Sunday, April 27, 2008

Synopsis - "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE"


Set in the early nineteen-hundreds, in the mystical city of
Lhasa, Tibet. Twelve-year-old Sunji Anwar comes from an affluent
family, with a mother constantly keeping up appearances and a
pedantic father. An Astrological Ceremony is arranged for Sunji
by his father, to determine the path of his future.

The outcome, sees Sunji leaving his home with a broken heart;
to fulfill his destiny in a prestigious medical monastery. With
failure not an option, Sunji conquers the enduring tests, before
he can enter. He is assigned to a Guide, the Lama Bashir Pintok.

Lama Bashir presents Sunji with the choice, of fulfilling a
destiny for his Family Name, or evolving metaphysically for his
own spirit. Sunji chooses, to undergo the painful operation
of opening The Third Eye - induced clairvoyance.

Several years later, an expedition takes Sunji and Lama Bashir
high into the Tibetan mountains, where an unbelievable part of
the world exists. Upon returning, they are summoned by the
Dalai Lama - to make use of The Third Eye. They discover the
horrifying truth, behind a visiting British Delegation. A decision
made by Sunji, prevents the Holy City of Lhasa from suffering
tragic consequences.


After Eighteen-year-old Sunji obtains his Medical Lama degree, he
must once again leave, his beloved Lhasa; and venture alone into
the world, to realize his spiritual purpose.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 1

FADE IN:

INT. HENDERSON'S RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM (1949) - DAY

ADULT SUNJI (V.O.)
(in an East Indian accent)
In the East, it is commonly
acknowledged that the spirit
can take possession of any
other body...There have also
been frequent cases in the
Western world to prove this...

SUPERIMPOSE: ENGLAND, 1949.
PAN ACROSS the 1940s DECOR. When the MANTELPIECE comes into
view, HOLD and PUSH IN on the HENDERSON'S WEDDING PICTURE
until GROOM FILLS FRAME. The Henderson's are an average
looking couple in their twenties.

ADULT SUNJI (V.O.)
(continuing)
For Walter Henderson, memories
of life as an Englishman were
fading.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. HIMALAYAS - DAY

Follow a steady aerial sweep of the mountain range to the
East. Several snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys pass by.

ADULT SUNJI (V.O.)
(continuing)
Two years had passed, until
eventually, the English teacher
had mysteriously lost all memory
of the life before...He had
instead, the full memory of a
Tibetan from childhood, onwards...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. LHASA, TIBET - DAY (SUMMER, 1915)

See an aerial view of a fertile valley, with stony roads and
paths connecting the inner life of the city to the outer fields.
SUPERIMPOSE: HOLY CITY OF LHASA, TIBET, 1915

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 2

EXT. ANWAR FAMILY RESIDENCE - DAY - EST

INT. STORE ROOM WINDOW - DAY

SUNJI is a precocious twelve-year-old boy, heir to the
family. He is peering at a group of six Tibetan NOBLES,
mounted on their horses. They have backed up near the store
room window. They await the appearance of the family patriarch.

SUNJI'S POV - NOBLE #1

Noble #1 is wearing a stout leather waistbelt; and has his
back positioned within armsreach of Sunji.

BACK TO SCENE

Sunji leans out of the window unnoticed. His small hands
work deftly, as he passes a thin rope through the waistbelt,
while Noble #1 fiddles with his equipment.

INT. STORE ROOM WINDOW - DAY

Sunji pulls himself back into the store room. Then loops
the two ends of the rope over a hook inside the window.

EXT. MAIN HOUSE - DAY

Sunji's FATHER walks out from the main entrance. He faces
the Noblemen across the courtyard. He is in his fourties and
a stern man. He is one of the leading men in the Tibetan
Government. He acknowledges the Noblemen with a nod.

EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

They respond by surging forward on their horses.

INSERT - WAISTBELT

The rope that was passed through the belt, is pulled taut
by the forward surge of Noble #1's horse.

