No Cannons That Roar by A.H. Salem

NO CANNONS THAT ROAR
Written by
A.H. Salem
151 Tremont St.

Apt. 10R
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 6177840060
Ahmedhalsalem@gmail.com
BLACK SCREEN
SUPER:
FADE IN:
There is some good in the worst of

us...some evil in the best of us.
-Martin Luther King Jr.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

A family of five eat breakfast in an elegant dining room.
SUPER: MAY 17 1995
The family consists of ROGER and MARISSA SLADE and their
three children. HUNTER, 22, is enjoying his first summer out
of college. He is relatively tall and well built. His two
younger sisters are THERESA, 17, and HANNA, 13.
ROGER
When do you leave?
HUNTER
The first day of June.
MARISSA
Honey, are you still sure you want
to do this? Theres so many other
things you can do to help out-HUNTER
Mom, Im sure. I just turned 22,
Im old enough to make this
decision. Let me plan my own life.
ROGER
Let him be, Marissa. Our days of
molding him are over. Just be
careful out there. They say its
dangerous out there.
HUNTER
Thats why I want to go. Ill be
fine.
HANNA
Are you going to have to kill
anyone?
God no!
MARISSA
2.
HUNTER
Im just there to help, Sunshine.
Bring food and stuff life that.
Theres kids your age there who
cant eat pancakes like you do.
HANNA
They dont eat pancakes like this?
She forks into a pancake and tries to shove it in her mouth
all at once.
MARISSA
Hanna! Where are your manners?
HANNA
I just thought it would be funny.
Hunter smiles and winks at her.
HUNTER
No, Hanna, they dont even have
pancakes to eat like that.
Poor kids!
THERESA
HANNA
Take some with you. Every kid needs
to try pancakes!
HUNTER
(laughing)
Ill make sure to bring a box.
Promise?
HANNA
HUNTER
I promise. [shoves a mouthful of
pancakes] Eil teeach zem to eaats
like thiss.
Theresa and Hanna laugh.
Hunter!
MARISSA
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY

Hunter and ELLIE, 21, are walking the sidewalks of a wealthy
suburban cul-de-sac. They hold hands as they walk.
3.
ELLIE
Im going to miss you.
Im not.
Thanks.
HUNTER
ELLIE
HUNTER
It will only be for a little while.
Dont worry, they say distance
makes the heart go fonder and if I
love you this much now imagine how
much Ill love you over there.
A ton!
More.
Kiloton?
Even more!
ELLIE
HUNTER
ELLIE
HUNTER
ELLIE
(leaning towards him with every
word)
Megaton? Gigaton? Tetraton?!
HUNTER
(laughing)
I dont think thats how it works
but Ill settle for one after
tetraton.
ELLIE
Um...exaton?!
HUNTER
Exaton...I like it.
They stop at a gated driveway and face each other. They kiss.
ELLIE
Be safe, ok?
HUNTER
The thought of purposefully
stepping on a landmine is better
than coming back safely to you.
4.
She playfully slaps his chest.
ELLIE
Youre so mean.
HUNTER
And youre a cold hearted bitch.
She gives him a dirty look and turns around to walk through
the side door of the gated driveway. He walks backwards
across the cul-de-sac staring at her as she walks away.
Ellie!
HUNTER (CONTD)
She turns around from a distance.

HUNTER (CONTD)
(pointing to his heart)
Exaton!
ELLIE
(rolls her eyes and
smiles)
Exaton.
INT. MOVIE THEATER - DAY
Hunter and JUSTIN, 21, walk out the doors of a movie theater.
Hunter holds two huge cups of Coke with one hand and an empty
bag of popcorn in the other. The movie poster at the door is
for Die Hard with a Vengeance.
HUNTER
You cant leave your trash in
there, have some courtesy.
JUSTIN
Who cares man, their gonna clean up
after us anyway.
HUNTER
If you had that job wouldnt you be
mad if people didnt pick up after
themselves?
JUSTIN
No, its my job. Im the janitor at
a movie theater and I pick up
peoples trash.
Hunter throws the trash out in a nearby bin.
5.
JUSTIN (CONTD)
I wouldnt give a rats ass what
people did.
HUNTER
Whatd you think of the movie?
JUSTIN
Got what I expected, good action,
cool explosions.
HUNTER
I thought Samuel Jackson was almost
as good as he was in Pulp Fiction.
JUSTIN
I wouldnt say that but he sure
rises above the material.
They exit the theater and walk to the car. Justin enters the
drivers seat.
INT. JUSTINS CAR - DAY
Hunter puts on his seatbelt and checks himself in the car
mirror. Justin starts the car and pulls out.
JUSTIN
So this is it for you.
What?
HUNTER
JUSTIN
Your last movie before you die.
HUNTER
Thanks for the support.
JUSTIN
I cant say that the third Die Hard
is a bad choice but I wouldnt say
its a good one either.
HUNTER
Im sure it wont be my last.
JUSTIN
Whats your last song going to be?
Stop it.
HUNTER
6.
JUSTIN
Are you going to have sex with
Ellie one last time? Better savor
it cause-Hunter punches justin in the arm.
JUSTIN (CONTD)
Ow! Ok, Ill stop.
They sit in silence for a second. Hunter turns off the AC and
pulls the window down.
JUSTIN (CONTD)
Not trying to be gay or anything
but I still havent gotten enough
of you buddy. We both leave each
other for four years and just like
that youre gone again.
HUNTER
Ill be back, dont worry. I just
have to do my part. The war cant
last that long.
JUSTIN
Just come back to us man. Do your
thing and come back.
HUNTER
I will, I will, you hungry?
INT. HUNTERS BEDROOM - NIGHT
Hunter wears a dress shirt and pair of khakis. He sits on his
bed, looking around his room in deep thought.
SUPER: JUNE 1 1995
He walks over to his closet and picks up a GI Joe soldier
figurine from a chest of toys.
HUNTER
The names Hunter Montgomery Slade,
but you can just call me Sergeant
Slade.
He looks through the chest and takes out two worn out Tom &
Jerry dolls.
7.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Have you guys been behaving? (beat)
Dont give me that shit Tom, you
know Jerrys nothing but good. Now
dont get too full of yourself
there Jerry.
He sits back down on his bed.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Remember when I used to tell you
guys I was gonna be like Joe when I
grew up? (beat) Well thats what
Im trying to do, but not with
guns. I can be like Joe over there
and never have to fire a single
shot, can you believe it?
MARISSA
(O.S.)
Hunter! The cars ready, what are
you doing?
HUNTER
(to the dolls)
You guys wanna go to Bosnia with
me?
EXT. AIRPORT RUNWAY - NIGHT
Hunter exits a small airplane on a damaged runway. As soon as
his foot touches the ground, MARTEN, a short round Swedish
man approaches.
MARTEN
Hunter Slade. Hunter Slade.
Hunter towers over him as the man tries to get by him.
MARTEN (CONTD)
Hunter Slade. Mr. Slade.
HUNTER
Right here sir.
MARTEN
(startled)
Sorry, I didnt see you there.
Shall we?
Hunter follows Marten across the runway.
8.
MARTEN (CONTD)
Now you have noted in your
application that safety is not a
concern for you?
HUNTER
Well, I mean-MARTEN
Dont worry, I know what you mean.
Youve been assigned to Srebrenica.
HUNTER
The safe zone?
They stop at the door to the airport. Marten looks Hunter
straight in the eye.
MARTEN
Yes, the UN Security Council
declared it a safe area but the
situation there is getting tough.
The Serbs have violated the
agreement by limiting any ground
aid from entering the zone. People
are starving, even the U.N. Dutch
soldiers are running out of food
and oil.
HUNTER
How can I help?
EXT. U.N. COMPOUND - NIGHT
A U.N. truck enters the gates of a compound.
SUPER: JUNE 3 1995
SUPER: U.N. Dutchbat headquarters near Srebrenica.
Hunter jumps out and his bag is thrown to the ground. He is
one of ten new aid workers.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Hunter is in a cramped bed room standing over his duffel bag.
He starts to unpack. Something inside intrigues him, he digs
for a bit and takes out a box of ready made pancake mix and
maple syrup wrapped in a sealable bag. Theres a note.
9.
HANNA
(V.O.)
I knew you would forget! Make sure
the kids try it. Tell them its from
your awesome sister. Have fun and
be safe. Love, Sunshine.
He smiles and sticks the note to the wall on the top of his
bed.
EXT. SREBRENICA STREET - DAY
The street is riddled with miserable people both young and
old. Dutch soldiers stand guard in various areas around the
street.
SUPER: "JUNE 24 1995"
Hunter walks down the street with JASMIN, a young Bosnian man
in his mid 20s. The buildings look like they were hit by a
meteor shower. There are no shops, restaurants, or offices.
HUNTER
These people are going to starve if
nothing happens soon.
JASMIN
Yes we will all starve.
HUNTER
Any news on the enclave opening?
JASMIN
No. The Serbs wont even let anyone
back in. Even Dutchbat soldiers who
went on patrol werent allowed to
return.
HUNTER
These Dutch soldiers keep me on
edge.
JASMIN
Theyre just here to keep up
appearances. They just want to go
back home without getting a single
scratch.
HASAN, around 5, runs up to them.
HUNTER
Whats up Hassan?
10.
The boy stops and shyly smiles. He puts his hand behind his
back and looks down. He digs the sidewalk with his toe.
JASMIN
(in Bosnian)
What do you want?
HASAN
(in Bosnian)
Sweet round bread?
JASMIN
He wants to know if you have
anymore pancakes.
HUNTER
(disappointed)
No, I only had one box.
JASMIN
(in Bosnian)
Its all finished.
The boy pouts. Hunter lifts the boy up and puts him on his
shoulders. The boy laughs as Hunter runs down the sidewalk.
Out of breath, he stops and pulls Hasan off his back.
A screaming WOMAN runs in his direction. She hurriedly picks
up Hasan as she yells in Bosnian at Hunter. Jasmin catches up
and apologizes to the woman. Hasan who is in the arms of his
mother raises both his hands as if to say hes sorry.
HUNTER
What was that-JASMIN
She though you were either going to
kidnap him or that he would fall
and break his neck.
HUNTER
I just thought it would be funny.
Thats what my sister would always
say.
JASMIN
Youre not in the States anymore,
you have been here long enough now.
Lets go, my mother is expecting us
for lunch.
HUNTER
Ohh, I love me some of Mama
Jasmins cooking!
11.
EXT. SOCCER FIELD - DAY
Hunter and Jasmin play soccer with boys of various ages on a
worn out field.
SUPER: "July 6 1995"
Hunter dribbles the ball down the field. He crosses Jasmin
over and spins past another boy. He stops the ball, looks
back mockingly, then shoots and scores. He runs around
celebrating.
JASMIN
(panting)
You are...you think you are better
than you actually are.
Hunter runs up to Jasmin and puts a hand on his back.
HUNTER
Until you prove it, youre just
doing this.
He raises his hand and makes a talking motion.
JASMIN
Let go aga-A ROAR of guns and artillery fire can be heard from a
distance. They boys frantically run around grabbing their
stuff. Hunter and Jasmin look at each other.
HUNTER
Its them, it has to be them.
JASMIN
Come back to my place, lets find
out whats going on.
The men walk off the soccer field which is left deserted. A
worn out ball lies alone in the middle of the worn out field.
INT. COMPOUND HALLWAY
Hunter is using a payphone.
SUPER: JULY 8 1995
HUNTER
Whats going to happen?
12.
MARTEN
(V.O.)
No one knows. The Dutch forces are
running or surrendering even before
the first shot is fired. All five
Dutch observation posts around the
area have been captured by the
Serbs.
HUNTER
They told me that the Serbs have
the intention of advancing into
Srebrenica.
MARTEN
(V.O.)
We dont know.
HUNTER
And that...and theres reports-MARTEN
Dont mind the reports, just stay
in the compound, youll be safe
there no matter what happens.
HUNTER
Ok, Ill call you tomorrow.
Hunter hangs up the phone. He picks it up again and dials.
Hey Mom.
HUNTER (CONTD)
MARISSA
Hunter! Are you ok? Were
constantly checking the news.
HUNTER
Im fine, hows Dad?
The streets are crowded with worried residents, Jasmin and
Hunter are among them. Dutch soldiers bustle through the
crowds.
SUPER: JULY 10 1995
HUNTER
This doesnt look good.
13.
JASMIN
The Serbs are definitely coming.
HUNTER
Do you think the Dutch will fight?
JASMIN
No, never. The Dutch are only
shooting warning shots but the
Serbs know theyre just bluffing.
The sound of artillery fire thunder through the streets.
JASMIN (CONTD)
There goes one now.
HUNTER
Tell your Mom to pack up what she
needs and you two come with me, to
the compound.
JASMIN
How about my sister and her kids?
HUNTER
Them too, it might not be safe for
them here.
Jasmin thinks for a second as another artillery shot is
fired.
INT. JASMINS APARTMENT - NIGHT
Hunter and Jasmin sit on the floor of Jasmins incommodious
apartment eating dinner. JASMINS MOTHER, 45, plays with an
archaic radio.
JASMIN
30 Dutch soldiers were taken
prisoner today.
HUNTER
Damn, add that to the long list of
reasons why the U.N. wont fight.
JASMINS SISTER, 26, tiptoes in.
JASMIN
Mother, whats the plan for
tomorrow?
14.
JASMINS MOTHER
(still fiddling)
Lets not be so quick to run.
She manges to catch a signal. A Bosnian man speaks sternly as
they all listen quietly.
HUNTER
Whats he saying?
JASMIN
Col. Karreman of the Dutchbats says
that fifty NATO planes will bomb
the Serbs at six tomorrow morning.
HUNTER
Their gonna fight then....
JASMIN
Lets hope so. They advise us not
to panic...yet.
JASMINS MOTHER
(shuts off the radio)
Lets sleep and wait until morning.
INT. JASMINS APARTMENT - DAY
The sun shines on Hunters sleeping face. Bursts of gunfire
and artillery rock the apartment, Hunter dazes out of bed.
SUPER: JULY 11 1995.
Jasmin rushes into the living room.
JASMIN
Their not going to attempt a fight.
HUNTER
What about the air strike?
JASMIN
Bunch of U.N. srati. They told the
General he filled out the wrong
form and couldnt go through with
it. The planes were ordered back.
HUNTER
Are you serious? They were here?
Yelling and confusion are heard from the streets muted every
few seconds by the sound of consistent bombardment.
15.
JASMIN
Yes...everyone is fleeing to the
U.N. base. My family has already
gone.
HUNTER
Why didnt you wake me?!
JASMIN
Look Hunter. (kneels on the ground)
Im not going.
What? Why?
HUNTER
JASMIN
I am a Bosnian Muslim man. The
Serbs are not going to allow me to
live.
HUNTER
What are you talking about? They
cant do anything in the U.N. Base.
JASMIN
I dont want to take that chance.
HUNTER
Jasmin, come on, you cant be
serious?
JASMIN
What do you Americans say? (smiles)
Dead...dead serious, Im dead
serious.
HUNTER
Listen, I dont know what you think
the Serbs will do-JASMIN
My mind is already made up. All
Bosnian men and boys are escaping
for the woods, Im going with them.
Hunter glares at Jasmin for a moment. Jasmin breaks away and
stands up.
Clusters of men walk away from the town towards the woods.
Women and children board buses and trucks. Dutch soldiers
stand all over.
16.
Jasmin and Hunter scan the area from a street corner. A U.N.
truck cramped with women and children passes by them. A small
girl waves at them.
HUNTER
(waving at the girl)
Where are you going?
JASMIN
Tuzla, Bosnian territory. Thats my
column over there.
He points to a group of men who cluster around an old
lecturing man.
HUNTER
Are you sure this is what you want
to do?
JASMIN
My brother, its the safest way.
HUNTER
I am usually good with goodbyes,
but I cant stop feeling....
He puts a hand over his heart; pain overtakes his face.
Jasmin puts a hand on Hunters shoulder.
JASMIN
Its ok aki. We will meet again, if
not in this world then the next.
HUNTER
Im not Muslim.
JASMIN
Not yet. (winks) But even so, who
says it matters?
HUNTER
(smiles)
As soon as this is over, Im taking
you to the nearest soccer field and
teaching you a lesson or two.
JASMIN
The arrogance hides but never dies.
They hug and part ways. Hunter turns around to catch one last
glimpse of his friend only to find a sea of men, not one
distinguishable from the other.
17.
EXT. U.N. COMPOUND - DAY
Hunter squeezes past an enormous crowd of scared women and
children. He shows his ID card to a group of Dutch guards who
let him in. A man atop a tank yells into a speakerphone.
HUNTER
Why arent you letting these people
in?
DUTCH GUARD
The base is at full capacity.
Hunter strolls the compound. He passes by a row of empty U.N.
Trucks. Refugees pace the compound ground while others sit on
the dirt.
He notices the girl who waved to him earlier sitting on her
mothers lap crying.
HUNTER
(pointing to his eye)
Why the tears?
The girl puts her face in her mothers breast and continues to
cry. The mother smiles at Hunter and tries to describe a doll
with her hands. He understands and motions to the mother that
he will return.
INT. CAFETERIA - NIGHT
A group of U.N. workers slump around a TV. Hunter sits next
to NINA, 22, a stunning French girl. Her eyes are fixated on
him as he watches the news.
SERIES OF SHOTS - NEWS FOOTAGE
-- General Mladic and other Serb Army officers, take a
triumphant walk through the empty streets of Srebrenica
-- General Mladic arrives at the gates of U.N. Compound
-- A nervous Colonel KARREMANS of the Dutchbat shares a toast
with Mldic and other officers, "To a long life," they cheers.
-- Mldic and Karremans sit at a town meeting with local
Srebernica leaders.
BACK to the CAFETERIA
HUNTER
That Karreman is scared out of his
mind.
18.
NINA
(French accent)
What else should he do?
HUNTER
Not share a toast with the
attacking General.
NINA
Its not his land or people.
HUNTER
Its his job. Did you see the
refugees out there?
NINA
I cant imagine how they sleep.
They are like dogs.
HUNTER
Im sorry why are you here again?
NINA
I am a French Bosnian, I came to
help my people.
Hunter eyes her with suspicion.
HUNTER
Im going to bed.
NINA
Good, me too. You can walk me to my
room.
A crowd of children surround the street leading to the
entrance of the compound. Hunter and Nina walk towards it.
SUPER: JULY 12 1995
A slightly overweight man in a unique Serbian uniform struts
in front of the crowd of children throwing candy, chocolate
and cigarettes to the kids. His actions are being video taped
by numerous camera men.
NINA
Thats him.
HUNTER
Mladic? Whats he saying?
19.
NINA
Hes telling everyone not to be
afraid, he says they all will get
transported, both young and old.
(listens) Thirty buses are coming
to take them to Kladanj then to
Muslim territory.
HUNTER
Well thats good.
NINA
You cant tell the face of liar?
Hunter stares at her as a pack of cigarettes hits his chest.
A SERBIAN SOLDIER winks at him.
LATER
A line of thirty buses park near the entrance to the
compound. The refugees waiting outside run towards it. Hunter
sits on the curb smoking a cigarette watching the refugees.
Men who are trying to get on are pulled away by the soldiers.
The girl who had waived to Hunter earlier runs past him. She
snugly carries Hunters Tom doll. She loosens her grip from
her mothers hand and picks up a pebble from the ground and
hands it to Hunter as a gift. He gives her a hug.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
A GUNSHOT. Hunter wakes up from a bad dream and jumps out of
bed. He notices the time and curses to himself.
EXT. U.N. COMPOUND - NIGHT
He is now in a deep part of the compound. He stops at an
abandoned building and sits on the door steps.
He smells something repulsive, gets up and turns the corner
to the back of the building. Something completely startles
him and he falls back on to the ground.
He throws up. After catching himself, he looks up again and
sees a mound of bodies stacked on top of each other besides a
tractor. He gets up and scurries home.
LATER
He is almost near his apartment when he hears a baby crying
across the street intersection.
20.
After a few seconds a SERB SOLDIER yells at the SLEEPING
MOTHER. Hunter gets closer and makes eye contact with the
soldier who snickers at him.
He makes it a couple of yards down the street when he hears
the baby crying again and turns around. Underneath the light
the soldier kicks the woman, grabs the baby with one hand and
takes out a knife with the other.
NO!
HUNTER
He runs towards the soldier who in his frenzy doesnt look

