As serious sounding as all this is, what makes the film so compelling and enjoyable is President Nasheed himself. On June 26, a friend and I went to the Kendall Square Theater in Cambridge as they were hosting a screening of the film followed by a Q&A session with President Nasheed. It was apparent the personality you see on screen is the real deal. He is kind, humble, brave, very funny and very optimistic. So optimistic that he spoke of the coup d’état against him, in which he was taken at gunpoint, as just a bump in the road. And he said it with a smile. The film lets that personality shine, and elevates it to a great documentary, almost fun, if I dare say.
I very highly recommend checking out The Island President when you have the time. If I had a rating system, I would give this 67 orange Creamsicles.
Also, if you’re interested, President Nasheed appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on April 2. You can access both segments here …
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