Video transcript
CApture Film Festival 2025 – 16. A Final Gift

[gentle piano music]

MR SUMMERS: Alright, girls quiet. Shhhh. Take it away.

MIRA: For our presentation today, we need to discuss a way to get Ms Tsabalas to stay. We're starting a petition.

AIDA: We can't let Ms Tsabalas down. She's been way too good of a teacher to just leave.

STUDENT 1: Yeah, that's a good idea.

STUDENT 2: Clock it!

[upbeat music, playground chatter]

MIRA: Sign here, please.

MS TSABALAS: There you go.

STUDENT 3: Thank you.

AIDA: Just here please.

MS TSABALAS: It's especially for you.

STUDENT 4: Thank you.

EVELYN: Sign here, please.

[playground chatter]

STUDENT 5: Oh, thank you.

MS TSABALAS: Thank you.

EVELYN: Let your friends know!

MS TSABALAS: This is for you, you've been amazing.

STUDENT 6: Oh, really, Miss? Thank you.

MIRA: Make sure to spread the word!

MS TSABALAS: Here's something to make you feel better.

STUDENT 7: Thanks, Miss.

MIRA: Let everybody know!

EVELYN: Guys. Do you think she'll be convinced?

MIRA: Maybe we can make a mural for her!

AIDA: I can write a speech. That'll get her to stay!

MIRA: Yeah, we can ask Miss for incursion!

AIDA: Yeah!

EVELYN: All right. Let's go.

[gentle music]

MS SAISANAS: I'll see you guys in class?

STUDENT 8: Yeah.

STUDENT 9: Yeah, all good.

MS SAISANAS: Good. See you later then.

MIRA: Hey, Miss. Wait up!

AIDA: Umm, Miss, we were wondering if we can get you help with something but it has to be a surprise.

EVELYN: It's for an important project.

MS SAISANAS: OK, but you are going to have to tell me what this 'secret' is.

MIRA: Yes.

AIDA: If I put this there.

MIRA: And last one.

AIDA: Mmm-hmm.

[gentle piano music continues]

AIDA: Ms Tsabalas! We have something to show you,

MIRA: Miss, look how many students want you to stay!

[paper rustling]

MS TSABALAS: Girls, you know it can't be helped. I've already given up too much of myself.

[paper rustling]

I can't keep this up.

AIDA: But please, we did our best to get all these signatures and we promise to be better students!

MS TSABALAS: The problem isn't with you, it's just time. If I had more time, then I could have stayed, spent more time with my students, with my family. There just aren't enough hours in the day! I have to do this for me.

MIRA: Miss, please, if you're not going to stay, at least look at what we made for you!

EVELYN: Just follow us.

[slow emotional piano music]

MS TSABALAS: You girls did an amazing job. Leaving this place is going to be so hard.

MIRA: Miss, are you sure we can't change your mind?

AIDA: Well, I guess we'll let you pack up now.

ZOEY: Hey Miss, where'd you get that brooch from?

MS TSABALAS: I don't remember. But you can have it

ZOEY: Thanks, bye Miss!

[melancholic piano music]

MS GAILEY: Oh, hey! You must be the new teacher! So, uh, some students left something on your desk for you.

MS TSABALAS: Hm?

[melancholic piano music continues]