Original subtitles

The Israeli city of Lod is the Palestinian city of Lyd, which once sat on the main railway junction.

In 1948, tens of thousands of Palestinians were exiled from Lyd in order to resettle the town with Jews.

It became a mixed Palesttinian-Jewish city located five minutes from Tel Aviv International airport.

Repossession Agency, Kareem speaking. File number please.

I need the file number, sir.

Please lower your voice so I can help you.

I know it's a new refrigerator, obviously it's new,

that's why it's being repossessed.

I call it Lyd, Some call it Lod, Others call it Lydda

I'll give you a couple of minutes to search Wikipedia

Time's up, The cops are at the door

The next station is...

Lod.

Why are you jumping?

I hear sirens...

A population of 8500 in a tight ghetto...

They built a wall to divide between...

Post bail or sign up for welfare...

I created a third option

Become the first Arab rapper...

Fuck you...

Don't want no trouble, better pull over to the side...

Give me a puff.

Give it to me, man.

You ate the whole tray?

Yeah, it was a small pizza.

Bless you... Have mercy on yourself.

It didn't even fill me up. ‘

Hey, there's 2Pac!

Hey!

What's up, man?

You know, just making money.

How about you?

Making money for somebody else...

Just finished work, heading home.

So take this.

What is it?

For your brother.

-See you later. -See you.

Call me, okay?

No problem.

Give me two from underneath please.

Let go of me! Hey! Hey!

Motherfucker! Where's the walkie-talkie?

Burn it, George! Burn it, George!

Three police cars and one undercover.

Watch out!

Go, go!

Give me!

Move!

Police!

Hear the sirens... Burn it, George!

Seethe sirens... Burn it, George!

What did we do? Burn it, George!

Don't want no trouble, better pull over!

Hands up... Burn it, George!

Empty your pockets... Burn it, George!

Spread your legs... Burn it, George!

Don't want no trouble, better pull over!

Hands up... Bum it, George!

Empty your pockets... Burn it, George!

Spread your legs... Burn it, George!

I have no record, you can look it up!

Just wait and see, Yousef.

Did you see our school?

Did you see a library there?

They turned it into a police station.

The only light we see...

is the siren.

Every time I say "Mic check, record"

Cops pull me over to check my record!

Wow, powerful!

Yes, incredible.

Who's that behind you?

Mariam!

Your father sent you to find a doctor...

and you brought back a guy from Lyd?!

As if you're any better...

Sweetheart...

Go away...

Kareem, dinner is ready...

Okay.

You're coming to your parents' concert tonight, right?

I can't be bothered to face my dad, so...

I'll get back to you later?

Okay, fine.

Bye.

Kareem, Kareem...

Why are you eating all by yourself?

Bring down some food,

and I'll treat you to a special dessert.

I gotta go.

Sit down.

Finish your dinner.

I'm full.

No, you're not.

Your mother worked hard...

Show some respect. Eat.

Play something for us...

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors...

Kareem!

Kareeeem!

Salvation at last.

Man! Sorry, sorry.

You kept me hanging...

You know what your problem is?

You act like a gangster, your life is full of drama...

But you don't leave the house without permission from your mama!

What's up?

Where to?

Come on!

We're going to have some fun.

Who's driving? Yousef?

- All good? - Just a second.

Everything cool?

I got you a badass Mercedes to show off.

Fuck your Mercedes! Why did you bring him?

Why did you bring him, man?

- Should I send him home? -Yes.

I can't do that.

You want trouble from the authorities?

Just relax, man. I don't have a car.

How am I supposed to find a ride at the last minute?

- We're going to have fun. - It's not my problem!

What? What?

Stop that, come here.

Aren't you late for the concert?

He calls himself a man, but he doesn't go to college...

That's fine.

He gets fired from all his new jobs...

That's fine.

He claims to be a musician, but I've never seen him practice...

That's also fine.

But to hang out with drug dealers and thugs...

Here I draw the line.

Let's go.

Talal is not a dealer....

Give him a week and he'll open a dealing station...

Come on! Hurry up!

Who's that guy in the Mercedes?

Don't tell me it's the Imam...

What do you know?

Don't be rude to your father. Talk with respect!

He started it.

Why did you...

Why did you call me, Dad?

Because I'm exhausted and I wanted you to drive us...

back from the concert.

You know you're only making it worse, right?

I know.

And now, allow me to invite to the stage...

From Lyd and for Lyd...

Tayseera and Mounir Awad.

Good evening, comrades.

We'll stand strong and things will get better, right?

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors,

Where I find pleasure,

In my home and song...

Is there another bottle?

Well get more, don't worry.

We'll stop at the store...

Pour me all that's left.