up. He throws the slain baby at the mothers feet. She is
hysterical as she holds her murdered infant. A DUTCH SOLDIER
a few steps away looks on in horrified silence.
Hunter gags and keels over. The Serb leans on the wall
watching him, laughing. Refugees nearby pretend to be
sleeping.
HUNTER (CONTD)
What the hell did you just do?!
SERB SOLDIER
(in Serbian)
Be quite! People are sleeping.
He laughs again. Hunter storms at him, getting inches from
his face. The soldier lands a punch that has Hunter crawling
on all fours. The soldier kicks and butts him with his gun.
Hunter lies face down on the sidewalk. He awakes and
struggles to get up. He sees the blood on the ground and
throws up again. Sounds of gunfire, screams and crying are
heard every few seconds.
SUPER: JULY 13 1995
The streets are riddled with grieving women. Three female
bodies are hung from a building doorway. A dog licks the face
of a man shot in the back near a gutter. Dutch soldiers stand
around like statues. Serbs like warriors.
He limps towards a Dutch soldier.
HUNTER
Are you blind? Am I going crazy?
CANT YOU SEE THE BODIES?!
21.
As Hunter draws closer, the Dutch soldier raises his gun at
him.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Now you react! Just wait till this
is over, all your asses are going
on trial.
MONTAGE - THE COMPOUND THROUGH HUNTERS EYES
-- Three boys sit slouched on the wall with their throats
slit.
-- A Serb holds down a man while the other cuts his ear.
-- A Serb parades around his knife with the head of a ten
year old boy.
BACK TO U.N. COMPOUND
As he approaches his apartment he notices a group of Serbian
and Dutch soldiers walking together towards the entrance of
the compound. He goes inside.
INT. COMPOUND HALLWAY - DAY
Hunter is using a payphone.
HUNTER
Do you have any idea whats
happening here?
MARTEN
(V.O.)
Dont worry, youll be fine. Just
stay in your room.
HUNTER
How about everyone else in this
place? The U.N. isnt doing shit!
MARTEN
(V.O.)
Now Hunter, they are doing the best
they can. Its a delicate situation,
now just-Hunter slams the phone. He slaps the sides of the payphone in
anger and slides down to the ground, burying his head between
his legs.
22.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Hunter finds his apartment door unlocked. He enters and sees
Nina sitting emotionless on his bed.
HUNTER
Whats wrong?
She stays silent. His bloody face goes unnoticed.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Its OK, Im shocked too, I think
this is all just-NINA
They raped me.
HUNTER
What? Who?!
He looks her in the eyes: theyre empty.
NINA
They thought I was a pure Bosnian.
There were four of them. Two raised
my legs while the third raped me,
and the fourth watched. They took
turns like I was...like I was a
video game.
I...I--
HUNTER
NINA
They all just stood there. The
refugees, the Dutch. I begged the
Dutch soldier for help. He stared
at me with a mix of pity and
disgust...like I was a mouse gorged
in a trap. He had a Walkman
on...that fucking Walkman.
Hunter squeezes her hand.
HUNTER
Im sorry....
He looks into her eye again: theyre angry.
Nina sprints to a group of Serbs smoking. Hunter yells after
her.
23.
The Serbs mock her as she gets closer. She approaches a YOUNG
SERB and tries to take his gun. He slams her with it. Hunter
pleads with them to let her go.
She spits in the Serbs face and again he beats her with his
gun. Hunter tries to pull her away but the Serbs threaten
him. He steps back and watches.
YOUNG SERB SOLDIER
(in Serbian)
Just put her out of her misery.
TALL SERB SOLDIER
(in Serbian)
No let her suffer, well kill her
soon.
The tall one puts out his cigarette on her forehead. Hunters
body shakes with rage, tears roll down his face, as he stands
frozen in the middle of the street.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY - DAY
Hunter walks down the corridor to his apartment. He runs into
DAVE, a nerdy 24 year old American.
DAVE
Good morning.
Dave continues down the corridor.
HUNTER
Good morning?
DAVE
(turning around)
Im sorry? Oh my God what happened?
HUNTER
Did you just say good morning?
DAVE
Im confused-HUNTER
Am I the only person alive who sees
whats happening?
DAVE
They told us to stay inside.
24.
HUNTER
That doesnt change whats going on
out there!
DAVE
The Dutch are handling it-Hunter shoves Dave.
HUNTER
The Dutch? The fucking Dutch?
Hunter pins him to the wall, knocking Daves glasses to the
floor.
DAVE
What do you want me to do?
Hunters anger subsides. He lets Dave go and walks down to
his room.
The streets that were riddled with death just a day ago are
now clean and empty. There is no sign of any Serbs, just a
few Dutch soldiers standing around.
SUPER: JULY 14 1995
Hunter trudges to the entrance with a backpack on his
shoulder. His face is still bruised.
EXT. ROAD TO SUSNJARI - DAY
Hunter walks along a paved road.
U.N. soldiers are shooting and yelling at the woods.
A BURLY SOLDIER calls him over. He ignores the call and
continues to walk. The soldier jogs to him.
BURLY SOLDIER
(in Serbian)
Come with me.
HUNTER
Im American (points to the
soldiers U.N. helmet) I work for
the U.N. too.
25.
BURLY SOLDIER
(in Serbian)
Bartolomej, come here.
BARTOLOMEJ, a skinny 21 year old Serb marches over.
BARTOLOMEJ
(to Hunter)
Are you Bosnian?
HUNTER
No, Im American.
BARTOLOMEJ
Any form of identification?
Hunter searches himself for his ID card. He looks at the
soldiers in embarrassment.
HUNTER
I think I might have left it back
in the U.N. Compound.
BARTOLOMEJ
Without identification we will
treat you as a Bosnian.
HUNTER
I am a full blooded American, cant
you tell?
BARTOLOMEJ
Without any papers you can pretend
to be whoever you want.
Bartolomej grabs Hunters arms.
HUNTER
I work for the U.N. Call the head-BARTOLOMEJ
(laughs)
We are Serbs, we dont work for the
U.N.
Bartolomej hands him to a group of Serbs who drag him past a
U.N. truck into a green field across from the woods. Hunter
doesnt object.
They throw him down beside a group of ten Bosnian men. A
skinny, shirtless OLD BOSNIAN MAN stands yelling into the
woods.
26.
OLD BOSNIAN MAN
Ivooooo. Ivooooo.
HUNTER
(to the men)
Anyone here know English?
They stare at him, their faces worn and tired.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Please, Im not Bosnian-A Serb hits him with a rifle.
OLD BOSNIAN MAN
Ivoooo. Ivooooo.
The soldiers laugh at the old man and tell him to yell more.
LATER
Hundreds of Bosnian men, young and old, are escorted out of
the woods in columns towards a field.
LATER
The soldiers order everyone to take off their clothes and to
throw all their belongings in a pile. Hunters sculpted, half
naked body is the thickest out of the exposed men.
LATER
The men are lined up in rows facing buses parked on the
street. General Mladic addresses the column.
INT. SERBIAN BUS - DAY
Hunter is cramped in with other men. He hears the sound of
the door closing followed by yelling. He peers out the
window.
About fifty men are herd onto the field. They are lined up in
five rows of ten on their knees with their hands behind their
heads. They are gunned down by machine guns.
As the bus slowly departs, the Serbs round up the few who
survived the first spray and make them dance.
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY
Hunter is one of thousands of men packed into the gymnasium.
Mladic is yelling into a speakerphone.
27.
EXT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY
Hunter and the prisoners are blindfolded and given a cup of
water as they exit the gymnasium. They load a truck.
EXT. EXECUTION FIELD - DAY
Hunters blindfolded face is emotionless. A Serbs shout is
followed by gun fire. Hunter instinctively falls face flat on
to the ground. The field is riddled with bodies.
LATER
A bulldozer pushes a pile of bodies, Hunters included, into
a mass grave.
EXT. MASS GRAVE - NIGHT
The mass grave shows small signs of life. Bodies twitch and
voices moan. A hand juts out the pile of corpses and digs
itself out of the carcass quicksand. The man jumps over the
corpses and climbs out of the grave. Under the moonlight,
Hunters face is revealed. He runs into the woods.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Someone wakes the sleeping Hunter; he jolts in fear. A
shirtless man, ALIJA, 24, kneels over him. He addresses him
in Bosnian.
HUNTER
Im American.
American?
Thank God.
Im Alija.
Hunter.
ALIJA
HUNTER
ALIJA
HUNTER
ALIJA
Like the word?
HUNTER
Yeah. Were you....
28.
ALIJA
Yes, you are the only one I have
found on my way out.
HUNTER
Where are we?
ALIJA
Somewhere in Serbia.
HUNTER
Did you expect this would happen?
ALIJA
Everyone expects the worse from the
Serbs.
HUNTER
Thats why everyone ran....
Alija nods.
ALIJA
Would you like to join me to Muslim
territory?
HUNTER
Yes, yes absolutely.
EXT. SERBIAN VILLAGE - NIGHT
Hunter and Alija, wearing tattered clothing, crouch behind a
stoned wall.
SUPER: JULY 17 1995
Alija leaps over the wall while Hunter scans the area. Alija
rips out potatoes from the soil. When his arms are full he
dumps them over the wall and climbs over.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Potatoes cook over an open fire. Hunter and Alija nibble on
their food.
ALIJA
How are the potatoes in America?
HUNTER
I like them.
29.
ALIJA
I hope you wont be making
judgement on what we eat here.
HUNTER
I wont, I actually like Bosnian
food.
ALIJA
Youve eaten it before?
HUNTER
Yeah I had a friend....
ALIJA
(smacks his lips)
Bosnian food.
HUNTER
I used to love Cevapi and onions
with somun.
ALIJA
Ahh you know your food terms! This
friend of yours is a true Bosnian.
Alija removes some of the potatoes from the fire.
HUNTER
Where do you think everyone fled?
ALIJA
Everyone was aiming for Tuzla but
God knows where they are now.
HUNTER
My friend...he fled before they
came.
ALIJA
We all did.
HUNTER
I hope I can find him.
ALIJA
You shall find him, God willing.
HUNTER
If I only could fight somehow, get
revenge (gets lost in a thought)
Are you looking for anyone?
30.
ALIJA
My family. (puts down his food) Sun
is rising soon, we should sleep.
EXT. MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN - NIGHT
The moon shines above a mountainous terrain.
SUPER: JULY 20 1995
Hunter and Alija ascend a hill.
ALIJA
God is above the Seven heavens
looking down on the universe.
HUNTER
So beyond the galaxy are seven
heavens?
ALIJA
Who knows, maybe the Earth is the
first heaven, our galaxy is the
second....
HUNTER
So the term heaven is open to
interpretation?
ALIJA
Exactly my brother.
HUNTER
Wheres God now?
ALIJA
Dont be like that Hunter. Men are
evil, not God the Mighty.
HUNTER
God created man.
Alija, out of breath, stops at the top of the hill and sits.
ALIJA
Let me tell you a story: the angels
objected when God told them that he
was creating a man named Adam.
HUNTER
So God shares his plans with
angels?
31.
ALIJA
They said why would you create
someone who would cause trouble and
spill blood when you have us who
worship you and glorify your name?
HUNTER
So God smited them for eternity.
ALIJA
His only response: I know what you
do not know.
HUNTER
So the point?
ALIJA
The point, my brother, is that He
created us for a reason despite the
evil man is capable of...he has
faith in us.
How so?
HUNTER
ALIJA
Gods foreknowledge of mans evil
is the greatest evidence of his
omnipotence. It had to be that way.
For perfection to create
perfection...thats not creation,
thats just an extension. The only
way God could really create, I mean
really create, was to make man
separate from Him. The creation of
evil is the evidence of Gods glory
and power, so that good could be
the evidence of mans glory and
power.
Hunters expression becomes serious as he stares into the
night.
ALIJA (CONTD)
My whole family could be dead as we
speak but that wont change the
fact that He exists.
They sit silently watching the wind whistle past the trees.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Bearded men carrying guns march down a dirt road chanting.
32.
SUPER: JULY 25 1995
Hunter and Alija hide behind bushes.
HUNTER
What are they saying?
ALIJA
Its not Bosnian...or Serbian. I
think Arabic.
Arabic?
HUNTER
ALIJA
These are the Mujahideen.
Alija crawls back into the woods.
HUNTER
Where are you going?
ALIJA
Come here, we need to talk.
Hunter comes closer.
ALIJA (CONTD)
Do you want to ask them for help?
HUNTER
Can they hurt us?
ALIJA
No, they are on the Bosnian side,
but they are known to be ruthless.
HUNTER
Not to Bosnians though right?
ALIJA
You are correct.
HUNTER
I mean weve been wandering for
more than a week now I dont know
how much more I can take.
ALIJA
Ok, but we must pretend that youre
a new Muslim though.
33.
HUNTER
Always preparing for the worst,
thats the Bosnian mentality.
ALIJA
The survivors mentality brother.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
The sun is about to disappear. Hunter and Alija jog toward
the battalions end line.
ALIJA
Salamu alaykum.
Two bearded men turn around and point their guns at them. One
of them men is YAHYA, 32. He yells at them in Arabic.
ALIJA (CONTD)
English, ana Muslim.
YAHYA
Who are you?
ALIJA
We are Bosnians who escaped from
Srebrenica, weve been-YAHYA
Come closer. Keep hands up.
They walk up to the men. Yahya motions for them to be
searched.
ALIJA
All we need is help getting into
Muslim territory.
YAHYA
The Amir will decide.
INT. VILLAGE MOSQUE - NIGHT
The Amir stares. His right eye is a misty white. Black, grey
and white entwine his thick, wild beard. He pulls back his
lower jaw to reveal uneven yellow teeth. He is a bearded
bogeyman.
Alija and Hunter sit cross legged on the mosque floor. Two
men point guns at their heads.
34.
THE AMIR
(crisp British accent)
In the name of God, the most
Merciful.
He wears a black robe, whos sleeves extend over his whole
hand, and a white, golden striped kufi.
THE AMIR (CONTD)
The two of you stand before me, the
Amir of the Mujahideen, seeking aid
and protection from the evil Serbs.
ALIJA
As-Salamu alaykum, yes-THE AMIR
Please do not interrupt me while I
speak. You shall speak when I allow
it.
Alija lowers his head in embarrassment.
THE AMIR (CONTD)
The two of you stand before me, the
Amir of the Mujahideen, seeking aid
and protection from the evil Serbs.
Hunter notices a camera behind him.
THE AMIR (CONTD)
We will gladly help two fellow
brethren but how do we know that
your tongue speaks the truth?
The camera man points the camera towards their faces.
ALIJA
As-Salamu alaykum, Amir. We are
faithful Muslims who just want to
reach Muslim territory.
THE AMIR
My boy, you sit on Muslim territory
as you speak.
ALIJA
Sorry, I meant Bosnian controlled
territory.
THE AMIR
Why not stay among us, your fellow
brothers, and fight?
(MORE)
35.
THE AMIR (CONT'D)
We will train, equip and feed you.
Stay and rise in the ranks of
heaven.
As he speaks he raises his hands in front of him and the
sleeves of his robe fall back to his wrist revealing a hook
instead of a human right hand.
HUNTER
(eyes on the hook)
Do you fight Serbs?
THE AMIR
Who else is there?
Hunters hand becomes a fist. He looks over at Alija.
EXT. ABANDONED BOSNIAN VILLAGE
The boys are escorted out of the mosque by two guards. Alija,
upset, speeds ahead. Hunter motions the two guards to wait.
HUNTER
What did you expect me to say?
ALIJA
I dont think you have any idea
what you just agreed to .
HUNTER
Revenge thats-Alija stops and turns towards Hunter.
ALIJA
Revenge? Do you know what these men
do? They fight fire with fire.
HUNTER
So do I. (puts his hand on Alijas
shoulder) Alija, the Serbs haunt my
dreams, my blood flows with rage-ALIJA
This is not the way, nothing good
can come of this.
HUNTER
I want to do this. There is no
other way to help, no other way!
36.
ALIJA
There are many other ways, this is
just the easiest.
HUNTER
The quickest and most just.
How long?
ALIJA
HUNTER
Until the blood stops spilling.
Alija kicks a rock, thinking it over.
ALIJA
How are you going to pretend to be
Muslim for more than an hour?
HUNTER
(smiling)
Cause youre going to be my side.
MONTAGE - ALIJA AND HUNTER JOIN THE MUJAHIDEEN
(NOTE: The scenes are shot through a camcorder.)
-- The boys get outfitted in black uniforms.
-- Hunter shoots behind a sand bag.
-- Alija crawls through wire.
-- They pray beside each other with the congregation.
-- Hunter and Alija sit on a tank as it treks. They wave at
the camera.
EXT. MUJAHIDEEN CAMP - NIGHT
Hunter and Alija sit on the ground watching a news broadcast.
ANDREW, a black British man in his late twenties accompanies
them. All three have growing beards.
SUPER: "AUGUST 23 1995"
HUNTER
When is this dated?
ANDREW
(British accent)
End of July.
37.
ON THE TV
General Mladic gives gifts to General Karremans of the
Dutchbat.
BACK TO SCENE
HUNTER
That bastard was at the execution
site.
Mladic?
ANDREW
Hunter nods his head.

