MONDAY American
- Hi. - Hallo.
You want to change 200 dollars?
Yes, yes.
200 dollars is 161 CUC (Cuban pesos).
161... okay.
Less CUCs than dollars.
- This is exchange rate. - Yes, yes.
- The emargo and the weak dollar... - Yes.
...and financial crisis. OK?
- It's OK? - Yes. Thank you.
Senor Teddy!
I am Angel, your driver.
Oh, yeah, yeah...
Mister Teddy, you can call me Angelito.
Good, good.
You from New York? I will help you.
If you need anything, ask me.
The friends of my friends are my friends.
Excuse me, mister Teddy, is my English is not so good.
But I studied in the Soviet Union.
I'm the engineer. I can speak all the Russian you want.
So, you're an engineer and a taxi driver.
I stopped working as an engineer...
... and now I'm mechanic by day, and taxi drivers by night.
Life is hard.
Look, the White House.
It looks like the Capitol.
Yes, it's an exact replica of Capitol...
...but is 5 cm taller than the one in Washington, DC.
- 5 cm? - Yes.
- That's like two inches. - Yes, but it is taller.
Alright.
What do you say if I take you to my Aunt Delia?
- Yeah. - She would cook cuban food. Just for you.
Awsome.
- Do you remember Ivansantera? You don't? - No.
- Nice guy. - What about him?
He's now a diplomat in Yemen.
Look at that!
Ask the neighbour for some eggs. Tell her that we will pay.
You want me to get some eggs?
I'll cook something simple. He wouldl like it.
You're not going to change.
- Auntie, you know that Ted is an actor. - Really?
He starred in few movies. He came to film school.
Sit down. Feel like home.
Is there a beer?
No, dear, finished.
Damn it! There is nothing. I'm going to bring a beer.
Baseball.
I go out now to take beers for dinners.
- Okay? - Okay.
Coming soon very back.
My God.
One minute. I'll buy... I mean, I'll get some eggs from the neighbour.
Why do you watch this crap? Better watch the TV series.
You know, what's even better?
To go out and have fun. Do you understand?
No, I don't understand.
Are you Italian?
I.. I'm American.
American very big. Where are you American? Canada?
No... USA
Yuma? You really from America?
I didn't have American at this place, yet.
Lets' go. Let's go before chico back.
I'll teach you a few things.
Where are we going?
Oh, I forgot! First you pay me. 200 CUC.
200 CUCs? Okay! That's how it is. "DeNiro", huh?
No, my dear. Neither De Niro or Al Pacino, and not Charlie Chaplin.
"Dinero". Got it?
Look.
It's not you.
Give me the phone!
Damn it!
What is this?
I'll show you! Shameless!
I do, what I want!
What happened?
Auntie, very tasty!
What's this?
Fried bananas. How do you say in English?
Banana. Fried banana.
He doesn't like it.
- Delicious. - Delicious.
- Rum, cigars and girls - he sure enjoys. - Muchachas, si...
We call Americans "yuma" after the movie.
What movie?
Remember the movie with the train leaving at 3:10?
"3:10 to Yuma".
No! Seriously.
No!
They call Americans "yuma", because USA in English means "united states".
Unay... Umay... Yuma.
No, bro. It's 'because of the movie.
He's right. Movie from 1957.
With Glenn Ford. Black and white.
Not the color one, with Rusell Crowe.
Don't argue. I know a lot about movies.
They only shows us boring Russian movies.
Do you remember? Suddenly they showed "3:10 to Utah."
Yuma.
You're my friend.
And here are the ladies.
Four beers, please.
It's Marta. My girlfriend.
- I do not speak English. - Nice to meet you.
Rosa.
It's nice to meet you.
So do I.
Let's have a drink.
Cheers.
Why did you bring her here?
No one else could come.
Even blind will not bite on her.
- She's not so bad. She's my friend. Not bad?
Listen to me.
This is not true. Do you hear?
This is not true.
More.
What is your name?
Rebecca.
You are beautiful.
Thank you.
A light?
Thank you.
You come here often?
I don't speak English.
That's okay. And I don't speak Spanish.
You must be nice and with class.
You are right, brother.
Water.
You are from America?
