1
A documentary by Juriaan Booij
© 2007, 48 minutes
Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries on earth. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it can barely be seen on most maps. The country is in danger to disappear beneath the waves. Not an Atlantis myth but the reality of this century. Plans for evacuation are being made right now.
Tuvalu is destined to become one of earth’s first nations the be washed away due to the effect of global warming, making the Tuvaluans the first complete nation of climate refugees. Banned from their home-islands, their culture and identity taken away.
Beyond the appearance of an easygoing life, the threat to Tuvalu’s future is an obvious danger that everyone has been forced to recognize. The highest point of Tuvalu is only four and a half meters above sea level. The average elevation is not even two.
But still, in spite of the evidence, many people in Tuvalu don’t believe they will be forced to leave, and point to their bibles for proof. In the deeply Christian country, great faith is placed in the words of Genesis, which says that rainbows are proof God is keeping his covenant made with Noah to never again flood the earth. What is going to happen to a nation without their home islands to anchor what is left of their culture?
King Tide was part of the Dutch Pavilion at World Expo Zaragoza, Spain. July 14 – September 14, 2008
Screened on daily basis in Water Pavilion cinema theater. The festival is host to nearly 6 million visitors.
Find more information on thesinkingoftuvalu.com