.

But I'm not worried about you.

Grandma! Happy Birthday!

Omid jan! What
beautiful flowers!

I missed you, my darling.

Tell me about your
first day with new eyes.

You're a fraud, agha!

It's a complicated
situation, friends.

I have a lot of
responsibilities.

Even the Forgotten Briefcase is not
safe with you roaming the streets!

I waited for you for an hour.

What was I to do?

My friend's sister
saw the turkey.

She wrestled him

and took my glasses back.

Well done!

This man didn't help you?

What is your name again, agha?

Ah, I remember now.

You used to shovel my snow.

Anyway, the money is
here. Have some cake.

When the ice melts,
you can take it.

We don't care about money.

Agha!

Agha.

Agha, are you alright?

I'm going to leave now.

Agha, what is it?

Did something happen?

Give him the money.
He helped my sister.

I must leave.

Agha, please stay.

You're our welcome guest.

This is your home too.

Has your pressure dropped?
Do you need some nabat candy?

Agha, would you like to cry?

I once said to you

That if you return, I will share

My heart's sorrow with you

But what is there to say?

The sorrow leaves my
heart when you are here

Starring ROJINA ESMAEILI, SABA
VAHEDYOUSEFI, PIROUZ NEMATI, MATTHEW RANKIN

Director of Photography
ISABELLE STACHTCHENKO

Production Designer
LOUISA SCHABAS

Costume Designer NEGAR NEMATI

Assistant Director
FLORELLE DEL BURGO

Hair Design NERMIN GRBIC
Makeup Design MARIE SALVADO

Sound by PABLO VILLEGAS, SACHA
RATCLIFFE BERNARD GARIÉPY-STROBL

Original Music by AMIR AMIRI
CHRISTOPHE LAMARCHE-LEDOUX

Edited by XI FENG

Line Producers CATHERINE BOILY,
ROSALIE CHICOINE PERREAULT

Story and Screenplay by MATTHEW
RANKIN, PIROUZ NEMATI ILA FIROUZABADI

Executive Producers ILA
FIROUZABADI, PIROUZ NEMATI

Production SYLVAIN CORBEIL

Directed by MATTHEW RANKIN