Yes. Guessed it well. We have family in New Jersey.
- You have family in New Jersey? - Yes.
- What's your name? - Name? Sabrina.
Hi!
Guess who.
Ramonsito.
How did you know?
From smell of perfumes.
Two bottles of water, please. And lemonade.
Hi! What's your name?
- Dounia. - Dounia.
Excuse me. I'll take Rosa to the car.
She's a little drunk. Coming soon very back.
- You are... you speak English? - Yes, I do.
You want to dance?
I'm sorry, I'm tired. Bye.
Goodbye.
- What, you leaving? - I leave with my friends.
No, no. We can give you ride back. You come back to the hoteland have a drink.
It's late. Maybe tomorrow?
I can't tomorrow. I go to film school tomorrow.
- You an actor? - Yes.
In Hollywood?
Yes. I've done a few movies. Come back tonight and have a drink with me.
When will you be there?
In 15 minutes.
Me... in half an hour.
Half an hour? You gonna come for sure?
There's nothing for sure in life.
What I have left is... 45 CUCs, right now.
Don't worry. You can pay me tomorrow.
- Tomorrow? - Yeah, when I pick you up. I mean, today.
Right.
- Bye. - Bye.
Sweet dreams!
Hello! Have a seat.
I'm sorry.
Hotel bar is closed.
But I have a mini-bar upstairs.
In your room?
Yes. Come up for one drink?
- One drink. - Yeah.
I do not even know, I don't know your name.
I'm sorry. Teddy.
O, mister Atkin.
- Is this girl with you? - Yes.
ID please, the signorita Your identity, please.
Don't worry.
Typical procedure.
- Thank you. - It's all right.
Yes. Wait for me there.
What's going on?
Security, please come.
Mister Atkin.
You know that lady is a man?
What?
Joaquin Hernandez Diaz.
Please, do not get upset.
I'll take care of everything. Do not worry.
This girl proven to be a man.
Stay with her until I talk to Mr. Atkins.
Okay.
No, no, it's not necessary.
She was just coming up to the room to grab something for the friend. It's fine.
Your decision?
Yeah. Yeah, it's fine.
Sign here, please.
Thank you.
How much for a cab?
I do not need your money. Give me your hat.
- What - Your cap, possible?
- A hat? - Yes.
Sure.
Excuse me.
Okay, we have a deal?
Yes.
Okay. Good night.
Good night.
- Good night. - Good night.
TUESDAY
Senor! Senor! Sorry.
Senor. Let's go.
I was looking for you.
You drank a lot.
Yes. I found him. He is with me.
No, it's not my fault. He came out of the car.
I thought he's in the movie-theater. I was looking for him for a long time.
Take it easy. I'll be there in a moment. In three minutes.
Where are we, man?
We're going to "Hotel Nacional".
Hotel "Nacional"?
Almost there.
Good morning. Welcome to Cuban Film Festival.
It's a pleasure to have you here. Come with me, please.
Thanks.
- How was your flight? - Good. Very good.
Little bit tired, but I'm okay.
A sir... Should we take your wife suitcases, or you prefer...
Wife? My wife she doesn't like to travel.
- Oh, okay. - I'm alone.
Do not worry.
Would you like to... wait me, please?
I am going to do the Check-in.
Can I go?
No. Go with him. Don't leave him alone for a second.
Mr. Kusturica.
MEETING
Mr. Kusturica.
- If you do not respond, I will come. - Open, please.
My God, what happened?
Wake up, Mr. Kusturica.
Help me, God! Hold him. I'll lift him.
Do not you know what happened? Look at me.
All okay. We arrived a little late.
Hold it.
Look for his pants, and help him get dressed.
Come on. Right on.
Get dressed, Mr. Kusturica. Yes.
I leave you with him. He should be ready.
You're going to look after him.
Right. The foot - here you are.
I am not obliged to get him dressed.
Hold him. Let's go.
We'll finish dressing him in a taxi.
He can not stand up. How do you feel?
Do you have an air condition?
No work.
Did Che had a lot of women?
A lot of women. A lot of children.
But don't worry.
He was always away.
And you... you problem... wife?
Wife? Wife, wife.Yes. I mean, no.
Everybody has a problem.