BACK TO SCENE

SERIES OF SHOTS

Noble #1 is pulled back by the taut rope.

His horse continues forward alone, as he falls to the ground

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 3

He lies on his back in helpless bewilderment

END SERIES OF SHOTS

NOBLE #1
(shrieking with arms
flailing)
The Demons of Chang Tang are
gripping me!

INT. STORE ROOM WINDOW - DAY

Noble #1's belt has snapped off. In the confusion, Sunji
pulls the rope away undetected and slips back into the
shadows of the store room.

EXT. MAIN HOUSE - DAY

Father stands on the porch, looking nonchalantly at the
spectacle.

FATHER
(sarcastically)
Well Ne-tuk, with your
horsemanship today, we would
certainly have prevailed against
the Red Barbarians!

B.g. STIFLED LAUGHTER is heard from the other Nobles.

FATHER
(continuing)
In the meantime, let us proceed to
the State Oracle. The
Astrologers will not be
be very forthcoming, if we
keep them waiting!

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 4

The Astrological Procession takes place that night. Sunji is
given the announcement of his future, by two very old Astrologers in the traditionl ceremony, before a large audience of Tibet's most affluent guests.

After the ceremony and everyone has left, Sunji is completing the remainder of the family tradition with his Father.

INT. STUDY - NIGHT

FATHER
(knits his eyebrows in
sterness)
Because of the Law, to the
high-born shall be shown
austerity, while to the low
shall be shown compassion.
(pauses)

Sunji remains respectivelly quiet, only moving slightly
to retain his austere posture.

FATHER
(continuing)
My son, you think I am hard
and uncaring, but I care only
for the Name of the family.
(assertively)
I say to you: if you fail in
this test for entry, do not
return here. You will be as a
stranger to this household.

He motions for Sunji to leave the room. The young boy
solemnly obeys his father's wish.

INT. HALLWAY - FOLLOWING

Sunji disconcertingly makes his way passed the open window.
Now, only the FLAP-FLAP of PRAYER-FLAGS slapping against
wooden poles is heard. The FLUTTERING of a NIGHT BIRD on
the window-sill, makes an appearance. Sunji approaches

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 5

another room. Judging from the closed door and sombre
silence, his mother has already gone to bed.

INT. SUNJI'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

He is lying on his bed of cushions, with his weary eyes
fixed on the ceiling. He contemplates the words of the
astrologer and his father. Then gently turns to face the
pre-dawn breeze, flowing through the open window. He closes
his eyes. Moonlight sweeps over him, capturing a translucent
trail of tears rolling down his cheek.

INT. SINJI'S BEDROOM - DAWN

He is awakened by a SERVANT and given tsampa - cooked barley and wheat - and butter-tea. The resonant, LOW DRONE of HORNS cuts the silence, to begin another day. The Servant leaves and moments later, GINJU, the family guardian bustles in.

GINJU
(jovially)
Well boy, our ways part.
Thank goodness for that, now
I can return to my horses.

He leans on the window-sill, gazing out at the aftermath of the ceremony. Sunji slips into a simple brown chuba-robe.
Then dons his favourite felt boots. Ginju turns to face him.
Then hoists him up by the arms, as if he were one of the
pampered house-cats. He seats him on top of a shelf, so that they are almost eye-level.

GINJU
(quietly)
You must acquit yourself well;
remember all that I have taught
you.

He mechanically sets the boy back on the ground. Without
saying another word, he leaves the room.

EXT. ANWAR RESIDENCE - MORNING

Sunji leaves the empty courtyard, and pushes the heavy wooden gate closed again. Then sets forth along the lonely path.


Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 6

The melancholic Sunji makes the day long trip to the Chakpori Lamasery. After many hours of waiting outside the sacred doors, the intimidating Master of Acolytes, eventually sees Sunji. He instructs Sunji to continue to sit outside, in the meditative position, until further notice.

