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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
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