My Island and Me

The fragile culture of the Yapese is at a crossroads of change, as a major tourism development threatens to take over the island. My Island & Me is a documentary that asks the question, "Can an ancient culture be protected amidst the demands of modern society?"



A recent development drastically threatens their unique culture and way of life. This year, billionaire investors from China signed a memorandum of agreement with the Yapese government, as they are seeking to begin construction on an expansive tourism project. Development plans are for ten mega hotel/casinos, and most of the island's jungles to be clear-cut to make way for the sprawling infrastructure. This will forever change the islands and the people of Yap.



The outer world cannot be kept at bay, but how will it transform the people of Yap? Will they lose their land and gain little of the profits of tourism, or will they be involved preserving their heritage, and creating a future for their island?