Any news on Gundo?
It doesn't feel right that my friend's back home in jail.
And it's all my fault. I just want to go home.
Maybe I can help you out with that.
I just need you to help me with a little something first.
We believe that Noko's dad might be able to lead us to Susuman.
- History is a beautiful thing. - How do we know this?
Because history teaches you where you come from, ma'am.
- That was not his line. - Sorry.
So how do I audition for Sarafina?
You can't. Jonas chose the cast a long time ago.
Surely you know someone in the theatre.
Ella was hoping she could get in touch with your friend,
Hlengiwe, about the theatre lab.
I'll happily make the introduction.
Mildred quit !
She was scouted by the Market Theatre Lab.
- Do you like Ethiopian? - Yeah.
Sparks are flying between those two.
Bad Zulu and the weird accent.
- Ella, you're in. - Oh, my goodness ! Oh, my goodness !
After Mildred left... I realised I have a lot on my plate.
So I've decided to quit.
Fierce words from Akeyo Gitau
the activist turned politician
who is aiming to make history in Kenya as the first female president.
So, Miss Gitau, what about the speculation
that you support Susuman and his supporters?
I have done no such thing.
But I carry the banner of all those who envision
and actively support change...
who wish to see an end to corruption
and the transformation of our political landscape.
- Yo ! Not cool ! - That's so boring.
I'm watching that.
Hand me the remote.
Give it.
God.
She's actively supporting terrorists.
Is she really?
I'm just saying. A female President in Kenya is kinda nice.
The New York Times asked me to do an opinion piece on it.
Please Gabe, not now.
I wasn't asking for permission.
I was just giving you a heads-up.
It's a bad look for me at the office.
I'll see you later.
She's brazenly supporting him in public.
Exactly.
- Let me call you back. - Dianne, can we talk?
I'm really busy right now. Can we talk later?
The Noko thing, it isn't working.
You just gotta persist. Make a plan.
Don't give up. You got this.
Ella...
you're up next.
- But we've just run through it. - Jonas wants to do it again.
Back to work guys.
Come on, everybody.
So I tried to warn Sarafina about the cops...
Bah ! They kicked the door down.
Um. Okay, let's... let's... let's take five, everyone,
and then we'll start from the top... again.
I know it's not my place.
You're right. It's not your place.
This Fransman guy doesn't hold a candle to Noko.
And Miss America.
We all want Noko, okay?
But he's too busy running around for his dad.
Besides, Fransman will be...
he'll be good.
Just needs a bit more time.
Speaking of time.
This is crazy. How long do we have to be here?
I mean, it's a high school play.
- It's not a real production. - What?
I mean, this is academic assessment week.
For some of these students,
this is the graduation piece that could get them
into the drama school of their dreams.
Credits are on the line ! Not a'real play'?!
You know, I'm putting some of my own real money into this production.
Okay, everyone, please stop what you're doing and listen to me.
Yes, Miss Ariana.
This annual theatre production
is an important part of the school calendar.
If it means late-night rehearsals every day of the week,
then so be it.
That's a sacrifice you'll have to make.
But some of you are not taking this seriously enough.
Just know that you will not only let down all the students
who have put their hearts and souls into this show.
All those impoverished kids in Diepsloot settlement
who will benefit from the money raised from the ticket sales.
But you will also let yourself down.
Opening night is around the corner
and we are way behind schedule,
I need your help.
Particularly for our new additions,
this is not a walk in the park
or a little adventure en route to credits.
- You can go. k - Miss Ariana...
- can I please talk to you? - Go for it, Greta.
Um.
I want to start by thanking you
and having never been to a township myself,
this whole experience has been eye-opening.
The great honour of representing Team Sarafina
is probably been the greatest moments in my life...
as a South African.
That's great Greta.
I'm happy you're in a good space,
but if you don't mind, I have work to do...
Actually...
I was wanting some performance tips.
I think we'll have to schedule another appointment.
Thank you. Can you fit me in tomorrow at 2?
Let me check my schedule.
I'll let you know. Okay.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Thanks.
I don't know what that was about
but you owe me big time, Ella Gardner.
I got you.
Noko... on your way to meet Miss Ariana, right?
Don't bother. She just left.
- But she sent me a mail. - Yeah, she sent me one too,
but she had to make another meeting.
- She was not in a good mood. - Why? What did she say?
I don't know.
Something about you dropping out of the play so last minute
showing a lack of commitment, blah, blah.
Heads up. She might bring this up to your parents.
I hope it doesn't affect your credits.
I don't need this today.
Wait.
Why did you jump ship anyway?