Idiot.

He's got the prettiest girl in the country...

But look where he ended

With us in the brothel!

Hay!

Mad respect, bless your words...

But mention my girlfriend again and I'll fuck your mom!

Isn't that what the Jewish bitches are for?

Anyone else wants to doubt my talent?

-Talal. - What?

How much? 200 an hour?

No, it's 150.

Ask your friend for me.

The girl I got for you today... She's hot.

Sergey! What's up?

- Sweetie. - Hello...

What's up?

Go, go.

Just a second..

One second.

"Where are you, love? Your parents are amazing on stage."

At least I got laid, unlike Kareem.

He got fucked!

Guys, leave Kareem alone.

Because Kareem is a hopeless romantic...

"Look at her text message... Wow!"

What is it, my love?

Tired?

I'm okay.

Kareem.

- What? - What.

What happened?

My mom is going to live...

My dad was killed.

Bless his soul.

Where is Hussam?

Not here. At the funeral home.

Pardon us...

There is no God but Allah.

No slumber can seize him.

His are all things in the heavens and on earth...

We come from God and to God we shall return.

Patience is a form of faith and its reward is great.

Patience is derived from faith.

The Prophet Muhammad says

there is no greater gift than patience.

There is no greater gift...

God have mercy on our dead,

and on our living, and on our young and old.

God,

do not withhold your blessings,

and prevent us from quarreling.

Say your goodbyes.

Kiss him on the forehead.

I'm sorry, Dad.

God have mercy on your soul, Dad.

Be strong.

May God have mercy on his soul.

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors.

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors...

The bastards are coming.

I hope you're not carrying anything...

Hello.

Where are you walking to?

I'm not walking anywhere...

What are you doing here, if I may ask.

- We live here. - You live here?

IDs please.

I don't have one, I'm a minor.

Take him to the fence and search him.

I didn't do anything. What did I do?

Shut up. Go to the fence.

Hey! You can't do this to us. We haven't done anything wrong.

Honey...

Do me a favor...

Go to the fence with your hands up. Right now!

- Are you serious? - Shut up and go to the fence!

Hands up!

Code 443, Code 443... There's a disturbance on.

Leave them for now...

God, give me strength.

Everything alright?

Fine, fine.

God have mercy on his soul.

Leave me.

Stop, stop...

Put your arm around me.

Ready?

Don't worry Mom, it's nothing.

I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble.

Don't say that.

Hocus Pocus!

Look, now there are drawings...

Wow, how nice!

- Let's do it again. -1 want to try it.

Hocus Pocus!

Look!

Now the drawings in color!

Isn't it amazing? Clap your hands!

- You have a big family... - Do you want some?

But they're not as beautiful as you...

Hello.

My cousins... Sami and Rasheed.

Pleasure meeting you.

Amir.

Hello Amir.

Hussam.

Welcome, Hussam. Welcome, guys.

Are you going to sing?

We hope so...

I don't like rap.

We got sick of it in Brooklyn. It's nonsense.

Pardon me...

I'll see you later.

I hope you'll enjoy our show anyway.

Kareem, let's go.

Excuse me.

Guys, are you ready?

Put your hands up...

Come on, higher, higher!

Clap with me!

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors.

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors.

I'm not a lawyer, not a doctor,

Even a mechanic, I'm not.

I fly high without feathers,

I have crocodile skin.

Headphones in class, beats hitting hard

Dictionary in my hands, translating rap

Yo Teacher, I'm trying to learn English

Please shut up so I can hear the lyrics!

In school they said I was writing fantasies,

But I'm not writing rap,

I'm writing future realities.

I bring a new style,

My pants wide like my imagination.

I don't care about love and..

I don't sing about girls.

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors.

Hands in the air,

Raise your voice,

Shake the walls,

Wake up the neighbors.

Thank you.

I would like to invite to the stage...

The best singer in the Middle East...

Nah, I think it's time to cut the cake. Happy birthday.

I'm sick of amateur shows and birthday parties.

We deserve better.

Even the mosque has a better sound system.

There are these Jewish guys who buy weed from Talal...

At the Marley Club in Tel Aviv. People rap there.

Kareem,

maybe they'll let us perform?

We sing in Arabic, they won't understand.

Don't you worry. With what Talal sells them...

Even Hebrew they wouldn't understand.

Should I call and ask him?

I don't know... Call him.

Call him.

Ladies!

What's up?

Come kiss the hand of your new manager.

How come?

You got us a performance?

Don't believe it? Trust me!

You bastard!

Don't make me regret this, okay?

You're afraid we'll embarrass you? -Maybe.

You're the one who is embarrassing.

My income is on the line. Hearthat?

