Found Among The Reeds Sample

EXT. MOUNT SINAI - DUSK

A rocky, desolate wilderness, with wind howling through the silence. Moses, rugged and deep in thought, shepherds his flock. As he guides them across the high slopes of Sinai, he notices an unusual glow—a thorn bush on fire yet unburned.

CLOSE-UP: MOSES’ FACE

He stares, captivated and unsettled.

VOICE (O.S.)

(calm, but powerful)

Moses.

Moses freezes, eyes wide.

MOSES

(barely a whisper)

Who…who speaks?

VOICE (O.S.)

(commanding)

Remove your sandals. The ground where you stand is holy.

Moses kneels, slipping off his sandals, still watching the fire dance around the bush, but leaving it unharmed.

MOSES

(in awe)

What is this? A fire…that does not consume?

VOICE (O.S.)

(resonant)

I am the God of your ancestors—of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Moses’ expression changes to one of fear. He shields his eyes, trembling slightly.

VOICE (O.S.)

I have heard the cries of my people in Egypt. I know of their suffering. And I have come to set them free.

Moses bows his head, processing the weight of these words.

MOSES

(struggling)

But who am I to face Pharaoh? I’m…just a shepherd.

VOICE (O.S.)

You are called. Lead my people out of Egypt. And when you do, bring them back here, to this mountain, to worship.

MOSES

(still hesitant)

But they won’t believe me. They’ll say I imagined this…how will they know?

The bush flares.

VOICE (O.S.)

What is in your hand?

Moses glances down, gripping his shepherd’s staff.

MOSES

A staff.

VOICE (O.S.)

Throw it to the ground.

Moses hesitates, then throws the staff down. It hits the ground—and transforms into a snake. Moses stumbles back, startled.

VOICE (O.S.)

Reach out. Take it by the tail.

Moses swallows, gathers his courage, and grabs the tail of the snake, which morphs back into his staff.

VOICE (O.S.)

Now, place your hand inside your cloak.

Moses obeys, slipping his hand inside his cloak. When he pulls it out, his skin is leprous, white as snow. He recoils, horrified.

VOICE (O.S.)

Put it back.

Moses puts his hand back in his cloak, and when he withdraws it, it’s healed.

VOICE (O.S.)

These signs are for those who doubt. And if they still refuse to believe, take water from the Nile and pour it on the ground—it will turn to blood.

MOSES

(still uncertain)

But Lord, I am slow of speech. I’m no speaker…send someone else.

VOICE (O.S.)

(with an edge of sternness)

Who made the mouth? Who gives sight or takes it away? Now go, Moses—I will teach you what to say.

Moses looks down, shoulders heavy with responsibility.

VOICE (O.S.)

Your brother, Aaron, is already on his way to meet you. He will speak for you. Take this staff—it will be the rod of signs.

The bush dims, the flames retreating. Moses stands alone, clutching the staff.

FADE OUT

EXT. MIDIAN VILLAGE - MOSQUE - DAWN

Moses rushes back into the village, his pace urgent and determined. ZIPPORAH, his Midianite wife, stands near the mosque, watching him with concern.

ZIPPORAH

(worried)

Moses…what happened?

MOSES

(a fierce resolve)

I’m going back. Egypt calls. Our people need me.

She looks at him, eyes full of understanding and silent support. She places a hand over his, nodding, recognizing this is his destiny.

FADE TO BLACK