KŪKAI空海传
A feature documentary by director Yue Ye (悦野) tracing the life of Kūkai (774–835 AD) — the Japanese monk who studied under Tang Dynasty masters in Chang'an and carried esoteric Buddhism and Chinese culture across the sea to Japan. Winner of 11 international awards, including Best Documentary at the London Independent Film Awards, with 21 festival selections worldwide.
A Journey Across the Sea
Produced by Deep Value, Inc. and crowdfunded by viewers around the world, KŪKAI is director Yue Ye's feature debut. Filmed across Japan, China, and along the sea routes that once connected Tang-era Chang'an to Mount Kōya, it is a meditation on Kūkai's philosophy of "purity of heart" and "compassion for all beings."
"The mind is like the vast ocean, reflecting the moon of truth."
Upcoming Screenings
Preserve the Legacy
Every donation funds the preservation of archival film and the continuation of our documentary mission.
The team carrying this story
Yue Ye (悦野)
Former senior editor at CCTV. KŪKAI is Yue Ye's feature directorial debut.
Zhang Huajun (张华君)
Former chief cinematographer at CCTV.
Zhao Fangzhou (赵方舟)
Previously: YOLO (热辣滚烫), My People, My Country, Creation of the Gods.
Li Zhiyong (李智勇)
Previously: Creation of the Gods, Old Boys, The Shadow Play.
11 international awards · 21 festivals
Best Documentary
London Independent Film Awards
LIFA 2025 Winner
London Independent Film Awards
Award of Excellence
IndieFEST Film Awards
The Sacred Pilgrimage
The film follows Kūkai's footsteps across Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage and along the sea routes that once linked Tang-era Chang'an to Mount Kōya.
Explore on kukaimovie.com arrow_forward