An alliance between Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and global animation production company Stretchy is presenting an exciting opportunity for the University’s Digital Screen (Kōawa) students. This partnership includes Stretchy establishing its production studio for the upcoming feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara! on campus, showcasing UC’s dedication to nurturing creativity and industry excellence as part of its mission to enhance New Zealand’s screen and creative technology sector.

“We’re thrilled for our animators to be housed at Kōawa, in such a creative environment, enjoying goodwill and ‘can do’ from the UC team and helping to inspire students,” expressed Producer Fiona Copland (Topless Women Talk About Their Lives, The Strength of Water, Kiri and Lou).

Hand-crafted in stop motion, Kiri and Lou features delightful clay creatures set in a whimsical world made from cut-out paper. Focused on themes of empathy, the Kiri and Lou series from Christchurch-based Stretchy Productions currently reaches young audiences globally. The feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara! explores the origin story of Kiri and Lou’s friendship, adding depth to these beloved characters.

Animation director Antony Elworthy, known for his work on acclaimed stop-motion films like Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and the 2009 classic, Coraline, will lead a team of experienced stop-motion artists from around the world. They will gather in Ōtautahi Christchurch and UC’s Kōawa Creative Technologies Precinct, providing unique opportunities for UC students to observe various aspects of the animation production process.

Starting in 2025, students enrolled in UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours program will have opportunities to attend guest lectures or workshops with Stretchy animators, gaining invaluable industry insights.

“Learning from high-caliber animators and industry professionals will empower our students to excel in the creative sector,” stated Professor Kevin Watson, UC Executive Dean of Arts. “We’re enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership will create for the future generation of filmmakers and animators.”

Director of Kōawa Sam Witters added, “We’re excited to welcome Antony and the entire Kiri and Lou team to the Kōawa Creative Technologies Precinct. Home to students and staff of our Bachelor of Digital Screen degree, this precinct will facilitate collaboration among the best in film, animation, game development, and digital production, all while preparing the next generation of creative visionaries for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Similar to the series, the film will highlight some of New Zealand’s finest creative talents, including writer and director Harry Sinclair, famed for his films Topless Women Talk About Their Lives and The Price of Milk, as well as his portrayal of King Isildur in The Lord of the Rings. The team also features composer Don McGlashan, who has created a comedic song for each episode of Kiri and Lou, blending his musical roots with the series’ distinctive style.

UC’s partnership with Kiri and Lou builds upon its recent agreement with the U.K.-based Aardman Academy, the academic division of Wallace & Gromit studio Aardman.

Kiri and Lou Rarararara! is funded by the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Screen Canterbury, and Hinterland. The film will be distributed in New Zealand by Vendetta Distribution and internationally by Cake Distribution Ltd.