Don't make me regret this.

He's afraid we're going to embarrass him...

Respect, man.

Now help us clean up...

What's that?

What?

- It's the same one. - Yeah, the same one.

Tell me something...

Did you buy medicine with my mom yesterday?

Yeah. Why?

No reason. How are you?

Fine.

I registered for next semester...

The family is pressuring my mom.

They don't want me living alone.

Just like Michael Jackson.

Yeah, a bit too much.

Try this one on.

So it's a new semester....

And... They want me to get married.

That way I'll be someone else's responsibility, not theirs.

What do you think?

Honestly?

I'm glad I don't have a sister.

I'm being serious now.

You don't want a problem like me?

Manar, we talked about this.

I have no income, no job, nothing.

If I make it big, we can live off the music...

Okay?

Do you want to sing with us tonight at the Marley?

In Hebrew?

Hebrew,

Go perform for the Jews by yourself.

My love, I didn't mean it...

I was kidding, come back.

Kareem, my cousins are here!

What are you talking about?

So...

Jews, cousins, family... Same shit, huh?

Not funny!

Now for real, Kareem. I can't have my cousins following me around...

Anyway...

I'll go with you to the club tonight.

Hey! We can sing that song...

I said I'll come, I didn't say I'll sing.

Okay, thanks.

Try this one.

Like that...

Everyone put your hands up...

RPG.

67 Carat.

Sing with us.

Everybody sing with us...

The nation of Israel lives!

The nation of Israel lives!

The nation of Israel lives!

You are our family.

DJ, hit it.

Have no fear, Israel

Your symbol is the lion cub,

And when the lion roars,

Everyone is fearful...

Have no fear, Israel

Your symbol is the lion cub,

And when the lion roars,

Everyone is fearful...

The nation of Israel lives! The nation of Israel lives!

The nation of Israel lives!

What the fuck, Kareem?

They're cool...

Can't you hear the words?

Put your hands in the air...

Listen to the beat, the phrasing...

Kareem, I'm leaving...

My nation is my blood, my drug

My mic is like a gun, you can't run

RPG, I am irresistible

Since '48 I am invincible.

War is not a game, don't mess with me.

What's up?

I fought for you with my bare hands,

Terror attacks, going off-track,

It's a cursed commandment,

We are being led to the grave,

We can't stand it anymore...

The nation of Israel lives!

Thank you for coming, everyone!

You are our family! You are our blood!

Wake

Get crazy...

Lose your mind...

Wake

Here comes the guy from Lod,

who will keep you wanting more.

Kareeeeem!

Hello.

First, a little explanation.

We are going to perform a song called "Burn it, George."

In Arabic the title is a...

code name.

Lod has one of the biggest drug markets in the Middle East.

When there's a police raid, that's the lookout's warning...

burn the evidence.

So when I shout something, you answer...

Burn it, George!

Hussam!

Hear the sirens... Burn it, George!

Seethe sirens... Burn it, George!

What did we do? Burn it, George!

Don't want no trouble, Better pull over!

Hands up... Burn it, George!

Empty your pockets... * Burn it, George!

Spread your legs... Burn it, George!

I have no record, you can look it up!

I call it Lyd, others call it Lod or Lydda.

I'll give you a couple of minutes to search Wikipedia.

Time's up. The police are at the door...

We live next to the train tracks...

300 trains at the door!

The only pathway is between passing trains,

Ten kids have died already,

And there is no one to complain to...

A population of 8500 in a ghetto tighter than a pussy,

So go to hell before you tell me to go to school!

Have you seen our school?

Did you see a library there?

They turned it into a police station.

The only light we see...

is the siren.

Every time I say "Mic check, record"

The cops pull me over to check my record!

Hear the sirens... Burn it, George!

Seethe sirens... Burn it, George!

What did we do? Burn it, George!

Don't want no trouble, better pull over!

Hands up... Burn it, George!

Empty your pockets... Burn it, George!

Spread your legs... Burn it, George!

I have no record, you can look it up!

What is this joke... Where did you find him?

- Great show, awesome vibes. - You enjoyed it?

Kareem is a great stage name.

No, it's my real name.

- Where are you guys really from? - Lod.

-Which Lod? Jaffa? - Lod. Near the airport...

- What's your name? - RPG.

I mean the name on your ID...

R-P-G.

- Seriously? -Yes.

- Kalashnikov? - Formerly Kalashnikov...

This is 67 Carat, bro. Show some respect.

Of course! Great show...

- Did you invite... - Yes, you're invited to our after-party.

It's gonna get wild and messy... Do you have another ticket?

Come, it's at the loft next door.

- Seriously, bro? - I'm serious.

