TE PITO O TE HENUA: RAPANUI: this 90-minute documentary film was directed by Merata Mita and shot over a period of four years. It focuses on the history and aspirations of the Rapanui people, allowing them to tell their story and the story of their island, in their own words. The way they have been portrayed so far in the media here, has not done them justice. There is plenty of negative emphasis on the damage to the environment, but little has been said about the positive aspects of Rapanui's people and their community. And nothing has been said about the impact of scientific misinformation and speculation, the theft of cultural treasures, and the desecration of burial tombs.

The emphasis of the West, scientists, tourists and academics, has been on their own creation of a 'mystery' and the concept of an island with a 'past,' but without a present or a future.

This film shows us that nothing could be further from the truth. The island's isolation and tragic history has not dulled the sensibilities of the Rapanui people. If anything, it has made them acutely aware of the value of their land, language and culture, and the struggle they are going through, to retain them. These are some of the serious concerns raised by various people from the Rapanui community in the film.

As well, they share their island lifestyle with us, their songs, dances, arts and crafts, the festivities of the annual Tapati festival, and leave us with their visions for the future. The elemental beauty of the land and its people are something to be remembered.