Two gruelling days pass, without any sight of the Master of Acolytes.

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY

Sunji is slouching in his attitude of contemplation. The
dry wind has blown little mounds of sand in the cups of his
upturned hands. Sand has collected in the folds of his robe.
A group of shaven-headed YOUNG MONKS curiously wander by.
They make derogatory remarks in Tibetan and kick showers of
sand and pebbles at him.

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DUSK

Sunji remains on the verge of collapse. He adjusts himself
to relieve the pressure from the stabbing stony ground. He
relinquishes himself from a moment of utter despair. Then
takes a deep breath and lowers his head dejectedly.

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - MOMENTS LATER

He sits motionless, raising his head up to the lamasery. His
eyes are half closed, staring without seeing.

SUNJI'S POV - LAMASERY DOORS

Dehydration and fatigue obscures Sunji's perception; making
the Master of Acolytes seem like an apparition, permeating
through the blackness of the doors. Distant words are coming
from his mouth; but Sunji is unable to make immediate sense
of them.

BACK TO SCENE

MASTER OF ACOLYTES
(shouting)
Boy, come here!

Sunji gets up awkwardly, from sitting for so long. Then enters the Lamasery as quickly as he can.


Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 7

INT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - MORNING

The exhausted Sunji is found sleeping on the hard stoney floor, behind a large pillar. Master of Acolytes gives him one more chance to prove himself.

MASTER OF ACOLYTES
Let us see if the son of a
prince can redeem himself, by
defeating the son of a yak-driver!

Sunji steps calmly into the clearance made by the Young
Monks, who had abruptly woken him up. NANGSANG is the biggest in the group.

SUNJI'S POV - NANGSANG

He is strutting toward Sunji, and grows taller and broader
with each step. His chubby face turns into a sinister scowl;
with crooked teeth clenched in a sardonic smile.

REVERSE ANGLE - SUNJI

Prepares himself mentally for the adversary before him.

BACK TO SCENE

Nangsang rushes toward Sunji with one fist raised to strike.
The space is too confined for him to avoid Nangsang's onslaught.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Nangsang unleashes his fist at Sunji's face

Sunji pivots himself away from Nangsang

Sunji clasps Nangsang's extended, fisted arm with both hands

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 8

Sunji uses Nangsang's momentum to pull him in a half-circle

Sunji lets go of Nangsang

Nangsang slams face-first into the stone pillar

END SERIES OF SHOTS

In the b.g. a LOW SIGH is heard from the Young Monks.

Nangsang turns around quickly to steady himself. His face
is red with fury; as blood trickles from his broken nose.
He cautiously closes in, with his arms ready to grab and
strike at Sunji.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Nangsang rushes at Sunji

Sunji remains in a ready position

Nangsang reaches for Sunji's throat

Sunji simultaneously ducks and steps to the side of
Nangsang's reach

Sunji throws a short punch, striking the nerve-centre
at Nangsang's reaching elbow

END SERIES OF SHOTS

Nangsang YELPS in pain; as his arm drops numbly to his side.
He awkwardly stalks Sunji; with his arm bouncing against his
body. Sunji retreats in a circular path as he draws Nangsang
closer

SERIES OF SHOTS

Nangsang suddenly throws a roundhouse kick at Sunji's head

Sunji ducks under the kick

He throws an upper-cut, striking the nerve-centre on the
inside of Nangsang's extended knee-joint

END SERIES OF SHOTS

Nangsang falls to the ground; hugging his numb leg with
his free arm.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 9

The intrigued Master of Acolytes walks around the quiet
audience of Young Monks and the GROANING Nangsang. He walks
Sunji out of ear-shot from the others.

MASTER OF ACOLYTES
Come, I am going to take you
to the upper level. An unusual
honour, but you will learn why.