Hope it wasn't because of me.
Nah... it wasn't because of you Sunshine.
Yeah well now I'm stuck with Fransman.
What?! Jonas replaced me with Fransman?
I'm no Michael B. Jordan, but...
that plant over there is a better actor than Fransman.
If I'm being honest, I've just been really busy.
Those damn rehearsals just take too much time.
I know, right?
Even though Jonas is shouting at everybody like a madman,
I still enjoy this acting stuff.
I just can't find the time.
I think the pressures of the play and assessments
is just really getting to all of us.
Now that credits are on the line, we're all desperate for you to return.
The whole production feels the same way.
I bet even Fransman would be happy to see you back.
Oh, you know Dawoud?
Yeah, we've skated together once or twice.
Look, Noko...
I'm gonna cut to the chase, we need you in the play.
Wait, did Jonas send you?
What, it can't be my idea?
It has to be some white guy pulling my strings?
- It's kind of hurtful. - My bad.
Look, I never even thought I'd be interested in taking part in the play.
But then my grandmother, she saw the play on Broadway back in the day.
Hasn't stopped talking about it since.
I've watched the movie like a gazillion times !
So when I told her the school was putting it on
and I'm trying for a part, she lost her shit.
I got the part and she booked a flight right on the spot.
She's flying all the way from the States to come watch me.
Yeah, I know.
I'll be there in time.
Look, I've got to go.
Oh. Um, okay.
But you'll think about it?
The play?
Maybe.
Cool.
See you around then.
Ella.
I need to make an appointment off campus.
You can tag along if you're keen.
I think you might like it.
Oh, no, thank you.
Off-campus is currently off limits for me.
We'll be back before assessment.
I promise no one will even know you've left.
Come on. We'll be back, huh?
It beats sitting in traffic.
Yo, I can't even front.
This is my first time in a helicopter.
Don't worry. You're in safe hands.
It's pretty cool.
About five years ago...
the community had no running water...
no electricity... corporates were trying to run them off the land.
So my dad bought the land and gave it back to the people.
He now funds a sustainable community farm.
We're even rebuilding the huts because of a recent flood.
I'm good, Uncle Nathi.
- This is Ella. She's our guest today, - Oh.
Also my first time at a game reserve.
Zoos don't count, right?
Well, Ella...
welcome to the safari.
Today is a big day for Noko here.
For the last few years, I've been running a rhino
conservation project here.
The animals are being moved to another reserve for breeding.
It's a simple procedure.
At least it should be simple right, Uncle Nathi?
You've got this, Big Boss.
Shall we?
All this to keep animals in or out?
To ward off poachers.
You know, giraffes don't have a mating season.
They get it on all year round...
sort of like humans
Malatji is very special.
He's one of only two northern white rhinos left.
- In Africa? - In the world.
Heartless poaching has driven them to extinction.
We're transporting him to the other reserve
to mate with the female but...
there's no guarantee.
Rhino Tinder.
Here, potassium permanganate.
Pour it around this area.
It will help with the healing.
Why is he still looking so weak?
He's eating properly though, look.
Maybe he's depressed or lonely.
That is a strong possibility.
I hope he's strong enough for the trip.
Who's the vet on the other side?
Dlamini will be there.
Easy, easy, easy. Easy, easy, easy.
Beautiful creatures...
but they tend to have one hell of a temper.
What happens when they're not sedated and get angry?
Oh.
You do not want to be around to see that happen.
I didn't expect any of this from the annoying rich kid
who was making out in front of my locker.
Making out? I was just talking to the girl.
Today was epic.
I had a lot of fun.
Maybe we could hang out again sometime.
If you want to hang, you know where to find me.
We could rehearse lines together.
Okay. I'll think about it, Sunshine.
Come on ! Do you really want to torture the audience with Fransman?
Thank you for coming to Ella's first assessment.
I hear you're now in the school production of Sarafina.
- Yes, ma'am. - Mrs Masombuka, great character.
And yes, you will get extra credits,
but my concern is that you've
laden yourself with a strenuous commitment.
But you gave up the theatre clinic opportunity
and now you're in the play?
Ella is the play not an unnecessary distraction?
Hey, I like Sarafina as much as the next guy, but...
I'm not happy with you doing it
if it's dragging down your other grades.
I know. I just thought that...
Maybe we shouldn't be so hasty Gabe.
What do you mean?
As Ms Mensah already said, Ella came to the school pretty late.
I think the play's a great way for her to open up
and become a part of the school community.
Okay. But what about her grades?
She's clearly passionate about it,
and she gets extra credits.
