Action
The Island President Selected as Best Documentary at TIFF

Maldives Promotion House – Jon Shenk’s ‘The Island President’, revolving around President Mohamed Nasheed’s campaign to fight global warming, has been selected as the Best Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Both President Nasheed and Shenk were present at Canada’s largest metropolis, to present the film, seeing an opportunity to bring much-needed attention to the plight of Maldives.
The film shows surprisingly candid access to the head of state, and Shenk assures that he was not required to submit the footage for approval. Apart from some scenes of self-doubt, the documentary paints a heroic portrait of the Maldivian leader. Throughout the film Shenk accompanies President Nasheed in his journey to meet the most powerful leaders of the world.
The film is an AfterImage Public Media presentation of Actual Films, AfterImage Public Media, and Independent Television Service (ITVS) production in association with Ford Foundation and Impact Films with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
‘The Island President’ was produced by Bonni Cohen and Richard Berge, with Spencer Adler as Co-producer, Jon Else as Executive producer and Dan Cogan was the Co-executive producer.
With English and Dhivehi dialogues, the documentary shows President Mohamed Nasheed, First Lady Laila Ali, Aminath Shauna, Mohamed Aslam, Mark Lynas, Ahmed Naseem, Paul Roberts, Ahmed Shaheed, Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Gary Streeter, Tillman Thomas, and Shyam Saran.
The Toronto film festival is the biggest in North America and has traditionally been a key event for Oscar-conscious studios and distributors because it is attended by a sizable contingent of North American media.
Action
Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
Action
Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.
“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”
The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.
Action
Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
-
News1 week ago
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort launches artist in residence programme with Cambodia-based artist FONKi
-
News7 days ago
The Cocoon Collection launches Cocoon Circle: New loyalty programme offering exclusive rewards in Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings
-
Featured1 week ago
From stillness to connection: explore Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s mindful island retreat
-
Featured1 week ago
JEN Maldives celebrates Earth Day with debut of eco-friendly culinary experience
-
Featured1 week ago
Savour flavours of Asia at Inguru, Kuramathi’s lagoon-side gem
-
Awards7 days ago
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives recognised among top 10% worldwide in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025
-
Awards1 week ago
Canareef Resort Maldives recognised with Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2025