#None #Rapa Nui #Te Pito #Documentary Festival

Premiere of 'Te Pito o Te Henua'

The documentary film "Te Pito o Te Henua," translated as "The Navel of the World," is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious 22nd International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO). This event will take place from January 31 to February 9, 2025, both online and in-person at Te Fare Tauhiti Nui - Maison de la Culture in Tahiti.

The film is currently competing for the Best Short Documentary Film award and offers an insightful exploration of the cultural identity and deep connections to land and water that the Rapa Nui people hold dear. This island community, located on Easter Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands globally, is gearing up for its most significant cultural event, Tãpati Rapa Nui.

Under the direction of Martin Kingman and Nils Cowan, and co-produced in collaboration with the Rapa Nui community through the Municipality of Rapa Nui, the documentary delves into the community's family and cultural narrative that surrounds the festival. The film highlights the ingenuity and richness of Rapa Nui culture, bringing forth stories that span generations.

Lynn Rapu, a prominent practitioner and advocate for Rapa Nui arts and traditions featured in the film, states, "We survived, although we were just 111 people. We are here to continue this legacy; we are the living faces of our ancestors. If we do not preserve our culture, it will be lost." Her words underscore the film's purpose, which is not just to share a story but to illuminate the importance of cultural preservation and revitalization.

The directors, Kingman and Cowan, express that "Te Pito o Te Henua" is the result of a collaborative effort aimed at showcasing the joy and unity of the Tāpati festival while emphasizing its impact on self-determination, land and sea conservation, and the cultural revival among the youth.

This documentary is part of a series produced by the Wayfinders Circle, a global network of indigenous communities striving for self-determination in the management of their lands and territories. The film stands as an important contribution towards the ongoing journey of the Rapa Nui people to maintain their cultural and spiritual continuity through the generations.

About FIFO

Since its inception in 2004, the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival has celebrated the wealth and diversity of cultures and stories from the Pacific. It provides a unique platform for films that address contemporary issues and highlight the traditions of the Oceanian islands. As the festival approaches, there is much anticipation to see how "Te Pito o Te Henua" will resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring spirit of Rapa Nui culture.

For those intrigued, the film's trailer is available for viewing, further tantalizing potential festival-goers and encouraging a deeper understanding of Rapa Nui's rich heritage.