Movie spotlight: 'The Island President'

The Maldives is a nation of tiny inhabited islands in the Indian Ocean, some just 5 feet above sea level. For former President Mohamed Nasheed, climate change and the height of the ocean's surface isn't a theoretical concern, it's a matter of survival. This engaging, gorgeously photographed documentary follows his effort to save his homeland's sapphire coastline, pristine beaches and densely urbanized cities. He's a canny, charismatic student of public-relations jiujitsu, taking advantage of his country's small size to make his opponents look like bullies. With remarkable access, cameras follow him into strategy sessions and policy debates at the 2009 Copenhagen climate summit, where he argued for binding international agreements to halt climate change. "If we can't come up with an understanding, God help us," he says. The sobering footnote on his political fate and the lukewarm agreement at the climate conference leaves you hoping he has seawalls and sandbags lined up as well. (Rating: PG. In English and subtitled Maldivian.