FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST -- AFTERNOON
Sunny afternoon. We look down over the snow-covered forest. We
also hear birds chirping. The camera pans to show the mountains
covered with snow. The camera starts going down slowly.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
When our soil was still covered with mud and water, Mother Earth
started working to create the land for her fellow creatures. The
Sun was still too young and self-confident to help her. Like any
other youngster, he hated to worry about the future, so Mother
Earth had to thoroughly work by herself. Watching Mother Earth
work alone, the Sun spent his time looking for excitement all day
long.
During the narration, the camera shows us various animals in the
forest - a variety of birds, squirrels, foxes, rats and cougars.
Some insects and other creatures are on the frozen stream. We
also hear various sounds in the forest.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
The entire sky was his territory. He popped up in any direction
he liked and played around in the sky, seeking extraordinary
things, until the hour he must arrive at his nest. He often
overslept, and rose when anybody waited up for him. He never
listened to Mother Earth or anybody else. He boasted his
overflowing energy and enjoyed risking the potential for his
temporary joy.
We see a pair of huge footprints in the snow. The camera follows
the footprints and shows us a bear walking. The camera follows
but soon loses it.
Now we are in the clearing and see a small hill in front of us.
EXT. HILL -- DAY
The hill is also covered with fresh snow. One set of small
footprints is trailed up through the hill. The camera goes up to
the top of the hill, following the footprints. When we reach the
top and see the footprints disappear into the bush at the foot of
this hill, somebody yells out from the bushes, shaking the trees.
BOYS (O.S.)
(screams)
A dozen hares dash out of the bush, scared, and run up through the
hill. Following them, ancient boys GROWING ANT and others come
out and chase them, waving sticks in their hands.
ANT
Whoaaaaaa!
Each of the Boys pursues the hares but the hares are too fast to
catch. The Boys run up the hill, yelling out, and squat down
halfway, running out of breath.
ANT
(panting)
Deer! They're too fast.
He looks at other boys CHEERFUL WASP, BRAVE DRAGONFLY and OAK
SPROUT. Oak Sprout is far behind.
ANT
Did anybody catch one?
WASP
No kidding.
DRAGONFLY
I'm dying. Who said we'd make it?
Oak Sprout catches up with them.
OAK
(whimpering)
I want to go home.
ANT
Don't cry. Let's try once more.
Others boo.
ANT
Come on! It's easy. We gotta just scare them into the snare.
WASP
They are too smart to catch.
DRAGONFLY
We gotta come with grown-ups.
ANT
Oh, no! Grown-ups are stingy. They tell us not to expect meat.
You want to eat meat, don't you?
All sigh with agreement.
OAK
(sobbing)
I am hungry.
ANT
Don't cry, Oak Sprout. Coyotes will come up to snatch you.
Oak Sprout starts crying aloud. Others comfort him.
ANT
Stop it. You wimp.
Growing Ant scoops up a handful of snow, aiming at Oak Sprout's
face. Oak Sprout is upset and responds to Growing Ant by scooping
up snow toward him.
OAK
You started it. I hate you.
Others help him. Growing Ant runs away, laughing. They fight in
the snow for a while, laughing and yelling, until they get tired.
Then, they walk back together. The elder helps Oak Sprout.
ANT
Let's catch pheasants next time.
DRAGONFLY
Birds can fly away.
ANT
But they taste so good. Sure, we can do it.
We see them walk away together.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- EVENING
At the slope, the cave is shaded with some trees and grass. In
front of the entrance, there is a flat space. We hear the boys
come up, talking with each other.
WASP (O.S.)
I think deer is the best. Last year, we ate lots of deer.
DRAGONFLY (O.S.)
'Cause we had a lot of snow.
ANT (O.S.)
I prefer bear. It's big and we can eat a lot.
They come up to the flat space and stop there, still talking.
OAK
I like hare. Its meat is soft.
ANT
Yeah. I wish we could have caught some.
WASP
Or birds. Their meat is also very soft and tasty.
ANT
Whatever. Meat is delicious.
(loudly)
I want to eat meat.
DRAGONFLY
I am sick of acorn cakes.
WASP
Me too.
They sigh and hesitate before entering the cave. Cheerful Wasp
looks back and finds something in the sky. He speaks to the
others, pointing at it.
WASP
Look! What's that?
Others slowly turn around to see a flying saucer far away in the
sky.
DRAGONFLY
Whoa! That's not a bird.
ANT
No. I have never seen that.
WASP
Can I eat it?
ANT
I dunno. It doesn't look like it tastes good.
DRAGONFLY
I will bear it. Anything is better than dried meat.
OAK
Dried meat is awful, too hard to chew. I pull my jaw out of
whack.
They silently keep looking at the sky as the flying saucer
disappears for a while.
DRAGONFLY
This should be a good sign.
He turns back and heads for the cave. Others sigh and trudge into
the cave together.
INT. CAVE -- EVENING
It is dark inside but looks neat and cozy. At the center of the
room, the fire burns. Around the fire, women BLUE JAY, COLORFUL
STONE, SHINING SHELL, YELLOW POLLEN and some more sit down,
warming their hands or working. At the deepest corner, old woman
AGED OWL lies on the carpet of bear fur.
JAY
Check the pot for snow.
STONE
I did. It's still packed with snow.
JAY
So, what do you want to eat today?
The Boys walk in and stop at the exit.
ANT
Hi.
The women pay them no attention and keep working and talking.
SHELL
How about maize?
WASP
Yes, maize.
OAK
I like maize.
JAY
Uh, maize? We don't have enough to eat until the snow is gone.
POLLEN
But we ate the acorn gruel a couple of days in a row.
SHELL
Yes, the acorn flour may also be gone if we eat it so frequently.
POLLEN
Right. We'd better try a different recipe.
JAY
The hunters will be back with a big game soon. Till then, we can
live on acorns and dried meat.
