DocHouse: The Island President plus AlJazeera short

The Island President followed by screening of the AlJazeera short film Coup on the Coral Islands?

THE ISLAND PRESIDENT

People's Choice Award for the Best Documentary at the Toronto Film Festival

The Island President tells the story of former President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, a man confronting a problem greater than any other world leader has ever faced–the literal survival of his country and everyone in it.

After leading a twenty-year pro-democracy movement against the brutal regime of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, surviving repeated imprisonments and torture, Nasheed becomes president at 41, only to encounter a far more implacable adversary than a dictator–the ocean.

Considered the lowest lying country in the world, a rise of a mere three meters in sea level would inundate the 1200 islands of the Maldives, rendering the country practically unlivable. Unless dramatic changes are made by the larger countries of the world, the Maldives, like a modern Atlantis, will disappear under the waves.

Radiohead have contributed 14 songs from their back catalogue to the soundtrack of The Island President. Among the songs featured on the soundtrack are 'Idioteque', 'Everything In Its Right Place', 'Reckoner', 'House Of Cards' and 'How To Disappear Completely'.

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has also posted a message on the band's official website, pledging the band's support for the film. "'The Island President' is a film about the Maldives, and the struggle of President Nasheed to get the voice of a small nation heard in the climate change debate. Unless something is done to stop rising sea levels they will lose everything. The country will be under water. Some of our music was used to help tell the story."

Jon Shenk / USA / 2011 / 100'

'Astonishing access…brave battle against all odds’ (Variety)

‘Plays more like a thriller’ (Awards Daily)

‘Essential. As informative as it is stimulating’ (Time out New York)

The Island President

COUP ON THE CORAL ISLANDS?

A dramatic leadership change in the Maldives has led to protests on the streets. Could this island paradise slide back to dictatorship?  101 East speaks with newly-sworn in President, Mohammed Waheed Hassan about the state of democracy in the Maldives.

101 East / AlJazeera / 26'

DocHouse Thursdays  www.dochouse.org

DocHouse, supported by The Bertha Foundation, brings the best in cutting-edge international documentary to your local cinema.

Showcasing seasons of award-winning documentaries. Films that explore powerful personal stories, or offer independent insights into major global issues: from African Stories to Central America and the New Russia. There will also be supporting short films and special one-off events including illuminating panel discussions and Q&A’s with the filmmakers themselves.

So to see the best of the international festival circuit at your London cinema, join us for DocHouse Thursdays at Rich Mix, Tricycle, Riverside and Prince Charles.