The Illegal

What do you say?

Say something nice, huh?

Break the fourth wall, huh?

Look right into the camera.

It's okay.

Okay.

As you know,

I'll be leaving for the U.S. in one week.

I just wanted to take with me a few words of wisdom

from the two people that matter the most to me,

you know, for those times when I'm down

and I'm ready to give up.

Mahi, please tell me your parting words.

Now just, you can't get out of this,

so just tell me. - Parting words already.

I don't know

What?

I said I don't know.

- Okay think, Mahi, I'm leaving five days.

Just improvise.

- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Time really flies, no?

Wow.

- So Mahi, my any last words?

I mean speak now or forever.

Okay, last words.

I don't know.

Just do your thing, I guess.

You can be very stupid and irritating at times,

but its okay.

Actually,

you're a really talented boy.

If anybody can make it happen, it's you.

You're a fighter.

Just believe in yourself.

Next.

Hello.

- Have you been to the United States of America before?

No sir.

Your I-20, please.

Sir, your camera cannot stay on the counter.

Put your four fingers on your right hand

on the scanner, please.

Do you intend to go back to your home country

when you finish your studies here?

- Yes. - How long is the program?

Four years.

- Look into the camera please.

4:45 PM.

Hassan grips his camera as he walks

through LAX's bleak hallway,

a world much different from home.

Memories slip through his mind

as he remembers the place of his childhood

he walked just 24 hours ago,

wondering how many days until he would return.

If he would return.

His virgin eyes sift through the sea of movement.

His pursuit of the American dream had led him here.

He wonders what makes us chase something so distant?

What makes us risk everything and plunge into the unknown?

Hassan.

Oh.

* 6,000 miles

* Seas couldn't keep us apart

* The best thing for the planet 'cause you steal my heart *

* You got it under lock and you hold the key *

* Lookin' for your love til you bring it back to me *

* Goin' out to my girl

* Never split up, never split up*

Hollywood.

* Never split up, never split up*

* Spinnin', my heart is blown

* Never split up, never split up*

* Never split up, never split up*

Come.

Ask.

Aisha.

Welcome, welcome.

Handsome (laughing).

Ahmed, come, your cousin is here.

He must be doing well.

- It's okay, you're here, now you can do what you want.

When does school start?

Next week.

Orientation on Thursday.

- How are you paying for the tuition?

Took a loan.

- Who will repay it, your father?

I'll repay it.

Once I get a job.

- Why would you get into such a great school

and choose to study something with no real chance of a job?

You know your university has one of the best

engineering programs in the world.

I don't know, Hassan.

I strongly recommend you rethink this

.

You millennials and this

business.

I don't understand it.

What about providing for your family, you know?

It's tough, this life is expensive.

- Mamu, you sound like Papa right now.

- Then why did he agree to this?

He didn't, Mummy did.

That that's my sister.

She has always lived in her la la land.

Mamu, is everything okay?

I mean financially.

- I know you expected me to live in a nice home

and pick you up in a BMW.

- Mamu, you know that's not what I'm talking about.

- Things didn't turn out the way I expected.

You can still stay here until you make some arrangement.

- Mamu, you know you could have been honest.

I'm sorry, I couldn't.

We were relying on you.

- Your university should be able to help you.

- You know how much on-campus housing costs?

I can't afford that.

("What Tomorrow Will Bring" by Jeremy Voltz)

* Been hurt before

* Jumped in too quick

* Saw a brighter star than what was shining *

* I've wanted more, for something to stick *

* My clouds are always full of silver linings *

* And I wonder if my life were on a stage *

* Would I know the resolution to the page *

* I am waiting for the brighter day to come *

* And I'll never stop believing in the sun *

* Who knows, who knows what tomorrow will bring *

Aziz, please bring some rice.

But it's up to the boss, I'm not the boss here.

He comes in the evening.

But he is a good man.

- Debbie. - Hi.

- How are you? - Mr. Khan.

Long time, no see.

You look resplendent,

as always. - Thank you.

What's the joke?

You find my wall of fame funny?

No sir.

It's just.

- Relax, I'm fuckin' with you, man.

Customers eat that shit up.

So, you're a filmmaker, huh?

Yes, sir.

- Your folks must love that, huh?

- Yeah, they're pretty supportive.

So, what can I do for you?

- I was actually, I was looking for housing.

Babaji must have spoken to you about it.

- You worked in a restaurant before?

No sir.

- Most evening shifts, sometimes during the day,

but be flexible, okay?

And I want a good, no, I want a great attitude.

And no more second chances, got it?

- I can't work... - Two things you need to know.

One, customer's always right.

And two, even though my staff will train you,

you take orders from no one but me.

I'm the boss.

You're on a student visa, right?

Yes sir, that's the problem.

I'll give you cash.

That'll help, right?

And I'll cover your housing expenses,

but I keep all the tips.

Got it?

- Yeah. - Good.

Okay.

Well, welcome to the New Delhi Cafe.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

You're coming back.

How is he going to pay the living expenses?

Who is to blame?

You tell me. He left my son out on the street.

Yeah, Papa, okay.

Firstly, he didn't leave me stranded.

All right?

Just put Mahi on the phone.

Mahi's not home.

How are you going to pay the rent, tell me?

- You know this is the biggest accomplishment of my life.

I mean, you know that.

You support that, so.

Mahi, please.

Please, Mahi, huh?

Just one shot, please, by the window.

Fine.

- Just improvise your lines.