STONE
And fish. The kids are gonna bring back fish with them.
Oak Sprout sneezes. He shivers.
WASP
Are you all right, Oak?
OAK
I am cold.
Blue Jay gives them a stare.
JAY
How come you are so late? Where did you stroll around, bad boys?
ANT
Fishing!
The Boys dash to the fire and extend their hands to warm
themselves.
JAY
No, no, no. You can't sit down here.
ANT
We are freezing.
STONE
It's the sacred spot. Nobody can occupy this seat unless they are
working hard.
WASP
We are back from outside.
DRAGONFLY
We worked hard out there.
STONE
Where is the fish?
DRAGONFLY
No fish today.
ANT
We were unlucky.
Oak Sprout shivers. Shining Shell touches him.
SHELL
Oh, no. You got wet. Did you get bogged down into the pond?
OAK
No, we didn't go to the pond.
JAY
Change his clothes.
SHELL
Yes.
Shining Shell and Colorful Stone take Oak Sprout to the corner to
change his clothes.
JAY
You didn't? Where did you go?
ANT
Yes, we were there.
JAY
No, you weren't. Come clean.
ANT
I am serious. We checked the fishing net but no fish were in
there.
WASP
These days, fish are fox-like. They keep away from the net.
JAY
Why didn't you come back straight away?
ANT
We did. It took longer to walk in the snow.
WASP
You women don't know that.
At the corner, Shining Shell asks Oak Sprout.
SHELL
Aren't you starving? Do you want nuts?
OAK
Yes.
SHELL
Will you tell us where you were?
Oak nods in silence. The Boys are scared. Colorful Stone gives
him a handful of nuts.
STONE
Here you go.
SHELL
(sweetly)
There now, where did you go?
OAK
The hill.
ANT
No! We didn't go hunting.
WASP
We didn't set the snare.
JAY
Now then, why are you so late?
STONE
They did go to the hill to catch animals.
SHELL
Horrible! If the spirit haunts us...
POLLEN
Oh, no! Save us!
Pollen prays.
SHELL
Please don't eat me. Eat them.
Shining Shell points at the boys. They scream.
JAY
We must not feed them today.
POLLEN
Right. Let's kick out these little devils to feed to the evil
spirit.
Brave Dragonfly starts crying aloud. All Boys cry.
JAY
Shut up! You are as lazy as the Sun at his young days. We won't
feed you if you are not good boys, okay?
WASP
But we didn't eat the hare.
DRAGONFLY
Growing Ant said we could. But hares were too smart to catch!
JAY
Eat animals!
ANT
What are you talking about, boys?
JAY
You know what gonna happen if you kill them without prayer?
WASP
I swear I didn't eat any.
STONE
Their spirit would sneak into your dreams and swallow you up.
They cry furiously. Aged Owl coughs at the corner of the room.
Everybody turns to her.
JAY
Oh, sorry, Aged Owl. We didn't mean to wake you up.
Aged Owl mumbles but others cannot interpret.
JAY
Are you all right, Aged Owl?
Blue Jay approaches to listen to her. Aged Owl strives to say
something. Blue Jay interprets for her.
JAY
What did you say? Uh-huh, Uh-huh. You want to tell them your
tale? Sure, you will make them happy.
Growing Ant and others look at each other, annoyed. Aged Owl
tries to get up. Blue Jay and Colorful Stone help her and let her
sit down close to the fire.
JAY
Do you feel okay, Aged Owl?
Aged Owl nods a couple of times and starts speaking without seeing
anybody.
AGED OWL
Kids are naughty. Don't scold them. If we fall sick, we will
miss the wonderful days when we were healthy and ruthless.
Aged Owl sighs and looks around at the boys, who stop crying. The
women resume working.
STONE
I gotta fetch the flour.
Colorful Stone and Yellow Pollen stand up and take off, bringing
the earthen pots with them.
AGED OWL
You bad boys.
(smile)
I'm gonna tell you the story of Mother Earth. When she created
our soil, she worked hard without help from anybody. She strove
to drain the land but couldn't create a clod of soil. She was
exhausted and disappointed.
The boys keep their eyes on Aged Owl. The fire shines in their
faces.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- DUSK
Colorful Stone and Yellow Pollen come out of the cave and go up,
bringing the pots.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
One day, the Snake crawled out to the surface of the wetland and
rolled along for long while, grabbing its tail in its mouth.
EXT. STORAGE -- CONTINUOUS
A huge rock protrudes at the slop. Colorful Stone and Yellow
Pollen head for the rock through the snowy slop. When they
approach the rock, a number of mice race off.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
Everyday the Sun rose in the east and set in the west, but never
cared about Mother Earth and our soil. The Snake patiently stayed
in the wetland. She looked dead. By day, the sunbeam warmed the
back of Snake while the Sun was playing around in the sky.
The two women enter the opening beneath the rock.
INT. STORAGE -- CONTINUOUS
The cave is small and covered with many rocks. Colorful Stone and
Yellow Pollen come in, bringing the torch and pots. Under it's
dim light, a number of snakes crawl over the rocks.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
Little by little, the Snake dried up the wet mud into soil and at
last a patch of solid land was formed around him. Mother Earth
was pleased at this present. She built the bank around the Snake
and created a tiny island in the midst of a wetland.
The two women carefully put the snakes aside and reach for a big
earthen pot on which the symbol of a snake is carved. They scoop
the flour into their small pots.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
The Sun was also delighted, especially, when he saw the green
grass on this islet. Each time the Sun saw the green grass, it
grew bigger than before. The Sun wished to do them a favor. He
enjoyed his daily trip. He was pleased to regularly work, looking
for a compliment from them.
The two women seal the big pot and leave.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- CONTINUOUS
The two women come back, bringing the pots. They stop outside the
flat space to put some snow into their pots.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
But one day the Sun overheard Mother Earth speak well of the
Snake. The Sun became so jealous that he couldn't control
himself. He burst into an outrage and blew a hot wind to the
solid land.
