World Premiere of 'Te Pito o Te Henua' at International Documentary Film Festival

'Te Pito o Te Henua' Set for World Premiere at FIFO 2025

Excitement is building as the new documentary 'Te Pito o Te Henua' (The Navel of the World) makes its world premiere at the 22nd International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO). Scheduled from January 31 to February 9, 2025, the festival will take place both online and in-person at Te Fare Tauhiti Nui - Maison de la Culture in Tahiti. As an official selection competing for the Best Documentary Short Film Award, this film aims to unveil the profound cultural identity and connection to land and water shared by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island.

Directed by Martin Kingman and Nils Cowan, 'Te Pito o Te Henua' delves into the life of the indigenous Rapa Nui community as they prepare for their most significant cultural festival, Tãpati Rapa Nui. This vibrant event is an effort to strengthen bonds with their culture, language, and land. The documentary not only captures the essence of this festival but also reflects the innovative spirit and complexity of Rapa Nui traditions.

Lynn Rapu, a practitioner and promoter of Rapa Nui arts and traditions, shares a poignant perspective, stating, "We survive as just 111 people, but we are here to carry on this legacy; we represent the living face of our ancestors. If we do not hold onto our culture, it will be lost." This sentiment encapsulates the documentary’s mission to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Rapa Nui.

The directors emphasize that the film is a collaborative endeavor aimed at highlighting the joy and unity of the Tāpati festival. They believe this work contributes to the self-determination of indigenous peoples and plays a crucial role in the conservation of their land and oceans, alongside cultural revitalization among youth.

'"Te Pito o Te Henua' is the result of a deep collaboration, showcasing the importance of our festival in promoting joy and unity. It illustrates how our traditions translate into cultural revival and self-determination associated with the stewardship of our land and ocean," Kingman and Cowan noted in a joint statement.

The film is part of a larger series by Wayfinders Circle, a global network of indigenous peoples focused on asserting their land rights, and maintaining spiritual and cultural continuity across generations. This project is co-produced with the Rapa Nui people and the Municipality of Rapa Nui and aims to amplify their voices and stories.

About the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO)

Since its inception in 2004, the FIFO has been celebrating the richness and diversity of Pacific cultures, providing an invaluable platform for films that explore both contemporary issues and timeless traditions. The festival is a beacon for filmmakers and audiences alike, eager to engage with new perspectives from the Pacific Islands.

For more details on 'Te Pito o Te Henua', including a trailer, visit the official festival page or media outlets that will cover this exciting event.

This world premiere not only celebrates the art of documentary filmmaking but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the indigenous cultures that enrich our global heritage.