1:EXT/INT. ZENA PARENT'S HOUSE.

EVENING (FLASHBACK)
{The sun dips low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the
neatly paved pathway. ZENA, 15, walks slowly, her school bag slung
over one shoulder. Her polished shoes echo softly with each step.
In distance, the faint sound of arguing drifts through the quiet
neighborhood. ZENA'S pace slows, her face tightening as the voices
grow clearer with each step. ZENA steps cautiously onto the stone
pathway leading to the front door. She pauses, her heart racing,
and leans against the doorframe. She stands at the door, listening
intently as her parents' heated argument continue.}

MR. ONYANGO [BABA ZENA] (O.S.)

Nilikwambia love. This girl has my genes. I was top of my class!
[boastful] If she is failing it's because of your softness on her.
MRS. ONYANGO [MAMA ZENA] (O.S.)
(Raising her voice slightly) Lakini unajua kila mtoto ni tofauti,
siyo? Huwezi kumlinganisha na wewe kila wakati.
MR. ONYANGO (O.S.)
Excuses! Excuses! Do you know what it means to have a failure in
my family lineage? It's embarrassing!
MRS. ONYANGO (O.S.)
Na wafikiria kwa maneno yako makali utasaidia mtoto. Anahitaji our
support.
MR. ONYANGO
Support you said? (coming closer to Mrs. Onyango) Who pays the
school fees? Who facilitated her transfer to a better school?.....
I see, you can’t answer. It's discipline she's lacking
MRS. ONYANGO
(Sighing) Discipline bila upendo ni bure. Hebu angalia
unavyomshambulia kwa maneno.
MR. ONYANGO
(Sarcastic) Oh, so now i'm the problem?Unbeleivable! I'm the only
one who expects greatness in this house!
MRS. ONYANGO
(Calm but firm) Sisi sote tunataka awe bora. Lakini tuanze kwa
kumwelewa.
MR. ONYANGO
Mh!.. Okay. Let me go for a nightshift so can get enough money to
educate a cow...

{The tension in the living room hangs thick. Mr. Onyango clicks
his tongue in frustration, his face twisted in irritation. He
storms towards the front door as her wife watches him, concern
etched across her face.
Mr. Onyango flings the door open, his expression hardening further
as he sees Zena standing there, clutching her school bag. He
glares at her with disgust, his lips curling slightly. Without a
word, he shoulders past her, brushing her aside as he steps out.
Zena hesitates for a moment, her head lowered, avoiding her
mother's gaze. She quietly steps into the house, her movements
heavy with exhaustion. As she moves towards the door leading to
her bedroom, HER MOTHER calls out to her, her voice soft but
firm.}
MRS. ONYANGO
Zena..... Zena.

{Zena pauses briefly, her shoulders tensing, but she doesn't turn
around. Instead she continues walking, disappearing into her
bedroom and shutting the door behind her. Mother sighs, glancing
towards the open door where the Father has disappeared, before
turning her attention back to Zena's bedroom and continue to call
her name.}
(CONT'D)
INT. GRADE NINE. AFTERNOON LESSON
TEACHER (O.S.)
Zena.... Zena..... Zena!

{The teacher sharp voice yanks Zena out of her thoughts. She
jolts, her pencil clattering to the floor. The entire class looks
at her. Zena blinks, her cheeks flushing red.}

TEACHER
(sternly) I've noticed you have not been paying attention in this
class. I would like to see you in the staffroom today.

{Zena avoids eye contact with anyone, all this time shifting
nervously in her seat. Meanwhile the teacher, unfazed, turned back
to the board and continued writing, their chalk making rhythmic
scratches against the surface leaving the rest of class to follow
along in silence.}

2:INT. STAFFROOM
{The door creaks open, the teacher, Md. Valentine steps into the
staffroom. She holds the door and gesture for Zena, who looks very
confident, to follow. The teacher moves towards an empty chair,
nodding and waving to other teachers who greet her with murmurs of
acknowledgement. She lowers herself into the chair, sighing
lightly as if settling the weight of the day. The teacher turns to
Zena and with a calm tone, without leaving any room for argument,
she instructs her to sit on an empty chair facing the teacher.}

