Film Synopsis
Kūkai is the first Chinese feature documentary dedicated to the life of the great monk Kūkai, known in Japan as Kōbō Daishi.
This epic film follows his fearless journey across the seas to Tang China, his pursuit of enlightenment under Master Huiguo, and his return to Japan to transmit Esoteric Buddhism and Tang-era culture.
Grounded in meticulous historical research and brought to life with cutting-edge AI+CG technology, the documentary recreates the world of 9th-century Tang China, presenting rare, sacred imagery captured through the crew’s dedicated efforts, while revealing Kūkai’s vows, compassion, and enduring legacy that continue to inspire the world today.
Director’s Statement
This film is born from a deep fascination with the spirit of Kūkai.
For over five years, our team followed his footsteps across China and Japan, capturing sacred sites and rare cultural treasures.
Kūkai’s boundless compassion and selfless devotion are what the modern world urgently needs.
Through this documentary, we hope to break down barriers, awaken compassion, and share his timeless wisdom with audiences across the globe.
Liu Yue - Director
Visionary filmmakers and artists united to recreate Kūkai’s timeless journey
The Filmmaking Team
Liu Yue
– Director
Award-winning CCTV documentary filmmaker. Known for her human-centered storytelling; Kūkai is her first feature-length documentary.
Zhang Huajun
- Director of Photography
Former Chief Cinematographer at CCTV. Shot numerous acclaimed documentaries with a focus on visual authenticity.