1. SCRIPT TITLE
GREEN PASTURES
Written by
JOSEPH ODUPITAN
Name of First Writer
FARRUKH DHONDY
Based on, If Any
ROMANCE, ROMANCE AND THE BRIDE
Address: J.Odupitan1@uni.brighton.ac.uk
Phone Number

2. INT. YASMIN'S SCHOOL - DRAMA CLASS - DAY
A group of drama students are rehearsing a play. They include
FELAH, XYRA and PREETI. Miss Delhi, the drama teacher turns
to check the time on the wall clock before resuming the play.
The classroom door knob faintly creeks and opens. YASMIN
SAHIB strides in.
YASMIN
Sorry I’m late Miss Delhi. The bus
arrived late in the area.
MISS DELHI
Yasmin you can’t make this a habit,
find another way here, punctuality
is key. Your group are replying on
your lead and direction for the
rehearsal.
Yasmin slips off her school bag from behind her back, places
it beside her desk and proceeds towards the direction of the
small stage.
FELAH plays an Asian man and XYRA the daughter. In the scene
they are discussing her boyfriend going to serve in the army.
FALAH
(In character) I know he is
courageous but he hasn’t fully
thought of the effects of war.
Soldiers loose their life in vain.
XYRA
Please don’t say those kinds of
words. There is power in the
tongue. I can’t stand the thought
of losing him. What should I do?
FALAH
Be still my daughter, If he truly
loves you he would do what right
and stay with you.
MISS DELHI: Well done everyone, I saw the passion and energy
you all put in. This is what professional staged acting is
based about.
CONT’D
MISS DELHI
Yasmin, since you didn’t make it
here on time I gave your role to
Xyra. I know you would have done
expectably too. You were just as
important directing the casts
offset.

3. YASMIN
In all honesty Miss, I didn’t enjoy
directing the play. My talent lies
in front of the camera where the
action happens. I know this is only
rehearsals but I know I have what
it takes.
MISS DELHI
I admire your charisma but acting
also involves observing the
strengths and weaknesses of the
casts. In order to get the scholar
it is crucial that you become fully
rounded and equipped in all areas
of the filming industry.
(Yasmin smiles)
YASMIN
You know how much this means to me,
you know im trying my best right?.
MISS DELHI
Yes I am aware of your abilities
and commitment but I am concerned
with one thing.
Yasmin’s eyes drop. A cold vibrational wind tinkles down her
neck to her spinal bone. Time and everything around her seems
to pause. The earth stops rotating.
YASMIN
What is it Miss Delhi?
MISS DELHI
The principle would like to speak
with you after class. Please go to
his office.
Yasmin face cringes.
INT. PRINCIPLES OFFICE - DAY
MR SAJEED is sitting at his table with a stack of report
files next to him. A knock on the office door
MR SAJEED
Hello Yasmin, my name is Mr.
Sajeed. How are you today?
YASMIN
I’m doing well. I just finished a
class with Miss Delhi at the drama
room.
2.

4. MR SAJEED
Well it’s important. Please sit.
Unfortunately you can’t attend
classes until your term fees are
paid.
YASMIN
I beg your pardon Sir. You can’t
remove me from class. There must be
a terrible mistake.
MR SAJEED
Please inform your mother about
this. I’m afraid you won’t be
allowed in class until further
notice.
YASMIN
I can’t leave now. This means the
world to me.
Yasmin suddenly bursts into tears. Speechless and
overwhelmed, she makes her way out of the office. Her face
peels away.
EXT. YASMIN'S HOME- AFTERNOON
A rural village in India called Mumbai. Yasmin approaches her
house. Two large men in black leather Jackets are at her
door. Talking to what seems to be her mother, MISS SAHIB.
They to leave heading Yasmins way. They barge right past her,
nearly banging into her.
INT. YASMIN'S HOME - LIVING-ROOM - AFTERNOON
The room has no furniture or dinner table. A statue of the
Hindu Lord Ganesh Ganesha Elephant God is stood centring the
shrine. Candles are lit and directed all around the room.
Miss Sahib Stands facing the corner, crying.
YASMIN
Mumma, who were they? (no response)
mumma?
Miss Sahib turns, and on her cheek lays a massive bruise.
YASMIN (CONT’D)
What happened? What did they do?
MISS SAHIB
They were after their bloody money,
bloody loan sharks scum. We need
protection from them arseholes.
3.

