I Dream in Another Language (2017) - full transcript

I DREAM IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

We'll be right back to
“If you turn it on, you'll surely learn.”

Before we continue,
we want to say hello...

...to our friends from San Isidro
who are listening somewhere in the US.

Today, in our English lessons...

...we will learn practical questions
for the traveller.

I need a job.

Don't you want some?

They're here!

Now you'll have to wait.

I want to work.



- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Good morning.

Santiago...

- ...welcome.
- Thank you very much!

- Welcome, Martín.
- Thank you.

This is Flaviana.
Doña Jacinta's daughter.

Delighted...

...thank you for letting me
stay in your home.

What do you think?

Do you like it?

- Yes, it's very nice.
- It is nice. isn't it?

I need a place to live.

Mother...

...he's here...



Mother...

...what are you doing out of bed?
The doctor said...

At my age
I can do whatever I want.

Chupi, Doña Jacinta...

...chupi.

It's an honor to meet you.

You're a child.

I'll make you some coffee.

So...

...you want to learn
how to speak Zikril?

Well...

...I will do my best.

Zikril is a very powerful language.

We don't want it do die...

...but we don't want it to fall
into the wrong hands.

No, don't worry.

I study languages.

Please, could you say
something in Zikril?

I'd love to hear it
in your own voice.

That's pretty.

What does it mean?

Mother, wait for me.

Chupi, Jacinta.

Mother don't run.

Chupi, Don Isauro, nice to meet you.

He says he is very happy
that you are here.

You look like a good person...

...and he will teach you
everything about Zikril.

Thank you very much...

...thank you.

But the only thing he asks of you...

...don't make him work with Evaristo.

Evaristo?

Who is Evaristo?

Evaristo. How are you?

Who the hell is this?

This is Martín...

...a young linguist.
He wants to talk to you.

- Chupi, Don Evaristo.
- About what?

We thought there were only two
speakers of Zikril.

Your name isn't in the census.

Good afternoon.

- Hello.
- You...

- ...go inside.
- Excuse me.

All I want is to record some conversations
between you, Doña Jacinta...

- ...and, if possible, Don Isauro.
- Get out.

- I'd like you to think about it.
- No.

Get out!

Oh, Evaristo!
Bitter as always.

Excuse us.

Grandfather, are you OK?

Why did Don Isauro
and Don Evaristo fight?

They fell in love
with the same woman.

Evaristo almost killed Isauro over María.

He kicked him out of town.

Since then, Don Isauro...

...walked away from everything
and everyone.

They haven't talked to each other
in 50 years.

Thank you very much.

This will be one of the many
conversations we'll record...

...surely later...

What do you know about us,
the Zikril?

Very little is known
about the Zikril culture.

It developed around the year 500,
they we're polytheistic...

Oh child, you know nothing!

We want to show you something.

In the beginning...

...Woman Bird fell in love with
the first man to walk the Earth.

He also fell in love with her.

But since they didn't speak
the same language...

...they couldn't consummate their love.

Woman Bird...

...decided to teach him
how to speak Zikril...

...the language of all beings
that live in the jungle.

From this union we were born
and from that moment on...

...men and animals,
we all speak the same language.

I told you that you didn't
know anything about us.

Good morning.

She was very sick.

Attend to Doña Rosina.

My mother...

...she passed away.

What happened?

Well, her heart was failing.

- I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...
- No, don't mention it...

...she saw it coming.

Well...

...actually...

...she's not really dead, dead...

What do you mean?

Can you hear them?

It's the river from last night.

It wasn't a river...

...it was them.

When a Zikril dies...

...they all come out to get him
and bring him here.

Are all the Zikril inside?

Yes.
In an eternal celebration.

They call it “The enchantment”.

- Are they alive?
- No, no, no...

...only the Zikril can enter.

Wait.

Mother!

Come out!

Just a second!

Martín wants to talk to you.

Surely she's drunk.

Good afternoon.

What do you want?

- Can I talk to you?
- No.

Doña Jacinta passed away last night.

Did you hear?

Now, Don Isauro and you are
the last two speakers of Zikril left.

- I know you've had differences...
- More salt.

I know you've had differences in
the past but, I beg you to reconsider.

- I'll talk to him.
- Get him out of here.