The two women stand up and make their way for the cave. When
Colorful Stone turns back to Yellow Pollen, she finds something
far away over there.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
The flame lifted from the islet and burned out everything on it
including the Snake. Mother Earth had to escape from the fire
into the water.
The women are delighted and run into the cave, leaving the pots
there.
INT. CAVE -- CONTINUOUS
Aged Owl continues her story to the Boys around the fire.
AGED OWL
But the fire dried up more wetland and expanded the patch of land.
It made huge rocks there and the patch of land grew to be a small
island.
Colorful Stone and Yellow Pollen rush back into there.
POLLEN
They are back.
All of them are delighted and dash out.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- DUSK
They come out of the cave and look in one direction.
SHELL
Whoa!
From their POV, the white basin extends below and a line of smoke
lifts from the remote mountains after the basin. In the basin,
two Hunters tramp toward them.
STONE
They are coming back. The hunters!
ALL
Whoaaaaa! Hiiiiii!
They wave to the Hunters.
ANT
Coming! Coming! Meat is coming!
WASP
Fresh meat! I can eat deer.
DRAGONFLY
Buffalo! Bear! Goose!
ANT
Any meat is okay but skunk.
The Children and Women keep waving to the Hunters.
INT. CAVE -- NIGHT
Two young hunters SLEEPING WOLF and RETURNED GOOSE sit down,
facing Aged Owl across the fire. Women and Children surround the
Hunters. Growing Ant and others whisper behind them.
AGED OWL
When will they come back here?
WOLF
Before the traders visit us.
ANT
(under his breath)
Hey, the traders are coming.
WASP
We can eat a lot!
Both snicker, expecting to eat until they're full.
AGED OWL
They are great people. They came through the endless land with
fear and danger, to give us plenty of gifts. We should welcome
them.
WOLF
Yes. Other hunters are looking for more game. Please get ready
for the feast.
Aged Owl nods in silence. Ant and others become rapturous.
GOOSE
But we found a freak in the mountains.
WOLF
It's why we came back. We ought to count on your knowledge, Aged
Owl.
AGED OWL
Anything ominous?
GOOSE
We ran into a snowman.
All gasp and roll their eyes. Aged Owl is also scared.
AGED OWL
Did you see it?
GOOSE
No. But there were many footsteps in the snow.
AGED OWL
(relieved)
Phew. That's a good sign. Don't worry. We'll have good game and
a good harvest this year.
The Hunters and Women look at each other with relief. Ant and
others don't understand what they are talking about. They are
distracted at the swell of meat grilled above the fire.
JAY
The dinner is ready. Here you go.
Blue Jay hands the grilled meat to Aged Owl and Hunters.
ANT
Coming! Coming!
Colorful Stone and Shining Shell deliver the bowl to the others.
Ant and his friends wait for theirs, looking forward to meat, but
get disappointed when they find acorn gruel in their bowls.
WOLF
Look at this.
GOOSE
It looks so good.
JAY
You did a good job, our heroes.
WOLF
It's yours. You are an excellent cook.
GOOSE
Definitely. Nobody can cook such a good meal.
Ant and the others stare at their dishes, tears forming in their
eyes.
JAY
Enjoy, guys.
The Hunters bite into their meat and devour it.
WOLF
Great!
GOOSE
Who can imagine such beautiful food under the sun?
WOLF
Fresh food, a good cook and, huh, this flavor.
JAY
Please eat up. It is yours.
The Boys look at them, expecting that the meat will be passed to
them. Blue Jay serves more meat for the Hunters.
WOLF
No, no, no. Enough.
JAY
Not enough. You worked so hard. You must eat it all.
GOOSE
Yes, we will.
Goose and Wolf snatch the offered meat and bite it again. The
Boys are disappointed and keep their eyes on them.
STONE
What's wrong with you? You are not hungry?
ANT
(whimpering)
I want meat.
OTHERS
Me too.
They start crying.
JAY
No meat tonight. We should keep extra meat for our guests.
ANT
But we are hungry.
STONE
You were too lazy to get a catch.
SHELL
You don't need to eat if you don't like.
The women try to snatch up their bowls. The Boys protect theirs
and sip the gruel, reluctantly.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- MORNING
The Hunters dig a big pit beside the tree. A cage is hung from a
bough of the trees. The cage contains the meat. Colorful Stone
and Shining Shell see them working nearby. Behind the Women, the
Boys ruefully see the cage.
DRAGONFLY
Why are they hanging the meat?
SHELL
We should keep it for a while.
ANT
We gotta eat it before it corrupts.
STONE
It won't corrupt on such cold days.
WASP
But birds may steal it. We gotta eat it before it is stolen.
The Hunters finish digging the pit and get up.
WOLF
That's it.
They start covering the pit with sticks and big leaves.
WASP
When will they come back?
SHELL
In a couple of days.
DRAGONFLY
Can I eat it after they come back?
STONE
If you are a good boy.
ANT
I don't want meat at all.
STONE
Nobody asked you to eat them.
ANT
I am not looking for meat.
SHELL
Soon we will give you tons of meat whether you like it or not.
The Hunters spread the mud and snow over the pit.
WOLF
Done. It looks natural, doesn't it?
GOOSE
We have many more sneaky predators than foxes and coyotes.
Returned Goose gives the Boys a glance with a playful smile.
SHELL
Don't try to steal, kids!
STONE
We're gonna eat you if we find you trapped in the pitfall.
ANT
I don't want meat at all.
WASP
Neither do I.
The Hunters and Women leave, speaking with each other. The Boys
keep their eyes on the meat.
STONE
How many traders did you say were supposed to come here?
WOLF
Uh, we met about ten.
GOOSE
They said half of them were going beyond the mountains.
