English – Spanish interpreter saves the day at an
English – Spanish interpreter saves the day at an immigration interview
The Interpreter
Logline: A young, nervous immigrant struggles through an intimidating immigration interview until a skilled interpreter steps in, using her language skills to navigate the complex situation and secure the interviewee’s future.
Characters:
- MARIA (20s): A young, nervous immigrant from Mexico. Speaks limited English.
- JOSE (40s): Maria’s father. Speaks only Spanish.
- AGENT SMITH (40s): A stern, no-nonsense immigration officer.
- ANA (30s): A seasoned interpreter, calm and professional.
Scene: A sterile, brightly lit immigration office. MARIA and JOSE sit nervously across from AGENT SMITH, who stares at them with a clipboard.
INT. IMMIGRATION OFFICE – DAY
AGENT SMITH: (Staring at his clipboard) Maria Rodriguez?
Maria nods timidly, her eyes darting to her father, who looks equally apprehensive.
AGENT SMITH: (Reads from the clipboard) You’re applying for asylum?
Maria shakes her head, unable to understand. Jose gently takes her hand, trying to calm her.
JOSE: (In Spanish) Maria, you can do this. Just tell them what happened.
AGENT SMITH: (Scowling) We need your answer in English, please.
Maria looks at the agent, tears welling in her eyes. She mumbles a few broken English words, but they make no sense.
AGENT SMITH: (Sighs heavily) We’re going to need an interpreter for this.
He rings a bell on his desk. A few moments later, ANA, a woman with a calm and professional demeanor, enters the room.
ANA: (To Agent Smith) You requested an interpreter?
AGENT SMITH: (Without looking up) Yes. I need you to translate for this young lady and her father.
Ana nods, taking a seat beside Maria. She smiles reassuringly at Maria, then turns to the agent.
ANA: (Clearly and professionally) Good morning, Mr. Smith. May I ask the nature of your interview today?
AGENT SMITH: (Still staring at the clipboard) This is a preliminary interview for Ms. Rodriguez’s asylum application.
Ana nods, then turns back to Maria and Jose.
ANA: (In Spanish) Don’t worry. I understand your situation. Tell me what happened.
Maria and Jose, reassured by Ana’s calm presence, begin to recount their story. Ana translates accurately and concisely, capturing their fear, their desperation, and their hope.
As they speak, Agent Smith’s expression gradually softens. He begins to understand the depth of their predicament, their flight from danger, and their desire for a safe haven.
AGENT SMITH: (After a long pause) I see. I understand the situation now. Thank you, Ms. Ana.
He turns to Maria, his face no longer severe.
AGENT SMITH: Ms. Rodriguez, we’ll need to investigate this claim further. Please come back next week for a follow-up interview.
Maria looks at Ana, then at her father. A wave of relief washes over her face.
ANA: (To Maria, in Spanish) Don’t worry, Maria. We’ll get through this.
JOSE: (In Spanish) Thank you, Ana. You saved us.
Ana smiles.
ANA: (In Spanish) It was my pleasure.
The scene ends with Maria and Jose leaving the office, hand-in-hand, their faces filled with hope. Ana watches them go, knowing that she has played a crucial role in their fight for a better future.
FADE OUT.