MD. VALENTINE
Sit down. [pauses] Why did you seem distracted in today’s class?
Is there anything wrong?
 ZENA
[Shrugs, looking away]: Nothing is wrong. I’m fine.
MD. VALENTINE
[Raising an eyebrow]: Fine? And would you mind discussing the
results of your first math assessment in this school? [Looks at
Zena as if waiting for an answer but Zena remains quiet and
unbothered.]
TEACHER 1
[Breaking the silence] Mwalimu, and intergrated science. I have
never seen a below average in my ten years of teaching in this
school.
ZENA
[huffs] May be the test is just to hard..
TEACHER 1
Its only hard to only those who dont pay attention in class. Ama
adolescence inakusumbua?
ZENA
[Sternly] With all due respect sir, I always concentrates in class
except today. [Raising her voice slightly] Am weeks old in this
school. So you expect me to be perfect immediately?
MD. VALENTINE
[Calm but firm] No one is asking for perfection, Zena. But we do
expect effort. Right now, it looks like you’re not even trying.
TEACHER 1
Exactly. If this is the attitude you’re bringing to your studies,
am afraid you wont go far.
ZENA
[Standing abruptly, angry]: So, now am just a failure, huh? May be
you should also focus on discovering our strengths and deal with
them like you do with our weaknesses. [Pauses]am used to being a
casualty anyway.
MD. VALENTINE
[Sternly and slowly] Sit down, Zena. This attitude is exactly why
you are struggling. You can’t keep blaming others for your
mistakes.
ZENA
Mistakes.... mh.. May be this school isn’t as great as everyone
says it is!

{She storms out of the staffroom, slamming the door behind her.}
TEACHER 1
[Sighing deeply] That was uncalled for. If she keeps this up,
she’ll have a tough time here. [in Kiswahili]
MD. VALENTINE
[Shaking her head]: Some students just don’t want to be helped.
It’s frustrating, but what can we do?[in Kiswahili].
{The two teachers exchange a tired look before turning back to
their work, the air heavy with disappointment.

3: EXT. STAIRWAY 4:00PM

{Zena is sitting cross-legged on a dusty staircase of a secluded
and unfinished building with a book balanced on her knees. Her
pencil moves with precision and grace, creating elegant lines that
flow together seamlessly. The sound of footsteps echoing on the
stairs pulls her attention away. She stiffens slightly, clutching
her book closer. Four classmates – Yusuf, the governor, Abdalla,
Aisha, and Tashly- appear from the stairway below, their chatter
and laughter bouncing off the unfinished walls. As they spot Zena,
they pause, exchanging amused glances before approaching her.}

TASHLY
[Grinning smugly]: Well, well, well, what do we have here? Zena
the designer?
AISHA
[Mockingly] Wait, ulikuwa serious na hizi drawings? You think you
can be a serious designer? [Laughing]
{Zena looks up briefly, her face impassive, before turning back to
her sketch. She tries to ignore them.}
ABDALLA
[Sarcastically] She thinks a dump mind in class can be useful in
real world.
YUSUF
[Snatching a glance at Zena’s book.] Wow, look at that! A dress?
You actually think anyone would wear that “something” you draw?
ZENA
[Angrily] Can you guys just leave me alone? [Taking his book back
from Yusuf and sits back down]
YUSUF
No offense Zena, you are better off just us. The incredible
shadows you know...[smiling]
TASHLY
We dont have to remind you what we are... (smiling)
ZENA
I’d rather spend my time doing something that matters than wasting
it gossiping with you.

[The group exchanges stunned looks before bursting into laughter.

Zena doesn’t respond. She stands and head upstairs as if going to
look for another more quiet place. The four students continue to
laugh]

Cont’d
 4: EXT. STAIRCASE 4.00PM
{Zena continues to walk away with her book clutched tightly to her
chest. Suddenly a stern voice interrupts the chatter.}
PRESIDENT (O.S)
What’s going on here?

[The students freeze. The president of the school, a composed

student with an authoritative presence, appears at the bottom of
the stairs. She folds her arms and surveys the group with a
disapproving look]
PRESIDENT
It’s preps time. What are you doing here, (pauses) gossiping, I
heard.
[The group exchanges awkward glances, trying to avoid eye contact.
The president’s gaze lands on Yusuf, the governor]
PRESIDENT
(Pointing at Yusuf) And you, governor Yusuf? Is this how a leader
sets an example? Skipping preps to hang out and demean others?
YUSUF
(Stammering): I-I was just-
PRESIDENT
(Cutting him off): Save it. If I catch you here again during class
hours, there will be consequences. Leadership comes with
responsibility, Yusuf. Act like it.
[Yusuf looks down, embarrassed, as the President turns his
attention to the rest of the group.]
PRESIDENT
Now all of you, get back to class. I don’t want to see any of you
here again during preps time.
[The group shuffles away, grumbling quietly, leaving Zena standing
by the wall. The president watches them go before turning to her.
Zena tries to get past the president to follow the other to class
but she is stopped.]
PRESIDENT
(Gently) Zena, wait a minute.
[Zena hesitates, then stops, her shoulders tense.]
I noticed you are really talented in fashion designs. Why are you
hiding it from the world.
ZENA
(shrugging with low voice) It doesn’t matter. No ONE BELIEVES I
can do anything worthwhile.
PRESIDENT
(With a kind smile) That’s not true. I believe in you. And am sure
you can be great.
(Zena looks up, surprised, as the president continues)
[Looking up the unfinished roof] When i ran for president, people
laughed at the idea of a school cleaner’s daughter leading a
school this big. They doubted me because of where i came from. But
i didn’t wait for anyone to believe in me- i believed in myself.
And with a little motivation from my mum, here i am today, proving
them all wrong.
ZENA
Atleast you had a parent who believed in you.(Appearing sad)
PRESIDENT
(Hugging Zena) Its okay Zena. (Pauses)[Looks Zena in her eyes] You
know what, there is another secret my mom keeps.
ZENA
(Curiously)What secret?
PRESIDENT
My mum is also a fashion designer and a tailor. She does it as a
side hustle, and i think with her help, we can do a project and
present it during our annual talent show and cultural festival.
ZENA
(Hesitant and intrigued) You really think its worth it?
PRESIDENT
(Nodding confidently): Absolutely. This could be your chance to
prove everyone wrong and show them what you are capable of.
ZENA
(Softly) Okay... I’ll do it.
PRESIDENT
(Smiling)Great! Let me talk to my mom and make it happen. (PAUSES)
I guess we have to go to class.