STONE
So, five?
WOLF
Maybe. They're bringing a lot of presents with them.
SHELL
Oh, we gotta treat them well.
The Boys turn to them when they overhear the word "present". They
dash up to the Hunters.
DRAGONFLY
What presents are they gonna give me?
WASP
Toys? Food? Or stone?
GOOSE
(chuckles)
You will find out soon.
They walk into the cave.
INT. CAVE -- DAY
The Women sit down around the fire and work, talking and eating
nuts. No Boys are there, besides infant Oak Sprout.
OAK
When will they come back?
SHELL
Soon they will be here.
OAK
Will they bring presents for me?
JAY
They will take the traders here. The traders are gonna bring many
presents with them.
POLLEN
I want jewelry. Do you think they will bring some with them?
STONE
Of course. The traders have never come here without jewelry.
POLLEN
What kind of jewelry do they have?
SHELL
Uh, they have lots of beautiful stones. Do you want more?
Shining Shell offers the nuts to Oak Sprout. When he extends his
hand to pick some up, other boys Growing Ant, Cheerful Wasp and
Brave Dragonfly walk back in. The Women hide the nuts and other
food in haste.
ANT
Did they come back?
SHELL
No! They will walk through the basin. You won't miss them if
you're out there.
The Boys rush up to the fire.
JAY
You came back for a warming again?
STONE
It's not the place you boys hang around.
POLLEN
Boys gotta go out.
WASP
It is cold outside.
SHELL
Don't speak like old men.
STONE
Go. Go.
The Women force the Boys to stand up but the Boys move to the exit
and look back to the fire. The Women resume working and speaking.
STONE
Where are the hunters?
SHELL
I don't know. Maybe fishing. They always work hard.
STONE
Yeah. They are good workers.
JAY
Brave and smart. Do you know Returned Goose can talk to fish?
STONE
Really?
JAY
Yes, other hunters told me so.
SHELL
I heard it too. It's why they can catch fish when they go
fishing.
STONE
I see. Since they came back, we can eat fish every day.
The Women look at the Boys.
POLLEN
Are you still there, boys?
ANT
I am hungry.
STONE
Hungry? You ate lots in this morning.
DRAGONFLY
But we are hungry. Give me some nuts.
STONE
You don't like nuts, do you?
ANT
I like nuts. Give me some.
JAY
No! It's not time to eat.
ANT
I can eat any time I like.
SHELL
Men, you go out and catch fish.
STONE
There is no room for men to stay in this small cave.
WASP
But it is cold.
STONE
You gotta go out. Man works outside, woman works in the cave.
WASP
Who made up such a stupid rule?
JAY
It's the custom of the Stone Age.
STONE
Woman must watch the sacred fire.
ANT
We will watch it. You can go out.
STONE
No, no, no, no. Man is too lazy to keep it all the time.
SHELL
Only woman can do it. Move, boys.
POLLEN
Move. Move.
The Boys reluctantly leave, mumbling. The Women take out the nuts
and other food and start working again.
Brave Dragonfly comes back again. The Women quickly hide the
food. Other Boys follow him.
STONE
(sternly)
What did you come back for?
DRAGONFLY
I am afraid I got sick.
SHELL
Sick? You're trying to trick me?
DRAGONFLY
No, I'm serious. I feel my head burning. Let me lie down here.
Colorful Stone touches Brave Dragonfly on his forehead.
STONE
Hmm. We need to give you some treatment.
Colorful Stone gives a signal to Shining Shell with eye contact.
Shining Shell nods and heads for the corner.
MOMENTS LATER
The Women stick Brave Dragonfly on the floor, holding his arms.
Dragonfly screams, lying on his stomach. Shining Shell places a
handful of dried grass on his exposed back and Colorful Stone
hands her a burning stalk. The Boys stand behind them, turning
their eyes away from them.
STONE
We will cure your disease right away.
SHELL
And your bad manners too.
WASP
Oh, no. They are serious.
ANT
(to Dragonfly)
Say that you are not sick.
DRAGONFLY
I am not sick! I want to go out.
(screams)
The Boys close their eyes.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- CONTINUOUS
We hear Dragonfly scream in the cave. Shortly he runs out of the
cave. He wears the clothes anyway but the smoke trails from his
back. Other Boys also run out, following Dragonfly, and run down
through the slope.
The Women walk out of the cave and laugh their head off, pointing
at the running Boys.
SHELL
Work hard, lazy boys.
STONE
They gotta change their attitudes.
POLLEN
Never come back without fish.
They continue to laugh.
EXT. POND -- DAY
Sunny day. The Boys traipse along the river. They languidly look
down into the pond. At a tree, Cheerful Wasp picks up the rope
tied to its trunk and winds up it. Others help him pull out the
fishing net from the stream. They check the net but no fish are
trapped. The boys are disappointed.
ANT
No fish.
WASP
I said so. Fish are slippery these days.
DRAGONFLY
It's freezing. I hate the pond.
ANT
Let's try a snare.
WASP
Again?
DRAGONFLY
We can't catch hares.
ANT
Come on. Don't you want to eat meat?
DRAGONFLY
(whimpering)
But the wicked women are gonna punish us if we kill animals.
WASP
(scared)
I don't like them to burn grass on my back.
ANT
They won't do it.
DRAGONFLY
They did. They did.
ANT
'Cause you told a lie.
DRAGONFLY
(crying)
They enjoyed that.
ANT
Stop it. Never say you are sick, okay? They're superstitious.
They believe that it can cure the disease.
WASP
But they also believe that it'll make us smart. They deny our
human right to be stupid!
DRAGONFLY
(screams)
No! It's awfully hot.
ANT
Okay, I will try a snare alone.
Growing Ant starts walking. Others follow him.
WASP
Can you make it?
ANT
Why not?
They leave together.
