The Pacific Island nation of Kiribati (population: 100,000) is one of the most remote places on the planet, seemingly far-removed from the pressures of modern life.
Yet it is one of the first countries that must confront the main existential dilemma of our time: imminent annihilation from sea-level rise.
While Kiribati’s President Anote Tong races to find a way to protect his nation’s people and maintain their dignity, many Kiribati are already seeking safe harbor overseas.
Set against the backdrop of international climate and human rights negotiations, Anote’s struggle to save his nation is intertwined with the extraordinary fate of Tiemeri, a young mother of six, who fights to migrate her family to New Zealand.
At stake is the survival of Tiemeri’s family, the Kiribati people, and 4,000 years of Kiribati culture.
About The Series:
PACIFIC HEARTBEAT is an anthology series that provides viewers with a glimpse of the real Pacific — its people, culture and contemporary issues. From revealing exposés to in-depth profiles and unexpected histories, the series features a diverse array of programs that draw viewers into the heart, mind and soul of Pacific Island culture.
Films in Season 9 explore the impending annihilation of the island of Kiribati by rising sea levels; the journey of Papua New Guinea’s first national women’s rugby team to the 2017 World Cup; and the struggles of a transgender Maori teen in her final year of college in New Zealand.
PACIFIC HEARTBEAT is on Facebook. #pachb
Watch On Your Schedule:
With the PBS Video App, you can stream your favorite and local station shows. Download it for free on your favorite device. The app allows you to catch up on recent episodes and discover award-winning shows.
This episode is available for streaming on demand for a limited time, as well as past episodes from Seasons 7 & 8:
Credits:
A production of Pacific Islanders in Communications in partnership with PBS Hawaiʻi, and distributed by American Public Television.
