‘How did a kid from St Kilda end up here?’

After working with Hollywood heavyweights such as Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe on his latest film, Dunedin-born director Kirk Hendry says there is nothing more special than being able to screen it in his home town so his parents can watch it.

The award-winning London-based film-maker co-directed Kensuke's Kingdom last year. The film has been showing in cinemas across the globe since the start of this year but so far has not screened in New Zealand, he said.

"The film has opened in a lot of great places around the world — our premiere in Paris took place in a grand cinema on the Champs-Elysees, next to the Arc de Triumph, which was a bit of a ‘How did a kid from St Kilda end up here?’ moment.

"But I have to say, having the film screen in Dunedin, to a local crowd which will include my lovely parents and my dear friends from my school days, is very special."

Mr Hendry had previously worked on the popular television series The Net (1995-1997), did some animation for The Simpsons in 2014, and directed the award-winning animated film Junk in 2011.

But Kensuke's Kingdom was the biggest achievement of his career so far, because it had given him an opportunity to work with some of the world’s top actors, he said.

"Working with the likes of Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe was a little nerve-racking at first, but also a pleasure.

"After 10-15 minutes of working, the nerves abate and everyone begins to focus on why we’re all there — to bring the characters to life.

"But you’re still pinching yourself. Cillian made it seem effortless, Sally was as unique and adorable as you’d expect, and Ken was rather charismatic."

The animated film follows Michael, a young boy who is shipwrecked on a remote island and discovers he is not alone when he encounters a mysterious Japanese soldier called Kensuke.

"The soldier has been marooned there since World War 2.

"The two initially clash, but as dangerous invaders appear on the horizon, it becomes clear they must join forces to save their fragile island paradise.

"It’s an action/adventure film, but also very personal and gentle, which is an uncommon mix.

"How Michael and Kensuke’s relationship develops, is the heart of the film."

He said it had been met with "almost universal praise" in the media, and had won many awards already, including three at the 2024 British Animation Awards (including best film), as well as the grand prize at this year’s New York International Children’s Film Festival.

The music score by Stuart Hancock had also won 10 awards so far, he said.

"One of the most gratifying things is that wherever it screens in the world, it seems to connect with audiences, who are always very moved by it."

Thanks to New Zealand distributor Transmission Films, Kensuke's Kingdom will be screened at Dunedin’s Rialto cinema on December 8, at 10.30am.

"I used to frequent the Rialto as a kid, and saw things there that would directly inspire elements within Kensuke’s Kingdom.

"So it’s a great circle to close," he said.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz