NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE
Directed by Kirk Hendry and Neil Boyle.
A beautiful, bittersweet, and visually stunning story of survival, courage, and the power of human connection.
Co-directed by New Zealand-born Kirk Hendry and featuring the voices of Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, and Ken Watanabe, this captivating castaway adventure reimagines Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, weaving connectedness, hope, and discovery into its emotionally resonant narrative.
Michael and his pup, Stella, are shipwrecked after a huge storm strikes their family boat off the English coast. Struggling to survive on his own, Michael is invited into a treetop world by a mysterious Japanese stranger, where he not only learns invaluable lessons, but also uncovers poignant details of the old man’s past. As Kensuke and Michael’s bond deepens, their newfound tranquillity is interrupted when both their existence and the world around them, is challenged.
NOTE: Contains scenes of peril, as well as themes related to war, loss, and isolation that may be intense for younger viewers.
“KENSUKE’S KINGDOM holds its young audience with the utmost respect. It doesn’t underestimate them, or shield them, or hide the truth of the world from them. Instead, it’s brutally honest and therefore all the more enrapturing. It reveres its audience, and feels privileged to be telling them its story.”
Animated Feature
80 minutes
United Kingdom, 2023.
Genre: Animated Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 8+