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The iconic statues and sensationalized "mysteries" of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have drawn the interest of the world for centuries, attracting curious visitors to its shores. Today, this tiny, barren island is experiencing an economic boon as tourism skyrockets. Yet the indigenous culture and the island's fragile environment are suffering. EATING UP EASTER, directed by native Rapanui filmmaker Sergio Mata'u Rapu, explores the dilemma his people are facing. Crafted as a story passed down to his newborn son, Sergio intertwines the authentic history of the island with the stories of four islanders. In their own voices, these Rapanui reveal the reality of modern life and the actions they are taking to preserve their culture and environment amidst rapid development. A local ecologist leads recycling efforts to tackle the mounting trash arriving with tourists and the waves of plastic washing up on shore. Two musicians struggle to build a free music school they hope will preserve cultural practices and reunite their fractured community. Sergio's father, formerly the island's first native Governor, attempts to balance traditions against the advantages of development while building a mini-mall in the island's only town. EATING UP EASTER reveals and suggests ways forward in tackling the universal complexities of balancing growth and sustainability faced by local communities worldwide.

Primary Title
  • Eating Up Easter: Haka Puai te Kainga
Date Broadcast
  • Sunday 30 May 2021
Release Year
  • 2018
Start Time
  • 19 : 30
Finish Time
  • 20 : 30
Duration
  • 60:00
Channel
  • Maori Television
Broadcaster
  • Maori Television Service
Programme Description
  • The iconic statues and sensationalized "mysteries" of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have drawn the interest of the world for centuries, attracting curious visitors to its shores. Today, this tiny, barren island is experiencing an economic boon as tourism skyrockets. Yet the indigenous culture and the island's fragile environment are suffering. EATING UP EASTER, directed by native Rapanui filmmaker Sergio Mata'u Rapu, explores the dilemma his people are facing. Crafted as a story passed down to his newborn son, Sergio intertwines the authentic history of the island with the stories of four islanders. In their own voices, these Rapanui reveal the reality of modern life and the actions they are taking to preserve their culture and environment amidst rapid development. A local ecologist leads recycling efforts to tackle the mounting trash arriving with tourists and the waves of plastic washing up on shore. Two musicians struggle to build a free music school they hope will preserve cultural practices and reunite their fractured community. Sergio's father, formerly the island's first native Governor, attempts to balance traditions against the advantages of development while building a mini-mall in the island's only town. EATING UP EASTER reveals and suggests ways forward in tackling the universal complexities of balancing growth and sustainability faced by local communities worldwide.
Classification
  • G
Owning Collection
  • TV & Radio
Broadcast Platform
  • Television
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Captioning Languages
  • English
Captions
Live Broadcast
  • No
Rights Statement
  • Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Subjects
  • Tourism--Easter Island
  • Sustainability--Easter Island
  • Social change--Easter Island
  • Economic development--Easter Island
  • Easter Island--Social life and customs
  • Documentary films--Chile
  • Documentary films--United States
Genres
  • Documentary
  • Environment
Contributors
  • Sergio Mata'u Rapu (Director)
  • Liz Kaar (Writer)
  • Elena Kouneski Rapu (Writer)
  • Ida 'Mama Piru' Huke (Interviewee)
  • Sergio Mata'u Rapu (Producer)
  • Elena Kouneski Rapu (Producer)
  • Jeff Saunders (Director of Photography)
  • Gordon Quinn (Executive Producer)
  • Betsy Steinberg (Executive Producer)
  • Mara Films (Production Unit)
  • Kartemquin Films (Production Unit)
  • Pacific Islanders In Communications (Funder)
Subjects
  • Tourism--Easter Island
  • Sustainability--Easter Island
  • Social change--Easter Island
  • Economic development--Easter Island
  • Easter Island--Social life and customs
  • Documentary films--Chile
  • Documentary films--United States