A Talking Picture (2003)

In July 2001, a professor embarks on a cruise from Lisbon to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean with her young daughter. During the voyage and subsequent excursions to Marseilles, Pompeii, Athens, Istanbul, and Cairo, the professor shares stories of myth, history, religion, and war with her daughter. She attracts attention from men but remains composed, traveling to join her husband in Bombay. Later, the captain charms three accomplished, childless women – a European circle who communicate effortlessly in each other's languages – over two evenings, including a stop in Aden. He invites the professor and her daughter to join them. He gives the girl a gift, and Helena sings. Life offers moments of simple joy.