- Come, let people see you. -Thanks.

Beer?

Two beers, please.

Shots on the house. Whiskey?

You were amazing...

Not only a concert, but also whiskey!

Excuse me?

Cheers!

I'm a researcher for Sunrise, the TV show. Or do you not know it?

You look like night owls, like you love to party and wake up late.

I'm Tali.

It's a pleasure. I'm Kareem.

I'm Amir.

Can I have your phone number, Kareem?

Unless you don't want to be on our show...

No, I didn't say that.

Great. Can I have your number?

I have two friends with me.

They can watch you on TV... We want only you.

-Why? - Because I like

- Is this your band? -Yes.

- Are you an Israeli Arab rapper? - Kind of...

Come, drink. It's on the house, right?

- What are you? - What?

- Are you shy? - No...

- Are you gay? - No way, you're gay...

- Are you interested? - In what?

In me...

Yes, somehow...

You're the prettiest here. The sexiest.

You are my sunrise...

My moon..

But I have a girlfriend.

You're weird.

I have a friend who is stationed at Qalandia checkpoint.

They have to check everyone going in and out of the checkpoint.

What can he do? An order is an order.

Anyone causing problems, gets pulled to the side.

Once there was this old Palestinian man with his grandson.

A real Palestinian, not like you.

The real deal, from the West Bank.

It was a hot day. A bit boring...

So the guys wanted to pass the time, play a little game.

They asked the old man to run...

from where he stood to the guard tower in 30 seconds.

No problem. A very easy task.

He did it in 45 seconds.

So they asked him to do it again, but to try harder.

And he looked fit. A construction worker or something...

But no! He won't cooperate.

He sits on the ground and won't move.

As if he was protesting.

My friend was nice to him, he asked him to stand up.

Because protesting is not a good thing to do.

It's just not a good thing.

Suddenly his grandson becomes weirdly emotional,

and decides to attack my friend from behind.

So they had to teach the son of a bitch a lesson.

And now he's rotting in jail for assaulting a soldier.

And I think to myself... Isn't it a shame?

All the old man had to do was get up on his feet.

Really...

Cheers. Loosen up... Welcome to the Middle East, my brother.

To art, yes?

Did you see the one that I was dancing with?

If you would have let me, I could have taken her home...

You ruined it. You wanted to leave...

But you know what? Bros before hos!

I wouldn't sell my bros for all the pussy in the world...

Just so you know. The only pussies at that party... were us.

What is that over there?

Motherfuckers!

- An eviction order? - Yeah.

Talal, what is it, an invitation to another party?

Shut up!

Another eviction order?

Yes.

Those motherfuckers...

- Easy, easy. - Open the door.

Move the bag out of the way.

Those motherfuckers... Fuck their democracy!

Fuck those assholes...

Get out, you.

Lower your voice! They're sleeping!

Move. Move...

Move.

Go, go.

-Come on... - We should put Amir with the goats.

Every time he drinks we need to babysit him...

Shh... lower your voice!

"The Museum of Coexistence

Coexistence, eh?

Sit down. Don't let it bother you.

All I want is a joint to blow my mind.

I don't care anymore. Fuck it.

By the time they build their museum, I'll be coexisting with a Romanian chick...

Blue eyes...

Smoking weed, making babies in the snow.

I swear. In the middle of the snow.

That's a 9 mm.

Fuck, you're so stupid. It's fireworks.

I swear it's a 9 mm.

I assure you that it's fireworks.

I told you so. Fuck off, bitch!

It's actually the sound of the slap that chick gave me...

Go to sleep already! Dumbass...

Roll us a joint and let's smoke...

Let the frustration

Yes.

Yo.

What do you want?

Manar!

What is it, Kareem? Have fun last night?

They apologized for '67 and for '48...

They also gave us the right of return.

You should've been there. It was a historic moment.

It's not funny...

Manar... You're the one who ditched me.

I tried to follow you...

Sorry my love. I'm really sorry.

...Talal! Good morning. Come eat breakfast.

Give it to me, I'll take it.

We're missing a hookah...

Put that away, my dad's here.

- The lawyer will be here soon. - Okay.

- Get ready. - No problem.

Good morning, Abu Abdullah.

Good morning, guys. Welcome.

My only work is managing you guys, and it's not even an actual job.

You think it's funny? It's not real work.

How can you cut me a percent of no profit? How much is twenty percent of zero?

Better than nothing.

- Hello. - Hello, welcome.

- I'm the lawyer from Adala organization. -Abu Abdullah.

- Nice to meet you. - Welcome.

Talal!

Talal!

What?

The lawyer is here.

Coming.

I promise to help you to resolve this case.

Talal, give her the money, Son.