ON THE TV
Mladic and his generals share a toast with Karremans. Dutch
soldiers drink and dance at the compound.
BACK TO SCENE
ANDREW (CONTD)
Filthy kuffar.
HUNTER
Did he just call it an excellently
planned operation?
ANDREW
(nods)
The United Nothing, just a bunch of
imbeciles.
HUNTER
If I could just get a hand on one
of them....
EXT. CAMP GROUNDS - DAY
Hunter is polishing an AK-47 rifle with Andrew.
SUPER: AUGUST 29 1995
A group of soldiers drag a man to the middle of the camp.
They yell obscenities at him and beat him.
Hunter and Andrew approach the scene.
HUNTER
Whats happening?
38.
ANDREW
They caught a Serb scout.
HUNTER
What are they going to do with him?
ANDREW
(mocking a King)
Off with his head.
Hunter looks on as the prisoner is dragged into a yard.
INT. MOSQUE - DAY
Hunter walks up to the Amir after prayer and kneels besides
him.
HUNTER
Salamu alaykum Amir.
THE AMIR
What do you want?
HUNTER
The captured man today...what are
you going to do with him?
THE AMIR
He does not qualify as a prisoner
of war so he shall be beheaded.
HUNTER
Who will do it?
THE AMIR
Ahh, I see you have grown a passion
for delivering justice, thats good
but I have yet to choose someone.
HUNTER
Is it too rude to ask you to let me
do it?
THE AMIR
There are man men higher in rank
and with more thirst for blood than
you.
HUNTER
But sir, if I may--
39.
THE AMIR
I like what I see in your eyes. The
eyes are the gateway to the heart.
HUNTER
It would mean a lot to me.
The Amir raises his hooked hand to his chin and mulls it
over. After reaching a decision he smiles.
THE AMIR
Than you shall have him.
Hunter sits on a pile of sandbags sharpening a sword. Alija
dashes towards him.
ALIJA
Is it true?
HUNTER
(raising his sword)
You can clearly see yourself in the
reflection.
ALIJA
Have you gone mad?
HUNTER
Weve been here for a month and we
havent seen any action.
ALIJA
What does that have to do with
slaughtering a man like an animal?
HUNTER
I need to kill like theyve killed.
ALIJA
Beheadings are not ethical, its
barbaric.
HUNTER
Barbaric times call for barbaric
measures.
ALIJA
If you put a hand on that man, then
this friendship is over.
40.
HUNTER
What does your holy book say about
my holy book?
He goes back to sharpening the sword.
HUNTER (CONTD)
And We prescribed to them in it
that life is for life, (his
sharpening match the rhythm of his
speech, striking harder at the end
of each example), and eye for eye,
and nose for nose, and ear for ear,
and tooth for tooth.
ALIJA
Finish the verse!
HUNTER
Thats all I needed to hear.
Hunter gets up and walks away, sword in hand. Alija follows
him, yelling in his ear.
ALIJA
...but he who forgoes it and
forgives, it shall be an expiation
for him! And let not hatred of a
people incite you not to act
equitably; act equitably, that is
nearer to pity, and be careful of
your duty to God; surely God is
aware of what you do."
Hunter stops and rests his sword on his shoulder.
HUNTER
I need to do this, Alija. I dont
care what you have to say about it.
ALIJA
The only reason that Im here is
because of you.
HUNTER
Well then, that makes you a
hypocrite.
ALIJA
And what does that make you? You
are not even Muslim.
41.
HUNTER
Like someone before you told me:
when has that mattered?
Alija is too dumbfounded to respond. Hunter heads for the
mosque. Alija kicks the ground and holds back tears of
frustration.
INT. BARN - NIGHT
A sword floats over the defenseless neck of a Serb. Hunters
face is covered with a checkered scarf. His eyes are fierce
with anticipation.
The Amir, Yahya, Andrew and numerous others watch. A MAN
videotapes.
THE AMIR
Dont chop his head off, use a
seesaw motion, make him taste the
pain of this world before he
decends into hell.
YAHYA
Take out rag from mouth at first
cut, we want scream on camera.
The Amir signals for him to begin. The camera only shows
Hunters eyes through the scarf.
The man begins to scream which quickly turns into a gargle.
Hunters eyes become fueled with animosity as the gargle
turns into a hiss. The animosity quickly turns into horror,
his eyes dancing amidst a layer of tears.
The sound of clapping.
The tears leak on to his face as he closes his eyes.
INT. BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY
Hunter talks using a telephone booth. The mouthpiece splits
into his beard.
SUPER: "SEPTEMBER 13 1995"
MARISSA
(V.O.)
Hunter, thank god, thank god
whereve you been?
42.
Im fine--
HUNTER
MARISSA
(V.O)
Its Hunter!
ROGER
(V.O.)
Let me talk to him. (beat) Son,
Hunter!
Yes.
HUNTER
ROGER
(V.O.)
Thank God. (his voice stiffens)
Do you have any idea what you put
your mother and I through?
I--
HUNTER
ROGER
(V.O.)
There are news articles about you,
Hunter. We thought you were dead.
HUNTER
Were there news stories about the
genocide?
ROGER
(V.O.)
What genocide? Where are you now?
HUNTER
Im in Poljanice.
ROGER
(V.O.)
Where? Doing what?
MARISSA
(V.O.)
Let Hanna talk to him.
HANNA
(V.O.)
Hunter! Where have you been?
43.
HUNTER
(grimacing)
Um, hey Ha---Sunshine....
HANNA
(V.O.)
Your picture was on the news!
Congratulations on your award.
...thanks.
HUNTER
HANNA
(V.O.)
Are you having fun?
ROGER
Thats enough let me talk to him-An argument ensues between his parents. Hunter hangs up the
phone.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
Hunter walks along side Andrew next to a tank that treks a
dirt road.
SUPER: "SEPTEMBER 29 1995"
ANDREW
We are under their spell, people
are blind to the truth.
A MAN a few steps ahead videotapes them and the battalion.
ANDREW (CONTD)
Once you take off the veil from
your eyes you can see the lies.
Hunter listens silently.
ANDREW (CONTD)
No one wants to believe the truth
even if they see it, just like the
Pagans and the Jews knew that
Muhammad, peace and blessings upon
him, was the truth. The Americans,
British, Soviets, the kuffar! They
all know. And they fight Islam day
and night cause they know its the
truth.
44.
HUNTER
I dont think the Americans care.
ANDREW
Bullocks! They spread filth and
garbage through out the airwaves.
They want the Muslims to stray from
their religion so that they have no
enemies. Do you read the Quran, the
hadiths? These words call for
justice and equality! If not met
then it demands that we fight for
it.
HUNTER
When did you convert?
ANDREW
Dont call it converting, its
reverting.
HUNTER
The difference?
ANDREW
We were all born Muslims, its the
fitrah that God has created in all
of us, then we either stay Muslim
or get converted into our parents
religion and beliefs.
HUNTER
So when we found Islam we converted
back to our original faith?
ANDREW
Exactly brother.
HUNTER
How did you revert then?
ANDREW
Ahh, I was attracted to the
peaceful elements of the religion
at first, I started off somewhat of
a Sufi, can you imagine?
Yeah....
HUNTER
45.
ANDREW
That is the Shaytan trying to
divert us from the true path, the
West wants all Muslims to be Sufi
minded because a peaceful,
forgiving mind hates to fight.
LATER
The battalion rests on the side of a mountain road which
overlooks the fields below. Andrew stands besides a tank
holding a black and white Mujahideen flag.
ANDREW (CONTD)
Abdullah! Videotape this.
ABDULLAH, 23, Pakistani, picks up a camcorder.
ANDREW (CONTD)
Come and help me Hunter.
Andrew attempts to get the flag into the cannon of the tank.
HUNTER
What are you trying to do?
ANDREW
Hoist the flag into the cannon of
the tank.
What for?
HUNTER
ANDREW
Youll see, here you try.
Hunter holds the flag like a spear, aims and throws it. The
flag goes in.
ANDREW (CONTD)
Hunter! MashAllah!
He embraces him with a hug.
ANDREW (CONTD)
(to another man)
Now raise the main gun and rotate
the turret. Abdullah, make sure you
catch this.
A MAN goes inside the tank and does exactly that. The men
clap and chant.
46.
ANDREW (CONTD)
Look at that! Even the tanks a
Mujahid. (to Abdullah) Thats great
footage.
Hunter stares at the flag as it flies roughly in the wind.
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Hunter, behind a bush, tries to reload his jammed AK-47.
Burst of gun and turret fire are heard.
SUPER: OCTOBER 16 1995
Eight Serbian trucks line up on a road at the bottom of a
valley. Abdullah crawls next to Hunter with a camera and
points it at him.
HUNTER
Get the camera off my face!
ABDULLAH
Pretend Im not here.
Hunter throws down his gun in frustration and begins to
crawl.
MOMENTS LATER
Andrew is howling as he shoots at the Serbs below. He notices
Hunter crawling to him.
ANDREW
Wheres your gun?
HUNTER
Its jammed.
ANDREW
Here take this.
He hands him his AK and pulls out a pistol.
HUNTER
What? Are you crazy?
ANDREW
Its hunting time! Lets go.
He runs down the hill towards the line of trucks below. The
line is now a blaze of fire and smoke. Hunter stays where he
is. He notices Abdullah slowly making his way down with the
rest of the fighters, capturing everything.
47.
INT. MOSQUE - NIGHT
The Amir stands in front of seven men, Hunter, Andrew and
Alija among them. Its a religious session for non-Arabs.
THE AMIR
The West accuse us of being
terrorists when they themselves
celebrate their liberation from
oppressive occupiers. Did they not
commit atrocities in their path to
justice and freedom? Is it not
hypocritical of them to utter such
accusations?
Alija sits the farthest. He eyes Hunter who listens
attentively.
THE AMIR (CONTD)
And kill them wherever you find
them, and drive them out from where
they drove you out...And fight them
until there is no more tumult or
oppression, and justice and faith
in Allah prevails. These verses
dont compel us to sit and watch
the massacres and occupation of our
land. They dont tell us to
compromise...these verse are not
verses of diplomacy, they are not a
call to have table talk with the
enemy. These verses are verses of
war and military action. Will there
not come a day (using his hooked
hand to point) will there not come
a day where we will face a woman
who will ask us where you were when
my son was massacred, or a sister
will ask us on the day of Judgment
where you were when my honor was
taken from me, or a father who will
ask us where you were when my
children were taken away and
slaughtered. Will we not face such
a day?
EXT. MOSQUE - NIGHT
Hunter washes himself for prayer outside the mosque. Alija
walks up to him, they share tense silent glances.
48.
ALIJA
I am leaving to look for my family.
HUNTER
(as he washes)
Good luck.
ALIJA
NATO is pressuring both sides to
the table. The war might be over
soon.
HUNTER
I doubt it.
A moment of silence ensues. Alija pulls out a folder paper.
ALIJA
I wrote a poem, I want you to read
it and maybe publish it in the US
one day.
HUNTER
(stops to take it)
I cant promise anything.
ALIJA
All I ask is for you to try.
Ill try.
Thanks.
HUNTER
ALIJA
Hunter resumes washing. Alija slowly turns and walks away.