INT. CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER

The Master of Acolytes is speaking to Sunji MOS. They pass
through the wide corridor looking at RELIGIOUS OFFICES, INNER
TEMPLES and various SCHOOL ROOMS.

EXT. ROOF OF CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY

They emerge from climbing up the stairs. Then walk across the flat roof, while shielding their eyes from the sudden brightness of the sun. They arrive at the gold-pannelled doorway of the Lord Abbot's house.

Sunji is introduced to the censorious Lord Abbot. He is given a stringent lecture on the duties, and training he will be recieving in the coming years. Sunji respectfully acknowledges, and goes to work.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 10

Almost two years go by. Sunji works diligently at his studies, and hard manual labour in the kitchen. The day arrives for Sunji's transformation.

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DUSK - EST

A gust of wind breathes artificial life onto the fallen
foliage; lofting the animated leaves across the roadside.
Several MONKS disappear hastily behind the closing lamasery
doors. An echoing RUMBLE is heard from the black belly of clouds above.

INT. PRIVATE ROOM - NIGHT

Sinji is lying awake in his robe, on a bed of cushions.
Lama Bashir and two other LAMAS have knelt around Sunji.
LAMA #1 removes a compress from Sunji's forehead. LAMA# 2 holds up an instrument; which he has been sterilizing through the flame of a lamp. He places it to the centre of Sunji's forehead. He steadily rotates the handle, until the end of the instrument penetrates the skin. He stops at the bone.

After the operation, Sunji remains isolated in the room for three days. By this time, he no longer sees others in their regular form. He is overwhelmed by the pulsating electromagnetic waves and colours, emanating from each individual.

Over the next several months, Lama Bashir guides and teaches Sunji on how to open and close The Third Eye at will, to avoid the intolerable burden it can bring.

INT. LAMA BASHIR'S ROOM - DAY

Sunji is being tutored by Lama Bashir; as they sit across
from one another at the low table.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 11

Lama Bashir notices Sunji's dwindling concentration.

LAMA BASHIR
That's enough for today, Sunji.
(closes the book and sets
it aside)
I know, this has been quite a
taxing stay for you so far.

Sunji utters a small sigh of relief. He ponders a thought
out loud.

SUNJI
Honourable Lama, if we knew all
the hardships which had been
predicted, why could we not
avoid them?

LAMA BASHIR
(tugging at his chin)
Well Sunji, if we could have
avoided the predictions; then
the mere fact of avoidance would
have proven them false.

SUNJI
(confused)
Huh?

Lama Bashir settles his relaxed hands on the table, and
enlightens Sunji's preoccupation.

LAMA BASHIR
Predictions are probabilities,
they do not mean that Man has
no free will. Far from it. You
may want to travel from Lhasa
to India. If you prepare yourself
appropriately and take the time
to consult a map; you will see
certain places through which
you would ordinarily pass to
reach your destination.
(pauses)
While it is possible to avoid
these places, it is not always
wise to do so. The journey may
be longer or more expensive as
a result.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 12

LAMA BASHIR (CONT'D.)
On the other hand, you will
also be able to avoid unpleasant
places, or where you cannot
avoid them; you will have the
advantage of preparing for them
ahead of time.
(pauses)
Sunji, you will come to know,
true success is achieved from
making certain sacrifices; and
overcoming the difficult
challenges designed to try us.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY (SPRING)

SUPERIMPOSE: Three years later.
Patches of pearly white snow, coat the rooftops and dab the
brown monchromatic landscape. Barren trees and shrubs reach
up to the frigid sky, waiting patiently for the next photosynthetic rays of life. The building is roused from it's
hibernative dormancy; by the CRACK of the icy doors.

Chattering MONKS bundled up in thick robes and blankets,
briskly clear the snow from the entrance. A flock of snow geese
flap overhead, paying a SQUAWKING homage to the first day of spring. Lama Bashir, fifteen-year-old Sunji, Lau, Nangsang and six Monks file out onto the slushy road, mounted on mules.