No, not now. Well take only what is needed for the appeal.

Look, I'm going to be frank with you. The situation is not looking good.

The evidence that the state has provided, according to its own laws, is very strong.

Thank you.

If you flee the country, the state considers your house abandoned property,

and it sells it to the Jewish National Fund.

- Why to the Jewish National Fund? - Because it sells and rents only to Jews...

They are claiming that you fled to Jordan in 1948?

- We didn't flee, they kicked us out! -1 know.

There was a massacre in the Dahmash mosque, next to our home,

they told us that we are next.

That's when you fled to Jordan? - It was our only option.

How did you manage to return? - My family stayed there...

I was the youngest boy. I snuck back here to take care of the goats.

According to the state of Israel, your presence here is illegal.

- A present absentee. - What do you mean?

How can I be absent when I'm right here in my own home?

Just a moment... You said that the goats stayed here?

Yes. They are here to this day.

The goats might be our last chance to win this.

When I came back here, everything was destroyed,

except for the big house.

They put a fence around it...

With signs in Arabic, Hebrew, and English that said:

Archaeological Site.

There was an opening in the fence...

I got in. I found the goats inside the house.

I started rebuilding in the yard... 60 years ago.

I've been here for over 60 years. I didn't arrive yesterday.

But two years ago...

They told us that they want the house.

In order to build a Museum of Coexistence.

To show that there is coexistence between Jews and Arabs,

Ethiopians and Russians, Bedouins and whoever else.

That is why

I have to evacuate the house for demolition.

This house is mine. I have the papers to prove it.

They laughed. They said to me,

"Maybe it belongs to the goats, but it's not yours."

- Hopefully it all works out. -1 hope so.

It's crucial to organize demonstrations for support.

Mom, did you take anything?

God,

those who are proud will not be humiliated...

Those who are guided will not go astray...

God...

Do you know where the big boss is?

- Can you tell him that I'll be late tomorrow? - Sure.

- Want to know why? - Not really.

- It's actually a good reason. - Really?

Good luck.

Bye.

And now, we have Kareem Avid,

Awad, Awad.

Sorry, it's Awad.

The first Israeli Arab rapper...

What a celebrity!

My songs are not political, they just describe the place I come from.

Looks like he's been doing this all his life...

You come from Lod, which ironically, is a city most Israelis don't know.

Why do you think that is?

Lyd is a tough place, especially on our side.

I'm talking about poverty, neglected schools...

I'm talking about settlers, police brutality towards us.

Police corruption...

We live 15 kilometers from fucking...

Sorry, I can say "fucking," right?

Funny guy.

I'm not trying to be funny.

I'm trying to explain that you don't know we exist.

You said you're not political...

I'm not political. But does it make sense to you

that to build a Museum of Coexistence they have to demolish my friend's home?

I swear he's the man!

He shouldn't have mentioned the house. It will open the door for evil.

I couldn't help myself. Every other word was "fucking"...

- Manar, don't give me that look. - What look?

TV made me sexy.

-1 liked what you did... - Thanks Fayza, sweetie.

- I'm coming to the party tonight. - You won't run away?

I'll tell you if I do...

Push it!

Come on...

Mom, you have to come to our show tonight.

We are late, let's move.

I'll take her.

Where the heck are we? A Jewish family's house?

- Welcome. - Hi, how are you?

- No, no need. - Welcome. Please come in.

Let's go inside.

Boys, wait for me outside.

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

I bear witness that there is no God but Allah,

and that Muhammad is his messenger.

In the name of Allah,

in the name of Allah,

seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,

the Creator of mankind, the God of mankind...

My mom totally lost it...

I don't know, Kareem, I was inside there...

I saw your mom do something incredible.

Come, come.

Repeat after me...

Kareem, Kareem!

The people want you!

Kareem! Kareem!

Marley, are you ready?

Humus, salad, fries on the side...

You like to eat at our restaurants,

But when you see too many of us,

Coexistence turns into a demographic threat.

I am not political, I am not political

I am not political...

I am not political, I am not political

I am not political...

Barbarian Arab, Indian Arab...

Stinking Arab...

- Look at his girl... - The one in black?

That bitch? I thought she was Jewish...

I sing in Arabic to fight your racism,

But you don't play Arabic on your radio.

What is he singing about?

What, you don't speak Hebrew?

You know, you don't look like an Arab...

You look like a girl who sucks Arab cock.

Hey, hey! Stop!

Darling, come up here...

I have no place,

I have no land,

I have no country.

I light fire with my fingers,

I sing to you from my heart,

The strings of my heart cry out.

I was born in Palestine...

Respect. My honest respect.

But I want to remind you of one thing.