Please go.

- The study of this language...
- Only you care about Zikril.

They are the last speakers
of Xatlán. Am I right?

Right. Thanks to these conversations
we can know how their language works...

...at least on a basic level. It would
take years to understand it fully.

It's the same thing with
Don Evaristo and “the crazy Indian”.

Yes, my project is to analyze as many
languages as possible in Mexico.

But Don Isauro is not crazy.

Simply, and thanks to Zikril he can
communicate with his animals.

There is still no proof of that.

That's why it's so important to find
another native speaker.

Lluvia, tell your grandfather to
knock it off and help this gentleman.

It's common for the last speakers
of any language to be at odds...

but I've seen how they've made up
thanks to the very same language.

Yes, but let's not forget
the linguist's golden rule:

never force its speakers to do
anything they don't want to do.

Let's hope you find
another native speaker...

...if you listen The Voice of San Isidro,
your very own community radio...

...and you know somebody,
call us.

And now, We go to Lluvia
and her English lessons.

But first, and to relax a little,
let's listen to some music.

Hello, Lluvia.

- I'd like to ask you...
- Shall we go?

How can I approach your grandfather?

- Is there something he wants?
- Martín.

- He's handsome.
- You're crazy.

- Oh, come on.
- No.

We're back to “If you
turn it on, you'll surely learn”.

Today we'll see
the days of the week.

- Ready, Marthita?
- Ready.

Now, we start with
the months of the year.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Excuse me, do you know
someone who speaks Zikril?

No.

How are you?

We haven't talked in a long time.

The same.

I miss my grandmother very much...

...don't you?

It's going to be five years now.

She wanted you to be happy.

Have you ever been happy?

Don't be ridiculous.

Thirty-two patients from
the General Hospital...

...and medical and
administrative personnel...

...were evacuated to other
hospitals in the area.

Easy, Don Isauro...

...easy.

Hi.

I know how you can convince him
to talk to Don Isauro.

But promise you will never
tell him I told you.

Promise.

He wants a new television.

Ours is very old and we can't
afford a new one.

What made you change your mind?

Deep down I know he still wants
to be friends with Don Isauro.

That's what my grandmother
used to say.

How are you going to convince
Don Isauro?

I don't know...

...but first your grandfather.

Where can I find him
so we can talk alone?

At church...

...he likes to go on Sundays
around six, when it's empty.

OK.

The church is very pretty.

Do you want it short
or just a little off the sides?

You know how.

The other day I wanted to watch TV
and it stung my eyes.

We have to buy another one,
don't you think?

But they are really expensive.

We could reach an economic
agreement, Don Evaristo.

I could speak with the people
at the university...

...or I could work around your house.

I could paint it
in a color you'd like.

Maybe you need
a new appliance?

A refrigerator, a stove...

But they are really expensive.

I have some money saved,
but it won't be enough.

- You're sleeping with that linguist.
- Of course not!

Tell me the truth or
I'll rip your tongue out.

He just wants to bring you and Don Isauro
back together, for his work.

It's about the Zikril,
nothing else.

He said he could get us
a new television.

He only needs to record some conversations
and it won't take much of your time.

Don't you want to know
how your friend is doing?

You could work things out,
clarify things...

...and forgive.

Why didn't your grandfather
ever teach you Zikril?

I think he didn't want me to speak
to Don Isauro, ever.

Why not?

I don't know...

My English is terrible.

Soon I will bring
your friend so that

you have someone to talk to,
Don Isauro.

Look how nice it is, Don Evaristo.

C'mon, accept it.
Do it for Zikril.

We both know you want it.

Fine.

Thanks.

But listen to me carefully...

if you lay a finger on her,
I'll kill you.

You have nothing to worry about.

Why do you want to go
to the United States?

Why don't you stay here
and learn how to speak Zikril?

No...

...there's nothing here.

Besides, I want a better life,
not to talk to the beetles.

But imagine your radio program
could be in Zikril.

Hopefully your grandfather and
Don Isauro can be friends again.

Hopefully.

My grandmother told me
they used to do everything together

when they were young.

How many things have been
left unsaid over all these years?

Forgive me...

They're here to pick you up.

Good morning, Don Evaristo.

Good-bye, Grandfather.

