âTe Pito o Te Henuaâ (The Navel of the World) tells the story of the community behind Rapa Nuiâs largest and most colorful annual Indigenous celebration, the TÄpati Rapa Nui Festival. Honoring ancient rites and competitions, Rapa Nui families participate in nine days of athletic feats, cultural demonstrations and ceremonies paying respect to the land, water and other natural beings of the island. They also crown a Queen to represent her people for a year throughout Polynesia and on the world stage. The film traces the journey of 19-year-old candidate Vaitiare and her family as they join work to earn her the crown and represent this small but well-known island as its people fight for increased autonomy and recognition on the world stage. Through intimate character portraits, behind-the-curtain moments and heartfelt musical performances, âTe Pito o Te Henuaâ reveals the true meaning of TÄpati and the deep connections the Rapa Nui share with their lands and waters.