INT. MUJAHIDEEN HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
The Amir sits cross legged at the front of a feast laid out
on the ground under plastic tablecloth. Men sit on both sides
as if they were dining on a regular table. Two plates of
whole roasted lambs over rice are on each end.
There are numerous tablecloths laid out in the basement. The
Amirs feast lies perpendicular to all the rest, who are
lined up in rows parallel to each other. Each row has two
plates of roasted lamb as well.
SUPER: "24 NOVEMBER 1995"
Hunter sits with Andrew and Abdullah in one of the rows.
49.
ANDREW
Whats your plan now?
HUNTER
I dont know, I have to figure that
out. How about you?
ANDREW
I am going back to Britain, see my
family and maybe try to get a job
as an Imam somewhere.
HUNTER
Is there a need for Imams there?
ANDREW
Yes, brother, a huge need.
HUNTER
How about you Abdullah?
Andrew rips out a huge piece of lamb and throws it on
Abdullahs plate.
ANDREW
Eat! You need to get bigger.
ABDULLAH
No I think I might stay here.
HUNTER
Doing what?
ABDULLAH
I kind of like it here. I might
live here.
HUNTER
What about your family at home?
ABDULLAH
I really dont have anyone, I used
to live with my uncle in Pakistan
but I would rather stay here.
LATER
Hunter approaches the Amir as he gets up from dinner, his
hand and hook are greasy with fat.
HUNTER
Amir, alhamdlelah on the victory.
50.
THE AMIR
Praise is all due to Allah.
HUNTER
What are you doing after this?
THE AMIR
Britain my son. Are you headed back
to the States?
HUNTER
I dont know.
THE AMIR
Jihad is being fought everywhere.
If you have a desire to continue
the fight, I suggest Afghanistan or
Chechnya.
HUNTER
Where is Chechnya?
THE AMIR
A small province in Russia, the
Soviets are oppressing the Muslims
there. (raises his hooked hand to
Hunters shoulders) Keep fighting,
you are one of Gods soldiers.
They share a moment.
THE AMIR (CONTD)
Excuse me for a second, I need to
wash up.
A truck stops outside the entrance to the former U.N.
Compound in Srebrenica. A clean shaven Hunter exists and
walks inside. The gates are open and the compound is vacant.
SUPER: DECEMBER 14 1995
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
The door is kicked open and Hunter enters. He steps on a note
and realizes its his sister Hannas pancake note. He shoves
it in his pocket.
He opens the closet to find his belongings intact. He digs
inside one of his bags and pulls out his passport.
51.
He walks around the empty compound. He approaches the back of
the building where he first saw the dead bodies, he finds
nothing.
LATER
He continues to walk around; visiting places where bodies
used to lay: the murdered baby, the three boys, where he last
saw Nina.
INT. AIRPORT - DAY
Hunter approaches an airline desk.
HUNTER
Hi, I have a ticket for Los Angles
tonight but I wanted to see if I
could use it for another
destination.
AIRLINE RECEPTIONIST
Can I please see your passport?
She types for a few seconds.
AIRLINE RECEPTIONIST (CONTD)
No, I am sorry sir but the ticket
is non-refundable.
HUNTER
Ok. Can I buy a new one then?
AIRLINE RECEPTIONIST
Yes of course. Whats the
destination?
Moscow.
HUNTER
INT. BAR - NIGHT

Hunter sits at a quite hotel bar sipping a drink. A lovely
Russian woman, VALENTINA, 24, approaches the bar and orders a
drink.
She glances at Hunter and sits one seat apart. She says
something to him in Russian.
52.
HUNTER
Only English.
He gives her a weak smile.
VALENTINA
Oh an American?
Yes.
HUNTER
VALENTINA
I like Americans.
Me too.
HUNTER
She gets her drink and takes a sip.

VALENTINA
What are you doing here?
Wandering.
HUNTER
VALENTINA
That is interesting. Do you do that
a lot?
Yeah.
HUNTER
VALENTINA
You seem like a tough man.
Yeah?
HUNTER
VALENTINA
Tough men dont like to talk much.
HUNTER
I guess so.
VALENTINA
How old are you?
HUNTER
Twenty-two.
VALENTINA
Twenty-two?
53.
Yeah.
HUNTER
VALENTINA
You seem much older...and wiser.
Yeah?
HUNTER
INT. HOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

Valentina is fast asleep next to Hunter. He is reading a
piece of notebook paper, Alijas poem. He folds it and puts
it in his bag. He moves to a desk. There is an open letter,
which he reads again.
ELLIE
(V.O.)
Dear Hunter, how have you been? I
miss you. I dont know what
youve...
LATER
ELLIE (CONTD)
(V.O.)
...please contact us. We are all
worried. Exaton, Ellie. P.S: I
didnt forget.
Hunter puts the letter down and contemplates. He rips out a
piece of paper from the hotel notepad and writes.
INSERT - THE LETTER, which reads:
"Ellie, please go on without me. I
am not coming back. Good luck with
everything, Hunter."
BACK IN THE HOTEL ROOM
He folds the letter and stuffs it in an envelope.
INT. MOSCOW CATHEDRAL MOSQUE - DAY
The mosque is grand and beautifully decorated. A shoeless
Hunter enters. He joins the prayer that has already started.
LATER
People begin to leave after the prayer. He approaches the
IMAM.
54.
HUNTER
Salam, do you speak English?
The Imam returns the greeting but doesnt appear to know any
English. He calls over another man in the front row. ILYAS,
23, a handsome, clean shaven man walks up and kneels. He
kisses the mans head and utters something in Russian.
The two converse for a moment before the Imam motions to
Hunter.
ILYAS
Hi, what do you want from the Imam?
HUNTER
I wanted to ask a question.
Ok.
ILYAS
HUNTER
I want to fight Jihad in Chechnya.
The Imams face becomes alive when he hears the word. He puts
his hand on Hunters shoulder and speaks.
ILYAS
He is praising you.
HUNTER
Give him my thanks. But can he help
me?
ILYAS
(looks over his shoulders)
I will help you.
EXT. CHECHNEN VILLAGE - DAY
Hunter exits an old car. He carries his bags up the paved
road. The villagers are busy with their afternoon chores.
SUPER: Vedeno, Chechnen Republic, Russia
ILYAS
(V.O.)
Once you reach Vedeno, ask the
villagers for a man named Khattab.
They will lead you to him.
55.
EXT. MECHANIC YARD - DAY
Hunters feet crush the snow as he wades into an open yard
behind a mechanic shop. A group of men holding guns surround
a BEARDED MAN and a TODDLER.
The man wears a white Russian coat and a black skull cap that
covers his curly, shoulder length hair. He holds an upright
rocket launcher next to the toddler and kneels besides him.
TODDLER
(raising his right hand in
a fist)
Allahu-akbar.
The kneeling man tells him to repeat.
TODDLER (CONTD)
(raising his fist again)
Allahu-akbar.
The men repeat what he is saying and cheer. A boy of about
eight years old runs up with an AK-47 and does the same
chant. They all cheer.
The man with
picks up the
who has been
child raises
the white coat puts down the rocket launcher and