5. Yasmin takes her mother by the arm and takes her over to sit.
YASMIN
Let me clear this up for you, come
come.
MISS SAHIB
They say if there isn’t any money
on next visit they take everything
I have. EVERYTHING!
Yasmins tries to keep it together, trying to keep the
composUrE in being the stronger one out of the two.
MISS SAHIB (CONT’D)
.. sweetness?... I cant pay
schooling right now. Only until
this will pass,
YASMIN
Will it pass though mother? We can
do something about this!
MISS SAHIB
Can we?! it has to just pass.
YASMIN
If I get this scholarship things
will get better mum. I will be able
to support you.
MISS SAHIB
Your auntie Priscilla got married
at your age. Its time to plan
ahead.
YASMIN
Marriage?
MISS SAHIB
My happiness and joy would be for
you to get married and live better
than I did.
(Yasmin laughs)
YASMIN
Mum you can’t be serious. I’m
nineteen.
MISS SAHIB
What man in his right mind would
refuse you. Women your age go to
the dating agency in town.
YASMIN
If am in India how will I go to
England?
4.

6. MISS SAHIB
The men they match women with are
Englishmen, so you might just get
your bloody dream after all. you
marry someone away from india and
we have a new life, with your dream
too.
We sense a form of regret from MISS SAHIB. Almost not wanting
to say what she said, but stands her ground.
Yasmin looks her in the eye. Defeated by her mothers
stubbornness, she leaves the room.
INT. DATING AGENCY - RECEPTION AREA - DAY
People are standing around queuing towards the reception
desk. Miss Sahib holds Yasmin’s hand firmly and steps in que.
Her palm sweating from nervousness. A female receptionist in
uniform approaches with a clip board.
RECEPTIONIST
Hello, I hope your journey was
good. Could you please fill out
this form and I’ll be with you
shortly.
Yasmin reaches for the clip board and walks to an empty seat.
RECEPTIONIST (CONT’D)
OK. Thank you. Would you please
follow me.
INT. AGENCY ROOM - DAY
This is RICHARD SULLIVAN 45 years old. An unkempt man in a
casual shirt and denim jeans. He waits patiently in the
spacious room next to a vending machine. The air conditioner
is switched on. Yasmin peaks in from outside the corridor.
RECEPTIONIST
We found someone who is interested
in meeting you. His name is Richard
and he lives in England.
She freezes for a moment, then approaches him.
RECEPTIONIST (CONT’D)
Don’t worry you’ll be fine. Just be
yourself.
INT. AGENCY ROOM - INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
Yasmin is sat with an dating agent, her mother and a richard
5.

7. RICHARD
You must be Yasmin. Its very nice
to meet you.
YASMIN
And you... sir.
RICHARD
You must have a millions of
questions to ask. I came to India
to learn its culture and
spiritually but ended up searching
for love, because that’s where its
at.
YASMIN
England is a long way away from
home. Why travel this far?
RICHARD
I run a successful business but
money can’t buy happiness.
Richard leans over and touches Yasmins hand. Yasmin
reluctantly keeps it there.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
Am I right? I find you very
beautiful. If you had one place you
would go where would it be?
Richard awkwardly pulls away, sensing Yasmins dicomfort.
YASMIN
My dream is to go to England, the
land of opportunity. (enthused) I
want to study at the Royal Academy
of Dramatic art.... but I can’t
afford it.
RICHARD
RADA? Well, I can tell you are self
driven, Exactly the kind of woman I
need (laughs)...but, you can cook
right?.
YASMIN
Yes,.. Well.
Richard interrupts.
RICHARD
Good! Then I will take care of you.
I’ll recommend you to RADA, the
voice of a highly respected
individual such as myself will see
the job gets done.
6.

8. YASMIN
Well. Not sure. We’ve only just
met.... Does that mean I go back
with you to England?
RICHARD
Of course. We will settle there?
Don’t worry about bringing luggage
or anything I’ll pay for
everything?
YASMIN
I don’t know what to say?
RICHARD
I’m leaving India in 2 weeks. I
would be glad if you can come. you
and your family.... wait, how many
f you are there?
MISS SAHIB
Just me and my daughter.
Richard looks at her and smiles
RICHARD
Well i’m sure we can come to some
form of arrangement.
Yasmin, still reluctant.
YASMIN
I need to think on this.
RICHARD
Ofcourse, ofcourse. but remember I
leave in 2 weeks. I aim to have a
fiance by then. There are 2 otheres
just like you ive quite fancied.
Miss sahib steps in
MISS SAHIB
Yasmin!
RICHARD
Its fine miss sahib, I can wait on
an answer for another day or 2.
especially for this one.
Richard gives off a creepy grin.
INT. YASMIN’S HOME - LIVING-ROOM - EVENING - SAME DAY
Miss Sahib and Yasmin are eating rice whilst sitting on the
floor. There is slight tension in the room.
7.

