screenplay

                            The Volcano                             Written by:                              YONGYI CAI

FADE IN:

EXT/INT. VILLAGE- MORNING

The image of smoke emanating from the peak of a nearby mountain in small town in the Amazon, is shown, down slope is a small treed town with homes closely placed.  The trees are swaying from the mild wind that flows on the lee ward side of the mountain and the birds whistling. Closer zoom to the town is houses mostly made of bricks, some are wooden and roofed with iron sheets of various colors. In one of the house normal life has begun in the small town in the Amazon. The voices of children are heard in the background.  The whistling of the birds and the mooing of cows and the cries of young children continue to be heard in the background and curtains open. The town life is revealed; a household of four is shown.

Dressed in a motherly way; she is slightly tall with light complexion, she is natural. Moves in the children’s bedroom and wakes her son up.

ANTONINA TATU, get up, get up quickly, you are late! Prepare first to leave to school. Your teacher Madam ROWAN is a disciplined teacher, she does not like pupils going to school late; lateness interferes with the school’s daily program.

Madam ROWAN is a 15-year-old female, with short hair and a lot of make-up on her eyes, chicks and lips.

TATU, a five-year-old boy, dressed in shorts and shirt, pullover and leather shoes, carrying back bag takes team while standing. He is served with two crumps of Weetabix takes them in haste.

TATU- THE KINDERGARTEN CHILD

I will run very first to school; the good thing is that it is not far away from here; I am sure I will reach on time. I also hate being late, it is a bad habit.

ANTONINA That is good of you.

She sighs shakes some milk and puts packed breakfast in TATU’s bag.Looks at KAKA, a 50-year-old medium sized man; he is her husband.

2.

ANTONINA (CONT’D) Which missions will you be having for today?

Looks at her direct in the eyes, smiles.

KAKA Well as the administrator in the village, I need to communicate with the village association on the need of maintaining low hedges. There are complaints among neighbors that some are keeping very; long hedges, which are security threat.

ANTONINA Sure,

Nods his head, scratches his head

KAKA Yes; in America, the hedges are low lying so that neighbors can see what happens in the neighborhood; it is good for being a brother’s keeper.

ANTONINA I am told in Britain, long hedges are the norm, well also inform them of the need to collaborate   so that we can form the village co- operative society, it will help as access government loans and   boost our economic status.

Moves to the dining table, takes breakfast consisting of boiled eggs, sausage and black tea.

KAKA That is a good reminder, takes his coat from the hanger and puts on, moves to table and takes his breakfast.  Well let me move.

ANTONINA Well, good day

Kaka walks towards his office located in the center of the village; he meets NOAH, a 44-year-old stout man. He is unemployed, alcoholic   and has scars on his left hand from a bear attack.

3.

NOAH Good morning Mr. Kaka; it’s a pleasure to meet you this morning.

KAKA Good morning to you; how are your people?

NOAH I am fine, I think all villagers are fine; I haven’t heard of anything bad yet.  You know Kaka, some things happen by coincidence while others are predestined; i wonder why the village is thriving very fast in the middle of the forest.

Sighs looks towards the direction of the mountain and says,

I was not sure whether some jet was passing closer to that mountain, I heard some rumbling sounds from the direction of mountain; points  towards the mountain.

KAKA Sure, I never heard such a sound, but in relation to the blessing, they are manifestations of the supernatural blessings that our forefathers dedicated to their off springs.

NOAH You know most of the time I am awake.

He excuses himself to go for short call. The village is used to open toilets, but they never get infected by cholera or other communicable diseases.

KAKA Yes, I know, I know that most of the time you are drunk and suffer from insomnia.  Maybe it was hallucinations!

NOAH Hallucinations am I mad; you should stop joking, this might be a serious matter; just be observant

Some rumbling sound in the background,

4.

KAKA What could that be? Is like a sound of the earthquake emanating from the ground.

NOAH I told you; or you are also suffering from hallucination? Hey, you guys prepare to leave, some unheard of things are happening!

Runs to his house to take his whistle and trumpet; he blows it as an alarm. In the background, the rumbling sound intensifies; smoke is emanating from the mountain top.

NOAH (CONT’D) Hey, we are burning, lets us disappear from this place.

Sweats profusely.

A 25-year-old female with small Asian eyes and African hair; her handhas a scorpion tattoo. The kindergarten teacher who moonlights, she has come from  her house  on her way to school,  her eyes look reddish as if  sleepy, she talks to one of her boyfriends and hugs him after a  while she meets her girlfriend, she kisses and wishes her a good day.  On seeing KAKA, she runs towards him,

ROWAN What is it that you blowing a trumpet?

KAKA We are burning; aren’t you hearting anything? Look at that!

Points towards the direction of the mountain.

Looks at the mountain.

ROWAN Sure?  The mountain is producing smoke.   The mountain is about to explode, it has suddenly become active.  The world was predestined.