EXT. BUSH -- DAY
The Boys lurk in the bush, looking out at the hill. A hare runs
down the hill toward them. They wait for it.
WASP
Ooh. Coming.
DRAGONFLY
Easy, easy, hare. Closer. Closer.
The hare stops and looks at the bush.
ANT
Shhh.
The Boys get ready to jump out, grabbing the stick and crouching
in the bush. But the hare doesn't approach them.
WASP
Does it notice us?
DRAGONFLY
Okay. Let's go out and get it.
ANT
Wait. I will speak to it.
WASP
What? Can you speak with that hare?
ANT
Sure I can.
Ant puts his hands around his mouth and speaks.
ANT
Woof. Woof.
WASP
That's a dog.
ANT
I don't care. The hare can't tell.
DRAGONFLY
No! You scared it.
The hare is surprised and jumps away two or three steps. The Boys
keep their eyes on it. The hare stops and turns back to them.
Curious, it looks into the bush.
ANT
Hey! It's working. Woof. Woof.
They slowly go out of the bush.
EXT. HILL -- CONTINUOUS
The Boys go out of the bush and slowly head for the hare. The
hare looks at them in amazement.
ANT
Easy, easy. We want to make friends with you.
WASP
You know, we don't like your meat 'cause it's terrible. We would
like to play with you.
DRAGONFLY
Let's have fun. You cute hare.
The hare runs away a couple of steps when the Boys approach and
stops there, looking back at them. The Boys follow the hare, and
little by little leave the hill for the forest.
EXT. TRAIL -- DAY
The hare jumps through the trail, often stopping and turns back.
The Boys chase him, speaking friendly to it.
ANT
Where are you, hare?
WASP
I'm gonna get you.
DRAGONFLY
Hide and seek.
The hare jumps into the bush but the Boys are not aware and go
straight through the trail, speaking to it.
ANT
Where are you hiding, hare?
EXT. HOLLOW TREE -- DAY
In the forest, there is a big hollow tree. Many footsteps are
trailed into the hollow. The Boys come up, following the
footsteps.
DRAGONFLY
It's not the hare's footsteps.
WASP
Where is the hare, Ant?
ANT
I don't know. Somewhere around here.
WASP
We lost the hare and lost ourselves. Who said these footsteps
would lead us to the hare's house?
WASP
I am scared. Evil spirits may live here.
ANT
Come on. Don't you want to eat delicious meat?
WASP
Where can we get it at such a place?
ANT
Do you remember the story Aged Owl told us?
WASP
Which one?
ANT
Hollow tree. When a young man passed a hollow tree, he heard many
people talking and laughing in it.
DRAGONFLY
No! It's a horror story.
ANT
But he ate a lot of food after he dropped down into the different
world. Cake, roast meat, fish, mushrooms...
WASP
Honey, salt, oil and various foods we have never seen before.
DRAGONFLY
But it's just a fairy tale.
They look around and find the hollow tree in front of them. They
are taken aback.
WASP
Is this the one?
ANT
I don't know. It's just an old tree.
DRAGONFLY
Scary. Let's go back.
ANT
Don't get cold feet. We are by ourselves in this forest.
DRAGONFLY
Evil spirits are waiting to eat us.
ANT
I don't care about evil spirits if I can eat till I'm full.
WASP
Shhh. Listen!
He puts his ear to the tree.
ANT
Nobody could stay in such a tree.
They definitely hear somebody talk and laugh nearby. They look at
each other, frightened. The laughter gets louder and louder. The
Boys are scared and run away.
ALL
(screams)
After they take off, THERAPIST comes out of the hollow and looks
around. He wears a space suit and a bear's mask.
EXT. TRAIL -- DAY
The Boys run through the trail, panting.
EXT. FOREST -- DAY
Behind a big tree, there is a makeshift shelter with sticks and
leaves. Sleeping Wolf and Returned Goose eat the fish and drink
the spirits around the fire.
WOLF
Phew, it's getting warmer.
GOOSE
The spirits are working.
WOLF
The women kicked us out of the cave. Why should we work outdoors
all day long?
Sleeping Wolf drinks from his cup.
GOOSE
Drink it all?
WOLF
No. Don't worry. We have another pot.
GOOSE
Yeah.
WOLF
I want to eat more fish. The spirits gave me an appetite.
GOOSE
It's time to check the net.
They stand up to leave. They are high and speak loudly.
WOLF
And the women have more spirits. We can drink them after the
traders visit.
Both laugh. They see the Boys run up through the trail beside the
tree.
GOOSE
Shhh. Somebody's coming.
They duck in the bush to hide themselves. The Boys run up and
stop in front of them. The Hunters see them through the bush.
WASP
Wait. I can't run any more.
ANT
Okay. Let's take a break.
The Boys squat down and look back once, panting.
WASP
Aged Owl is right. The evil spirits live under that hollow tree.
DRAGONFLY
We've been almost caught enough to eat lots. They would make us fat and gain weight.
The Boys shiver. Across the bush, the Hunters look at each other.
ANT
But I miss the food they are supposed to give me.
DRAGONFLY
No! Are you stupid?
WASP
They will swallow us up after we become delicious.
ANT
Ha, ha. Before they do, I'll run away.
WASP
They can run faster than hares.
ANT
I can run faster.
DRAGONFLY
Shut your big mouth. You said you could speak with the hare.
ANT
I did. Didn't you see that?
WASP
How come you lost it?
ANT
It said that it was not good food. So, I let it go. Let's go
back.
Cheerful Wasp motions Growing Ant to shut up.
DRAGONFLY
What is this smell?
ANT
Hmm. Good smell. Somebody is cooking.
They look at each other, astonished.
ALL
Oh, no.
They run away. Sleeping Wolf and Returned Goose stand up and
shout out.
WOLF
Hey, wait! Cheerful Wasp. Wait.
Only Cheerful Wasp stops and turns back.