They wear yak-wool ponchos and scarves over their robes, to insulate them as best they can. The soles of their felt boots are
bound with fur to afford them some traction on the perilous mountainscape. Their knapsacks of supplies bump rhythmically against the mule's sides; as they embark on their expedition.

EXT. MOUTAIN TRAIL - DAY

Sunji's caravan slowly ventures farther and higher into the Chang Tang Highlands. The landscape has changed from the familiar plains and hills; to a jagged, cavernous world of immense snow-covered mountains and deep canyons.



Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 13

EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT

The infinite veil of starlight, enabled them to push on well
past dusk. They have taken shelter in a cave, at the base of
a large spur of softer rock. At 17 000 feet, the rarefied air
and ominous terrain have left the mules too cumbersome to
continue further. The Monks are leading the exhausted mules
off the trail, into another area nearby.

END SCENE

Over the next several days, the group battles through a vicious snowstorm. They break a fog barrier, which leads them into a rare work of nature. The ancient volcanic climate has transformed a valley over eons, into a tropical paradise as far as the eye can see.

The group go about making the most of the splendours, from the exotic fruits and plants, to the beach-like shores. Sunji had wondered into the forest alone for a time being. He has a very surprising, brief and harmless encounter with a YETI.

Later in the day, Lama Bashir eases the young Monks' angst of the creatures.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 14

Satisfied with what they came for, the group continue their trek back down the mountain. Upon their safe return to the Potala, several days pass until, Sunji and Lama Bashir are presented with an urgent request from the Dalai Lama.

A British Delegation has arrived to meet with the Dalai Lama at his Palatial Estate. Meanwhile from a concealed position,, Sunji is observing the "Astral Colours" of the lead speaker, Stanley Dawkins. Following the meeting, Sunji expresses his grave concern to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama agrees to Sunji's plea to spy on the Englishmen. Sunji and Lama Bashir ride to the Doring Houses after dusk, where the Englishmen are being housed.

Lama Bashir leaves Sunji and the horses in a remote field, and makes his way to Doring House #1.

EXT. DORING HOUSE #1 - NIGHT

He peaks through one of the partially open window shutters.

LAMA BASHIR'S POV - LIVING ROOM

In the b.g. there is a WALL with an OPEN DOORWAY leading into the sleeping room. There are several CRATES stacked against the wall. A DRUNK ENGLISHMAN gets up from the table, and SLURS incoherently to the others. Then leaves the room.

BACK TO SCENE

The Drunk Englishman stumbles around the corner of the house.
He edges alongside the wall with one hand, to maintain his balance. Then passes the window shutters, and comes to a swaying
stop, in front of a hedge. The sound of a ZIPPER being UNZIPPED is HEARD.

He breaks into a low, tone-deaf folksong, as he urinates into the hedge. He finishes moments later and obliviously turns around. Then makes his way unsteadily, back along the wall.

EXT. DORING HOUSE #1 - NIGHT

Lama Bashir is hiding, behind the hedge on his hands and knees. He waits a moment, and utters petulantly under his breath.

LAMA BASHIR
(in Tibetan with
English subtitles)
Drunken idiot!

He wipes off some of the urine from the back of his head. Then decides on his next move.



Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 15

Lama Bashir returns to the window. He witnesses Dawkins and his henchman, HARRY GRIMES, devising a plan to rob the sacred temples of their precious contents.

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - MORNING

Lama Bashir and Sunji round up a posse of Tibetan soldiers, and make their way back to the Doring Houses at the break of dawn.

EXT. DORING HOUSES - MORNING

They arrive by the stables, and split up quietly into equal groups. Each group surrounds the three Doring House buildings.

EXT. DORING HOUSE #2

In the b.g. the last group of Soldiers are surrounding
Doring House #1. The sound of clamorous SHOUTING is heard
from the other houses. Lama Bashir pounds announcingly on
the door with his hardened fist. The door jerks open.

