A modern dilemma of Rapanui people as they face the consequences of their rapidly developing home. Native Rapanui (Easter Island) filmmaker Sergio Mata’u Rapu narrates to his son the modern dilemma of their people who risk losing everything to the globalizing effects of tourism. The film follows four islanders, descendants of the ancient statue builders, who are working to tackle the consequences of their rapidly developing home. Mama Piru leads recycling efforts to reduce trash, Mahani and Enrique use music to reunite their divided community, and Sergio tries to understand the motivations of his father who embraces the advantages of building new businesses. These stories intertwine to reveal the complexities of development and the contradictions within us all as we are faced with hard choices about our planet’s future.

Produced by
Leanne K. Ferrer
Cheryl Hirasa
Gordon Quinn
Elena Kouneski Rapu
Sergio Mata'u Rapu
Betsy Steinberg

Cinematography by
Jeff Saunders

Editing by
Liz Kaar
Miles Painter
Sergio Mata'u Rapu

Sound Department
Jason Almendinger
Cristian Gonzalez
Mauricio Romero
Aaron Stokes

Visual Effects by
Diana Cimino

Camera and Electrical Department
Miguel Carrasco Bratti
Danica Donnelly