The Island President (1:41) 2012

Mohamed Nasheed became the first democratic president of the Maldives, a nation of two thousand islands located in the Indian Ocean. Nasheed led his democratic party in overthrowing a long reigning dictator. Nasheed was arrested four times and spent eighteen months in solitary confinement before the Maldives held their first presidential election. Once Nasheed took office, he was faced with the overwhelming evidence that the Maldives are sinking. Well, not actually sinking but battling erosion of beaches due to rising ocean levels. Nasheed and his Cabinet participated in the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009 as they attempt to bring pressure on the participating countries to reach an agreement to lower carbon emissions in attempt to slow global warming. The Island President  is very well received last night at EFFY. It was an inspiring story of a man who is solving sand against the tide. This cautionary tale is told with humor, clarity and hope. This is a must see documentary.