Vanuatu

Interesting documentary on the history and freedom movement of Vanuatu, an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean.

It was earlier known as New Hebrides and jointly occupied by French and British troops. The Americans came in big number during the World War II to station their troops and fight the war with the Japanese.

There was some rebellion in one of the islands which was peacefully put down by the Fijian troops but otherwise the transition to an elected democracy was smooth with both the British and French overseeing the process.

The documentary has lot of videos, sound bytes and narration also. It only dwells on the period upto the independence and does not talk about its economy and politics.

You can watch this documentary here

Fiji Islands

Breathtaking documentary on Fiji Islands, an archipelago of more than 330 islands of which only about 110 are inhabited.

The documentary touches upon the lives of three persons – one Manasa, a local Fijian a respected member of the community who just loves to live in Fiji and follow its traditions to the full, because this is where he finds his peace and happiness. They follow him underwater where he dives to feed the sharks who the community believes to be their protector, their God kind of.

Second there is Anna a proficient surfer and she also loves to be with the ocean and surf whenever possible, not fighting against the waves but going along with it. She shuttles between California and Fiji Islands, where she is studying on international trade.

Thirdly there is Frank, a French speaking rugby coach who comes down to Fiji Islands to teach rugby to the locals, spot talents and get them exposure to play in foreign leagues. They also strive to play rugby for their national team. Rugby is a popular sport in the Fiji Islands and they are serious contenders on the world rugby stage.

There are some breathtaking visuals of the islands, its vegetation, flora and fauna, seas, ocean, underwater, mountains, sunrise, sunset – all magnificently shot. You can watch the documentary here.