Dear students. We wish you good evening.
Today we were lucky.
I can present one of greatest artist of the world's cinema.
This gave us the opportunity to enjoy such a films like...
..."Black Cat, White Cat", "Arizona Dream"...
..."Underground" and others.
It's a great honor to introduce director Emir Kusturica.
Thank you very much. Gracias.
- Where are we going, man? - To the official dinner.
Official dinner? No, please.
I don't want to go there, man...
I don't want to see people who are enthusiastic about cinema and my fucking life.
It would be... second killing tonigh.
But. I must return the car. To leave it on the parking lot.
Go. Give your car. Just don't take me there, please.
If you want to save my life, take me anywhere else.
Wherever you want... Beach, bar, street.
- No, no. - Whatever.
The thing is, that I have to run the car. Car... parking. Right now.
It was a tough day.
Got it.
What are the things? Are you okay?
Alberto, move the car.
- I've got horrible car. - What? Broke down?
I gave you the best car.
Ask the penguin.
- He looks more like a bear. - Come, amigo... come.
- He could bite you. - I'm going to play tonight.
Really? Remember, I am a frequent guest.
What is this....?
- It is.... what you call it... jam session. - Jam session.
- Do you have a phone? - Phone?
- Here is the money.
I need to make a quick phone call. To Serbia.
Plus three to nine, six, three, three, three, three, four, two, three.
Quickly. Tell her, that I have to talk to her.
No, no. Don't cry. He loves you.
No credit.
You're my best friend. You did it.
She's in good mood.
No, no fucking credit.
Alberto, you know I have a lot of friends in Europe.
And I think, it would be graet if you can make a CD over there.
You don't trust me. You think it's bull shit?
You know what?
Even my movie that I'm going to do next...
I will call you to make a music... or at least to perform.
I've heard this thousand times.
What? You are not going to call me?
I don't have your number.
No number.
Number. Serbia. Good evening...
Three, eight, one, six, four,
eight, eight, three, zero, two, zero, zero.
WEDNESDAY TEMPTATION OF CECILIA
Look, this is Mediterranean Hotel.
Is it yours?
I have a few partners, but I also work with the musicians.
Summer is coming.
I hope, that thanks to you we'll have a full house every night.
Except Monday.
That's the day off.
- Good. - Very good.
We'll think about all and when you decide...
...I'll send you plane tickets contract, and ...
The important thing is that I've to be back in Madrid tomorrow.
What time?
At noon, approx.
I closed the contract with some Cuban musicians.
- Do they know you? - I need to think about it.
Yes, definitely.
Otherwise, I am very happy with the meeting.
So do I.
Not as much as me. Since 'I've heard your singing.
I liked chatting with you after concert.
Yes. Only a few days, but we've covered everything.
- Only one week. - Seven days.
You were coming to me every night.
Seven nights.
- I can't do this anymore. - Me too.
It was the best week of my life.
I sang just for you.
From the first day, I do not know what happens to me.
Come up to my room.
- I know, that's you... - That's for sure.
You go first.
I do not want anyone to see us.
Goodbye.
Want to see?
- Can I use the bathroom? - Yes.
Come on, David. I have a surprise for you.
Rising star from Havana.
She has an incredible voice.
Yes. Not yet. She is my room, in the bathroom.
Cecilia, you look very nice today.
Hallo.
- Where were you? - On the trial.
With the Spaniard?
Yes. But he suggested I sign the contract.
It's a beautiful place. Nothing to worry about.
Cecilia, do whatever you want.
I just want to sing.
On Saturday we can go to Miami.
There are 2 vacancies.
Are you out of your mind?
Really? If you are going to win, all disapear.
You always been this way. Pessimist.
Yes, definitely. And you're just optimistic.
You can go to Spain.
All I can do is to hit the ball.
Without it what else I would do?
You could stay in Puerto Rico, when you were there.
Asher and Adela stayed and got the contracts.
And you are better then them. You know that.
Yes, but I do not want to live in Puerto Rico.
Damn it! I told you a thousand times.
The team is here.
You know we play together since we were kids.
You stayed, because you were afraid and that's all.
You lost.
The worst thing is, that the team does not fit to your level.
I know, you are better.
But not before the game.