DAWKINS
(with annoyed smugness)
What the bloody hell is going on here?

Lama Bashir nudges him back inside; as the Soldiers march
in assertively to commandeer the room.

INT. DORING HOUSE #2 - FOLLOWING

Several ENGLISHMEN, by their bunks; are peevishly pulling on
trousers and boots over their longjohns.

LAMA BASHIR
(calmly)
Mr Dawkins, by order of the
Tibetan Government, you and
your Delegation are to be
escorted back to India, for
smuggling guns into Lhasa
with ill-intent.

DAWKINS
(raises his hands
demonstratively)
Now see here-

Lama Bashir motions SOLDIER #1 to the doorway, into the living
room.

LAMA BASHIR
(in Tibetan with
English subtitles)
Search that room!

Soldier #1 tiptoes meekly through the doorway, with his musket
pointing intrepidly ahead. A deafening BOOM from a GUNSHOT;
followed by a SHORT CRY, is heard from the living room. The
deadweight THUD of someone falling to the floor - we don't
see who - agitates Lama Bashir out of a splitsecond timewarp.

GRIMES (O.S.)
(roaring angrily)
I'm not going back to them
bloody coalmines!




Sunday, April 20, 2008

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 16

The Soldiers round up the Englishmen aggressively in a
corner, by thrusting their muskets at them. More Soldiers
rush into the room and fall into kneeling positions; as they
aim their muskets at the living room doorway.

Lama Bashir catches a glimpse from his periphery; of Dawkins sneaking his hand under the front of his pullover. He reacts with perfect poise and dazzling speed.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Lama Bashir jams his palm onto Dawkins' concealed hand

Dawkins GRUNTS and GROANS as he struggles, to wrench his
trapped hand free from Lama Bashir's vice-like grip

A GUNSHOT sounds as a bullet bursts through the crotch of
Dawkins' trousers, and rips into the floor

Lama Bashir keeps both their hands pinned against Dawkins'
waist, and spins around him

With surgical precision, Lama Bashir jabs his rigid fingers
into the base of Dawkins' skull

Dawkins' face freezes with an uncomprehending expression, as
he flops paralyzed to the floor

END SERIES OF SHOTS

EXT. DORING HOUSE #2 - CONTINUOUS

The Soldiers maintain their dutiful positions behind the house,
guarding the closed window shutters. The shutters thrust open
indiscreetly. The impetuous Soldiers fire off their muskets
simultaneously, into the living room shadows. Cordite fumes
dissipate around them, as they arduously reload with great
trepidation.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Grimes emerges diabolically, from behind a wall next to the
window

A startled Soldier glances up from fumbling with his equipment

Grimes raises his rifle mercilessly and opens fire

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 17

The impact of reaping bullets slams the Soldiers into
spasmodic convulsions, in a mist of fragmented mesh armour
amd bloodspatter

They careen onto the dew soaked grass, motionless and twisted
like lifesized dolls

Grimes clambers over the window sill, holding on possessively
to his rifle

END SERIES OF SHOTS

EXT. ROAD TO DORING HOUSES - CONTINUOUS

SUBJECTIVE CAMERA'S POV - THROUGH TELESCOPE LENSE

Soldiers are binding the Englishmens' hands vigorously behind their backs, outside Doring House #2. The sound of GUNFIRE
draws their attention to the STABLES in the f.g. Tethered
horses give a nervous WHINE; as Grimes races relentlessly for the
bridge.

EXT. DORING STABLE - CONTINUOUS

With one hand gripping the reins and the other clasped to his
rifle; Grimes gallops onto the bridge in full stride. He gets
halfway along, and looks over his shoulder to guage his distance
from the soldiers.

As he approaches the end of the bridge, a thick rope hitched to
the railing on one end, is promptly pulled taut - we don't
see by whom. Grimes turns to face forward on his unstoppable horse. Then sees the rope with astonishment. He SHOUTS obscenely
and pulls desperately on the reins. The horse surges instinctively
onwards.