toddler. He kisses him and walks over to a man
videotaping. He points to the camera and the
his hand and chants again.
HUNTER
(approaching)
Salamu alaikum.
Every man in his vicinity returns the greeting
enthusiastically. He is taken a back from their response.
HUNTER (CONTD)
English...is a man named Khattab
here?
The man with the toddler approaches him.
BEARDED MAN
Are you looking for a man named
Khattab?
Yes.
HUNTER
BEARDED MAN
What would you want with such a
man?
56.
HUNTER
I want to talk to him.
BEARDED MAN
That man is nothing but trouble. He
is vile in every sense of the word.
HUNTER
I will be the judge of that.
The man smiles and puts the toddler down.
BEARDED MAN
You are a wise man. It is I who you
are looking for.
HUNTER
(suspicious)
You are Khattab?
KHATTAB
Yes. Am I not as evil as you
expected?
HUNTER
No, no, I really wasnt expecting
anything.
INT. VEDENO HOME - DAY
Hunter and Khattab sit on the ground in a room with no
furniture. A TEENAGE BOY serves tea.
KHATTAB
I will guarantee you that this will
be the best tea you have tasted.
HUNTER
I hope it is.
KHATTAB
My impression of you keeps getting
better. Your words are few, that is
a commendable trait.
Thank you.
HUNTER
KHATTAB
Now what is it that you need to
talk about?
57.
HUNTER
I was considering joining the
fight.
KHATTAB
What fight?
HUNTER
The fights against the Russians.
Why?
KHATTAB
HUNTER
Because they are committing
atrocities against the Muslims
here.
KHATTAB
Yes, but why join the fight with
us?
Hunter takes a sip of his tea.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
What do you think? (grabs Hunters
thigh) Is it not the best?
HUNTER
Yes, its pretty good.
KHATTAB
You are polite as well. (slaps
Hunters knee) That is also
commendable. This tea is not as
good as I claimed.
HUNTER
Im sorry sir.
KHATTAB
Nevermind, it was a bad attempt at
a joke. You will have to excuse my
humor.
HUNTER
Its not a problem.
KHATTAB
Now you say you want to join the
fight?
58.
EXT. VEDENO MOSQUE - DAY
Hunter and Khattab hold hands as they walk up to a mosque
where a group of bearded, long haired men converse.
KHATTAB
These will be your brothers, not
only in arms, but in faith and
nationality.
They approach the men and exchange salutations.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
Men, this is Hunter, but he wont
have that name for long.
ADAM, 27, an Arab man with a spotty beard stands up.
ADAM
Hunter, like the word?
Yes.
HUNTER
ADAM
What kind of name is that?
HUNTER
Its American.
ADAM
Why couldnt you be called John or
Matthew?
HUNTER
I wasnt consulted.
ADAM
(laughs)
The Hunter is a joker.
KHATTAB
This is Adam, he one of our most
devoted soldiers. Adam, introduce
him to the rest of the men.
Khattab squeezes Hunters shoulders and gently pushes him
towards the group.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Hunter sits eating on the ground with MUHANNAD, 21, and
WALID, 24. Both are Arab men with long hair and beards.
59.
Walids hair is tied into rough pigtails that lie on his
breasts.
WALID
I think you are the only American
in Chechnya.
HUNTER
I wouldnt be surprised.
WALID
How did you find out about it?
HUNTER
I fought in Bosnia.
WALID
MashAllah. How are the brothers
there?
HUNTER
Theyre good.
MUHANNAD
The Serbs are filthy people. May
Allah destroy them.
HUNTER
They are more than filth.
WALID
From what we hear they are worse
than the Russians and that to me is
unthinkable.
HUNTER
Do the Russians slit the throats of
babies?
WALID
Are you joking?
No.
HUNTER
WALID
I seek refuse from Satan.
HUNTER
Why is there a large proportion of
you who know English?
60.
WALID
How can we not? There are men from
different parts of the world here,
we need to communicate. We know
Russian and Chechnen too.
MUHANNAD
And Arabic.
MashAllah.
HUNTER
WALID
Have you been Muslim long?
HUNTER
No just six months.
MUHANNAD
MashAllah, you have a lot to learn.
Yeah.
HUNTER
WALID
We are in Vedeno for two months. We
can teach you many things in that
time.
EXT. VILLAGE FIELD - DAY
Hunter and Walid train three young Chechnens how to use a
rocket launcher.
SUPER: "JANUARY 12 1996"
An old woman carrying a pot struggles to stay on her feet as
she approaches them. Walid runs up to her and takes the pot.
They converse in Russian. Walid kisses her on the head and
she departs.
WALID
These are a great people.
He puts the pot down near a bunch of bags.
WALID (CONTD)
She cooked this for us, she wanted
to do her part.
Hunter continues to train the men. Walid tears up.
61.
HUNTER
Whats wrong?
WALID
She offered us her only coat so
that the cold wont hinder us from
getting rid of the Russians. (he
wipes the tears from his eyes) We
are doing something good here, may
God help them.
HUNTER
There is no sense in crying about
it.
WALID
Im sorry, my heart is sensitive,
this is why I came here. They used
to show us videos of the oppression
and I couldnt sleep at night from
the pain. I couldnt sleep in a
warm bed when I knew my brothers
and sisters were being oppressed.
Hunter returns to the boys.
WALID (CONTD)
You have a great control over your
heart. I never see you show any
emotion.
HUNTER
Its the middle path, isnt that
what they teach us?
WALID
Yes, that is true.
He goes back to help one of the young men.
INT. LARGE BASEMENT - NIGHT
Khattab stands near a whiteboard with a battle map drawn on
it. Forty fighters sit around the ground.
SUPER: MARCH 2 1996
He speaks in Arabic as he goes over the plan. Hunter sits
watching.
62.
LATER
Various men converse with Khattab while others are leaving.
WALID
Muhannad and I will debrief you
later.
HUNTER
When is this ambush?
WALID
Next week, in the mountains.
HUNTER
Will we all be involved?
WALID
Yes. May God grant us victory.
KHATTAB
Walid, Hunter!
WALID
(walking over)
Yes, Amir Khattab.
KHATTAB
Have you found our new brother a
new name?
WALID
Well, some people used to call him
Sayyad in Bosnia.
KHATTAB
That is not very original is it?
But I guess it will do. Did you
know a man by the name of Abu Musab
in Bosnia?
HUNTER
I dont think so.
KHATTAB
He was an Amir there, blind in one
eye-HUNTER
The Amir? Yes, I only knew him as
the Amir.
63.
KHATTAB
Power has got to his head I see.
How was he?
HUNTER
Fine alhamdlelah.
KHATTAB
I fought alongside him in Bosnia
during the early years when he was
just a soldier. Whats he doing
now?
HUNTER
He went back to Britain.
KHATTAB
May Allah guide him. He and I had a
falling out, may Allah forgive us
both.
HUNTER
What happened?
KHATTAB
The Devil plays with our tongues
and causes rifts between Muslim
brothers.
I see.
HUNTER
KHATTAB
By God, I love you Hunter. My heart
is attracted to you for some
reason. I love you for the sake of
Allah.
HUNTER
I...I love you too.
Khattab holds Hunters hands and leads him out.
KHATTAB
Dine with me tonight.
INT. KHATTABS APARTMENT - NIGHT
Walid, Hunter and Muhannad sit on the ground with Khattab as
dinner is being served by a TEENAGER.
SHAMIL, 34, a stern Chechnen man with a light beard walks in.
They all rise and Khattab embraces him.
64.
KHATTAB
Excuse my English tongue but we
have a guest who does not know any
of our languages.
SHAMIL
It is not a problem.
Khattab introduces the three men to Shamil and they sit.
KHATTAB
Hunter, Shamil is the leader of the
Chechnen Abkaz Battalion, the
bravest men who walk this earth.
SHAMIL
Khattab is a well known liar.
KHATTAB
That is true but I occasionally
tell a truth so I dont lose face.
SHAMIL
(to Hunter)
When did you join?
KHATTAB
He is new. An American mujahid from
Bosnia.
A revert?
Yes.
SHAMIL
HUNTER
SHAMIL
(to Khattab)
Have you prepared your men for the
ambush at Shatoy?
KHATTAB
Yes. Ive picked out the men. We
leave in a week.
SHAMIL
Will this American be joining you?
Yes.
KHATTAB
SHAMIL
But Khattab--
65.
KHATTAB
How long have you known me for
Shamil? Do you not trust my
judgement?
SHAMIL
It is a matter of precaution. There
are other men-KHATTAB
It seems that the war has erased
your manners. He sits in front of
you.
SHAMIL
No offense to you Mr. Hunter, its
just a matter of precaution.
HUNTER
No offense taken.
KHATTAB
When do you plan to leave?
Tonight.
SHAMIL
KHATTAB
But you have just arrived.
SHAMIL
Yes, I am sorry but I came here to
brief with you and then leave. We
are planning to attack Gronzy soon.
When?
KHATTAB
SHAMIL
Soon after your ambush.
KHATTAB
Im sorry brothers. I do not mean
to exclude you from the
conversation. Let us eat.
EXT. VEDENO STREET - DAY
Forty three fighters, some in jeeps and tanks, are being
cheered by the local villagers as they leave the town.
SUPER: APRIL 4 1996
66.
WALID
Pray for us brother.
I will.
HUNTER
EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY

Hunter, Walid and Muhannad nap under a tree.
SUPER: APRIL 14 1996
HUNTER
How much longer are we going to
wait?
WALID
God knows, they were supposed to
have crossed and died a long time
ago.
MUHANNAD
Why do you complain? We must enjoy
the rest while we can .
HUNTER
Waiting is hard on me.
WALID
Its hard on all of us brother.
Khattab, wearing a Ushanka and a full white winter uniform
walks up.
KHATTAB
My favorite trio of men, how are
things?
WALID
Good commander.
KHATTAB
May God make us among the patient.
InshAllah.
MUHANNAD
KHATTAB
Hows our American brother?
HUNTER
I am fine sir.
67.
KHATTAB
Listen, I want you to move from
under this tree.
Why sir?
HUNTER
KHATTAB
It might be best if you just move.
The trio give each other puzzled looks.
WALID
As you wish commander.
They proceed to get up and move. They reposition themselves
on the other side under another tree.
WALID (CONTD)
That was very strange.
Seconds later a BLAST. The men are thrown to the ground. They
crawl around for their weapons; the tree they were just
sitting under is obliterated.
MUHANNAD
The Russians are here!
The fighters scurry around gathering their belongings.
Khattab is yelling at them to calm down. After a chaotic
moment, Khattab stands in the middle of the field. Distant
blasts can be heard.
KHATTAB
These are just preliminary
bombings, the Russians will not
advance for a day or two. Do not
waste the batteries on the walkie
talkies with useless chatter. Its
important that we conserve now.
Other commanders come out of hiding and gather around
Khattab.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
Remember if any of you are
martyred, then it is a mercy from
Allah, its a generosity from Allah
if he grants any of you martyrdom.
So do not be afraid of death or the
Russians, let your hearts only fear
Allah and nothing else.
Hunter, shaken, lies down.
68.
EXT. AMBUSH SPOT - DAY
The fighters are set up at an ambush point. There is a stream
on one side and a forested slope on the other side of a
serpentine mountain road.
SUPER: APRIL 16 1996
A tank leads a Russian recon squad of about forty armored
vehicles on the road. Hunter and the other men are set up in
the mountains.
WALID
Are you ready?
InshAllah.
HUNTER
The leading tank hits an IED on the road and explodes.

Simultaneously a volley of RPGs hit the units command
vehicle and the APC at the end the column.
After a second, Khattab tells the men to fire. Hunter aims
his gun as Russian shoulders scatter around. His shot is
impeccable, gunning down three Russians with his first three
bullets.
More armored vehicles explode as the gun fight continues. A
fuel tanker erupts in flames taking down a whole group of
tanks around it.
Hunter and Walid havent moved from their spot. Other
fighters race up and down the mountain bypass.
Hunter!
WALID
Hunter doesnt hear him. Walid kicks him in the shoulders.

