Kā'eo Luke

KĀINGA TUPU

“Kāinga Tupu” (Homeland) is a 2D hand-drawn film that brings attention to Aotearoa’s endangered forest parrot, the Kākāpō. This story follows the bird as he explores his home. But, something doesn’t seem right. Noises and lights in the distance seem to be coming faster and faster. The forest monsters approach…

Not available publicly while in the festival circuit.

Film Awards

  • Laguna College of Art and Design | President’s Thesis Award 2025
  • Wildlife Conservation Film Festival 2025 | Animation Finalist, Nano-budget Semi-finalist, Student Quarter-finalist
  • Good Natured Film Festival 2025 | Student Film Runner-up
  • British Columbia Environmental Film Festival 2025 | Finalist
  • Third Culture Film Festival 2026 | Best of Fest and Best Animated Character

Film Festival Selections

  • Pacific Island Film Festival 2025 | NYC, NY
  • Wildlife Conservation Film Festival 2025 | Monterrey, Mexico
  • Eugene Environmental Film Festival 2025 | Eugene, OR
  • Common Ground Film Festival 2025 | Fort Collins, CO
  • Three Fires International Film Festival 2025 | Bracebridge ON, CAN
  • Good Natured Film Festival 2025 |Oxford, UK
  • British Columbia Environmental Film Festival 2025 | Vancouver, CAN
  • Yucca Valley Film Festival 2025 | Yucca Valley, CA
  • LIFT-OFF Global Network 2026 | Virtual
  • Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
  • Third Culture Film Festival 2026 | Tauranga, NZ

UPCOMING FILM FESTIVALS

  • No Words International Film Fest 2026 | Greece | May 24, 2026
  • BNP Paribas Green Film Festival | August TBD 2026 | Kraków, Poland
  • OnEarth Film Festival 2026 | TBD | Poland

THE RAIN

“The Rain” is a 2D hand-drawn film that features a narrated poem written by myself, Kā’eo Luke. This film reflects on what it means to be alive day to day. The human connection to nature through the wisdom of the birds is explored and showcased through unique species. The spoken word can be interpreted differently between viewers and asks the question, “what does it truly mean to live and love to each, individual mind?”

Not available publicly while in the festival circuit.

Film Awards

  • Yucca Valley Film Festival 2025 | Yucca Valley, CA | Festival Pick
  • CTN EXPO Showcase 2025 | Burbank, CA | Mini Masterpieces Full Award
  • Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival 2026 | Melbourne, Australia | Best Animated Short Film

Film Festival Selections

  • ONA Short Film Festival 2025 | Venice, Italy
  • Pacific Island Film Festival 2025 | NYC, NY
  • Good Natured 2025 | Oxford, UK
  • Yucca Valley Film Festival 2025 | Yucca Valley, CA | Festival Pick
  • Iris Global Health Film Festival 2025 | Virtual
  • CTN EXPO Showcase 2025 | Burbank, CA | Mini Masterpieces Full Award
  • LIFT-OFF Global Network 2026 | Virtual
  • Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival 2026 | Melbourne, Australia | Best Animated Short Film
  • Māoriland Film Festival 2026 | Ōtaki, NZ
  • Julien Dubuque International Film Festival | April 18-24 | Dubuque, Iowa
  • Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival | April 29 – May 3, 2026 | LA, California

UPCOMING FILM FESTIVALS

  • N/A