Where is this coming from?
I'm just saying, you might want to listen to her, that's all.
Okay, when I do listen to her and make an effort, she lies to me.
Please, Gabe. Let's just pull it back a step.
This is a new circumstance for all of us.
And yes, it is particularly difficult for Ella.
We do encourage holistic programming,
and from time to time, with the cooperation of parents,
we channel students towards their passions.
if it's deemed beneficial.
And that starts...
with giving Ella the opportunity to express herself.
I just want to try this, dad.
Now that I'm in Sarafina,
I can't let the rest of the production down.
They're relying on me.
For the first time since Oakland,
I'm really feeling like things are turning around.
I feel like I'm making new friends,
like I'm starting afresh.
And yes,
it's been really tough adjusting to the schoolwork and the pace.
And I know I need to work harder. I promise I will.
Both Lolo and Greta, my new friends,
have graciously offered to catch me up
on all the schoolwork this weekend,
if that's okay.
So how was the safari excursion?
- How do you know? - Catch up kiddo,
we're the CIA.
Damn !
Was it the phone?
I don't want you to worry about that right now.
I just need you to think about everything you saw.
Who was there? What happened?
Anything you found strange or interesting?
Other than a helicopter ride to a game farm?
There's not much to tell Dianne.
Noko is -
he's actually pretty cool.
It was the phone, wasn't it?
- This is serious, Ella ! - Okay fine, geez !
He was looking after animals,
tagging rhinos that are gonna be moved.
You know, I can't do this, Dianne.
These are good people.
We're helping their community.
I've been lying all day, it's hella exhausting.
And I'm not a snitch either.
But you are still doing the play, right?
He dropped out of the play.
And whatever this is, I'm done.
The deal is off.
We're looking for animals in transit.
Yes, animals in transit. It will make
I gotta go.
- Hey. - Hey.
- Well... That went well. - Yeah.
I feel like it could have been better, but
- Wanna get out of here? - Yeah.
I feel like the whole situation is just a mess honestly.
Jeez, I barely made it out of that one alive.
On the upside, I'm coming to your place this weekend.
That's great. My parents won't mind.
I really need to get away from here.
What? You're going to run away again?
They'll flag me as soon as I try.
I'm so tired of all this.
It's not normal.
Back home in Oakland, I could do whatever I wanted.
No curfew, no weird rules, no chaperones.
A lot of people would love to have their own Kevin Costner lite.
Um,'The Bodyguard'?
With Whitney Houston.
Here I can't even order an Uber without Greta's help.
But I don't mind helping you, Ella.
Yeah, but that's not the point.
You guys have freedom. This is your home.
But for me?
It's like my stepmother is holding me hostage.
Why? I mean, I thought you were winning.
Going on dates,
- starring in plays. - It's not that.
All I wanna do is go home. My friend is in jail, and...
- I need a fake passport. - What?
That's my mom.
Roberta. Roberta.
Oh, it's me, darling. In the flesh.
Please tell us. How could you have killed Eric?
Okay.
- Next time. Next time. - Bye-bye, my fans.
I'm never going to...
Are you sure this line is secure?
Trust me, this app has end-to-end encryption.
Juan put me on to it.
Did you talk to your uncle yet?
Are you sure you want to go through with this, Ella?
I mean, my uncle's contact can organise a new passport,
but it's gonna cost you.
I still don't understand why you can't
use the passport you already have.
And why are we sneaking around?
I told you my parents confiscated it.
Besides, my stepmom is really well-connected in the US government.
Anywhere I try to use that passport
she'll get alerted and they'll bring me right back to her.
Damn, that's some heavy James Bond shit.
I know right?
Okay, before I give you his number,
you need to know that he is a dangerous man.
You can't mess around with him.
Do you even have twenty thousand lying about?
Jeez, what is that in dollars?
- Like 1200? - That's a lot of money, Ella.
I'm gonna have to work on that part.
Hey, what are you doing there?
- Nothing. - Looks like someone's doing something a little...
dodgy.
Oh, this? It's just...
It's a school project thing.
I really didn't think you were the drinking type.
Kwame? Are you down there?
Yeah, we're just playing hide and seek.
Yeah, I should have the first draft for you by the end of the week.
Oh, it will be terrible. Okay, bye.
Hey.
You owe me.
Is there a 'no music' policy in this car?
Okay.
What are you even listening to these days?
Do you even listen to music?
What? Me? Okay. Alright.
What do you know about rap music?
Rap, huh?
Nah, I'm not talking about this mumbo jumbo nonsense
you lot listen to these days.