WALID (CONTD)
Lets get on the other side.
HUNTER
No, we are good here. Theyve
already lost.
WALID
(leaving)
We can do no more here.
HUNTER
No, Walid, come back.
69.
LATER
Walid crouches near the stream a hundred feet from the end of
the Russian column. Hunter, now excited wades in behind him.
HUNTER
We can probably cross the road and
go down the slope and climb out. We
should have great position.
WALID
How many grenades do you have?
Just one.
HUNTER
WALID
Ok well use the grenades first,
they wont know it came from
behind. Then amidst the confusion,
we clean up.
EXT. BEHIND RUSSIAN CONVOY - DAY
The gun battle still ensues. Hunter and Walid lie face-down
on the slope. They see Russians hiding behind armored
vehicles.
WALID
Are you ready?
Hunter nods. On the count of three they throw their grenades.
One rolls under a jeep with a group of Russian soldiers using
it as cover. The other bounces into an already burning tank.
As soon as the grenades detonate, Hunter and Walid emerge
from the slopes guns blazed. There are hardly any Russians
left to shoot. They run back into the woods and lie down.
HUNTER
That was probably the dumbest idea
I have ever-WALID
I dont know what I was thinking.
Goddammit!
SAYYAD!
HUNTER
WALID
70.
A grenade bounces and lodges itself in a rock near Hunter.
Walid takes Hunter by his neck and throws him down the slope.
He attempts to run down as well but the grenade blast hurls
his body down. They become unconscious.
LATER
Hunter wakes up. The gunfire has ceased and he realizes he is
in the same place. He scans the woods holding his right arm.
His face is bloodied. He notices Walids body and crawls to
it.
HUNTER
Walid! Get up. I think weve won.
Walid doesnt respond, his face is red with blood.
HUNTER (CONTD)
I said wake up!
WALID
May Allah forgive us Hunter.
Hunter, relieved, tries to get him up but Walid begins to
scream.
WALID (CONTD)
My arm! My arm! I cant feel my
arm.
Hunter checks out his left arm then the right. Shock
overcomes his face. Walid has no right arm.
HUNTER
Walid. Stay calm, your arm has been
blown off.
Walid winces.
WALID
(in Arabic)
There is no transformation or
strength except through Allh.
There is no transformation or
strength except through Allah.
From the top of the slope a fighter calls down to them.
HUNTER
(to Walid)
Dont worry, youll be fine. Youll
be fine.
71.
EXT. ROAD OF RUSSIAN BATTALION - DAY
Khattab is being videotaped walking triumphantly down a line
of blackened Russian corpses and flaming vehicles. Walid
leans on a tree next to Hunter with his arms bandaged.
WALID
When the Prophets finger bled in a
battle he used to say, you are
just a finger that bled, and what
you got is in Allahs cause. And I
have just lost an arm and I will
tell it the same thing.
HUNTER
May Allah reward you. I should have
been injured or dead not you. I
will never forget what you did.
WALID
The Angels, with Allahs will,
saved you Sayyad, not me.
HUNTER
That might be true, but it was done
by your hands. I can never repay
you for this.
WALID
You dont have to. It was done for
Allahs sake.
Khattab approaches Walid and kisses him on the head.
KHATTAB
May Allah compensate you. Do you
know what the Prophet said about
the wounded soldier?
WALID
Remind me and comfort me Commander.
KHATTAB
He said that the soldier will come
on the Day of Judgement with his
wound having the color of blood but
the smell of musk. So when he waits
to face the Almighty, he will show
off his wounds, as a matter of
pride and the Lord will be pleased
with him when he stands in front of
him for Judgement.
72.
WALID
May Allah accept all our the good
deeds and forgive us for all our
sins.
KHATTAB
I will pray for you. Be patient for
Allah rewards those who are. And
look, you have become like me.
He shows them his gloved left hand which is missing a thumb.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
We all must make sacrifices. And
what we did here is monumental.
More than two hundred Russians were
slaughtered, this will not go
unnoticed by Yeltsin and his
commanders.
HUNTER
Walid saved my life.
KHATTAB
Then he has saved all of mankind.
Allah has surly protected you.
He has.
HUNTER
KHATTAB
Come lets collect the war booty.
Will you be okay here Walid?
WALID
Yes I will be fine.
Hunter embraces Walid gently and walks off with Khattab. The
Russian column is a line of smoke, fire and blood.
EXT. LAKE - DAY
A group of fighters sit on a ledge overlooking a lake.
SUPER: JULY 16 1996
A cheerful Hunter jogs up to them.
HUNTER
What you boring old men standing
around a lake for?
73.
MUHANNAD
It is a beautiful lake.
Hunter takes off his shirt.
HUNTER
Allah made the heat for a
reason...so we could enjoy the cool
freshness of swimming in a lake.
Come, lets swim.
ADAM
This is not America.
HUNTER
Who says it has to be? Come on lets
go Muhannad.
MUHANNAD
I am fine here brother.
Hunter winks at AZIZ, 24, sitting behind Muhannad. They both
cave in on him and try to push him in the lake, he struggles
defiantly. Finally after a moments struggle Aziz turns on
Hunter and they push him into the lake. They all laugh.
HUNTER
Nice one traitor, nice one. I will
get you-Aziz catches Muhannad off guard and pushes him in. The men
laugh hysterically. Hunter swims over to Muhannad and
playfully wrestles him.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Aziz, come down here and face us
like a real man.
Aziz shakes his head.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Brothers make him!
Three men converge on Aziz as he tries to run away. They get
a hold of him and count to three as they swing him before
they throw him in. They are all enjoying themselves. Hunter,
Aziz and Muhannad splash each other like little kids.
KHATTAB
(approaching)
What are you doing? My men have a
swimming party and dont invite
their Commander?
74.
HUNTER
I didnt know you were a fan of
water, Commander.
KHATTAB
(taking off his shirt)
You might have a good aim with a
gun, son, but you are horrible in
your judgement.
HUNTER
Does that mean youre going to jump
in then?
KHATTAB
Just get ready for the tsunami, God
forbid, that I shall cause.
He backs up a few paces before charging forward.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
Allahu akbar!
He splashes into the lake, swims behind Hunter, and surprises
him with head lock. Hunter laughs and pretends to be
chocking.
EXT. CAMP - DAY
The sun is setting on Hunter and his fellow swimmers as they
dry off.
HUNTER
You are quite the swimmer.
KHATTAB
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Look at this hand, I am basically
handicapped.
HUNTER
Well if we keep waiting around like
this, Ill practice.
KHATTAB
Dont worry Hunter. But Shamil and
the Chechnen forces are planing
another surprise raid on Gronzy. We
have to wait for the outcome before
we do anything. Besides are not
enjoying your free time?
75.
HUNTER
Yes sir, but if there is a war I
want to be involved in it.
KHATTAB
Do not be so eager to fight.
Theres a time for fighting and a
time for rest.
HUNTER
Will we be involved in this raid?
KHATTAB
I am afraid not. We are to stay in
the mountains. May Allah grant them
victory so we do not have to fight
any longer.
HUNTER
Are you sick of the war?
KHATTAB
No Hunter, you must understand
Allah hates war so we must hate it
too. He only commands it so that we
may not let evil prevail in this
world. And so his Word is raised
and honored at all times.
HUNTER
Yes, I understand.
KHATTAB
May Allah guide us all to the
correct path.
EXT. GRONZY STREET - DAY
Khattab and his fighters enter the bruised capital city of
Gronzy. People celebrate on the street.
SUPER: "Gronzy, capital of Chechnya."
SUPER: "September 1 1996"
Khattab sits on the passenger seat of a jeep. Hunter and
Walid are in the back sandwiching one of the commanders.
Khattab notices Shamil and tells the driver to stop and jumps
out.
Shamil walks over and the two hug. Khattab embraces other
Chechen leaders.
76.
WALID
My arm was not lost in vain.
Hunter forces a smile.
LATER
Hunter and Walid trail Khattab and the Chechnen commanders.
The city is storming with fireworks and celebration. Khattab
is led past about twenty five civilians who are tied up in
multiple trucks. He asks Shamil about them in Chechnen. They
start to argue.
HUNTER
What are they talking about?
WALID
Those prisoners, they are Chechnen.
Shamil believes them to be traitors
and he plans on executing them.
HUNTER
Khattab is against it?
WALID
Yes, hes saying its un-Islamic. He
urges them to show restraint. He is
citing the Quran as his main
argument.
HUNTER
What is Shamil saying?
WALID
He also cites the Quran.
Shamil and Khattab smile and embrace, both seeming to
apologize.
WALID (CONTD)
Khattab has convinced him to let
them go.
The traitors are untied. Some walk up to Khattab and kiss his
hand.
WALID (CONTD)
Khattab is too soft at times.
HUNTER
Do you want them to be executed?
77.
WALID
I dont know but the traitors
punishment is the sword. Thats the
case all over the world not just
here.
HUNTER
I trust that Khattab made the right
decision.
WALID
God willing.
EXT. GRONZY MOSQUE - DAY
Hunter along with Khattab and Shamils men pray in
congregation.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
I have thought about writing this
letter for months but I had a hard
time choosing the right words to
express the appropriate message
across to you guys. I expect that
you have a lot of questions and I
hope that this letter may answer
some.
INT. HOTEL BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
Chechnen and Mujahideen commanders dine in a nice banquet
hall along with around fifty of their men. Hunter and Walid
sit next to each other eating and conversing.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
Let me first apologize for the way
I left you without explaining
myself and cutting ties with you
for so long. I dont know how to
express this through written words
but I will forever regret what harm
and emotional pain I caused each
and everyone of you. I am currently
in Chechnya, I came here straight
from Bosnia. By now the atrocities
of the war have been revealed to
the world and....
78.
EXT. YARD - DAY
Khattab and numerous commanders are on a raised stage in a
middle of a yard. A large group of Chechnen men sit listening
to Khattab speak. Hunter stands to the side listening
attentively. The voice-over picks up later on in the letter.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
After the war was over, I remained
with Commander Khattab. We were
asked to stay in Chechnya and help
out with the new regime.
EXT. VILLAGE FIELD - DAY
Hunter watches Khattab teach a group of Chechnen civilians,
young and old, how to shoot a gun.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
No one was convinced that the
Russian withdrawal was permanent.
They took six months to completely
withdraw and we knew they would be
back.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Hunter and Walid teach a classroom packed with Chechnen kids
who sit on the ground.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
We prepared camps in various
villages and started teaching and
training the people.
EXT. FIELD CAMP - DAY
It is a bit colder now. Khattab paces the camp wearing a
military coat and hat. He passes Hunter who yells commands at
a crowd of Chechnen civilians practicing military formations.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
We were met with enthusiasm
wherever we went. We even had to
turn people away because we didnt
have enough resources or space to
accommodate them.
79.
EXT. FIELD CAMP - DAY
Khattab, surrounded by a group of fighters and civilians,
talks to a mother while playing with her toddler.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
I grew fond of Khattab. He has an
aura about him that made everyone
around him feel comfortable. The
people saw him as a hero. Parents
would start naming their kids after
him. There wasnt one village we
went to that did not have a child
named Khattab.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
The trees are green and colorful. Hunter chops wood with a
group of fighters. They laugh and talk as they work.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
I grew to love these people: the
fighters, the Chechnens. I came to
this land with a hypocritical heart
but now I am so full of purpose and
faith that I began to consider the
men around me as family.
Some of the fighters gang up on Hunter, two men hold him
while another playfully pretends to strike him with an axe.
EXT. VILLAGE STREET - NIGHT
Khattab, Walid and other men hug and joke with Hunter. They
are all dressed in elegant Chechnen wedding garb.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
And some of them actually did
become my family. This may be hard
for Mom and Dad to believe, but I
got married. A beautiful girl named
Laila, Dad would be impressed.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
JENNA, 2, struggles to stand on her own. LAILA, 20, a
stunning girl, picks her up and tickles her.
80.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
She has given me, by Gods grace,
two little girls: Jenna and
Marissa.
Laila sits besides and hands him the newborn child.
HUNTER (CONTD)
(V.O.)
I named her after you Mom. She has
your beautiful eyes. Jenna is two
and Marissa just turned one.
Hunter leans over and kisses Laila on the cheek.
EXT. VILLAGE STREET - DAY
Khattab, dressed in Chechnen wedding garb, rides in a horsedrawn carriage. Children form a crowd chanting.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
Almost everyone of us married. We
were no longer foreign fighters in
a land abroad. We were their blood.
We were Chechnens.
Hunter and other fighters dressed elegantly trail the
carriage.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Walid and Hunter converse while drinking tea. Laila and ASYAT
serve plates of sweets. They are both in modest Muslim dress
with their hair covered.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
Walid ended up marrying Lailas
older sister, Asyat. There is no
man other than Dad that I love more
than Walid.
MONTAGE - NEWS FOOTAGE OF RUSSIAN INVASION
The narration continues over various news footage of the
Russian invasion.
81.
HUNTER
(V.O)
The Russians came back exactly
three years after they had left and
war was upon us again. The Russians
blamed a series of Russian
apartment bombings on Khattab and
the Chechnen Mujahideen but I
assure you these accusations were
lies.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Khattab leads a hundred fighters in a supplication prayer out
loud. They all raise their cupped hands to the sky.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
We all believed it was a false
flag attack perpetrated by the
Russians in order to legitimize
them invading us again.
INT. MOUNTAIN - DAY
Hunter loads a guided rocket launcher and aims it at a
Russian jeep driving in a road way below.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
We were again assigned to the
mountains. We gave the Russians
fits.
Hunter launches the rocket. It takes thirty seconds to hit
its target. As it gets closer to its target the fighters
softly utter prayers in anticipation. An eruption of fire can
be seen as the rocket hits its target.
The fighters scream and chant Allahu akbar.
EXT. ARGUN GORGE - DAY
Hunter and the fighters crouch in a dense fog. They watch the
last of a Russian battalion pass by them.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
We carried out several devastating
attacks, such as the battle of
Argun Gorge, where we killed at
(MORE)
82.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
about ninety Russian paratroopers.
Only six Russians escaped alive.
They climb out of hiding and attack the Russian battalion
from behind.
INT. BOMBED-OUT HOUSE - DAY
Hunter and Walid wait in a destroyed house. They hear
footsteps and aim their guns at the door. A Russian commander
opens the door and Walid and Hunter unload.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
Sometimes we just got lucky and the
Russians fell into our hands.
They run outside towards the road where they hear gunfire and
rocket blasts. They come closer and a Russian battalion on
the road is being pounded by grenade and rocket launchers.
HUNTER (CONTD)
(V.O.)
A truck ran out of fuel and the
whole battalion gets massacred.
MONTAGE - HOME FOOTAGE OF CHECHNENS PREPARING AND FIGHTING
(NOTE: The scenes are shot through a camcorder.)
-- Hunter and fighters wait for an ambush.
-- Khattab wraps the head of an injured fighter.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
Months passed and we continued to
fight. Khattab never lost a battle
against the Russians.
-- Hunter and Khattab set mines.
-- Khattab interrogates a frightened Russian captive.
-- Khattab lectures to a room of commanders.
HUNTER (CONTD)
(V.O.)
Despite our success, the Russians
declared victory on the Chechnen
government after a year of
fighting.
(MORE)
83.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Even though large-scale fighting
had stopped, we continued to fight.
The Russians had killed fifty
thousand civilians and we were not
going to let their deaths go in
vain.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Hunter sits at a desk reading his letter. Laila comes in. He
kisses her on the cheek.
LAILA
Lets go to bed, before you have to
leave again soon.
HUNTER
I will. (Kisses her again) I just
have to seal this in an envelope.
LAILA
Ill be waiting.
He gives her another kiss. She leaves and he returns to the
letter. He skips a few pages. The narration continues later
on in the letter.
HUNTER
(V.O.)
I hope that you can forgive me for
what Ive done. I plan on coming
back to visit after this ruthless
conflit is over and Ill explain
everything in detail. I love you
all. May God grant me the pleasure
of seeing you soon. Your beloved
son, Hunter.
He folds the papers into an envelope and seals it. He moves
to turn off the lamp but changes his course to open a drawer.
He searches and takes out a folded notebook paper: its
Alijas poem. He skims it over.
He lets out a long sigh and contemplates for a moment before
leaving the room.
EXT. STREAM - DAY
Khattab talks into a camera. Hunter washes his face in the
stream.
SUPER: JULY 16 2001
84.
Walid joins him.
WALID
Salam Sayyad.
HUNTER
Wasalam my brother.
WALID
I have good news. Khattab has asked
me to be second in command.
HUNTER
MashAllah, thats great news.
WALID
But inshAllah the time will not
come for me to have to replace him.
HUNTER
Of course, may Allah protect him.
WALID
It seems the Russians have changed
their tactics to incooperate more
assassinations of all commanders of
the insurgency in Chechnya.
HUNTER
Dont take this the wrong way but
how long do you think we will fight
like this?
WALID
Until the Russians are defeated.
HUNTER
But the war is over, our little
ambushes are just minor annoyances
to the government.
WALID
We wiil continue the fight inch by
inch until we drive them back, God
willing.
Hunter stares into the wilderness.
WALID (CONTD)
What is on your mind?
HUNTER
I think Im tired of fighting
Walid.
(MORE)
85.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
I just want to be with my wife and
kids. The fire in my heart is gone.
WALID
Seek refuse Sayyad! Jihad is a
never ending struggle. We must
fight until true justice is
established and Gods word reigns
supreme.
HUNTER
InshAlah. Excuse me for a second.
Hunter walks off into the camp.
INT. HUNTERS TENT - NIGHT
Hunter is asleep in his tent.
SUPER: SEPTEMBER 11 2001
Walids distant cries can be heard getting louder and louder.
He finally juts his head inside the tent.
WALID
Sayyad! Wake up, wake up! I have
great news.
HUNTER
What happened?
WALID
America has been attacked. Theyve
been attacked!
What?!
HUNTER
EXT. CAMP GROUNDS - NIGHT