WOLF
Come back. It's me. Sleeping Wolf.
Wasp feels relieved and cries to other Boys who are running.
WASP
Hey, Ant. It's our hunters.
Growing Ant and Brave Dragonfly stop and turn back.
WASP
Don't be a wimp. They want to eat you, Ant.
The Boys return to the spot where the Hunters wait. The Hunters
hastily hide the cups and pot of spirits but the Boys find the
fire and fish they were eating.
ANT
What are you doing here?
GOOSE
Uh, we did practice to speak with the fish.
WOLF
That's right.
(distorted language)
ANT
You smell.
WOLF
Uh, it's the incense for the prayer.
GOOSE
That's right. Do you want to try some?
Goose takes out a pinch of powder from his bag and offers it to
Ant. Ant makes a face and steps back.
GOOSE
See? You should not talk about it to anybody in the cave, okay?
WOLF
Instead, we will not talk about your secret.
ANT
We don't have any secret.
WOLF
You went to the hollow tree, didn't you?
ANT
No!
WASP
We have never seen footsteps.
DRAGONFLY
We didn't hear any laughter at all.
WOLF
What footsteps?
GOOSE
Whose laughter?
ANT
We dunno. Just from the tree.
WASP
Yes. There are many bizarre footsteps in the snow.
Wolf and Goose look at each other and nod in silence.
WASP
Aged Owl is right. Somebody had a party there.
GOOSE
If she is right, there should be something to eat there. Did you
see that?
DRAGONFLY
No! It's so scary.
GOOSE
Why not? You should have checked more carefully.
ANT
We were not greedy at all.
WOLF
Hmm. Take us there.
ANT
What?
WOLF
We might be able to eat tons of gorgeous food. Do you want to
miss that?
WASP
No!
DRAGONFLY
The evil spirits will eat you!
WOLF
Evil spirits? Don't be silly.
WASP
But Aged Owl says that evil spirits are horrible and starving.
WOLF
Which do you want, delicious food or evil spirits?
GOOSE
Don't you want to be stuffed with beautiful food you have never
seen?
The Boys swallow hard.
GOOSE
Don't worry. We are fighters. We're gonna beat them if they come
up.
WOLF
Lead the way.
The Hunters show them the spears and let the Boys lead them toward
the forest.
EXT. TRAIL -- DAY
The Boys lead the Hunters through the trail. The Hunters show off
their spears.
WOLF
See? This spear is almighty. It can run through even rock.
GOOSE
We've beaten tons of beasts during the journey. It's easy to
threaten the evil spirits with my spear.
They walk away.
EXT. HOLLOW TREE -- DAY
The Boys lead the Hunters to the hollow tree. Ant points at the
footsteps in the snow.
ANT
Look! Weird footsteps.
GOOSE
It's nothing. A good sign. We'll have good game and harvest.
WOLF
We're gonna find big food walking around here.
(laughs)
The Boys look around and see PATIENTs 1 and 2 stand behind the
Hunters, in the space suit and animal's mask. The Boys are
dumbstruck.
GOOSE
Don't worry. We're invincible under the sun.
WOLF
We will feed you a heap of meat.
The Hunters laugh heroically. The Boys point at the Patients
behind them. The Hunters turn back to see the unknown creatures
stand close to them.
ALL
(scream)
Sleeping Wolf and Returned Goose throw the spears and dash off,
leaving the Boys there. The Boys try to follow them but cannot
stand up. The Patients walk close to them.
ANT
Nooo. I'm not good food.
DRAGONFLY
(weeping)
Don't eat me. Don't eat me.
The Patients walk up to and look down at the Boys.
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM -- DAY
A spacecraft like facility without furniture except for a long
table and chairs. On the table, various dishes are placed with
savory food. A bunch of Patients in space suit and animal mask
stand around the Boys sitting at the table. The Boys are scared
and shivering.
Patient 1 brings a plate and places it in front of the Boys. A
big roast chicken is decorated on the plate. The Boys are so
amazed at the chicken that they keep their eyes on it and sniff.
The Patients speak unidentified language and we can understand
them with subtitles. One of the Patients slices the chicken and
puts some pieces on the dishes, laughing and speaking with others.
The Boys nervously look around. The Patients gesture the Boys to
eat the chicken.
PATIENT 1
Here you go. Be our guest.
PATIENT 2
Enjoy the chicken. You'll like it.
WASP
What did they say?
ANT
Don't know. Ahhh. Good smell.
The boys sniff and the Patients gesture to eat. Brave Dragonfly
picks up a piece of chicken.
ANT
Don't!
DRAGONFLY
But I am starving.
WASP
Me too.
PATIENT 1
Eat. Eat.
ANT
They will eat us later.
The Boys are frightened and lose their nerve. The Patients
gesture with a big smile. At last, Brave Dragonfly cannot resist
his appetite. The Patients cheer up.
ANT
No! You are a dead boy.
DRAGONFLY
(eating)
I can't miss out on such beautiful food.
He puts the chicken into his mouth with his fingers. The Patients
laugh and applaud. When Dragonfly picks up the meat from another
dish, Ant and Wasp join him.
PATIENT 1
Good boys. Eat more. Eat it all up.
PATIENT 2
We have more. Eat. Eat.
The Boys don't mind whatever they say. They eat the food from the
dishes, moaning and panting. The Patients are delighted.
PATIENT 3
Look! The cavemen are healthy.
PATIENT 2
It's good to see somebody eat this greedily.
PATIENT 1
We need this passion and greed to recover from our disease.
All Patients nod sadly.
PATIENT 2
They will eat anything. Let's try this.
Patient 2 picks up another dish and places it in front of the
Boys. They greedily reach for it. Others also pick up other
dishes close to them.
PATIENT 1
Let's try this one.
PATIENT 3
How about this?
They move the dishes and laugh, clapping their hands.