9. YASMIN
I dont love him mother, its not
right,
MISS SAHIB
Whos to love, i never loved your
father. He never loved me, we
faught everyday til the day he
died. But we worked at it for
nothing. For nothing. Atleast with
this we get to be a bit more
better, away from these good for
nothing types, these evil doers.
YASMIN
Mother, i cant do it
YASMIN looks over at one of the few photographs hanging up.
it is of her and her parents when she was a baby.
Miss sahib tries to hold back the emotions. But outbursts.
MISS SAHIB
YES YOU CAN! You can!
She throws her plate of rice across the room. Yasmin darts
out the room afraid.
Yasmin heads into her room.
YASMIN’S HOME - YASMINS ROOM - SAME TIME.
Yasmin paces round her room in an anxious manner. she lays
down on her beaten bed. She starts to cry.
YASMIN’S HOME - YASMINS ROOM - MORNING AFTER - DAY
We hear the sounds of morning from outside her window. The
sounds of the slums and children playing.
Off screen: a loud knock is heard coming from her front door.
Again, getting louder in a more aggressive manner.
Yasmin leaves to answer.
YASMIN’S HOME - LIVING-ROOM
As yasmins approaches the door, the knocks become forceful.
SUDDENLY! The door comes flying open, hitting Yasmin down.
THE TWO MEN, wearing leather jackets enter the house, the
same men to of attacked Miss Sahib.
MAN 1
Look at the pile of shit home,
there’s nothing here.
8.

10. Miss sahib enters the room. Man 2 grabs hold of her and
strikes her down.
MAN 2
Where is our money! Sahib, where is
the money?? You have nothing here
to take.
He strikes her again, again and again. Painful screams coming
from Miss Sahib after each strike.
Man 1 has noticed Yasmin trying to get up. This being the
first time they’ve noticed her.
MAN 1
Oh, I see something.
The man grabs yasmin by her face.
MAN 1 (CONT’D)
Shes a pretty one is she not?? I
know exactly what she can be of use
for.
Miss sahib, for the first time shows protection toward her
daughter and throws the Ganesh at her their attackers. She
does this but unsuccesfully, leaving Man 2 no choice but to
knock her out.
Yasmin is now alone in the room with the 2 men. Man 1
approaches her slowly, with an overpowering sense harm
intended.
People are heard gathering outside, as the front door is
still open just. The 2 Men are on to this and realize they
have been spotted.
MAN 2
(to man 1) No, they’ll be good for
it next time.
They leave but not without kicking Yasmin before they do.
Yasmin screeches in pain.
It takes a while for Yasmin to get back up. As she does she
heads to her mother, bringing her round and helping her to a
sitting position. They hug and cry together.
MISS SAHIB
I’m sorry sweetness. So, so sorry.
INT. DATING AGENCY - RECEPTION AREA
Richard is waiting in the reception. Yasmin or Miss Sahib is
to be seen.
Times ticks by, still nothing.
9.

11. As more time moves on, Richard is tired of waiting.
RICHARD
(to receptionist) Erm, well i’m
kind of tired of waiting now, which
other girls are available to see me
today.
As the receptionist scrolls through a list, Yasmin and Miss
Sahib turn up.
Richard and Yasmin look at teach other, no confidence coming
from Yasmin, hesitantly making eye contact.
Richard moves in and looks at the bruise on her face, almost
scanning it for permanent damage.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
You came back. (referring to
bruise, after seeing miss sahibs
too) what on earth happened?
MISS SAHIB
Its no problem, please, it’s no
problem.
Yasmin looks up, making brave eye contact with someone shes
reluctant to share a life with.
YASMIN
You say, you can take care of us?
please do.
Richard, this time hesitant, almost acting of a change of
mind after seeing the bruising on the pair.
Richard creepily responds.
RICHARD
Well, aslong as you behave then
your wishes will be granted.
Yasmin agreeingly nods her head.
CUT TO: BLACK
THE END
10.