It's best if you wait here. OK?

Don Isauro! Good morning!

Martín!

Don Evaristo came to work with us.

Come on, let's work.
He's over there.

Let go of me!

Don Isauro, are you all right?

Get up, Don Isauro.
Please, get up.

What happened?

- Tell me they didn't fight.
- No, everything is fine.

We just have to be more careful.

There's something
I don't understand.

What?

Why exactly did they fight?

- They fell in love with your grandmother.
- Yes.

But she married your grandfather.

- Right?
- Yes.

- Was she ever in love with Don Isauro?
- No.

- Did they ever cheat on him?
- No.

Did Don Isauro try
to stop the wedding?

- Did he try to hurt them?
- Never.

No, no, and no.

Why does your grandfather
still hate Don Isauro?

Because they were both
in love with her.

That is what I don't understand.

If Don Isauro never harmed them and
she never had any feelings for him...

...why does your grandfather
still feel...

I don't know, so threatened?

I don't know...

Do you want them
to make amends or not?

- I do.
- Then tell me the truth.

I swear I won't tell anyone.

Isauro!

- My name is:
- My name is...

- ...Jacinta.
- Jacinta, very good.

My name is:

- My name is Isauro.
- Very good.

- My name is:
- My name is...

- ...Severino.
- Severino, very good.

I can't understand you.

He says he's going
to make you a necklace.

Oh, Isauro, how can
you speak words of love...

...if you can't speak Spanish?

He's like a little animal.

Yes, sometimes.

I like your laugh.

Let's go swimming!

Let's go!

There is no worst sinner...

...than he who wants
to get away with it...

...he who hides...

...to not be discovered.

But that sinner is a fool,
for God sees it all.

There are no secrets...

...His justice reaches
the deepest corners.

There, where you try
to commit your depravities.

Because he...

Hello, María.

Can I talk to you?

Come in.

I just...

I want to ask you something.

María...

I love you.

Do you want to be my girlfriend?

Where is Isauro?

I don't know. Why?

I went looking for you
the other day.

I looked for you and...

Where were you?

In the other village,
I went to the market.

With Isauro?

I went alone. Why are you asking
so much about him?

I can't be your girlfriend.

Why not?

Because I saw you.

I didn't want to, María.

It was him...

...he forced me.

Is that true?

Yes. I hate him.

Do you repent?

Yes, María, help me...

...help...

Swear that
you won't tell a soul about his.

Swear it, María.

Swear it.

I swear.

I love you.

I love you too.

But smile...

...I miss your laugh.

Isauro is coming.

Shortly afterwards, they married.

They never spoke
about what happened.

But why did she tell you everything?

She wanted me to talk to him...

...to set him free
to go with Don Isauro.

If my grandfather finds out
I know everything...

...he'll be very embarrassed.

I can't.

He wants to be buried here.

But I would like him to go to
“The Enchantment”...

...with Don Isauro.

Me too.

Tell us Martín, how are you feeling?

Very excited.

Where does your passion
for languages come from?

My grandfather was a linguist.

And since I was a little boy
we had a very close relationship.

That's how I began to get close
to this kind of knowledge.

What are you expecting
from this reunion?

It's been decades since Don Evaristo
and Don Isauro have spoken to each other...

so a conversation between them
should be very interesting.

You're going to be late. C'mon.
I'll wait for you here.

- Are you nervous?
- Yes, I am a little nervous.

Do you think they'll come?

I'm sure they will.

Hopefully they will,
and congratulations, Martín.

Thanks.

Welcome Don Evaristo!
It's good that you're here.

Hello, Lluvia. Thank you.

Please, make yourself comfortable.

As soon as Don Isauro
gets here, we'll start.

Here comes the crazy Indian!

The crazy Indian!

Kids, don't call him that.

- Don't call him that.
- The crazy Indian!

Careful, Don Isauro.

Welcome, Don Isauro.

Good afternoon.

Thank you everyone
for being here. Welcome.

This is the first session between
Don Evaristo and Don Isauro.

Don Evaristo...

...would you please translate
for Don Isauro?

OK.

I'd like to tell you that
there are no words...

...to thank you for the tremendous
effort you are doing for Zikril.

Thank you.

