Watch Anote's Ark

Anote's Ark is a stunning documentary from 2018, directed by Matthieu Rytz. The movie is centered around the beautiful Pacific Island nation of Kiribati, one of the most remote places on earth, and its fight for survival due to climate change. The story is narrated by its former president, Anote Tong, who played a pivotal role in highlighting the issue of climate change as a threat to Kiribati, its people, and its culture.

The documentary provides an eye-opening account of the challenges faced by Kiribati, which is facing the prospect of being the first country in the world to disappear due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The film is structured around the journey of Anote Tong, who is portrayed as a visionary leader, who is determined to save his people, their culture, and their way of life.

The movie begins with Anote Tong's decision to purchase land on the nearby island of Fiji, as a contingency plan should Kiribati become uninhabitable due to climate change. This decision is not popular with all the people of Kiribati, who feel that their homeland is being abandoned. The film features interviews with ordinary people of Kiribati, who are grappling with rising tides, salinization of soil, and dwindling fish stock. The filmmakers capture their fear, determination, and resilience in the face of an uncertain future.

The documentary portrays the beauty of Kiribati, its culture, and traditions. It highlights the spiritual connection of the people of Kiribati with their land, sea, and ancestors. The film features stunning visuals of the turquoise blue waters of Kiribati, its pristine beaches, stunning coral reefs, and its unique architecture. The documentary uses the medium of storytelling to highlight the urgent need for action to save Kiribati and to preserve its culture, which is being threatened by the rapidly changing climate.

The second protagonist of the film is a young woman, Tiemeri 'Sermary' Tiare, who dreams of becoming a teacher. She is portrayed as a representative of the younger generation of Kiribati, who are grappling with the enormity of the climate change challenge. The film engages with her story, showing her determination to achieve her dreams while being conscious of the challenges that lie ahead. The juxtaposition of her story with the bigger narrative of Kiribati's fight for survival works well in the film.

The documentary also highlights the international dimensions of the climate change issue. It portrays the role of countries such as Australia and China in the climate change debate and their reluctance to take action to mitigate its impact. It features interviews with climate change activists, scientists, and policymakers, who provide context to the challenges faced by Kiribati and other vulnerable countries.

One of the strengths of the film is its focus on solutions. It highlights the efforts of individuals and communities who are taking action to mitigate the impact of climate change. The film showcases the work of NGOs and charities, who are working with the people of Kiribati to build resilience and adaptation to climate change. The documentary also celebrates the traditional knowledge and practices of the people of Kiribati, who have a deep understanding of the land, sea, and environment.

The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that captures the essence of Kiribati. The use of drone shots and underwater cameras create a sense of immersion for the audience, taking them to the heart of the issue.

In conclusion, Anote's Ark is a powerful documentary that captures the beauty, resilience, and unique culture of Kiribati while highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change. The film is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to take bold action to ensure that the people of Kiribati and other vulnerable countries do not become the victims of climate change.

Anote's Ark is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.