SERIES OF SHOTS

The horse leaps with Grimes unprepared for the jump

Grimes loses his footing from the stirrups, and slips over
the saddle

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 18

Grimes falls hard down the slope into a broken heap.

END SERIES OF SHOTS

EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY

Dawkins and the rest of the Englishmen, have been taken into custody by the Tibetan soldiers. They are about to set off for India. Some days later, Sunji is summoned by the Dalai Lama.

EXT. DALAI LAMA'S PRIVATE RESIDENCE - MORNING - EST

EXT. GARDEN

Sunji and the Dalai Lama are walking leisurely among the exotic floral shrubs. They stop under a canopy and sit on their cushions.

DALAI LAMA
So, my young friend, as a
Recognised Incarnation, you
have again the status with
which you left the Earth,
some six hundred years before.
The Wheel of Life has revolved
full circle.

Sunji keeps his eyes focused at chest level.

SUNJI
What becomes of my purpose now?

DALAI LAMA
Your path is straight ahead Sunji,
and it is not an easy path for
anyone. Family, friends, country
- all must be left behind.

For the first time, Sunji raises his head to the Dalai Lama.

He makes perspicacious eye contact.

DALAI LAMA
The ways of the foreigners are
strange, and their values are-

(MORE)

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 19

DALAI LAMA (CONT'D.)
-not as ours. They believe only
that which they can do, only
that which can be tested in
their Rooms of Science.
REVERSE POV
DALAI LAMA (O.S.)
They demand: "Proof, show us proof".
Yet the greatest science of all,
the Science of the Overself, they
leave untouched.
(pause)
They negelect to realize, that
man is not what he thinks he is,
he is as he thinks.
The Dalai Lama slides his cushion closer to Sunji.
DALAI LAMA
DALAI LAMA
Their uncaring negative attitude
of suspicion, kills any chance
of their obtaining that proof.
(raises his eyebrows
emphatically?
That is your Path, the Path
you chose before you came to
this life.
He presents his hand to Sunji.
INSERT - DALAI LAMA'S SPLAYED FINGERS
As if by magic, he dangles a string of quintessentially polished
prayer beads, between his slender fingers.
BACK TO SCENE
He takes Sunji's hand, and nestles the beads into his palm.
DALAI LAMA
I have arranged for you, to
leave for China in two days.
He gestures for Sunji to lean forward.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 20

Then presses his forehead against Sunji's. He blesses him.
They separate after the intimate moment. The Dalai Lama places
both hands on Sunji's bowed head, and murmurs a prayer.

EXT. ANWAR FAMILY RESIDENCE - COURTYARD - DAY

Sunji trots into the courtyard on a glossy white thoroughbred.
Ginju obligingly closes the main gate. Sunji dismounts, and
presents a yellow khata over Ginju's extended wrists. Ginju reciprocates, by placing a white khata around Sunji's neck.

GINJU
Your father will see you now,
Honourable Lama Sunji.

They smile lightly, with deep reverence for one another.

INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Sunji passes several SERVANTS, who bow gravely and continue
with their catering duties. He hears women's VOICES, as he
approaches one of the sitting rooms. He notices Mother,
entertaining a small group of SOCIALITES inside the room.
He continues to hustle past unnoticed, prefering to remain
low-key.

INT. STUDY - DAY

The room is ceremonially set with butter lamps and burning
incense. Sunji and his Father are kneeling beside the altar.
Father shifts the stone lid open, revealing the clandestine
recess beneath the altar. He retrieves the golden casket, and removes the Family Book. On the wane of years gone by, he
staggers under the heavy weight, as he lifts it onto the altar.

FATHER
Sign your name and status here.

Sunji rises to take the quill; and fulfill his destiny on
the fragile page. Satisfied with the closure, he turns with
self-preservation to his unyielding father.