The door is thrown open behind them. The Patients turn back in
surprise while the Boys still keep on eating. The Therapist comes
into the room.
THERAPIST
What is going on?
The Therapist walks up to the table and sees the Boys eating.
THERAPIST
Oh, no! What the hell are you doing? It's totally illegal.
The Patients turn silent and make their way for the exit but
Therapist calls them.
THERAPIST
Hold on! Do you know how dangerous this is? You're destroying
the entire history of human and all creatures.
The Boys stop eating and look up at the Therapist.
PATIENT 1
We are sorry but we just want to be nice to them.
PATIENT 2
We want to make friends with them.
WASP
(whispers to Ant)
What are they talking about?
ANT
I don't know.
THERAPIST
No excuse. We time trekkers are strictly prohibited to have
contact with any local species, animal or plant. Do you forget
this?
PATIENT 1
We didn't.
WASP
You said you could speak with the hare.
ANT
They are not hares. Wacky boy.
THERAPIST
You were permitted to visit the Stone Age only for treatment of
your mental disorder. For unpolluted air exclusively.
PATIENT 1
Yes.
DRAGONFLY
I'm scared.
ANT
You ate it first.
WASP
Right. You will be their first food.
DRAGONFLY
No. Please, let's be their food together.
ANT
I am not fat enough yet.
THERAPIST
Why do you wear such heavy suits? One contact on the plant or
even tree could get the ancient world infected with unknown virus
and disturb the history and ecological system on the earth. If
you feed them, they will learn the poison of civilization as well
as the taste of this food.
PATIENT 2
But doctor, we feel so distressed.
PATIENT 1
This is only one chance we have to visit this age. We want to see
more.
THERAPIST
Don't be selfish. Let them go. They have to make their own way.
Therapist collects the knives and forks on the table. The Boys
are scared at this clang.
ANT
(yells out)
They are gonna eat us.
WASP
Oh, no!
They rush to the door, screaming. The Patients stand still and
see them off.
DRAGONFLY
Wait. I can't run.
ANT
C'mon! Run. Run.
The Boys run out of the room in a panic. The Patients and
Therapist stand still there.
PATIENT 1
But they were starving outdoors. Are you saying we gotta let them
die?
THERAPIST
I do. We are not allowed to do anything except watch them.
EXT. TRAIL -- EVENING
The Boys run through the trail, screaming and yelling. Many
Hunters come up in the opposite direction and run into them.
GOOSE
Oh! Are you all right?
The Boys clings to him, crying. Returned Goose hugs them.
GOOSE
We are here. We are with you.
WOLF
Where is the beast? I will bust it with this spear.
Sleeping Wolf brandishes the spear.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- EVENING
POV -- The Hunters
In the pitfall, a huge bear is trapped. The bear snarls and jumps
up for counterattack each time the spear is thrown in.
BACK TO THE SCENE
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- LATER
The Women watch the fire at the flat space to grill the meat. The
Men detach the meat from the bone. Some Women and Boys wipe off
the blood and clean up the space. Far away from them, we can see
some Men building a teepee. Chief BIG SNAKE supervises them a
little away from them.
BIG SNAKE
Bring the bone to the storage after taking all meat. Before they
arrive, we ought to be ready. Hurry up.
Some of them bring a part of bone away. Oak Sprout nursed by
Yellow Pollen sees them off.
OAK
Where are they taking that bone?
POLLEN
Storage. It's a present from Mother Earth. We can make a lot of
tools from this bone.
OAK
Tools?
POLLEN
Yes. Hooks for fishing, needles or buttons. Toys too. So, we
should store it and use it. We gotta appreciate the bear.
Understand?
OAK
Yes. Will they also bring the presents?
POLLEN
You mean the traders?
OAK
Yes.
POLLEN
Of course. Lots of presents for us.
The ROLLING EAGLE rushes into the open space.
EAGLE
They're coming back!
All of them turn their gazes to him. He is followed by the
Hunters and Boys - Ant, Wasp and Dragonfly. They head for the
chief Big Snake. Others run up and surround them.
SHELL
Are you all right, Ant?
ANT
Yes, we're all right. Of course.
They meet Big Snake. Sleeping Wolf faces the chief.
WOLF
We are back here with our boys.
BIG SNAKE
Well done. So, where did you go, boys?
ANT
Uh, to the mountain. We got lost.
WOLF
They were looking for mushrooms to welcome the visitors, right?
ANT
Yes. We wanted to treat the visitors.
BIG SNAKE
Hmm. I appreciate your hospitality for the visitors. But it's
not good to trouble the grown-ups. Never go to the mountain
without grown-ups, okay?
BOYS
We will never do it again.
Big Snake pats Ant and the other Boys on their shoulders with a
smile. The Boys and Hunters bow with a smile and leave. The
Women and Men speak to them.
SHELL
Weren't you scared, Dragonfly?
DRAGONFLY
Yes. I was dying.
STONE
Goose said that you were caught by snowmen. Why did they release
you?
WASP
We escaped from them.
SHELL
Did you see the snowmen?
WASP
Yes. They look like animals.
Ant pokes Wasp with his elbow to muffle him.
STONE
Oh, you mean the spirits of animals. What animals? Bear, hare,
fox?
WASP
I dunno.
SHELL
C'mon! We worried about you. Tell us. I see! Badger, right?
WASP
Maybe... I was too scared to pay attention.
JAY
You often caught them with snares so their spirits guided you into
the pitfall.
The Women nod, staring at the Boys.
SHELL
Did they try to eat you?
Wasp and Dragonfly intensively shake their heads. The Women give
them a suspicious look. They both step back.
STONE
Did they feed you and then...
EAGLE (O.S.)
Look! They are coming!
All of them turn back and look down at the basin. In the midst of
the basin, a group of Traders can be seen walking. All wave to
them, yelling.
ALL
Hiiii. Traders! Welcome!
