Teesside filmmaker Cole Robinson Easter Island documentary

Cole Robinson, an investigative documentary filmmaker from Teesside, has dedicated himself to capturing the stories of everyday people and the challenges they face.

Born in Middlesbrough and raised in Redcar, the filmmaker's work looks at geopolitics and working-class struggles that impact human lives across the globe.

Easter Island (Image: COLE ROBINSON) After living in South America for a year to learn Spanish, Cole recently set out to visit one of the most isolated places on the planet, Rapa Nui, more commonly known as Easter Island.

His documentary sheds light on the island’s struggle with cultural erosion, the over-reliance on tourism, and the devastating impact of climate change on the island’s land and water resources.

"What resonated with me was the spirit of the people on the island, much like my roots in Middlesbrough – a close-knit, working-class community trying to preserve what they hold dear," Cole said.

Part of Cole's documentary (Image: COLE ROBINSON) "Their story is one of resilience but also of a real battle against forces that seem out of their control, from climate change to the pressures of global tourism."

The documentary features in-depth interviews with island locals and environmental advocates, such as Heimiti, a representative from Easter Island's environmental agency.

Cole Robinson on Easter Island (Image: COLE ROBINSON) According to her, rising sea levels have already submerged parts of the island, and there is a growing fear that soon the famous Moai statues, the iconic stone heads, could also be lost to the ocean.

In the documentary Heimiti states “My children won’t know the archaeology that once existed...it’s already happening, my mom has told me of places that no longer exist”.

Cole’s previous projects have explored diverse stories, from the class struggles behind Argentina’s world-class footballers to the hyperinflation crisis in Lebanon.

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Through his video production company, Filmit UK, which has worked with corporate giants like BMW and the NHS, he can pursue his passion for global stories while still maintaining his ties to his hometown.

"I want to use my skills to tell the stories of people and communities who might otherwise go unheard, and my roots in Middlesbrough have given me the perspective to appreciate and amplify their voices," Cole added.