{The two girls embrace each other and walks down the stairway.}

Camera off.
5: EXT. SCHOOL EXIT, EVENING.
{The president is seated near the school exit. Behind her, the
school compound echoes faintly with sound of laughter and whistles
from distant field. On her laps, rests her bag. She is reading a
novel but occasionally looks up as if waiting for someone. Her
MOTHER, a middle-aged woman appears carrying washing tools. She
smiles as she notices the President as the President rises up to
hug her mother.}

MOTHER.
We nawe, lazima uningojee? (smiling and hugging her daughter)
PRESIDENT
(Smiling back) Mom,..... Sio crime,kwani hujanimiss?
MOTHER
Of course, I have... but at the same time, si nimekuwa nikikuona.
PRESIDENT.
Lets go home, ive some assignments, I need to work on.(They both
walks towards the gate as they continue to talk)
PRESIDENT
Alafu mum, kuna my classmate anaitwa Zena, nilikuwa nataka kufanya
project Fulani na yeye.
MOTHER
(Curiously) Project gani iyo?
PRESIDENT
Ya fashion design... mom the girl has a raw talent. Michoro zake
ni za kimataifa.
MOTHER
(Churkles)Nakuona penye waenda.... You want my help? (smiles)
PRESIDENT
Yes mom... Nataka liwe jambo litakalomwonyesha dhamani yake.
MOTHER.
Like mother like daughter. Moyo mkubwa kweli. (pauses) Lakini kama
Zena yuko tayari nitawasaidia. Lakini kumbuka haitakuwa rahisi.
Fashion design yahitaji uvumilivu.
PRESIDENT
Tuko tayari..... My sweet mother. (Exchanges smiles and continue
to talk as camera fades away.)

6: INT. FASHION DESIGN AND TAILORING ROOM.

{The room is quiet, the soft hum of a sewing machine and the
rustle of fabric filling the air. Zena works intently at her
station, her brows furrowed in concentration. She hesitates,
unsure of a stitch. President’s mother, noticing, steps over and
gently guides her hands without a word. Zena looks up, offering a
small smile of gratitude. The mother nods as she returns to her
work.

Nearby, the President sketches a design. She glances at Zena, who

briefly meets her gaze. They exchange a knowing smile before she
returns to stitching. Zena reaches for scissors just out of reach,
and the president silently hands them to her, their fingers
brushing slightly. She nods in thanks and cuts the fabric.

The three work in sync, each movement purposeful, the quiet

harmony of their actions telling a story without words.}

FADE OUT.

7: INT. CLASSROOM.
Md Valentine stands at the board, writing the last few words of a
complex diagram. The classroom is quiet, with students taking
notes diligently. After finishing, the teacher sets down the chalk
and turns to face the class with a satisfied smile.
MD VALENTINE.
Alright, that’s all for today.
(The students begin closing their notebooks, but the teacher
raises a hand to get their attention again)
MD VALENTINE.
Before you go, just a quick reminder. The annual talent show and
cultural festival is coming up soon. I hope you are all ready with
your projects and performances.

(The students nod enthusiastically, a few replying with a

confident Yes!)
MD VALENTINE
Good! And don’t forget to invite your parents. Let’s make it a
full house this year, Alright!
(The students collectively murmur agreement, with a few smiling at
the thought.)
MD VALENTINE
Alright then. Class dismissed.
(The teacher gathers her materials, gives the class one last
encouraging look, and walks out of the room as students begin
packing their bags and chatting excitedly. Camera cuts to the
president who have gone to where Zena is seated.)
PRESIDENT
(While placing her hand on Zena’s shoulder.) It’s a good thing we
started early.
ZENA
Yaah, it has being a hectic term. Am blessed to have you as a
friend. (smiling at each other)
PRESIDENT
Lets go and get the final touches done. (Laughing slightly)
Kufinish Kumalo....
ZENA
Vile inafaa.....

