Soneva Jani Presents Exclusive Asia Debut: Children of Shanghai

On May 17, 2023, a private screening of Children of Shanghai at Cinema Paradiso was held to commemorate the Asia premiere of the well-known over-water resort Soneva Jani on the Maldives' Noonu Atoll. The one-hour film, which is narrated by British explorer Bear Grylls, chronicles the stories of the first foster children in China whose lives were profoundly altered by the nonprofit organization Care for Children. Chinese singer-songwriter G.E.M., a devoted supporter who also contributed all the proceeds from products from her most recent album Revelation to the charity, served as the event's host.

The film focuses on the life of former professional footballer Robert Glover, who, along with his wife Elizabeth and their six young children, relocated from the UK to China in 1998 and established the nonprofit organization Care for Children, which was the first to introduce fostering programs to the nation. The movie centers on five kids who overcame numerous obstacles to become successful young adults. Since then, Care for Children has found families for about a million orphans.

The premiere was held in the cozy outdoor theater at Soneva Jani, and all ticket sales that night were donated to Care for Children. Following a private showing of Children of Shanghai, there was an open discussion about the value of unity and human compassion during the question and answer period.

Soneva founders Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström, who support Care for Children, firmly believe that a single act of faith may transform the world. With the 1995 launch of Soneva Fushi, they realized their shared dream of a sustainable luxury resort in an idyllic setting. All of Soneva's resorts in the Maldives and Thailand now charge a 2% environmental fee on top of hotel rates as part of its commitment to assisting efforts that have a good impact. This levy helps to reduce carbon emissions and supports commendable projects run by the non-profit Soneva Foundation. These include building one of the largest coral nurseries to speed coral regeneration and benefit marine life, sponsoring clean water initiatives around the world, giving fuel-efficient stoves to needy populations in Myanmar and Darfur, and many more.