Lost Rites: Perpetuating Traditions is a character-driven documentary that explores how Chief Matagi Alalua Tavana’s journey of self-discovery has ultimately influenced the modern revival of many Polynesian traditions. Ali’i Noa Silva, long-time friend and veteran Hawaiian entertainer, interviews the Chief on-location as they revisit and explore the Pacific Island cultures that influenced Tavana’s remarkable life. His biography is the vehicle for exploring and documenting the greater Polynesian ohana (family) and the importance of honoring island traditions and maintaining cultural identity in an increasingly homogenized world.
Treatment
Background
Chief Matagi Alalua Tavana now in his 80’s, is most noted for his contribution to the revival of traditional tatau in Tahiti and Hawaii; but he is also recognized for the re-introduction of marae temple ceremonies, and awa ceremonies (a sacred drink); and the use of spectacular costumes, the traditional malo (loin cloth), nose flute, and ceremonial drumming. He is also the originator of the now popular and widespread Ahuroa dance style. The Senate of Samoan Chiefs has officially honored him with the title of High Chief; and the government of French Polynesian recognizes him as a cultural treasure. He has in a sense been a cultural ambassador of Polynesia to the rest of the world for over 50 years. He is known for his unyielding commitment to traditional ideas and as a strict adherent to authenticity, pure of modern distortions. Despite his accomplishments, Tavana’s roots are veiled in mystery and doubt as some still question whether he is in fact part Tahitian.
Narrative Summary
Two old friends, cultural elders, Tavana and Ali’i, facing the sunset of their years, embark on a journey to re-trace the Chief’s personal odyssey through the South Pacific that ultimately inspired his contributions to Pacific Island heritage and shaped the iconic man himself. Throughout their travels, Ali’i and Tavana engage in personal and sometimes candid talks about Tavana’s turbulent life, his successes and contributions, his striving to belong, and his efforts to preserve the culture he loves.
Beautiful island settings, palace grounds, ancient temples, and Tavana’s home, are the backdrop for their conversations. We include interviews with friends, who share how he influenced their own cultural identities, as well as, local historians, and colleagues who bring an objective perspective to Tavana’s contributions. Supported with historic photos, relevant documents, archival footage, and graphic elements, this complex story becomes sewn together through Ali’i’s narration and reflective on-camera journaling about their travels, Polynesian heritage, and the interconnectedness of Pacific Island people.
Their journey begins in Papara, Tahiti, Tavana’s very rustic home, at the plywood kitchen table, chicken wire encloses the kitchen, chickens and dogs underfoot. Ali’i and Tavana talk-story, about Tavana’s search as a young man for his Tahitian mother, his search to finally uncover his own identity. Ali’i poses the questions: Who is Tavana? How did he become Chief? Why is his work important?
In Hawaii, the two men tour the Campbell Estate, where the young Tavana lived in the home of Princess Kamokila Campbell, a defender of Hawaiian independence, who herself is of disputed bloodline. What did the young Tavana learn from the princess and her “personal” kahuna (shaman)? Why was he in her care?
In Tonga, Ali’i and Tavana revisit Tavana’s time in the Royal Palace as a young man. How did a glance from the queen change his trajectory? What has Tavana’s impact on the Tongan nation been? Tavana shares the heart-breaking story of his daughter, Heimataura, her marriage to Tongan Prince Fatafehi 'Tuku'aho, which leads to the prince being disinherited.
In Samoa, they investigate Tavana’s study of Tatau and his role in the revival of the widely discarded traditional techniques and tools. Why did Tavana choose Samoa? What is the importance of Tatau? What was the purpose for funding the expedition? What was the impact of his freshly tattooed entourage upon their return to Waikiki and Tahiti of the 1970’s?
Back in Hawaii, Ali’i and Tavana reminisce about how the Chief strove to bring authentic representations of Polynesia culture to Waikiki, Hollywood, and abroad. Tavana’s popularity in Waikiki and the success of his Polynesian Spectacular increased the visibility of more traditional styles of dance and costume from around the Pacific and distinguished his productions from the otherwise trite and westernized Waikiki luaus. How did he bring authenticity to Waikiki? What were the challenges he faced? What is the value of these public displays of culture? How did he remain authentic?
Returning to Tahiti, back to Tavana’s humble home with his chickens and dogs and ancient cat, it is clear that despite obstacles and bloodlines, one individual can have a significant impact on the perpetuation of Pacific Island heritage and its place in world heritage.