The animated feature Kiri and Lou Go Raaa!, based on the stop-motion series distributed by CAKE from New Zealand’s Stretchy, will be released theatrically in the U.K. this month.
The first feature-length extension of the popular preschool series will open in Odeon and VUE cinemas via a deal sealed between CAKE and AliLeo Media. The 60-minute feature is designed specifically as a first-film experience for young audiences.
The feature premiered at the Annecy International Film Festival in June and was theatrically released in Australia and New Zealand by Vendetta Films. It is the first stop-motion film made in New Zealand.
Dominic Gardiner, MD for distribution at CAKE, said, “Ever since Kiri and Lou became a beloved fixture for U.K. families on BBC iPlayer, audiences have embraced its signature warmth, humor, and emotional honesty. Premiering Kiri and Lou Go Raaa! on big screens across the U.K. is a major milestone, and we are delighted to partner with AliLeo Media to bring this charming, handcrafted prehistoric adventure to cinemas—giving young children and parents a whole new way to experience Kiri and Lou together.”
“We really wanted to make a film that would entertain the whole family, with layering for parents and the older siblings of preschool children,” said Fiona Copland, producer at Stretchy. “It’s been great seeing adults full of emotion in screenings while their kids are just laughing their heads off.”
Greta D’Este-Donelan, director at AliLeo Media, noted, “Great storytelling deserves to be experienced on the big screen, and we’re delighted to partner with CAKE to bring Kiri and Lou Go Raaa! to cinemas across the U.K. At the heart of this wonderful film there is a story about friendship, curiosity and embracing what makes us unique – themes that will resonate with children and families alike. For AliLeo Media, bringing Kiri and Lou to cinemas is also about creating memorable experiences for the audiences of the future, and we are thrilled to play a part in introducing this much-loved property to a new generation of cinemagoers”.