- What's that smell? - Cleanness.
Felipe, how's the things?
Lost again. Go the exclusion from the championship.
What did you decided?
Think about it.
Forget your athlete, and go to sing in Spain.
Forgive me, Cecilia.
I did not want you to misunderstood me.
Tear if you want. You do not owe me anything.
Here is my name. Havana - Madrid.
Tomorrow at 12ve. Convenient time.
And that's my name.
I will be happy if you come with me.
I'll start a new life.
With you.
I'll leave my girlfriend.
What now?
The taxi is waiting outside.
Jose, stop!
Damn you! You'll see, I'll go with him anyway.
I'll pack my bags, and I'll get on the plane this morning.
And you know what? Leonardo and me spoke a lot lately.
He respects me and does not treat like I'm a prostitute.
He's crazy about me. Can you hear me?
I'm in love with him, it's true.
Ifall in love with him in a week.
In seven days I found the man of my dreams.
He will get me out of this hole.
I will not be surounded by the losers like you.
You're a coward. You can not decide what is best for you.
Cecilia! I didn't stay in Puerto Rico, because of you.
Because of me?
Now you are free.
You can play wherever you want. I will follow my path..
THURSDAY DIARY OF A BEGINNER
Come closer.
I'm here. And then - there.
Take it from there.
- Pull another? - Good. Take it.
One more time.
Faster.
Hurry up! Here!
How are you, buddy? Senor Elia with me at the embassy.
Getting ready to the meeting with Comandante.
Elia Suleiman.
Ethiopia, Libya, Israel, America.
Sulaiman. Singapore, Uganda.
U- Uganda, Liberia, Egypt.
Y like "Yemen".
Mozambique, America, Nicaragua.
Thank you.
When Comandante gats free, you can come in.
Those, who come here...
...and see what makes our people...
...to withstand the pressure of imperialism,
..are surprised
...that the ordinary people,
...facing such a obstacles,
.. were able to overcome them.
That's the Pride of our people.
We just started!
We are in the headlines...
...of the great books of history,
...which are written by Cuban people.
In order to help us win the mind and will of courage.
Head and heart.
It's imperialism...
...blinded by ownership.
Barbaric imperialism.
Many of it's leaders - barbarians.
...The biggest problems in the world.
Comrads, students,
as before,
seems to be far away,
I think, they'are...
Here's the list of families.
Try to find them.
Okay?
And now, if you want, we can talk.
Yes!
FRIDAY RITUAL
SATURDAY BITTER-SWEET
Grandma!
Your mother - grandmother.
My god.
I'm going to die. I'm so sleepy.
I can't go like this anymore.
Feeling better?
What I should do??
Clean baking forms.
God!
No need. Better get some coffee.
Dear! It appears that is not enough flour.
Always there's something not enough.
My girl!
What the star fall upon us from the sky?
Most likely jumped out of the bed. Everybody woke up.
Mirta, Let her rest.
Dad stop it, it will not help.
I'm just teasing you, my dear.
Cecilia!
I have to go. Will you stay with your aunt?
No. I came to get my stuff. I am in a hurry.
Jessica.
I love you all.
And we love you, too.
There's something wrong. I know her well.
Once you're in bakery, ask Ramonsito to come her.
The flour is almost over.
Mom, you know, who he became in last time.
Tell him that I was taking part on TV.
Okay.
Jessica! I'll go to see him and clarify everything.
You would not go anywhere.
Clean those forms, please.
- When the come for baking. - At 6:00pm.
Well, I'll go. Cecilia, I'm leaving!
Bye, sweetie!
- How much? - All, my dear, please. Move along!
Damn it!
Do your things!
You've dropped again.
Were you working yesterday?
Late, as usual.
Will you help me?
I can't. I need to go to my father ...
What? You forgot about everything. But your father.
- Why you need to go there? - Mirta!
Mom, Dad knows how's he important to me.
I love you.
Both of you. Very much.
Mirta, look at the time!
I go to Ramonsito, did not bring flour, yet.
Wait. You're not going to do what you shouldn't?
You fell yesterday and hit your head.
Look at the jam. Otherwise, it burns!
What jam has to do with it? Hurry.
My show is today. I have no time!