I'm talking about rap music, okay?
The Golden Age of the 90s.
Boom ! What do you think about that?
Huh?
Okay. Turn it up, old man !
Okay, if you think you can handle it.
- Hello, Mr. Gardner. - Hey. Hi. - Hey, Ella.
- Hey. - Welcome to our home.
- It's so lovely. - Please you must come inside...
- to meet my parents. - Um. Wow. There's a...
Oh, that's Meneer Groenewald, he's harmless.
Okay. Um. - What's going on?
I'm just going to get my bag.
I hope you don't mind me saying, but...
you have a great energy, Gabe.
I felt it the moment you walked into the house.
Well, thank you. You should tell my wife. She...
she has her doubts.
Is she not in touch with her spiritual self?
Um. Farnie, I...
I brought along a signed copy of my book for you.
Ella explained that you were a big fan.
Oh, excellent, Gabe.
I so very, very much appreciate it. Look...
Gabe wrote a book.
I'm also just glad that
Greta has agreed to help Ella with her schoolwork.
Um.
Hey, girls !
What's happening?
You guys need some help?
No?
Ah, the trials and tribulations of adolescence.
So, uh... what does your lovely wife do for a living?
Oh, well, she is Head of Regional Affairs at the US Embassy.
Thanks. - I'd love one.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, don't forget who you are.
Good luck.
You don't want to be late for your audition.
So that's your plan?
For us to sell booze? Are you serious?
This is really expensive stuff.
There's at least thirty thousand rands worth of nice liquor here.
This is stealing. Your parents are gonna be so mad.
It's provided by the US Embassy for hosting events.
And since they don't host events, they won't miss it.
It's a victimless crime, Gret.
Let's not do this, guys.
If we get caught with alcohol, it's big trouble.
Ella, please. You don't really need this passport.
Surely you can talk to your parents.
You don't understand.
It's not how it works.
Yo, Greta.
Are those your parents?
Oh, that's a lot of body parts.
Can we please get going?
Miss Greta
would you and your friends like some tea?
- No, thanks, Sylvia. - Oh, okay.
Dude, you're like a third of that Aunty's age.
Why is she calling you'Miss'?
She insists.
Sure thing,'Miss Greta'.
I feel like I'm in'Get Out'.
And this is Talknice.
Oh, hello Miss Greta.
Miss Greta's friends, so lovely to meet you.
What type of name is Talknice?
It's a Zimbabwean name, Miss...
- It's Ella. - Ah, yes.
Miss Greta has told us a lot about you guys.
What does Talknice do here again?
He just drives me around, helps in the garden.
Oh and he feeds Meneer Groenewald.
And talks nice?
He's an immigrant, Ella.
Now, I bet you that's not his real name.
But for Greta and her family's purposes,
they just call him Talknice.
Truth is, there are a lot of Zimbabwean immigrants out there,
all just desperate to make a living,
ready to work hard for tiny salaries.
Excuse me, Lolo.
Firstly, it is his real name.
And secondly, we pay Talknice very well.
He's part of our family.
He gets every second weekend off
and he can use the car whenever he likes.
Let's not get into a fight, guys.
South Africa is very xenophobic.
That's all I'm saying.
But I'm a foreigner.
No, you're American.
You can get a pass anyway you are trespassing.
I mean, you gave us Beyonce and Coke Light.
There are Zimbabweans at school.
Yeah, but they're rich. It doesn't count.
And by the way, Ella...
you have a whole Wynand, who drives and follows you around.
Ooh, she's got you there, Ella.
What? That's not the same.
And if you don't feel comfortable with Talknice
driving us around, then
maybe we should reconsider this adventure.
Whoa. Whoa, let's not get worked up.
You daydreaming about your skater boy again?
He keeps leaving me on'read'.
Maybe he's moved on... puppy love you know,
- it's so fragile - Lerato is really beautiful.
What does that mean?
They're just hanging.
Ooh, touchy subject huh?
Are you guys like, official official?
Besides, aren't you and Noko also a thing?
I saw you guys walking around at school.
Damn, Ella. How many boys do you want?
Leave some for the rest of us. Don't be greedy girl !
But you're doing well, friend.
Maybe he's just playing'hard to get'.
You know, personally, if that was me
and Juan already knows
he's leaving me on read, he'd be getting a slap.
Yeah, hey?
In the hood, we can make this happen quickly, guys.
Yeah, Talknice just hit the next right.
I can't believe I'm actually in Soweto.
Lolo, can you point out where Mandela's House is?
And we drive through Vilakazi Street if it's on the way...
Oooh ! Can we get a 'Kota' to eat?
