An alliance between Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and global animation production company Stretchy is offering an exciting opportunity for the University’s Digital Screen (Kōawa) students. The partnership sees Stretchy establishing its production studio for the upcoming feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara! at the Campus, and demonstrates UC’s commitment to fostering creativity and industry excellence on its mission to elevate 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,” shared 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 charming clay creatures set in a whimsical world created from cut-out paper. Centered on themes of empathy, the Kiri and Lou series from Christchurch-based Stretchy Productions currently airs to young audiences worldwide. The feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara! tells the origin story of Kiri and Lou’s friendship, adding depth to the beloved characters.
Animation director Antony Elworthy brings expertise from working on acclaimed stop-motion films such as Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio and the 2009 classic, Coraline. Elworthy will lead a team which includes experienced stop-motion artist from around the globe, gathering in Ōtautahi Christchurch and UC’s Kōawa Creative Technologies Precinct. This setup provides unique opportunities for UC students to observe parts of the animation production process.
From 2025, students from UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours program will have the chance to attend guest lectures or workshops with Stretchy animators, allowing them to gain valuable industry insight.
“Learning from high caliber animators and industry professionals will empower our students to thrive in the creative sector,” says Professor Kevin Watson, UC Executive Dean of Arts. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for the next generation of filmmakers and animators.”
Director of Kōawa Sam Witters added, “We’re delighted to welcome Antony and the whole Kiri and Lou team to Kōawa Creative Technologies Precinct. Home to students and staff of our Bachelor of Digital Screen degree, the precinct will enable the University to foster 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.”
Just like the series, the film will showcase some of New Zealand’s top creative talents, including writer and director Harry Sinclair, known for his films Topless Women Talk About Their Lives and The Price of Milk, as well as his role as King Isildur in The Lord of the Rings. The team also boasts composer Don McGlashan, who has crafted a comedic song for every episode of Kiri and Lou, blending his musical roots with the unique style of the series.
UC’s alliance with Kiri and Lou builds on its recent agreement with the U.K.-based Aardman Academy, the academic arm of Wallace & Gromit studio Aardman.
Kiri and Lou Rarararara! is financed 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.