These guys can go to Mumbai, to Dubai,

to Iran, to Japan.

This here belongs to us!

This is Israel. This is for Jews.

This is Tel Aviv. This is ours!

Look at what she's wearing, look at her necklace...

This is not the Israeli flag, this is the Palestinian...

Give it to the motherfucker!

Another one!

Kareem..

What is this tape...

Hold on...

Enough, it's good.

- I'll wrap it for you every day. - My love...

You were amazing today.

That much?

Maybe that was an exaggeration...

Let's exaggerate more...

Why?

Because you're all talk.

Ah... I crossed your line...

A little bit.

You have a Che Guevara poster, you talk about revolution...

Yet you won't cross this line.

It hurts me...

It hurts a little bit. Please...

I'm going to make tea...

So tea is better than sex?

Do you promise me that?

Why be an asshole?

Who is it?

Hello.

Is your mother here?

Come in, Yousefs mother.

You we worship, from You we ask for help.

Guide us in the right path, the path of the blessed,

not the path of the misguided. Amen.

If you come back again I might be able to help you.

You have enemies.

There are people who hate you.

Who?

You did something to them...

They are coming after you... They put a spell on you.

This cough is the work of a demon. The doctors don't understand.

There is darkness inside of you!

You have to come back so I can help you.

It's my duty to help all people.

I don't believe in this nonsense.

Believe it or don't... It's your choice.

You really asked him if he has enemies?

Do you know who he is?

A human being. Just like the rest of us.

Remember what Dad used to say about him?

How he told me to stay away?

Remember how you never listened?

I never listened to Dad?

Mom, I listened.

You're the one who brought him into our home.

I talk to your dad every day. And he agrees.

Here we go again...

Listen...

Do you even hear yourself?

You are helping a drug dealer.

Help?

I thought you didn't believe in this nonsense.

Listen to me.

You see angels... You hallucinate...

Do what you want.

But Yousef will not enter this house... Period!

Kareem!

They're demolishing Talal's house!

Run!

We have to get inside! It's our friend's house!

Leave me alone!

I left something important inside. I need it.

- You had enough time. -1 wasn't here.

Have mercy on the pigeons...

Don't worry. I'll take care of it.

Fine, fine!

Give us a second.

Just a second!

Just let it go.

Yousef will never

Officer, it will only take a second...

Take your hands off me!

Approved. Rubber bullets only!

Down with this criminal government!

Kareem! Take this.

Pull, pull!

One, two...

Down with...

My leg, you son of a bitch!

My leg!

Hussam!

I hope Talal's family is alright.

Hello.

How are you, dear?

Thank God you are safe.

-Maryam! Bye,dear. - Bye.

- Where did they shoot you, Son? - Here. Nothing serious.

They wanted names of activists...

Who was in the demonstration and who organized it.

They threatened to hurt my family... To put me in jail again...

I told them that I'm familiar with the law.

They can't jail me for more than one night.

Okay, then...

Shall we go?

Take care of yourself.

Another day in paradise...

Welcome to the club, my love.

Kareem, my arm...

- What? - It still hurts.

I'm sorry... I was worried about

Really?

I want you in my life.

What's up?

Should I get you two a room?

Come with me,

- Where to? - It's a surprise.

What surprise?

A surprise...

Take a look, man.

Check this out.

Hey Manar, Hey Hussam...

You defeated your jailer...

Hey Manar, hey Hussam...

You defeated your jailer...

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors.

Where I find pleasure,

In my home and song...

Dad, are there speakers up there?

I need to have a word with you.

Dad, is rap allowed up there?

I want to sing for you, how much I miss you.

I apologize, I understood you too late.

You knew me as a child but I never knew you as a man.

I asked my brother to sit between us,

So that I wouldn't have to talk to you.

You did the impossible, tried to talk to me,

So I would not grow up like you.

I did the impossible not to hear you,

So I won't grow up to be like you.

Talal...

Amir is usually the funny one...

But today Amir is learning to cry with you.

Thank you.

Talal, buddy... I realized something.

A weapon without culture... It can only destroy us.

But with this weapon... We will build.

Talal.

My father, God rest his soul...

He always talked about his childhood in this land.

The memories he passed on to me are...

stronger than the history that they are trying to rewrite.

Dad... Mom... God bless you.

I'm sorry for everything.

I promise I'll change.

I'm going to start studying...

and I'll rebuild our house.

Peace be upon you

The land of my ancestors

Where I find pleasure

In my home and song...

Was Mom in the audience today?

No, I didn't see her.

Did you remind her?

You know how it is... I always tell her.

I offer to take her and bring her back...

Her friends also offer...

She doesn't want to come.

I prefer a Communist mom to a healer...