Runs back to her school and releases children, they start trekking towards the opposite direction.

Smoke and sound from the mountain is intensifying. Frogs are croaking loud and the whistling of birds is louder.

5.

NOAH Hey, you guys just start leaving or less you may die in this place.   Only take your children! Children only, help the needy guys.  Move far from here.

The villagers are on mass trek away from their homes.

INT. HOUSE - MORNING

There is sound of people chuckling in the background.  A touch light reveals Romner seated on the stage. He is watching news on a cable TV in Rio de Janairo. The news about the volcanic eruption in the Amazon village are broadcast. There is a volcanic eruption in the Village people are warned to stay.

A 32-year-old tall guy named Romner looks at the crowd.

ROMNER Listen guys, an eruption has occurred in the village around Amazon; in this era in Brazil, I have never heard of it.  But it is an opportunity for JACKIE to make money; many tourists will be flocking there. I will call one of my friends at the airport, a renowned JACKIE to make use of this opportunity. But it may be risky though.

Takes a cellphone from his pocket, dials it and listens;

ROMNER (CONT’D) Hallo, yes, how are you, it’s long since we last talked. How are things, okay, well there is a new happening in Brazil, have you heard of it?  Ok, it is a new phenomenon, one of the dormant volcanoes in a village in the Amazon area has erupted. Yes, do you have any plans of going there, ok. Well it can be a good opportunity for you. Such things happen rarely in the world, they are not like the common hurricanes that hit Florida.  Convince those guys and take them there. I know many would want to view this memorable happening.

6.

Returns the phone in pocket, faces the crowd and shouts, yes, I have managed, I know when she comes back I will be liquid, she always gets me tips.

Darkness on stage, for a moment, lights on and   woman with ten   people of Asian origin are on stage. It is beautiful morning in a smoke-filled atmosphere; some people are moving closer to the scene; the mounting is oozing smoke and lava. What the hell will happen?

A 19-year-old female named Jackie; undeclared major, tour guide

Talks slowly, she looks at the Taiwanese tourists

JACKIE I know you have a busy schedule, but there is this happening in one of the rural areas, it is an eye- catching site. The volcano is erupting, and the process is ongoing.  If you don’t mind we may start with that and then we move to other sites,

The crowd on stage chuckles, murmurs among themselves; and asks how much will that cost?

JACKIE (CONT’D) You shall cater for transport about $400 in our van and also cater for foods and a few tips.

The crowd on stage is surprised, it seems cheap.

ONE TOURIST We don’t have the guts to move to the site; unless you assure us of security. Well your suggestion means good for us; it can be a memorable vision if we live.  And in some cases, for good reason we may die.

we are not going to move to the mountain, we shall a good view of the top when we are far from it, right so in  terms of security, I assure you of it.

Due to thickening smoke and the rumblings from the mountains, the animals are also running to safety.  Other villagers had packed and only Noah, Jackie and the tourists are seen around the village.

7.

Noah looks pretty worse for wear. It is understandable; the villagers are all gone only a few brave men are on the watch.

Noah moves some distance, as if looking for something;

NOAH Hi guys, let me find out some path for you. I will inform you.

JACKIE Try to be keen and get back to us, ok.

NOAH Yes, I will, if you don’t see me in two hours know I am dead.

JACKIE You seem not to fear death.

NOAH Yes, why should I, it is normal, normal, in fact very normal. Aren’t you going to die?

JACKIE Ok move on.

Moves to the backstage.

Jackie and the tourists explain a few concepts about volcanoes. This mountain has been dominant since the current civilization emerged, in fact, I do not know of any person in Brazil you have ever documented an erupting mountain.  For the last one millennium, such a thing has never happened. She talks with authority and confidence, indicating   she is knowledgeable about the happenings.

ONE OF THE TOURISTS

Well in Taiwan, such things are common, although they happen way from people, in the ocean, where the island erupts. It is dangerous happening.

She continues explaining.

JACKIE (CONT’D) The eruption is essentially the emanation of the magma from beneath the earth, specifically from the mantle that oozes out through pressure through the vents.

Chuckles in the background, some shouting from

8.

There is darkness on the podium and a spotlight reveals Noah looking keenly at some solidifying rock.

NOAH What is this glittering thing? What is it; the rocks are solidifying with glittering substances on them!  They are gold-like could it be gold?  I think this requires a thorough investigation, the problem when the investigators find out that it is gold, and then we shall not benefit. The sons of men will evacuate us from this village so that they can do the mining; enrich them, without even compensation.  Well, regardless of my ignorance, I will do my own investigation.  You cannot trust a dog with a piece of meat.  Yes, this is meat to me. Those are dogs, they will eat everything and yet they will not be filled.

He moves closer to other areas where there are lots of glittering substances, they are yellowing.  He yells,

Sounds of rumblings in the background and more smoke.

