ABOUT US
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.
KAKAIA PRODUCTIONS is a team of storytellers committed to crafting bold, impactful Polynesian stories.
Producer and Writer
Carrisse Uta'i (Si'umu, Aleisa) is a NZ-born producer, writer, and actress of Sāmoan, Tuvaluan, Fijian, Cook Island, and German descent. Since starting her career in production in 2021, she has made significant strides. 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” (awaiting premiere) marks her debut as a screenwriter. Both of these short films were produced under KAKAIA productions, a production company that Carrisse founded with her partner, Kahu Kaiha.
Carrisse's passion lies in development and storytelling. Currently, co producing Kahu Kaiha’s debut feature length documentary, “KAKAIA - Children of Tiki”.
Her mission is to produce and amplify Pacific Island-led projects while providing opportunities and building confidence for new and emerging Pacific Island artists in the screen industry.
Director, Producer and Writer
Kahu Kaiha (Ua Pou) is a Marquesan multi-hypenate, having experience as an 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.