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- NIGHT
The TRADERS stand at the presence of Big Snake, surrounded by the
Men and Women. They place their backpack down on the ground.
BIG SNAKE
Welcome, our old friends and sons and grandsons of old friends.
TRADER 1
Glad to see you again, Big Snake. Look! We have such beautiful
things at our village. We came here to share Mother Earth's gifts
with you.
BIG SNAKE
Thank you for your generosity. Above all, we all appreciate your
courage and lasting friendship beyond long walks up to our
village.
TRADER 1
No, no, no. A long walk is nothing now that we are looking at
your big smile. Let me show your people our friendship.
Before the Traders unpack their backpacks, the People edge closer
to them with expectation. The Traders take out various goods from
their packs and hand them to the People.
TRADER 2
Step back, please. First, toys for the children.
The Boys cheer and compete to receive the toys from Traders. But
Ant, Wasp and Dragonfly stay away from the crowd, blankly looking
at it.
TRADER 2
Step back. Don't push yourselves.
STONE
Step back, boys. Make a line, okay.
In front of Ant and the others, Oak jumps around up to Stone,
holding a boat carving.
OAK
Boat! Boat! Boat! He gave me this.
STONE
Good! Did you say thank you to them.
OAK
Yes! I'll say it once more. He may give me another.
Oak goes back to the crowd. Ant and the others dash to the crowd.
ANT
I want a boat too.
WASP
Why did only Oak get it, but not me?
STONE
Don't rush, boys. Slow down.
TRADER 2
That's it. No toys any more.
STONE
I said stop it, boys.
TRADER 1
Now ladies, your turn.
Shining Shell dashes toward the crowd before Colorful Stone.
STONE
Don't rush.
At the next moment, Colorful Stone starts running to it.
TRADER 1
Necklace of shell. Ring of bone. Bracelet.
All Women extend their hands toward the Traders, yelling out. The
Boys look at them behind and shrug.
EXT. ENTRANCE OF CAVE -- LATER
The Traders, Big Snake, Aged Owl and others sit down around the
fire. Some Men play the drum and a band of Women dance. The Boys
and Girls also sit at one part of the circle. They eat and drink,
talking and laughing.
Next to Shell, Oak Sprout hungrily eats the meat. Next to him,
Ant, Wasp and Dragonfly sit down in gloomy mood, staring at the
meat in front of them.
SHELL
Why don't you eat?
(beat)
You said you wanted meat all the time. Now it's time for
flavorsome meat.
Shining Shell shows them a piece of meat and then enjoys it
herself.
ANT
I don't like meat.
WASP
Neither do I.
They sigh.
STONE
What's wrong with you? Are you sick?
DRAGONFLY
Nooo! I am in perfect condition.
He quickly puts some pieces of meat into the mouth and others
follow him. Then they reluctantly chew.
SHELL
Good?
All wryly nod.
STONE
You can eat more if you like.
They shake their heads in unison.
The Men drink the spirits and talk with each other.
EAGLE
They said two died on their way.
WOLF
Two young men!
EAGLE
The traders are our real friends. They offered a sacrifice for
us.
They nod.
GOOSE
I wish people would never forget this friendship. Our children,
children of children and children of children of children...
The Dancers finish dancing and the people turn quiet. Aged Owl
starts speaking.
AGED OWL
Enjoy the dinner, everybody. I'm gonna tell my story to anybody
who would like to listen. But please eat and talk as you like.
The people seriously listen to her.
AGED OWL
It's the biggest pleasure to see many people gather and share
common memories. It's sad to see the land without a soul. After
burning everything, the Sun felt too lonely to see the island
without creatures.
The Traders listen to Aged Owl, nodding.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
The anger had consumed a part of his infinite stamina and urged
him to feel sorry. He wanted to be nice to anybody but found
nobody around him.
The Dancers start dancing again. The drum is beaten.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
Meanwhile, Mother Earth stayed deep in the water to heal a burn.
She was critically wounded and at last had to give herself up.
Her spirit did its best to leave the destroyed body. In the sky,
the Sun heard her grunt. He asked Mother Earth what she was
doing. Mother Earth told him that she couldn't exist any more.
The Sun deeply regretted but couldn't undo what he had done. The
Sun caused the fire but had no clue how to put it out.
The Women look happy and listen to her with smiles.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
All the Sun could do was to rise and set in schedule without
exception or expectation as told by Mother Earth. After the Sun
fell into sleep at his nest, the Moon shyly appeared in the sky
and cooled off the burning land. The Moon softly shed the blue
light over the land with exceeding patience.
The children start talking and playing. Some show others their
presents and check theirs.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
Day after day, the fire was dying away and the Sun saw the larger
island where the corpse of Snake lay. But he didn't know that the
corpse of Mother Earth deep in the water started corrupting and
numberless crabs bred in it. A night of full moon while the Sun
was sleeping, a great deal of crabs swam up to the island in
crowds and spawned under the moonlight.
The camera pans and shows us the basin extended up to the
mountains under the moonlight.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
When the moonlight allayed, the corpse also started wriggling and
the Snake shed its burned skin on the island. The Snake revived,
totally exhausted, and headed for the beach to the last drop of
her blood where the crabs started going back after spawning.
There the Snake swallowed one crab and fell into a deep sleep.
Other crabs kept away from the lying Snake and returned to the
water.
A flying saucer flies up from the mountains and goes away
somewhere in the sky.
AGED OWL (V.O.)
When the Sun rose the next day, he saw various creatures swarm and
scurry into the shadows under the shedding of Snake. The Sun was
amazed but didn't burst into outrage this time. He rated the
Moon's work high with slight jealousy and made his own way. Every
day he steadily extended the island during his daily trip in order
to welcome the creatures on the land under his reign and finally
created the soil with mountains as we see around here today.
We hear the drum pound.
FADE OUT: