Ep 16. Eating Up Easter

In season 21 episode 16 of Independent Lens, viewers are taken on a journey to Easter Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, to explore the environmental, cultural, and economic challenges that the island faces. The episode, titled Eating Up Easter, focuses on several themes, including the impact of tourism on the island, the threat of overfishing, and the tensions between the island's indigenous Rapa Nui people and its non-indigenous population.

At the heart of the episode is Sergio Mata'u Rapu, a Rapa Nui filmmaker who returned to his island home after studying film in the United States. Sergio is deeply concerned about the impact of tourism on Easter Island, which has exploded in recent years. While tourism has brought jobs and income to the island, it has also put a strain on the island's fragile ecosystem. Tourists bring in massive amounts of waste, and the island's infrastructure is not equipped to deal with it. Sergio worries that the island's natural beauty, which is one of its main attractions, will be destroyed by the very industry that is supposed to promote it.

Another major issue on Easter Island is overfishing. The island's waters were once teeming with fish, but years of overfishing by both indigenous and non-indigenous populations have depleted the fish stocks. This has put a strain on the island's food security, as well as on the livelihoods of the island's fishermen. The situation has become so dire that the Rapa Nui people have implemented a system of fishing quotas in an effort to protect the fish stocks.

The tension between the Rapa Nui people and the non-indigenous population on the island is also explored in Eating Up Easter. Many of the businesses on the island are owned by non-indigenous people, which has caused resentment among the Rapa Nui, who feel that they are being exploited. Some Rapa Nui have even resorted to occupying land and businesses in protest.

Through all of these issues, Sergio Mata'u Rapu serves as a guide, helping viewers to understand the complexities of life on Easter Island. He interviews members of both the indigenous and non-indigenous communities, as well as experts on the island's history, culture, and ecology. His personal connections to the island give the episode a depth and intimacy that is both informative and emotional.

Ultimately, Eating Up Easter is a powerful reminder of the fragile relationship between humans and nature, and the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. Whether you are interested in environmental issues, indigenous rights, or simply enjoy a good documentary, Independent Lens season 21 episode 16 is not to be missed.