Too bad I'm not a sorceress!
Right!
- I got the flour. - Finally!
Mirta! I have a problems with the supervisor.
What kind of flour is this! Hold on.
Thank you. He did not opened his business, yet?
Not yet, but he's going to like everyone else.
Remember a boy with the nickname "Animal"?
News information.
Thre was a new record in Havana's egg production.
And that means that ...
How much did you cook today?
Big order for the evening. Celebration of Oschun (Goddess-Spirit).
They make fountain for this purpose.
These guys are completely crazy.
Yes, but they're paying and I can buy Jessica new shoes.
And mother-in-law, new tooth.
Those she has right now had to be glued.
Tooth cost too much comparing to trash we eat.
Do they know at work that you bake tonight?
Are you crazy? Of course not! I took a day off.
I'm sorry for my patients, but what else can I do?
A bunch of idiots.
Mother sent me to the psychologist.
She hoped I will get well.
- Where is the wig? - I'll show you. Come here.
To play in a short movie, Benicio Del Toro in this wig.
Dear, bring Ramonsito the money.
Here, Ramonsito.
He drinks again?
Yes. But what can I do? He slowly destroys himself.
He wants this. From the time he retired.
His character is very weak. You have to be a man, sometimes.
She put the gun to your head?
Ah, Fakounto Mantiato! Look for those who don't know you.
Try to understand, Aida.
Today ... you're sleeping on the couch!
Do not come to me.
My dear, what was in the filling that you prepared?
Something got stuck in my throat.
- Fish Clarias. - What?
Clarias.
Fish with mustache? Horrible!
Turn off the TV. You'll make me crazy.
Again excuses.
I'm tired. It's a last drop.
God! I can not believe it. Why I deserve all that?
Mom ...
Jessica! Daniel!
Come here. All is lost!
Damn! I've survived three war!
Relax...
Better if I die.
Would diisappeared... Oh, my God!
Where can I find eggs at this time?
We have to hurry. Jessica, Daniel, go to the neighbours.
We need to find as many eggs as possible.
Daniel, go to Rita on the market.
And Santera, for sure, has something.
Jessica, call the bakery, and ask Ramonsito.
I'll explain later.
Should I go to "El Shopo"?
It's the last place to go.
Very expensive and we'll not any money.
Do not tell Fabiola. I have no license, and her husband is a policeman.
Hurry! They come at 6:00pm for pick up.
- Alfredo! - Hello, Daniel.
Keep it. Here are three pesos.
Thanks.
Perfect!
Daniel! Daniel! Here is all that I 've got.
If Mirta said earlier, I could maybe find more.
- But there's a very little time. - It's okay.
Just imagine...
At last!
Good morning. General.
Now really!
Lieutenant colonel Remigio. How is life?
Mission accomplished.
Help me Anchelito.
God! The show!
Let me help you.
Shocking!
And now our permanent column "Consultations of doctor Mirta Gutierrez,
psychologist of General Simeon Padura's Hospital".
Good evening doctor, welcome in studio.
Good evening Amelita. Good evening, dear viewers.
Today we'll talk how to cope with the difficulties of everyday life.
Cecilia.
What do you think?
I would like to say goodbye.
Do not forget this moment...
read a book, go to the theater, listen to the music.
- Hallo. - Dad, it's me!
What happened?
You should meet with the friends ...
She's on TV.
What?
Simple human needs.
Wait. The sound is not good.
Sometimes we think there is no way out.
You crying? What is it with you?
It seems that you're in the dead end, but you need to relax.
Cecilia.
I love you very much.
But there is a way.
And I love you, daughter.
Cecilia? Can you hear me?
Cecilia!
You need todistract. And remember that stress is not good for us.
What is with you? You seemed weak.
I had a very hard day. But I got over it.
Look.
Grandma!
SUNDAY FOUNTAIN
Aleksis! Libby! Antonio!
- What happened? - Manuel!
What is happening? 6:00 in the morning!
Come down! Jose Antonio!
What happens? You woke up everybody!
Enrique! Everybody come down!
What happened?
Come here.
Maria, come down! Jose!
Build me a wide wall, and here- the pedestal for Virgin Mary.
You want us to do all this today?
