Watch Eating Up Easter

Eating Up Easter is a 2018 documentary film that explores the cultural and environmental issues faced by the residents of Easter Island, one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. Directed by Sergio Mata'u Rapu, the film takes a heartfelt and insightful look at the island's past, present, and future, and the challenges of preserving its unique heritage, traditions, and natural resources in the face of globalization, overdevelopment, and climate change.

The story of the film revolves around the life of Mama Piru, a native Rapa Nui woman who embodies the spirit of Easter Island and its rich cultural legacy. Mama Piru is a community organizer, artist, and mother who leads the efforts of the islanders to protect their land, sea, and sky from the onslaught of tourism, population growth, and environmental degradation. Through her eyes and voice, we see the island's unique blend of Polynesian and Spanish cultures, its ancient moai statues, its stunning landscapes, and its vibrant community of fishermen, farmers, and artists.

The film opens with a mesmerizing sequence of aerial shots that showcase the breathtaking beauty of Easter Island, from its turquoise lagoons to its rugged cliffs and volcanic craters. We then meet Mama Piru and her family, who welcome us to their home and share their stories and struggles. We learn about the history of the island, from its mythical origins to its colonization by European explorers and Chilean authorities. We hear about the exploitation of its natural resources, such as the giant palms that were cut down for the transport of the moai statues, and the depletion of its marine ecosystems by foreign trawlers.

As the film unfolds, we follow Mama Piru and her fellow activists as they confront the challenges of modernization and cultural preservation. We witness their efforts to promote sustainable tourism, to educate the visitors about the Rapa Nui customs and values, and to empower the local youth to embrace their heritage and participate in the decision-making process. We also see their struggles against the encroachment of multinational corporations, such as the fishing and mining industries, which threaten to exploit the island's resources and disturb its fragile ecology.

One of the most touching moments of the film is when Mama Piru takes us to the quarry where her grandfather worked as a stonemason, carving the moai from the volcanic rock. She tells us about the spirituality and symbolism of the moai, which represent the ancestral spirits of the Rapa Nui people and the connection between the human and the divine. She shows us the petroglyphs and the water-carving art that adorn the island's caves and rocks, and explains their meanings and uses. She also shares with us her own creative work as an artist, painting and sculpting the motifs and stories of her culture.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a rich and diverse soundtrack, which combines traditional Rapa Nui music, modern pop and hip-hop songs, and environmental sounds. We hear the haunting chants and rhythms of the island's festivals and ceremonies, as well as the contemporary voices of the local musicians and poets who express their love and concern for their homeland. We also hear the sounds of nature, such as the waves crashing on the shore, the wind blowing through the trees, and the birds singing in the sky.

The film ends with a powerful message of hope and action, urging the viewers to join the global movement for indigenous rights, environmental justice, and cultural exchange. We are reminded that the fate of Easter Island is intertwine with the fate of all humanity, and that we have a responsibility to learn from its history, respect its culture, and preserve its beauty. Eating Up Easter is a must-see film for anyone who is interested in the issues of sustainability, diversity, and creativity, and who loves a good story that touches the heart and uplifts the spirit.

Eating Up Easter is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.