I've been dying to try one.
Yeah, I'm down.
I'll try a'Kota'.
Guys, my hood is not a theme park.
People live here. Okay?
Oh, just pull up over here, Talknice.
Yeah.
Okay.
Just wait for me in the car, okay?
- Nah, I'm coming with you. - And me?
No. No, no, no.
No, Miss Greta.
This place is not safe.
Lolo is so gangster.
Top-shelf stuff.
Yeah. She's American.
Hey? Hey, hey, hey. Yo, yo, yo, wassup?
Wassup, Riri?
Riri is from Barbados.
Hey, Lolos...
Okay.
SK...
I'm warning you.
Now, about that booze.
Okay.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Greta, I think you need to sit this one out.
No ways I'm staying in the car
while you guys get down at Swankies.
Miss Greta... if you don't remain in the car,
I'm gonna tell your mother that we are in Soweto right now.
We won't be long.
- Miss Greta? How are you, Miss Greta? - Hi !
I'm good. Thank you. And you?
Miss Grettie-Grettie. Hey, it's so great.
Okay. Miss Greta, be safe.
- Thank you. - We'll see you.
- Valencia's boy. - Yes.
Ten thousand?
What? That's a rip-off.
I'm giving you the price.
At this point we have to take this as our victory.
Here's your 1k cut, as promised.
No.
Hillbrow is too much.
Please, Miss Greta.
I can't be bringing you here.
It's okay, Talknice. We're almost done.
Please, just let us finish up here and then we can go home.
I'll make it worth your while.
Just this once. Please be quick, Miss Ella.
It is not safe here.
I'll wait with Miss Greta and the car.
No.
Be careful, Ella.
You get your passport and leave as quickly as possible.
It's the last door on your right.
Stop.
Who's here for business?
Go in.
I carry the banner of all those who envision
and actively support change.
So, go and vote.
Go to the voting poll
and vote if you want to make a change.
Next.
For a South African passport.
Ah.
What bullshit is this?
This is not enough money for a passport.
Don't play games.
You can leave this here with me as a deposit.
Can you see the headlines?
'American Citizen Robbed by Counterfeit Kingpin in Hillbrow'.
You've got good sense of humour.
You've got good sense of humour child.
Don't smile.
This isn't a passport. What am I supposed to do with this?
Get out.
Cool name, but how do I say it?
Gugu Mazibuko.
It's not exactly a passport, but you can do a lot with this.
Hey, chin up.
You have an adult identity now.
Think of all the things you can do.
You can get a driver's license, a paying job.
Heck, you can even get legally married.
Can we make one last stop?
No, no, no.
Hey, cheer up. Don't look so down.
Hey, Dawoud.
Go easy on her.
Hey. What's up?
I've been trying to get a hold of you all day.
Yeah, I've just been, you know,
rolling with the squad today.
Okay.
Cool.
Wanna hang?
I'm having a sleepover at Greta's and her folks are pretty chill.
Sounds tempting, but I can't tonight.
Got plans.
Cool.
Maybe tomorrow? I've got a maths exam on Monday.
But, you know, let's just play it by ear, okay?
Sure.
Play by ear. Cool.
Yo, D. Are you coming?
Yo, I gotta go.
I think I know why he's been leaving you on'read'.
That ***!
You are too scandalous.
No, it's not like that.
We've just been rehearsing lines together.
Do you, girl.
Just don't hurt innocent people.
That Gwyneth is one sneaky ***.
I guess she just met her match now.
Oh, Juan is here.
We'll talk about this later, okay?
Are all the boys here this sensitive?
I don't know.
Would American boys be okay with this sort of thing?
What's going on with you, Ella?
It seems like you invite a lot of trouble,
when you can easily avoid it.
But anyway ! Tonight is Gugu Mazibuko's night !
Come on Gugu. You're a 22 year old and the world is your oyster.
Go, Gugu.
Happy birthday to Gugu.
Happy birthday Gugu.
Gugu.
A cache of weapons found hidden and smuggled
in animal transportation has been seized.
No arrests have been made.
Um. I'm really sorry.
- What are you doing tonight? - No plans.
It's'Half Price Tuesday' at the movies.
What if he's being set up like he says?
This is gonna ruin Noko's family, Dianne.
And it's all my fault.
Those were Wafula's supporters
who crossed paths with Susuman's Army four months ago.
And you want me to do what exactly?
Just place a little listening device in Gundo's house.
Tonight?
So she cancelled your date?
This is the most fun I've had in a long time.
I don't know exactly what she's telling you, but I can explain.