This is the remarkable story of how a natural disaster gave meaning and purpose not only to the life of a South African man, but also gave hope of a better future to the community devastated by it. When the 2004 boxing day Tsunami struck the North-Western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, the 20 meter high wall of water claimed the lives of 160 000 people, and yet, today, the locals refer to the tsunami as a blessing in disguise. South African Freddie Rousseau relays the remarkable tale of how the Tsunami – a force so great that it moved the Island of Sumatra 100 feet – also inadvertently caused the end of a 30 year civil war that, according to the locals, would have claimed the lives of 160 000 innocent people anyway.

Sent by the ILO (International Labour Organisation) to assist those affected by the Tsunami, Freddie worked day and night to provide employment and skills to the remaining survivors. Witnessing death and destruction on a massive scale every single day, working eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, Freddie literally almost worked himself to death, becoming emotionally and physically so exhausted that he eventually collapsed on a flight of stairs. This heart-warming tale follows the incredible Freddie as he deals with his trauma by immersing himself in nature. It tells the tale of how the healing effect that nature, and especially the magical Sabang Island, had on him, helped him to pull through and help more than 20 000 individuals.

THE EXPERIENCE

It took three flights, two taxies, one ferry ride and 36 hours of continuous travel to reach their destination, but it was all worth it when the exhausted crew finally arrived at Freddie’s ecolodge, Santai SumurTiga, on Sabang Island. (http://www.santai-sabang.com) “This film was very emotional to make” says director Marisa van Jaarsveld of the experience. “You meet people who have lost their entire families due to the Tsunami, they are literally the last person left, but somehow no one is bitter. Very sad, but not bitter. What was also incredible though, is that we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature, as Freddie had and experienced first hand the healing effect of nature he testifies to”.