Whoever pours the tea make it sweeter...

You know something?

People are really empowering us.

Last night, for example.

Despite all the crap we suffered...

I came out energized.

I liked your beat last night.

You liked it?

It shook the whole stage...

Damn. I'll be right back.

Things will get better, right? The house will be rebuilt.

Everything is gone.

Enough... Don't worry... It will be alright.

I'm telling you everything is gone.

Where are my drugs?

They demolished the house... It was all inside.

I searched. I didn't find it.

It's not my problem.

There were more than a hundred cops here...

All the drugs were inside.

I looked everywhere...

I'll say it again. It's not my problem.

I gave you something to guard.

If you don't return it, I'll...

Is this a threat? Are you threatening me?

Talal.

Talal, return what's mine.

Or what?

Hay, asshole!

Hey, asshole! Stop it with the games.

Give me money or I'll fucking...

You shit!

You boys think you're men?

Do what you want. You'll get nothing!

Forget about him!

see you around, asshole!

They just demolished his house...

You know what he's capable of...

Yousef, come back. We'll resolve it.

Yousef...

Come with me...

Follow me, well go far away...

Your brother is in prison.

And you caused me some trouble.

But I was never as proud of you as I am today.

Bless you, Father.

Bless you, Son.

I'm dying to get out of this place.

Really?

Where will you go?

Chernobyl. I don't know...

I'm leaving too.

I'm not even going to look back.

Where to, Son?

Blondes... Snow...

No headache!

I have to take a leak...

I'll be right back.

Take Amir with you...

No way.

I have enough of a headache.

Thank you for coming, everyone.

Thank you for organizing this evening.

You're welcome.

God is great.

God is great.

God is great.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of God.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of God.

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors.

Where I find pleasure,

In my home and song.

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors.

Where I find pleasure,

In my home and song.

Are there speakers up there?

Is there even an "up there"?

We'll rent an X5, like in a wedding procession.

Everyone will be proud of you.

Wear a suit, fix your tie,

Forget the pain...

We'll dance around you in the blood wedding.

My friend, the groom,

Why did you leave me all by myself?

Instead of tears of joy,

I'm crying tears of sadness.

What will I write on your wedding card

When the ink has turned into blood?

Damn this land, damn Junction '48,

I wrote you: It was a 9 mm. Congratulations.

Peace be upon you,

The land of my ancestors.

Where I find pleasure,

God, forgive him.

Amen.

God, have mercy on him.

Amen.

And give him rest in paradise.

Amen.

The land of my ancestors,

Where I find pleasure,

In my home and song...

My love...

God bless him, my love.

Yousef, that son of a bitch...

What's important is that you are alright.

Let's go upstairs.

Okay...

Let's go upstairs.

You need to keep it together, okay?

There is always this thing pulling me down...

I know how much you loved him.

But you need to continue singing... for him.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Your votes please.

Number one...

- How is it? - No.

No?

Bollywood, no. Next, next!

- Number three... - This one is pretty.

Bring it over here. Congrats.

We made a good choice...

You like it?

-Thankyou, man. - Cool one, right?

You nailed it...

Okay, we have the poster...

And now...

It's time for sound.

Manar...

Ready, Kareem?

- Should I hold it for you? - No need, I know it by heart.

Manar, it's just the guitar for now... Okay?

Three...

Two...

One...

Let us go as we are:

A free lover,

And her poet.

Let us go together,

On two different paths.

Let us go as we are:

United,

And separate.

Let us go together,

And let us...

be kind.

Give me drums.

Three... Two... One.

If only I could write you a song of clichaes,

But it's the one thing I can't do.

I want to imagine us kissing in the rain,

But I hate the rain, It reminds me of our leaking roof.

I place pots in all the corners,

The water floods the house.

I hide my love songs in the drawer,

I'll return to them after my problems are solved...

Now I'm soaking wet at your doorstep,

Pull me out of these streets.

Cover me with your clothes,

I'm afraid to stand weak in front of you.

Exorcise the demon of poverty out of me,

The demon of oppression,

The feeling that there is no tomorrow.

Exorcise my demon of drugs,

The loans to the banks,

And hug me like there is no tomorrow.

If only...

I could write that I love you.

I sing against the wall, but am building another wall between us.

If only...

I could write that I love you.

If only...

This is the first one...

Just like that...

"The Last Verse"

Do you understand what's going on?

Half a million internet downloads... And we haven't even started!

This is the first poster we hang!

We should cover it all...

Let us go as we are:

A free lover,

And her poet.

Let us go together,

On two different paths.

Let us go as we are:

United,

And separate.

Let us go together,

And let us be kind.

Manar's voice fits perfectly...

Hello.

Hello Kareem. It's Sami, Manar's cousin.

Hello Sami, what's up?

We want to ask you for a favor. Well appreciate it if you can help.

We saw the posters for your concert.

We don't like that Manar is in them.

You know our family...

It will bring them shame.

We'd like you to forbid her from performing.

Sami, please! It's the 21 st century.

What's wrong with you?

Don't disrespect our family honor.

I'm not arguing with you.

But we aren't doing anything wrong.

It's not up for debate. This girl has no boundaries...

Look, let's talk face to face.

This is an emergency. We can't do this over the phone.

Where are you?

Can I turn on the radio?

Should I rap? To break the ice...

No, no need.

We're about to arrive.

Sirens... Burn it George.

Hello.

God bless your father's soul.

He was a dear friend of ours.

But it seems he didn't raise you according to our traditions.

My father wasn't...

He wasn't that type...

We are a traditional family.

Manar's performance will bring us shame.

And if that happens...

We'll be forced to use other means with her.

- What means? I don't get it. - Our own means.

Pardon us, Uncle.

I want to speak with him in private.

We are tired of reasoning with Manar...

I'm talking to you man to man.

Men understand each other.

Don't make us hurt Manar...

We love her very much.

Don't upset us, okay?

Mom, give us a minute.

I want to listen.

It doesn't concern you.

It does concern me. You are my son.

I just want to listen. I won't interfere.

Kareem,

I met your cousins. They mean business.

They said that if I let you perform then they might hurt you.

It's my decision, not yours or my cousins'.

I'm going on stage as we agreed.

Manar, you are not listening...

She's right.

It's her decision, no one else's.

- Didn't you say you won't interfere? -I lied.

I didn't ask for your opinion...

I gave it a lot of thinking.

And I can't put her at any risk.

I can't let Manar on stage. Period.

Who are you to decide?

I was kidnapped. Not you, not her. Me.

No one forced you to get in their car.

But they threatened me!

What was their threat?

That they might hurt you!

But you hurting me is better?

Me hurting you?!

I'm trying to protect you, Manar.

What about me?

Don't I have a say?

This is for your own good.

You're a coward.

And I'll never sing with you again.

Manar.

Manar!

Manar...

Answer, my love. I'm not going to stop calling.

So?

Reading in the dark?

You used to warn us about reading in the dark...

I read and write in the dark.

This light is only to keep me awake.

So? Everything alright?

Pray for me, Mom.

Come...

May God protect you, Son.

And reward you.

And keep you from trouble.

And give you wealth and heirs.

And open the doors of heaven for you.

God, make his choices the right ones.

May God show you the right path, Son.

May God show you the right path.

That's a 22 caliber...

It's a 9 mm.

You think I'm crazy...

But I know things that you will never know.

- What do you think, Amir? - Wow!

- Is it okay? - Very much!

Hey...

You asked me to come and here I am.

Thanks, Mom.

Now it's my turn to ask you for something.

Call Manar. Ask her to come.

"Darling, the place is full and there is a microphone with your name on it."

If only...

I could write you of my love.

I sing against the wall, but am building another wall between us.

If only...

I could write you of my love.

If only...

If only I could write you a song of clichaes,

But it's the one thing I can't do.

I want to imagine us kissing in the rain,

But I hate the rain, It reminds me of our leaking roof.

I place pots in all the corners,

The water floods the house.

I hide my love songs in the drawer,

I'll return to them after my problems are solved...

Now I'm soaking wet at your doorstep,

Pull me out of these streets.

Cover me with your clothes,

I'm afraid to be weak in front of you.

Exorcise the demon of poverty out of me,

The demon of oppression,

The feeling that there is no tomorrow.

Exorcise my demon of drugs,

The loans to the banks,

And hug me like there is no tomorrow.

If only...

I could write that I love you.

I sing against the wall, but am building another wall between us.

If only...

I could write that I love you.

If only...

Mahmoud Darwish wrote that well become a nation,

When the poet will describe the female body.

I say, we'll become a nation,

When the female poet will describe the male body.

I write against the siege on Gaza,

Against those who brought us darkness,

I write for the camps, and meanwhile...

The love song is a refugee in my drawer.

I am a refugee on your doorstep,

Remind me that oppression is a border, not a need.

Take off my clothes, I am ready...

To stand naked and weak in front of you.

Create the demon of wisdom in me,

The demon of trust,

So I won't fear you, nor for you.

Create the demon of passion in me,

The demon of revolution,

I will fight for both freedom and love.

Let us go as we are:

A free lover,

And her poet.

Let us go together,

On two different paths.

Let us go as we are:

United,

And separate.

Let us go together,

And let us be kind.