A concerned Hunter wades through a crowd of men chanting
Allah is Great and celebrating.
WALID
What a great day for Muslims
everywhere.
HUNTER
Walid, America is my home.
86.
WALID
When does that matter? Evil has
finally been punished by God.
HUNTER
(turning towards Walid)
Wait here, dont follow me.
INT. COMMANDERS TENT - NIGHT
Khattab sits at a table with various commanders. The scene is
less jubilant. Hunter storms towards him.
HUNTER
Have you heard?
KHATTAB
Yes, of course.
HUNTER
Why are the men celebrating?
KHATTAB
They celebrate the good news.
HUNTER
You think this is good?
KHATTAB
To be honest, I do not know what to
think.
HUNTER
The Towers are a civilian
establishment.
KHATTAB
Yes, yes, you are right.
HUNTER
I have family who work at the World
Trade Center.
KHATTAB
Are they Muslim?
HUNTER
That doesnt matter! The World
Trade Center is a civilian
establishment.
KHATTAB
The lines are blurred.
87.
HUNTER
Dont tell me youre happy about
this?
KHATTAB
I am neither happy or sad, its
Allahs will. The Russians have
killed fifty thousand Chechnen
civilians since the start of the
Second war. There are millions who
die all across the world. I will
not cry over three thousand people
just because they are Americans.
Hunter slams the table in anger.
HUNTER
We are not like them, how many
times have you said that? Even if
they kill a million of us we have
no right to kill one of them
unjustly. Our brothers in
Afghanistan have made a huge
mistake!
Khattab sits in silence.
HUNTER (CONTD)
What did you say about the
apartment bombings in Russia?
KHATTAB
We would not like to be akin to
those who kill sleeping civilians
with bombs and shells.
HUNTER
How is this any different?!
KHATTAB
I am sorry. You are right.
Hunter is taken back by the response. Khattab grabs a gun and
heads out.
Khattab walks to the middle of the camp and shoots his gun in
the air. The celebration stops.
88.
KHATTAB
We do not celebrate the death of
innocent civilians even if it is an
enemy. I will personally reprimand
anyone who celebrates the attack.
Let not the hatred of a people
make you swerve to wrong and depart
from justice.
The camp is silent, men are shocked and surprised.
WALID
But Amir. The Americans are a
cursed enemy of the Muslims. Let
them taste the evil of which they
have spread throughout the Earth.
KHATTAB
The Prophet said, Whoever kills a
person who has a truce with the
Muslims will never smell the
fragrance of Paradise. Do not
celebrate and act of treachery,
even if it is by our brothers
against a probable enemy. The
matter is closed, may Allah forgive
the Taliban and guide them to the
right path. Now be gone.
Men whisper as they head off to their beds. Walid walks over
to Khattab.
WALID
Are you being truthful Khattab?
He does not respond. Hunter approaches.
KHATTAB
Forgive me for what I said Hunter.
Satan plays with ones heart so
that it leans towards evil. He used
my love of this religion and hatred
of the infidel to think unrighteous
thoughts.
HUNTER
You are forgiven by me.
Walid glares at them both.
HUNTER (CONTD)
I need to get to a phone.
89.
INT. BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY
Hunter dials a number using a phone booth.
(V.O.)
Hello?
HANNA
HUNTER
Hello! Who is this? Theresa? Its Sa-Hunter.
HANNA
(V.O.)
Hunter? Is this a joke?
HUNTER
No, no. Who is this?
HANNA
(V.O.)
I swear, if I find out who-HUNTER
Hannah? Sunshine? Its me! (he
struggles to think for a second)
You gave me pancakes before I
left. Its Hunter trust me, I heard
about the attack I wanted to make
sure everyone was ok.
Hanna does not answer.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Hanna? Please, its your brother,
Hunter.
Hanna stifles tears.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Hanna, Im sorry, I know I messed
up but-HANNA
(V.O.)
Everyones ok....
Hunter says a prayer under his breath.
HUNTER
Im sorry I called on such
circumstances. Did you get my
letter?
90.
HANNA
(V.O.)
Yeah, we did. But we thought it was
a sick prank.
HUNTER
A sick prank?
HANNA
(V.O.)
Dad threw it in the trash, hes
been saying youre dead.
HUNTER
I--where are they now?
HANNA
(V.O.)
Im home alone, Dad had a business
trip and Mom went with him.
HUNTER
You sound so different.
HANNA
(V.O.)
You too. Was the letter true?
Yeah.
HUNTER
HANNA
(V.O.)
Are you ok?
HUNTER
Yeah. Listen, Hanna, Im going to
come back.
(V.O.)
Here?
HANNA
HUNTER
Yes and bring my family too.
HANNA
(V.O.)
Your family? I...I dont know....
HUNTER
Call the police, I want them to
know that Im here.
(MORE)
91.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
Tell them I am only fighting the
Russians, I am part of the good
Jihad.
HANNA
(V.O.)
The good Jihad? Hunter, I dont
even know what to say. What do you
expect them to do?
HUNTER
I want them to know that Im not
with the Taliban. I am not a
terrorist. Im not a traitor.
Hanna start crying.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Hanna, listen to me, please! Will
you do that for me?
HANNA
I dont know. Ill try. This is so-HUNTER
I promise Ill make it up to you.
Im coming home, Sunshine...Im
coming home.
EXT. BUILDING - DAY
Hunter climbs into a jeep. Muhannad sits in the driver seat.
Done?
MUHANNAD
HUNTER
Yeah. Lets hurry back.
INT. COMMANDER TENT - DAY
Hunter enters the tent and catches Khattab in the middle of a
meeting.
Hunter.
KHATTAB
He excuses himself.
KHATTAB (CONTD)
Is your family okay?
92.
HUNTER
Yes. But I need to speak to you for
a second.
Quickly.
KHATTAB
HUNTER
I want to go back to America.
What? Why?
KHATTAB
HUNTER
I miss my family. Not only my wife
and kids but my mother and father.
Its been too long.
KHATTAB
That is normal, it is a trial from
God to test your faith.
HUNTER
It is not due to lack of faith but
I cannot fight with a group of men
who hate my people.
KHATTAB
We are your people.
HUNTER
I know, but their view of war is
not my own...or yours. I cant
stand by their side any longer even
though my heart loves them.
Khattab takes Hunter outside.
Khattab and Hunter walk side by side.
KHATTAB
I understand your point Sayyad but
your allegiance must be to your
Muslim brothers. What does the
Quran mention about Abraham and his
father? He kept begging Allah to
forgive his fathers ways all his
life but the Quran mentions to us
that the prayer of Abraham for his
father was only because of a
promise he had made to him, but
(MORE)
93.
KHATTAB (CONT'D)
when it became clear that his
father was an enemy to Allah
Abraham disowned him.
HUNTER
But it is a sin to cut the ties of
kinship.
KHATTAB
Not when they have become an enemy.
The Americans have become our
enemy, whether we want them to be
or not.
HUNTER
Khattab, my family has nothing
against us. They are not enemies.
KHATTAB
You must remember that we are not
at war with the American people.
Your father, mother, your family
might be good, they might even be
better than some of my men here but
their allegiance is with the
American government and ours, yours
is with us. I hope that we may
never fight the Americans but they
will throw us with the Taliban and
treat us as enemies and we must do
the same.
HUNTER
That might be right Khattab but I
just want to return to my family. I
might even be able to do some good,
work for Allahs sake there more
than here. You dont need me here.
KHATTAB
They say the Americans are an
individualistic people. There is
something to be admired about such
a culture. But Islam calls for
collectivism and unity, it is
strange that in this age an
individualistic culture has grown
so powerful and strong.
Whats--
HUNTER
94.
KHATTAB
When I was growing up in Saudi
Arabia I was thinking of studying
in America, a bachelors and then a
PHD in engineering. I wanted to
come back afterwards and build a
large house, find a beautiful wife
and collect immense wealth. All the
normal things a teenager dreams of.
(beat) But the news of the troubles
in Palestine and the Soviet
Occupation in Afghanistan troubled
me constantly. I would watch
Muslims being massacred and driven
away from their homes and it
created this rage in my heart. I
became ashamed of my ambitions. How
can I seek these things while my
brothers and sisters cant sleep in
peace? What will my excuse be to
them and God when they ask me why I
didnt
help?
HUNTER
Khattab I dont-KHATTAB
Sayyad, Im not the only one who
felt this. The Prophet said that
the Muslims are like one body. If
the eye is in pain then the whole
body is in pain and if the head is
in pain then the whole body is in
pain. So we came to Afghanistan,
Bosnia, Chechnya, Palestine and we
gave up our worldly life for others
and for our own in the next. We
didnt care about the pain it
caused us cause whatever it was it
was a drop compared to our brothers
and sisters. This is why you came
here, why we all came here. You are
forgetting this Sayyad, you are
forgetting why you came here.
HUNTER
Please Khattab, understand my
point, you know my faith is strong
in Allah but I cant do this with
the recent consequences.
95.
KHATTAB
Your faith is not as strong as you
think. No, your heart has been
tainted by a wordly affair, your
family and your kids are a fitnah
to you right now, they are making
you stray from Gods divine way.
You are failing His test.
HUNTER
God is merciful and just. He will
understand my decision.
Khattab remains silent for a moment.
KHATTAB
Youve heard my opinion and it is
up to God to judge in the end. I
cannot force you to stay but can I
ask you to stay with us for awhile
longer. Let us see what the
Americans plan to do. Will you do
that for me?
HUNTER
(relieved)
Only for you, thank you. Ill wait
until the end of October.
KHATTAB
No matter what you do Sayyad, I
will always love you for the sake
of Allah.
HUNTER
I love you too Khattab.
They hug.
Hunter washes himself for prayer.
Walid, angry and frantic, comes up to him.
WALID
Why did you not inform me that you
were planning to leave?
HUNTER
Walikum salam.
96.
WALID
Do not joke with me Sayyad.
HUNTER
Im sorry. I was waiting for the
right time. I knew you would
object.
WALID
Of course I would object!
HUNTER
It was a mistake, I apologize, but
you-WALID
Are not leaving.
HUNTER
Ive already talked with Commander
Khattab.
WALID
Sayyad, you are committing a big
mistake. America is the land of
fitnah and evil. You will be
misguided.
HUNTER
Its my home. I know what to
expect.
WALID
Not anymore. You are Muslim. You
have no right to go back to the
land of kufr when you have a duty
here.
HUNTER
Walid, I love you for the sake of
Allah. Please do not be angry with
me.
Walid calms down.
WALID
I wont be angry if you stay.
Hunter puts his arm around him.
HUNTER
Please understand me, my faith is
strong, I will not be tempted. I
will have Laila--
97.
Walid brushes Hunters arm.
WALID
Thats not the problem. If you
leave it will be equal to me as a
betrayal!
HUNTER
How can you say that. Were like-WALID
My allegiance is with Allah and the
true Muslims. You will break that
allegiance if you leave and I will
shun you until you come back.
HUNTER
Walid, you are my closest friend
Ive ever had. I consider you like
my brother.
WALID
You are my brother, this is why Im
being harsh so that I may not be
forced to cut ties with you.
HUNTER
How can you cut ties over something
so small-WALID
It is a betrayal! How do you expect
me to stay calm over a betrayal?
HUNTER
I dont understand. Khattab doesnt
think its-WALID
Khattab is too soft!
HUNTER
I do not want to argue. I am
leaving, if you cant handle it and
decide to throw five years down the
drain then so be it.
WALID
I lost an arm because of you!
HUNTER
And I will forever be indebted to
you.
(MORE)
98.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
That is why I beg you to understand
and not let your stubbornness
destroy this friendship!
WALID
It is you whos destroying it by
leaving.
Hunter starts walking away in frustration. People begin to
stare.
WALID (CONTD)
Your father and mother will burn in
hell and you will join them....
Hunter turns around and stampedes towards Walid. People
gather around them.
WALID (CONTD)
...if you-HUNTER
Please leave my parents out of this
Walid.
WALID
Why should I? You are leaving
because of them right?
HUNTER
Please Walid. By Allahs-WALID
They are our enemy. I would spit in
their face if I-Hunter loses it and punches Walid in the face. He then knees
Walid in the stomach and grabs him by his neck collar.
Fighters pull both of them away.
MUHANNAD
Brothers! This is not fitting for
two Muslims-WALID
One Muslim! Sayyad is a hypocrite,
tell them, tell them what you plan
to do.
The fighters look at Hunter.
WALID (CONTD)
Tell them how you plan on betraying
us to the enemy.
99.
Hunter shakes off the clutches of his fighters and walks
away.
INT. HUNTERS TENT - NIGHT
Hunter wakes up to the sound of yelling and confusion.
Hunter gets out of the tent. Fighters are frantically running
towards Khattabs tent. Muhannad notices him.
MUHANNAD
(frightened)
Hes dead.
