His directorial debut short film Find Where I Belong won Best Fiction Short Film at the FIFO Film Festival, and KÜĪ won Best Indigenous Short Film at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2025.

Kahu continues to create ambitious, culturally centered films through his production company, KAKAIA Productions.

Deeply committed to preserving and promoting Marquesan culture, Kahu shares the stories, traditional dances and music of his homeland with broader audiences through his on-screen work and regular participation in festivals and workshops. He received the 2024 Day One Imagezone Vision Award.

KAKAIA Productions

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 O Alofa Nei, O Alofa Nā funded by NZ-on-air/Day One Hāpai Te Haiata, is set for release in 2025.