Yes, today. Big fountain, plenty of water, and in the midst of it Virgin Mary.
Marta, are you out of your mind? It's to large for this room.
And it's not doable in a day.
Shut up and do not bother. No use of you, go.
We will work together. And I'm not crazy.
She asked me. Always unhappy!
Virgin Mary, help me.
Let me tell you something. I'm not crazy.
Virgin Mary asked me. She has ppeared in my room.
If you could only see how beautiful she was!
How sweet the face!
She said that there was no celebration for five years.
Since Danisa left. We'll do it all together.
That' what Virgin Mary want. Pleasant and memorable celebration.
We will put ornaments and paint the walls in yellow.
There will be a pool with water.
We break the wall. We need more space.
Orlandito, here's 340 pesos for materials.
Come on, let's begin.
It's not enough. We need at least double.
What we need sand, cement, bricks and paint.
I find bricks. My brother works on the construction.
There is no work, and bricks just lay around. I talk to him.
And I get some paint. A friend of mine is working in the port.
He would have some paint. But we have to convince him.
He does not believe in God.
To work!
Wait! I forgot!
Virgin Mary wants me to wear yellow dress, like hers.
Let your grandmother to come. We are going to work now!
Hit stronger. Break it!
I'm breaking.
You have strong hands.
So.
Better this way.
Wait. Stop.
Job is not easy. And not so much time.
Why do you need the bricks?
And you, what do you care?
Bring it here.
We pick up the bricks.
Enough.
Men's work.
Wait! Wait!
- Last box. - It's not a truck.
No, Orlandito. Not like that. Wider.
Is that better?
Even wider. Do not forget it's for Virgin Mary.
- Marta, do not hurry me up, - We must finish soon.
Okay. We do it your way.
Like this?
Yes. Much better.
There are 50 pesos.
50 pesos? Seriously? Very little.
Help us out. We're getting ready for celebration at Marta's.
Well, I agree but only because of Marta. Okay?
Okay.
I've found only orange paint for ships.
Others were taken away yesterday.
Paint the room with this color. It will be beautiful.
I do not think it would work.
But why? It is bright and persistent. Just like yellow.
Not bad, but it the dream there was one more row.
Marta, I'm not a magician.
I just said what Virgin Mary wants.
You'll answer to her.
Bring the bricks.
Right. Now we find them.
Hurry, we have lot's to do.
I'm trying.
Hurry! What color is it?
You'll make me crazy. We need yellow.
Marta, the color is bright and durable.
Yes, but not yellow.
It's almost yellow. No other.
No choice, no time.
Make room, we move furniture.
Take this.
Go. Quickly.
Alberto, be careful.
When we finished, you should reward us. We work all day.
Carefully. Do not drop it.
Orlandito, it's perfect. Just what needed. Bravo.
All good, but there's a problem.
What?
We can't pour water today. Something is missing.
Why did not you tell me before?
Oh, God!
Virgin Lady, we did everything we could.
If it wasn't for Orlandito...
We tried as much. It would be a wonderful celebration.
Grandma, maybe we can put nylon on the bottom?
That's it. The nylon.
Look for it. Hurry!
Berta has it!
Why did not finish the wall?
Put it straight.
Be careful, do not to tear it.
Ready. Water will not go through.
Marta.
What?
- We didn't gather the water yesterday. - So what?
There is no water.
No. Another one obstacle. Oh, my God!
Get sea water. Will match.
Marta!
What?
What are doing?
Transforming the room. Today is celebration.
There is a water running from my ceiling.
But this is the holy water.
This is my home, and there is a water running from the ceiling.
We have no time, we'll think about it tomorrow.
Come to the celebration.
I forgot the most important thing. We must place the Virgin Mary.
We put her soon.
How beautiful!
- Marta! - Hello!
It looks like after the earthquake.
Do not worry.
Is running water over there?
It will not be long. Do not worry.
- You sure? - Of course.
Magic gift.
I always do everything well.
I have no doubt.
Here! Hurry up!
Look, what a fish!
Carefully! Fresh concrete.
Beautiful fish!
How's the things??
Look, what I got.
How nice is here!
It is very nice! I like it.
Marta, I like it very much
Translated by YAFI. JAGA BKS!!!