LOGLINE
In bustling New York, right before the lockdown, student Chi is attacked on the subway by a
delusional homeless man who wants to throw her under the train on her way home from work.
She is rescued by Professor James, who is also homeless.
SYNOPSIS
Act 1 Summary
Chi (23) – a young girl from China who came to NYC to attend the prestigious Julliard School
of Arts. Shortly after her arrival, the COVID lockdown begins and her world collapses. While
going to the subway, one homeless man tries to throw her under the train, while another
rescues her and an unusual friendship begins.
James (50) – an African-American professor of comparative literature and English who lost
his wife and job just before the pandemic. He became homeless. He has no will to live, but
saving Chi brings a turning point in his life.
Act 2 Summary
The film is inspired by true events and changes in society caused by the COVID pandemic.
During many different stages of life, people break and finally get broken. In some moments
we wonder if humanity is broken? The film follows the story of a girl who, full of big dreams,
came to New York to study at Julliard School of Arts. However, there is a COVID pandemic,
political changes in the country and a change in the behavior of people who live in fear.
In one trip to the subway, the girl is almost thrown under the train. She is saved by a professor
who has become homeless. She becomes aware of how much the city of her dreams has
changed. She did not imagine the danger, nor the dirt, insecurity and instability of life. She is
saved by music and playing, as well as a new friendship with the man who saved her life.
Each of the two has their own tragic story, but their perspective is different. They are in other
life stages. He believes that there is no turning back from the darkness of his path, but he
advises her that she has a bright future ahead of her and a decision to turn her life in the
darkness into a happy story. The story is inspired by the real events of throwing a girl under a
train. The film warns of the increased problem of homeless people on the streets across
America and the psychological problems of people that have become accentuated during the
pandemic period. In this way, the film raises the question of whether the humanity in people
is really broken or whether there is an option for a happy future.
Act 3 Summary
A completely insane man tries to throw Chi under a train. James saves her at the last moment.
Chi goes on the train and the next day returns to the same place and tries to find James. She
wants to thank him and wants to find out who he is. She is shocked when he tells her that he is
a professor. She doesn't understand how he ended up homeless, but he doesn't want to reveal
much about his life. He is more willing to give her advice about life and education. Regretting
that he had no children, he acts as a father figure towards her. She especially needs it because
she is not on good terms with her own father. Unexpectedly, once he can no longer find it.
Under the bench on the platform, she finds his message that leads her to a new, positive life.
Directed by Danijela Korejzl (USA)