The Mayor of Tarawa. Starring, Greg Kinnear as Gilbert.
EXT. ISLAND ATOLL - DAY
MAIN TITLE
AERIAL SHOT of Island Atoll, we see a large speed boat coming in to dock in a Marina.
TARAWA ISLAND IN THE REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI
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GILBERT exits the boat, and grabs his luggage then heads to an awaiting taxi parked at the
other end of the dock. TIM assists Gilbert with his things, and loads the car, they get in, and drive off.
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INT. TAXI - CONTINUOUS
Tim looks in the rearview at Gilbert.
TIM
I'm Tim, I'll be your assigned driver while you're here for your
research. Important man from America, what is it you are looking for?
GILBERT
I'm nobody special, my work is important though, I'm a surveyor.
TIM
(smiling)
You must be special if our President asked you here personally.
GILBERT
How do you know that?
TIM
He's, my cousin. How do you think I got assigned to you?
Gilbert smiles at Tim, then looks out the car window to take in the beautiful Island sights
streaming by on the road.
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EXT. KIRIBATI CAPITOL PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Gilbert leans down to window level of the Taxi to say goodbye, Tim hands Gilbert his card.
TIM
Here's my card call anytime to get around, and watch out for
Tarawa night life, it gets pretty wild.
GILBERT
Ok, I won't be partying, but thanks for the heads up.
TIM
(laughing)
Sure, you won't.
Tim drives off, and Gilbert is a little confused looking around hesitating what to do next.
GILBERT
I thought I was supposed to go to the hotel first.
CLAIRE walks up behind Gilbert and introduces herself, Gilbert is startled.
CLAIRE
Gilbert Thomas, welcome to Kiribati!
GILBERT
Oh! Sorry you came out of nowhere, hi, and you are?
CLAIRE
(puts hand out)
Claire Tooma, Mayor of Tarawa, I'm your escort to PRESIDENT
TOOMA's office. Is that your luggage? Tim was supposed to take you to
the hotel first, I'm so sorry, I'll take responsibility. After your meeting I'll
take you there myself.
GILBERT
Thank you.
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INT. FOYER TO PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - CONT.
Gilbert, and Claire are waiting at the President's door, Claire knocks.
CLAIRE
You wait here for a few minutes while I talk to him first.
GILBERT
Oh... ok uh mind if I ask why?
CLAIRE
Yes, I mind, hang on it won't take long, something I gotta straighten out.
Claire opens the door and walks in then shuts it behind her for privacy. Gilbert tries to listen to
the heated conversation between her, and the President, but the large door makes it inaudible.
Claire suddenly opens the door to leave, but before she gets too far, she turns around, and
glares at the President while sharing her last thought out loud.
CLAIRE
I quit!
Claire storms off out of sight. President Tooma invites Gilbert in.
PRES TOOMA
Mr. Thomas, come in, come in, sorry you had to hear my cousin and I
arguing. Have a seat please.
Gilbert sits across the President's desk with a concerned look.
GILBERT
Should we reschedule?
PRES TOOMA
No no everything is fine, but I need a favor while you're here
measuring our loss of land to the sea.
GILBERT
What's that?
PRES TOOMA
Will you be Tarawa's temporary acting mayor for a few days until
our deputy mayor gets better, (beat) covid.
GILBERT
I can't do that, why did Claire quit anyway? This is... I didn't expect...
No sorry no way, all due respect this makes no sense, what's happening?
PRES TOOMA
That's been brewing for a long time, and none of your business.
Please the power vacuum would be disastrous, its only for a few days.
GILBERT
Power vacuum?
Claire unexpectedly comes back into the President's office.
CLAIRE
Mr. Thomas um Gilbert, I'm so sorry you had to see this on your
first day, come on I'll take you to your hotel, and explain everything.
Would be nice if you can in name only be interim Mayor for a week at
at the most, we're desperate and the last power vacuum well it's just
too terrible to talk about.
PRES TOOMA
Think it over, let me know tomorrow morning. Claire take Mr.
Thomas to the Hot Spot to loosen up, and have a little fun, make
sure he gets to the hotel safely afterwards.
GILBRT
Don't you need to be a citizen to fill a position like that?
PRES TOOMA
Not since I changed the bylaws.
GILBERT
When, when was that?
CLAIRE
Come on Gilbert, the Hot Spot awaits, tomorrow Tim will take you
to see how much the sea has risen in the last ten years.
GILBERT
(confused nervous expression)
Actually, a shot of Kentucky Bourbon sounds good right about now.
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END OPENING SCENES
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