Emerges from the backstage, sweating and panting; the fast breathing gradually subsides and lets out a sigh of relieve.

NOAH (CONT’D) That place is hot, damn hot; it is dangerous guys, just take picture or videos of the site from this end.  The lava is flowing downhill at a faster rate than I thought. I never thought that lava is like a thick porridge. That lava is burning everything on the way, some stones are also melting imagine that! That sound means the mountain may continue erupting for same days.  Let us move away from here now.

Looks at the tourist,

He releases the rock from a Y-shaped tree branch.

JACKIE Wow; it is semi-solid, and too hot.

9.

NOAH This is enough to destroy you.

JACKIE Sure?

ONE OF THE TOURISTS Yea,

NOAH This village is no more, there is nothing to salvage. Everything is gone; the government should come to help us. Imagine the houses are burned, the animals disappeared, and some houses have cracked due to the thundering sounds from the mountain.

ONE OF THE TOURISTS The world is aware of it; philanthropists will come to your aid.

NOAH Philanthropists, philanthropists, they are not; they will come to take what is ours, yes.

ONE OF THE TOURISTS Well we cannot help every member of this community, but for your sake, take this,

Hands him U$500.

NOAH Thank you, my brother, then you so much, Thanks JACKIE for bringing this blessing to me. It is a mighty one.

The tourists pack their paraphernalia, ready to leave,

INT. VILLAGE, MORNING

Sounds of whistling, talking and cries of children. Lights are on and ROWAN and KAKA are standing on the stage with NOAH. Looking at the destruction in the direction of the mountain.

Looks at NOAH,

10.

KAKA I’m so glad you informed us.

NOAH I know at first when I told you this I thought I was drunk, yes, some of you have written me off.

KAKA You are the one saying, no one has said that. You are of great help in this society.

ROWAN Every society must have such people, they are of help, and it is only that individual’s perception differ.

NOAH You know guys, there is something new in the village,

ROWAN What?

NOAH Yes, there is something new in the village, I am a drunkard but intelligent, Rowan I know you have the necessary connections, your other work as a bar attendant exposes you to people from different walks of life.  What we have should be secretive to all external individuals, otherwise war will break out.  Even the villagers should not know of it. Some of them act like the government spy.

KAKA Noah, what is it, you are beating about the bush, my friend, hit the nail on the head and we move on.

NOAH No, it is too much intelligence at work.  Let it work.

ROWAN What is the importance of my connections?

11.

NOAH I know you are one of our won, kindly do not betray us.  If you do, the spirits will haunt you forever.

KAKA Rowan is a respectable member of this society.

NOAH You never know what happens when people grow rich; they isolate themselves from the ordinary people. Now, Rowan, I have some property, I want you to look for market, it is gold.

ROWAN What, where did you get it?

NOAH Do not worry, look for market in the towns where you frequent evenings, look for people who can buy, they should not be cone, and let them not know where it is from Rowan is surprised; she rushes way to prepare to leave for town.

Walks closer to KAKA,

NOAH (CONT’D) You know Kaka, I’m so glad you we are alive, although we lost most of the properties that we had, but with the new gold, we shall recover.  You know, women are weak- willed, they can betray us, so I want to show you something and it should only between you and I, let the other members of the village not know about it; but they must benefit from it.

NOAH (CONT’D) Yes, the village is full of gold, but it can be a source of death to all of us if not fairly utilized.  There is gold on the mountain, I alone where to get it.  We should learn to mine and then purify it before selling.

12.

KAKA What, gold on the mountain!

NOAH Yes, I will show you, It is some distance away.

ROWAN Hi, this is KAKA the miner and this is NOAH the processor.

KAKA Pleasure to meet you.

THE GOLD DEALER Pleasure too.

KAKA Well we have this commodity, and we will like if you can buy from us in the black market.

THE GOLD DEALER Well that is my area of specialization, when can you make the first delivery, in a weeks’ time, we shall bring 10 kilos.

The stage is dark, and a spotlight shows the villagers assembled.

Looks at some members of the village who are gathered to listen to their elders.

ROWAN Let it be far from us to be selfish; let the unity of the village prevail that we may enjoy this new God given possession.  I know, when we utilize this resource well, I life will change, but we have to be sure that the government will not evacuate us from this place. Governments are always greedy against its own people. In some regions in Africa, such resources have been source of conflict, but when fairness prevails, blood will not be shed. Sir, you’ve always shown a good way for us.  This is a litmus test for you.  Serve us with fairness and all the resources should benefit every member of the village.

13.

Looks at the villagers,

KAKA My fellow villagers, we have been snatched from death, but here we are faced with riches, unthought- of.  We shall work as a team. In teams, there is no I am; we are all responsible for our destiny. However, when you decide to destroy that destiny; the effects are on your own heads. My sister Madam Rowan has made it clear. We need to benefit from the resource.  From the resource, we shall benefit.

Villagers clap and the curtain falls.