What, who?
HUNTER
MUHANNAD
Khattab, Khattab! By a poisoned
letter-Hunter starts to sprint through the camp.
LATER
A huge crowd surrounds Khattabs tent. Hunter rushes through
it. A COMMANDER stops him from entering.
HUNTER
What happened?
COMMANDER
He has fulfilled his commandment to
the Lord.
HUNTER
Is he dead?
COMMANDER
He is far from dead. He is alive
flying with the angels.
Hunter tries to get by the Commander.
HUNTER
Let me see him!
COMMANDER
He was poisoned. Its not safe.
100.
Hunter pushes him away.
INT. KHATTABS TENT - NIGHT
Khattab, in his uniform, lays on his back. His arms are to
his side, he holds a letter in his right hand, his eyes
closed and his face peaceful.
Hunter stands over his body. He doesnt cry but his eyes show
a glimpse of wetness.
HUNTER
Return to your Lord, may He be
pleased with and may He have mercy
on you.
Hunter continues to stand, staring at Khattabs body.
MONTAGE - KHATTABS FUNERAL
-- Hunter and other men wrap Khattab with a white cloth. He
is left in the same state he died.
-- Khattabs wrapped body is lifted out of the tent and into
the camp grounds.
-- Walid leads the entire battalion in the prayer for the
dead.
-- Hunter jumps inside the grave with two other men.
Khattabs body is handed down to the three men.
-- They lay his body on its right side, perpendicular to the
ground.
-- They stack bricks to close the grave opening at the
bottom.
-- The grave is closed.
-- Men dip their hands in a bucket of water and sprinkle
drops on the grave mound.
-- Khattabs grave stands alone in a forest.
SUPER: "OCTOBER 12 2001"
Hunter carries his belongings across the camp towards the
command tent.
101.
INT. COMMANDERS TENT - DAY
Walid scribbles battle plans on a white board.
HUNTER
Salamu alaikum.
Walid looks at him and returns to the white board.
WALID
Walikum asalam.
HUNTER
Im leaving now.
WALID
With whos permission?
No one.
HUNTER
WALID
That is a problem.
HUNTER
I dont need anyones permission.
WALID
I am the commander of the army now-HUNTER
(overlapping)
That doesnt mean anything.
WALID
I consider your trip a risk to our
security.
HUNTER
Stop with the-WALID
Who is to say they do not question
you. Who is to say they do not
torture you for those answers.
HUNTER
That wont happen Walid. You are
only using it-WALID
STOP! I will not argue with you
anymore.
(MORE)
102.
WALID (CONT'D)
You will not leave this camp ground
and if you try by Allah I will
shoot you.
HUNTER
You will shoot your best friend and
brother?
WALID
My allegiance is solely to Allah
and no one else.
Hunter storms out of the room.
Hunter beelines to a jeep where Muhannad stands waiting for
him. Walid follows.
WALID
Muhannad! Do not allow him to
leave.
Hunter gets in the passenger seat of the jeep. Muhannad
doesnt move.
HUNTER
Yallah lets go!
I--
MUHANNAD
Off his hesitation, Hunter slides into the drivers seat and
takes off.
WALID
(to Muhannad)
Drive me to his house.
EXT. JEEP - DAY
Hunter drives through a dirt road.
EXT. HUNTERS HOUSE - DAY
He pulls up into his village house.
INT. HUNTERS HOUSE - DAY
Hunter runs into the room.
103.
LAILA
Hunter...what-HUNTER
(embraces her)
Im going. I have to go.
LAILA
Go where? Why are you back so
early?
HUNTER
(picks up Jenna)
Home, back to America. Im bringing
you with me.
LAILA
I dont understand....
HUNTER
We can drive up to Moscow
tonight...we still have our
savings. We can buy tickets at the
airport-LAILA
Hunter, we need visas. The kids
dont even have passports.
HUNTER
(in disbelief at his lack
of foresight)
Dammit!
LAILA
Whats wrong?
HUNTER
Khattabs dead.
No.
LAILA
HUNTER
Walid is in charge now and he...I
need to leave. Did you hear about
the terrorist attack?
LAILA
Yes, the American one?
HUNTER
Yes. (kisses Jenna)the
Americans have declared war on the
(MORE)
104.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
Taliban and we...Walid has sided
with them.
LAILA
Of course why wouldnt they?
Hunter puts down Jenna in frustration.
HUNTER
Im American. Cant you see the
problem?
LAILA
Theres something youre not
telling me.
Hunter starts to pack.
HUNTER
I will go by myself and get
everything taken care of for you
guys to come with me.
LAILA
You are acting crazy, Hunter.
HUNTER
We can have a better life. You can
meet my family, our little girls
can go to school-LAILA
But your family...America is not
Muslim.
HUNTER
Why does that matter? When did that
ever matter?
Jenna and the baby start to cry. Laila tries to comfort them
both.
LAILA
Youre scaring the children.
HUNTER
Laila, the people there, they are
nice and kind. Muslims and nonMuslims. We can be happier there.
LAILA
(calming Marissa)
What about my family? I cant just
leave them here.
105.
HUNTER
We can visit them, I just need you
to understand. I cant stay here
anymore.
LAILA
I dont know Hunter. Why have you
changed? What happened?
HUNTER
I love you, I love the kids, not a
moment passes that with you not on
my mind. I cant stand being away
from you, I cant stand you guys
living like this when we can have
so much more-LAILA
What do you mean like this? Im
happy here, the kids are happy.
HUNTER
Really? With the war thats raging
out there? Look at this village,
look at all of Chechnya, its a
destruction site and now the world
will give the Russians every right
to go after us, men, women and
children...all of us! For the cause
of fighting terrorism. Cant you
see that?
LAILA
Allah will protect us.
HUNTER
Not if we dont protect ourselves
first. The Prophet knew how he
would die and he still wore armor
in battle, when Mary asked God for
dates he just didnt give it to
her, he made her shake the palm
tree...right?
LAILA
But America, Americans are-He kisses her to cut her off, he hugs her and Marrisa
tightly.
HUNTER
(tears in his eyes)
Im going now. I will communicate
through messengers, after I get my
(MORE)
106.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
situation in order I will come back
for you (kisses Marissa on the
head) and the kids.
LAILA
Hunter, I may not understand you
but I love you and if you want me
to follow you, I will follow you.
Hunter tries to hold back the tears. He walks up to her and
hugs her again.
EXT. HUNTERS HOUSE - DAY
Hunter exits the house with a bag. Walid and Muhannad wait
outside in their jeep. He ignores their presence and throws
the bag in the jeep.
WALID
(pointing a gun at him)
Sayyad, if you get into that
car I will kill you.
HUNTER
(approaches him, hands up)
Then do it now. Do it now outside
my house, on my lawn, in front of
my family!
WALID
Do you think those things will stop
me?
HUNTER
Yes, yes I do.
WALID
Only God can stop me.
HUNTER
And he can punish you...for killing
one of your brothers.
WALID
A hypocrite.
MUHANNAD
Commander Walid, Sayyad is-Be quiet.
WALID
107.
HUNTER
You lost an arm protecting me. Are
you willing to let that loss go in
vain? You can either kill me and
have the blood of a Muslim on your
hands when you face God, or you can
let me go, let me go back to my
country, make dawah to my family
and to my people. Give me the
chance to do good, so that my life,
your loss will not go in vain.
Hunter and Walid stare each other down. Walid shows signs of
ease.
HUNTER (CONTD)
I will never forget what you did
for me. I will always be indebted
to you and deep inside my heart I
will always love you for that,
regardless of what happens. (puts
his hands down) Let me live, Walid
and maybe one day after we are
erased by this earth. After our
ashes have been resurrected, after
our souls pass Gods judgement. We
will find each other among the
Gardens, we will embrace one
another, no animosity, no grudges.
God will smile on us as we sit
amidst the believers. Side by side
laughing at our feeble human
emotions.
Walids eyes are wet with tears. He lowers his gun.
HUNTER (CONTD)
Salamu alaikum. May Allah guide us
all.
He walks to his car, turns it on, and drives away.
MONTAGE - HUNTER LEAVING CHECHNYA
-- Hunter drives through the destroyed capital city of
Gronzy.
-- He boards a bus headed for Moscow.
-- He arrives at the Moscow airport. He stares at the
uncovered girls and the lights amaze him.
-- He shaves in the bathroom.
108.
-- He goes through passport control.
-- He sits on the plane.
-- He exits the plane and enters JFK.
INT. JFK AIRPORT - DAY
Hunter stands in line at passport control. He is called up
and gives his passport to the AGENT. He slides it through and
eyes Hunter suspiciously. He alerts one of the other agents.
AGENT
Please come with me sir.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Hunter sits alone. MICHAEL, 45, an FBI agent enters the room.
Hunter stands up to shake his hand.
MICHAEL
Sit back down. (opens a folder)
Whats your name?
HUNTER
Sa--Hunter.
MICHAEL
What were you going to say?
HUNTER
Nothing just-MICHAEL
Forget your name? I hate when that
happens.
Hunter forces a smile.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Now if youre Hunter then who is
this Sayyad.
HUNTER
Um, hes...thats me, its
my name.
MICHAEL
Hmmm, now I have here that Sayyad
is part of a terrorist organization
in Chechnya that has close ties
with the Taliban.
109.
HUNTER
No sir, just give me a chance to
explain-MICHAEL
Explain what exactly? How you
betrayed your own country?
HUNTER
No sir, just let-MICHAEL
If it was up to me I would fucking
kill you right now with my own
goddamn hands. A traitor doesnt
deserve to live-HUNTER
I want a lawyer.
MICHAEL
A lawyer? (laughs) Ill give you a
lawyer. Cause thats what we do in
this country, were fair and
honest...maybe thats why you guys
hate us so much, cause we dont
have enough balls to kill scum like
you.
HUNTER
Just give me my rights.
MICHAEL
Youll get your rights when you
start talking.
HUNTER
The Chechnyan fighters had nothing
to do with the Taliban!
MICHAEL
(laughing)
And the Germans didnt have
anything to do with the Holocaust,
isnt that right?
HUNTER
I called my family when it
happened, I told them-MICHAEL
Shut up! Just listening to your
pathetic defense makes me gag.
110.
He takes out a crumbled piece of notebook paper.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Now can you explain what this is?
He slides the paper over to Hunter. Its Alijas poem.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Is this some kind of code?
HUNTER
Its nothing.
MICHAEL
Bullshit! Why would you carry it on
you? It means shit!
HUNTER
Its just a poem....
MICHAEL
Just a poem? Just a poem? Read it
to me then. I want to hear this
poem out loud. Lets see what kind
of poem it really is.
Hunter takes the paper and looks at it with sadness and
regret.
Read it!
MICHAEL (CONTD)
HUNTER
Tell those who look at us-Louder!
MICHAEL
HUNTER
Tell those who look at us from
afar, beyond the valleys of tasnim
and across the rivers stream, tell
those who come charging at us with
guns drawn and hearts ablaze, tell
those among us who wait patiently
until Judgement day: that we are
nothing but men working to live, we
are nothing but women trying to
cope, we are nothing but children
dreaming to be set free.(fights
back tears, lips quivering) Go and
tell them. Climb the highest
mineret, or the steepest valley.
Yell with all your strength, yell
(MORE)
111.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
with all your might: we have no
guns that sound, no missiles that
fly, no bombs that kill. Go tell
them this. And maybe then, maybe
then. Amidst the rubble and blood
below, you shall hear a callers
response, weak but definite. We
have no cannons that roar...I have
no cannons that roar.
He barely gets out the last line before he bursts into tears.
The scene fades out as he continues to cry.
FADE OUT.
BEGIN CREDITS
SUPER: "On Febuary 3rd, 2003, Hunter was found guilty of
providing material support and resources to terrorist
organizations and was sentenced to twenty years in prison."
SUPER: "On March 19th 2005 Laila was killed in a Russian
bombardment. A request by Hunters parents to adopt Jenna and
Marissa was accepted by the U.S. government."
SUPER: "April 16th 2009 marked the end of the conflict. Over
160,000 civilians were killed during that time. Chechnya
remains under Russian control."
END CREDITS

No Cannons That Roar by A.H. Salem

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NO CANNONS THAT ROAR

151 Tremont St.

There is some good in the worst of

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY

She turns around from a distance.

He runs towards the soldier who in his frenzy doesnt look

Hunter nods his head.

Hunter resumes washing. Alija slowly turns and walks away.

INT. BAR - NIGHT

She gets her drink and takes a sip.

INT. HOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

the white coat puts down the rocket launcher and

EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY

The leading tank hits an IED on the road and explodes.

Hunter doesnt hear him. Walid kicks him in the shoulders.

EXT. CAMP GROUNDS - NIGHT

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