ABOUT US
KAKAIA Productions is a production company founded by Carrisse Uta'i and Kahu Kaiha. Drawing from our deep cultural heritage, we craft bold, beautiful and impactful Polynesian stories from concept to release. Our work spans both Aotearoa (New Zealand) and French Polynesia.
We honour indigenous languages, draw upon collective wisdom and nurture collaboration throughout our storytelling process.
Currently, our short film "KÜĪ" is screening in international film festivals, while our upcoming short film "Alofa Mai Alofa Atu," funded by NZ-on-air/Day One Hāpai Te Haiata, is set for release in 2025.
Get in touch with our team to explore collaborations or learn more!
Carrisse Uta’i
Carrisse Uta'i (Si'umu, Aleisa) is a NZ-born award-winning producer, writer, and actress of Sāmoan, Tuvaluan, Fijian, Cook Island, and German descent. With a Bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts under her belt, Carrisse is now making a name for herself in the producing space. Her first produced short film, "Find Where I Belong," won Best Short Fiction Film at FIFO Tahiti in 2023 and had a successful festival run; aquired by France TV. Her second short film, "KÜĪ” marks her debut as a screenwriter.
Carrisse's passion lies in development and storytelling. Currently, co producing Kahu Kaiha’s debut feature length documentary, “KAKAIA - Children of Tiki”and producing an upcoming short film “Alofa Mai, Alofa Atu”.
As co-founder of KAKAIA Productions, she champions Indigenous and Pacific Islands storytelling. She received the 2024 Day One Vista Foundation Spirit Award.
Producer and Writer
Kahu Kaiha
Kahu Kaiha (Ua Pou) is a Marquesan multi-hypenate, and award-winning Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Marquesan Haka Choreographer AND Marquesan Haka music composer.
His directorial debut short film 'Find Where I Belong' was a self/crowd funded project which won ‘Best Fiction Short Film’ at the FIFO Film Festival.
Kahu continues to create ambitious and culturally centered films through his production company, KAKAIA Productions. He is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Marquesan culture, through sharing the stories, traditional dances, and music of his homeland with a broader audience via his work on screen, as well as being a regular participant in festivals and workshops. He received the 2024 Day One Imagezone Vision Award.
Director, Producer and Writer
What does KAKAIA mean?
KAKAIA is derived from the word KAI-KAIA. KAI means "to devour," while KAIA means "in a ferocious way."
It was also the name of an ancient HENUA ENANA (The Marquesas Islands) tribe known for being fierce and worshipping TIKI, an ancient Polynesian divine entity.
Today, we define KAKAIA as someone who is audacious, bold, and unafraid to lead. These values form the core foundations of our production company.