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Stranded Pearl

During a business trip to the Cook Islands, wealthy entrepreneur Julia finds herself stranded on an uncharted island with a mysterious local who may be a fugitive, forcing them to survive together as hidden secrets gradually come to light.

  • Prashanth Gunasekaran
    Director
    Destina, Little Buddy, For Thom, Broken Promise
  • Ken Khan
    Director
    Love Has No Language, Janasheen
  • Anand Naidu
    Producer
    Vindaloo Empire
  • Emile Kairua
    Producer
  • Rachel Smith
    Writer
  • Stan Woolfgram
    2nd Unit Director
    Shortland Street, Crooked Earth, Xena
  • Papatua Papatua
    Production Designer
    Survivor Series
  • Vaineritua Koketa
    Art Director
  • Kristy Wright
    Key Cast
    "Julia Thompson"
    Home&Away, Star Wars Episode III
  • Rawiri Paratene
    Key Cast
    "William"
    Whale Rider, Insatiable Moon, What Becomes a Broken Heart
  • Ray Woolf
    Key Cast
    "Trevor Thompson"
    The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The New Rocky Horror Show
  • Aunanda Naaido
    Key Cast
    "Sid Patel"
    Vindaloo Empire, Feeling Lucky
  • Robert Retiano
    Key Cast
    "John"
    The Condemned, The Lost One, Singularity Principle
  • Aleisha Rose DiLoreto
    Key Cast
    "Anita"
    Arrowhead, The Amazing Race
  • Rob Kipa Williams
    Key Cast
    "Captain"
    Home&Away, Meg
  • Stan Wolfgramm
    Key Cast
    "Activist"
    Shortland Street
  • Lawrence Keil
    Key Cast
    "Coastguard Officer"
  • Tiki Daniels
    Location Manager
    Survivor
  • Emile Kairua
    Location Manager
    Survivor
  • Karl Schodt
    Director of Photography
    Vindaloo Empire
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 31 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    350,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    Cook Islands
  • Country of Filming:
    Cook Islands
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Red One
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Forum Films
    Distributor
    Country: New Zealand
    Rights: Theatrical
  • K Globals
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: Theatrical
Director Biography - Prashanth Gunasekaran, Ken Khan

Ken Khan (Right), New Zealand-based director/editor who hails from Brunei, known for Love Has No Language (2008), Stranded Pearl (2024) and Janasheen (2003). Ken was part on the initial days of Lord of the Rings and have been involved in the sector for over 3 decades working as Technical Director and Editor.

Prashanth (Left), Malaysian born filmmaker who has been involved in the NZ Screen Sector for just over a decade. Starting out in theatre direction, he gradually transitioned into film. He started as a 1st AD and subsequently worked in production, post-production and direction. Prashanth is known for the short films he has directed and produced such as Bing Bang Blussey, My Rock, Last Star, Irumanam and Don’t F With Me. Upcoming films on his slate include The Trade, For Thom and the feature film Stranded Pearl alongside long time mentor and friend Ken Khan. He founded PG6 Creations and collaborates with MNC Films Studios, Rising Phoenix Films and Taxi Clubs Films. Prashanth’s preferences of projects he produces is a reflection of the principles he upholds.

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Director Statement

When Ken Khan and Prashanth Gunasekaran embarked on the journey of creating Stranded Pearl, their goal was to tell a deeply resonant story that captured the struggles, triumphs, and unyielding spirit of those who find themselves caught between worlds. The film delves into an escapism experience—a narrative often lived but seldom explored in its full complexity. It is about identity, belonging, and the universal human desire to make a mark while preserving one's roots.

Ken and Prashanth were drawn to this story because it reflects their shared passion for elevating marginalized voices. Both filmmakers have personal connections to the themes of cultural dislocation and resilience. They wanted to explore how the intricacies of family, heritage, and ambition collide in the lives of immigrants, creating a unique yet relatable tapestry of emotions.

The visual language of Stranded Pearl was meticulously crafted to evoke both the beauty and alienation of starting anew in a foreign land. Using the rugged, breathtaking landscapes of Rarotonga as a backdrop, they aimed to juxtapose the isolation of the characters with the boundless possibilities of their environment. Through intimate storytelling and richly drawn characters, Ken and Prashanth sought to create a narrative that transcends geographical boundaries, speaking to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider striving to find their place.

The decision to make Stranded Pearl was rooted in a desire to foster empathy and understanding. Ken and Prashanth together with Anand (Producer) believe in the transformative power of cinema to connect people across divides, and they saw this film as an opportunity to bridge cultural gaps while celebrating diversity. Ultimately, Stranded Pearl is not just a story about escapism; it is a story about humanity—about dreaming, struggling, and enduring to create a life of meaning.