SUNJI
May the Blessing of Buddha be
upon you Honourable Father, and
keep you healthy.

Father bows deliberately, suppressing any emotion.

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 21

FATHER
Go with the Gods my son.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Sunji is in a shallow enbrace with his mother, outside the sitting room.
INT. STOREROOM - DAY
Sunji carefully removes parts of his unfinished kite, from
the crate in the cobwebbed corner. He delicately blows off the
years of dust, from the red silk coverings and spruce-wood poles.
EXT. COURTYARD - DAY
Sunji canters out of the main gate. He and Ginju exchange a farewell wave. Ginju lowers his arm nostalgically; as Sunji's galloping figure grows smaller with each stride.
EXT. CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY - EST
From a distance, see several BOYS dressed in ragged brown chubas,
fidgeting nervously, outside the closed doors. The doors thrust
open, with Master of Acolytes wielding his menacing staff in
the air. A BOY bolts from out of the doors, like a pesty field mouse. The next hopeful YOUNG MONK is summoned inside.
EXT. ROOF OF CHAKPORI LAMASERY - DAY
Sunji and Lama Bashir stand beside each other, overlooking
the blooming plains. Their robes billow against their arms in
the stiff breeze.
LAMA BASHIR
We come to Earth to learn. When
we are in, or out of the classroom,
some lessons may seem dull, unnecessary
and painful. But when we succeed,
we may be proud, to wear a badge,
a tie, or...
Lama Bashir acknowledges with a slow sway of his hand; the High Lama maroon robe Sunji wears, brocaded with the replica patches worn on Buddha's robes. A gold stole drapes around Sunji's neck, signifying his eternal affiliation to the Potala.
Sun

Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 22

LAMA BASHIR
You will shortly be leaving, and
I, well, I shall be returning
to the Heavenly Fields.
He cheerfully pats Sunji on the back, as they walk toward
the mounted telescope.
LAMA BASHIR
Let us make the most of the
scant time remaining.
Afraid he might lose control of his emotions, Sunji closes his eyes.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS - LATER
Sunji and several ATTENDANTS reach the summit on horseback.
They lead a small caravan of YAKS laden with supplies. He
turns with a heavy heart, to draw undaunting courage, from
his beloved home.
SUNJI'S POV - HOLY CITY OF LHASA
The golden roofs and domes of the Potala, gleam in the clear
powder blue air. The elegant lakes ripple from the visiting
gusts of wind. SHOUTS and CRIES emanate from men urging
lethargic yaks along stiny tracks. DEEP BASS TRUMPETS thump
from monk musicians practising in a field nearby.
From the shiny roof of the Chakpori Lamasery, a familiar red
BOX-KITE is tethered by Lama Bashir, high into the domed
atmosphere.
BACK TO SCENE
Sunji wistfully whispers back to the silent wind.
SUNJI
(in Tibetan with
English subtitles)
Goodbye Father.
He turns around and motions for the caravan to continue forward.




Treatment: "JOURNEY INTO THE THIRD EYE" - Pg 23

PUSH IN on Sunji's forehead until the quaint red SCAR FILLS
FRAME and HOLD.

MATCH CUT:

SCAR

is shown again.

EXT. SIDEWALK ALONG THE RIVER THAMES (1956) - DAY

PULL BACK from SCAR. See an ADULT SINJI, dressed committedly
in his finest robe.
SUPERIMPOSE: LONDON, 1956.
He walks peacefully and purposefully with his hands folded in
supplication. In the b.g. the TOWER OF LONDON and BIG BEN, stand
up to the monotonous grey sky. The mechanical NOISE of TRAFFIC
rises and falls intermittently. PASSERS-BY glance at him, as
if he were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

ADULT SUNJI (V.O.)
I am Sunji Epoch Anwar, that
is my only name, now my legal
name, and I answer to no other.

FADE OUT.

THE END