Please tell us what the town
was like when you were kids.

Lluvia... my child.

Lluvia.

- Open up, motherfucker!
- It's my grandfather...

Don Evaristo!

I told you not to touch her
you piece of shit!

But I love her, Don Evaristo...

...and if you don't kill me,
I will make her very happy!

Lluvia!

Do you believe this motherfucker?

Yes, I do.

You can come out now.

I love you too.

If all goes well, I could come
live here for a few years...

...to work with them.

Would you like that?

Yes.

A lot...

...and I also want to learn Zikril.

Good afternoon, Don Evaristo...

- Welcome.
- Afternoon.

I'll help you with the chair.

Well...

- Have a drink.
- Thank you.

A snack...

Friend, upive.

Upive means friend in Zikril?

Martín upive.

Hey, hey.

This meal is to celebrate
Don Isauro and Don Evaristo...

the last two
speakers of Zikril.

- Cheers!
- Cheers!

When I was a child...

...my mother used to sing me
a song in Zikril...

...and I would like to sing it to you.

Maestro...

Don Isauro...

Don Isauro!

Evaristo!

Leave me alone!

No!

But, why did he have
to take it out on her?

Jealousy...

...and because he can't fight
your grandfather.

But she's dead
and she suffered a lot, Martín.

Yes, but imagine
how angry he must be.

Stop making excuses for him.
Why are you on his side?

Because he's my friend.

And it was Evaristo
who attacked him first.

- You forced them to work together.
- You did too, Lluvia.

Yes...

...but you knew that you
shouldn't have forced them.

And all, because of the Zikril.

We were fine until you showed up
to save your fucking Zikril.

Don Evaristo!

Don Evaristo!

He's going to set him on fire!

He's going to set him on fire!

Isauro! Isauro!

Isauro! Isauro! Here I am!

Grandfather, please!
You'll go to jail!

Please, listen to me!

It's good
you brought him here.

We're going to take care of him.

- I can pay you rent.
- That's not necessary.

It would be like
when my mother lived.

Can I give you something,
Don Isauro?

Are you hungry?

How will we talk to him?

- How is he?
- Good morning...

...I don't think he slept at all.

Don Isauro...

Don Isauro...

Zikril, Martín, Zikril...

What's wrong with him?

Well, old age.

But is he going to get better?

We'll have to see how he evolves.

But his lungs
are pretty damaged, anyway.

Martín...

- ...he has to eat something.
- Yes, thank you, I'll give it to him.

Eat something, Don Isauro.

I don't think he'll make it.

- Let's take him to the hospital.
- It's useless.

He won't survive
the drive to the hospital.

Don Isauro is very sick.

He has little time left and he wants
to see you. Please come.

A few days ago
you were very happy, as friends.

Please, come.

- You know nothing.
- Yes, I do.

I know that you've had difficult
lives, and very lonely...

- ...and everything was unfair.
- You're crazy!

This is the last chance you'll have
to say good-bye to Don Isauro.

What else do you know?

That Don Isauro never hurt your wife,
and you have no reason to hate him.

And you?

Nothing.

Please go say good-bye.

You don't hate Don Isauro,
the opposite in fact.

Go say good-bye please!

Please, come, Don Evaristo!

Please open!

Listen to me, open the door!

He says he's coming.

I'll let Fausto know.

Martín...

...let him go.

I don't understand...

Don Isauro, what did you say?

Go, Grandfather.

Go to him.

Go to him.

I came to say good-bye.

I think it would be good if you kept
working with your grandfather.

There's available budget...

I want nothing to do
with Zikril.

As soon as I can, I'm leaving
to the United States.

I'm sorry.

How is your grandfather?

He won't talk to me.

Where is he?

I'd like to talk to him
one last time.

I am really sorry, Don Evaristo.

Forgive me.

I shouldn't have forced you.

When Don Isauro was leaving,
he said something like...

...jaide upive...

...upiveje...

Do you know what it means?

Just leave it.

Thank you, Don Evaristo...

Yes, that's it.

What does it mean?

Good-bye, my friend...

...my best friend.

All that was unsaid...

...will remain unsaid...

...but in “The Enchantment”
I will think about those things...

...and I will also think of you.

My friend...

...my best friend.

Good-bye.