Stories from gaadhoo
2015 | documentary
Video Production - Dhahau Naseem as part of Emmenge Vaahaka
Assisted by- Zaya Hassan
Local Assistance - Nashaya
Client - Laamu Atoll Council & UNDP
Location - L. Gaadhoo, Maldives
Following are two stories about the island of Laamu Gaadhoo, created during the second Laamu Climate Change Forum (#LCCF2) 2015 held under the Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (#LECReD) Programme.
I had the privilege of visiting L.Gaadhoo two weeks before the islanders were set to be internally displaced to L. Gan. The mood was sombre and everyone who had been living away had returned to experience their home island for the last time.
The locals complained about how every government wanted to force them to relocate, and about how they were now tired of fighting and had no choice but to give in. I spoke to the locals about stories that bind them to their home. Stories that were unique to them.
“Fahu Faharah”(The Last Time) is a powerful firsthand account that reflects a pivotal moment in the island’s history, remembered by locals as “the day we raised our clubs.”
Faced with forced relocation, the community stood united and ready to defend their home. Although decades have passed and resistance now looks different, the emotional weight of losing their ancestral land remains. This story captures both the resilience of the islanders and the sorrow tied to displacement.
“Faludha Hilun”(Creating a sweet called Faludha or Falidha) is an account of the origin and description of a custom unique to Gaadhoo, where the community commemorates the deathday of an ancestor who bequeathed to them a large portion of land to care for and benefit from.
When a person came of age, they would pay 50 laari to become a member, and anything collected—such as coconuts or firewood—would be divided equally among all members. This serves as a prime example of communal organization on the island.