Following the success of what has been hailed as New Zealand’s most internationally successful animated feature, Kili and Lou, the first full-length film based on the BAFTA-nominated series, will be screened for the first time on Wednesday 24 June on the shores of Lake Bonlieu in the vibrant heart of the Annecy Festival.
New Zealand’s first stop-motion feature film, Kiri and Loo Go Ra! ‘ bow concludes with a Q&A with voice actors Jemaine Clement and Olivia Tenet and animation director Anthony Elworthy.
Led by Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Concordes, Moana, Rio, What We Do in the Shadows) and Olivia Tenet (The Lord of the Rings, Power Rangers RPM), the film is written and directed by Harry Sinclair, with visual development by Ant Elworthy (Pinocchio, Isle of Dogs, Ma Vie de Zucchini). “Coraline”), music and vocals by Don McGlashan, in collaboration with Harry Sinclair (“The Front Lawn”).
Created by Stretchy, the award-winning preschool series Kili and Lou explores the emotional world of laughter, song, and outdoor adventure through laughter, song, and outdoor adventures about the friendship between Kili, a feisty little dinosaur, and Lou, her sweet, caring creature best friend.
It was first aired in 2019 on New Zealand’s TVNZ and Canada’s CBC, which commissioned the series, and the premiere was well-received on CBeebies in the UK and Nick Jr. in the US, leading both broadcasters to pre-purchase the subsequent series.
Currently in its fourth season, with 104 five-minute episodes, the series has been translated into multiple languages. Other broadcasters include ABC Kids in Australia, Sky NZ in New Zealand, YLE in Finland, SVT in Sweden, RTP Portugal, KRO Netherlands, Canal+ Poland, Czech Television, EVision and BeIN in the Middle East, Globosat in Brazil, Canal Once in Mexico and Showmax in Africa.
Anthony Elworthy, Animation Director of “Kiri and Lou Go Ra!” Provided by Stretchy
“Kiri and Lou” has received international acclaim, being selected in competition at the 2019 Annecy International Animation Festival and nominated for a BAFTA in 2022. The series won the Canadian Rockies Award in 2023. It won the Best Children’s Program twice at the Asian TV Awards. Winner of silver awards at the Australian Animation and Effects Awards and the Jeunesse Awards in 2020 and 2022. It was nominated and won Best Animated Short Film at the Chicago Film Festival, Cynopsis Best of the Best (New York), and Los Angeles International Film Festival. Kiri and Roo has won Best Children’s Program twice at the NZTV Awards.
The feature is produced by Fiona Copeland, producer of the Stretchy series, in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and Hinterland.
Vendetta Films will distribute theatrically in New Zealand and Australia, with CAKE handling worldwide sales. Copland said the film was meticulously created by a dedicated team of artists who created the beloved characters. “Our artists have sculpted that exciting stop-motion world frame by frame, and this recognition from Annecy is a proud moment for everyone who brought this world to life,” she added.
“Kiri and Lou has been quietly gaining a global audience,” emphasized CAKE CEO Ed Galton, “and this feature is a natural next step for the brand. Annecy is exactly the place and is in front of buyers who understand what this property can do in theaters and platforms. We look forward to taking it from there.”
It is supported by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), which champions New Zealand’s dynamic film, animation and VFX industry by supporting local stories and attracting major international productions.
According to NZFC Deputy CEO and Head of Co-Productions and Incentives, Chris Payne, the Annecy Presents section is perfect for the world premiere of Kiri and Lou Go Raaa! “Both this film and the acclaimed series that preceded it have unique voices, deep consideration for young audiences, and world-class talent behind them. We are thrilled that this film has been selected for the world’s premier animation festival and can’t wait for longtime fans and new viewers to fall in love with it.”
As the IP continues to grow, six books, four song albums, and a “Grow Your Own Forest” AR app have been released, with additional publishing, music, and sustainable consumer products licensed and in the pipeline.