(They both leave class happily)

8: INT. ZENA’S PARENT HOUSE.

{Zena’s father is getting ready to leave for work. Her mother is
seated on the couch watching Television.}
MR. ONYANGO
Bye honey.....
MRS. ONYANGO
Bye.... na by the way kabla uende, Zena invited us to school.
Sijui alisema wako na nini.
MR. ONYANGO.
That’s your business bana. Siendi kuaibika mimi....
MRS ONYANGO
Usianze tena pliz. Can you kindly mind your language for once. Uyo
mtoto siku izi anajaribu sana. Hakujakuwa na complains of late.
MR ONYANGO
Ni masiku tu and then she will be back to factory setting. (opens
the door.) Anyway tell her I’ll be there.
MRS ONYANGO.
You better be. (Clicks as she exits the room. The father also
exits.)

9: INT/EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND

[The headteacher stands at a podium, addressing the parents and
students gathered in the hall. The audience listens attentively,
but suddenly, the door creak open and Zenas parents walks in,
slightly hesitant. A few heads turn as they find seats,
interrupting the flow of the speech.]
HEADTEACHER
{Pausing, then continuing with a smile.} Welcome our dear parents
to this year’s annual talent and cultural festivals. Each talent
has a space to shine. We have photography rooms, art exhibition,
fashion and design rooms among others. Feel free to explore and
support our children.

(As speech continues, parents start dispersing to different

rooms.)
10: INT. FASHION DESIGN ROOM
[A calm atmosphere fills the room. Beautifully tailored clothes
are pinned on the walls, and mannequins dressed in student-made
outfits stand proudly in the center. Zena and the president stand
in front, explaining their work to a few students and parents. The
room is silent except for their hand gestures and occasional nod
from the audience, appreciating their efforts. Suddenly at the
door Zena parents appears. Without hesitation, she runs to them
and embraces her mother tightly. However, her father gives a stiff
hug, barely touching her. Zena steps back, reading in his tension
in his face. Her excitement dims slightly but she quickly composes
herself.]
ZENA
{Smiling and holding back emotions}
By the way, niko na suprise. {She rushes to a nearby table,
picking up two neatly folded outfits. She hands one to the father
and the other to the mother.} I made these for you.
{The parents exchange hesitant glances unsure of what to do before
the headteacher, who was viewing Zena’s work interrupt and picks
up the mood.}
HEADTEACHER
{Kindly} My office is just two doors away. You can change there in
privacy.

[Zenas parents nod and exit. The room remains silent and Zena
takes a deep breath, before going back to explaining her designs.
Moments later, the door opens, and Zena’s parents appears again.
The audience gasps softly- the clothes are elegant, well-fitted,
and beautifully designed. Zena’s father stands still for a moment,
looking down at the fabric, then up at his daughter.]
MR. ONYANGO
{Smiling but mixed with guilt} Come here my daughter. How come you
even know my size. {Zena’s eyes well up as her father steps foward
and this time pulls her into a genuine hug. Her mother joins and
they embrace as a family. Zena opens up her eyes and see the
president smiling in tears}
ZENA
{Softly as she extends her hand so that the president could join
in the hug} I couldn’t have made it without this friend. If
everyone could be like her the world would be a better place.

[Just then the president’s mother, dressed in her school cleaner

uniform, walks by the door, holding her cleaning tools. She pauses
watching her daughter and Zena with a warm, knowing smile before
continuing, saying nothing but leaving an unspoken message of
pride and humility.]
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT (V.0)
Attention everyone. Please proceed to the school hall for the
final student extravaganza showcase. Parents, thank you for
attending today’s festival and you can leave at will.
MRS. ONYANGO
Sasa ni masaa ya ngoma weweee....... [mild laughter]
ZENA
(SMILING) Mom, thats for students only.
MRS ONYANGO
Oooh! Too bad....
MR. ONYANGO
[Interruptingly and holding Zena’s and president’s hand] I swear
by my family lineage, that i will now support my two daughters.
Continue making us proud.
[The mother nods in agreement as few claps fills the room. The
family shares one last embrace before they exit with other crowd,
leaving Zena and the president in the room packing up materials.
Suddenly the governor walks in hesitantly.]
GOVERNOR
[Awkwardly in a calm voice] Hey... need a hand with packing?
[Zena glances at the president, who is watching her reaction, She
hesitates, then sighs and nods slightly.]
 ZENA
[Reluctantly but fairly] Fine.... just dont mess up anything.
[The governor chuckles lightly and together the three of them pack
up. The tension from before has faded, replaced with an air of
mutual respect.]

Camera fades as they leave to go and attend the show.