The Navel of the World (2024)

Plot Summary

“Te Pito o Te Henua” (The Navel of the World) tells the story of the community behind Rapa Nui’s largest and most colorful annual Indigenous celebration, the Tāpati 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, “Te Pito o Te Henua” reveals the true meaning of Tāpati and the deep connections the Rapa Nui share with their lands and waters.

Director & Crew

Official Trailer

Where to Watch The Navel of the World Online

Movies Similar to The Navel of the World

TMDB NR

Indefensible: The Troubling Legacy of Edward Cornwallis

2017

TMDB NR

NARC. Mini-Doc – Combining The Arts: Spaces For All

2022

TMDB 7.8

The Ornament of the World

2019

TMDB 7.0

Anti-Objects, or Space Without Path or Boundary

2017

TMDB 8.4

Being Japanese

2021

TMDB NR

Angels Gather Here

2017

Frequently Asked Questions