NIRAT: A Thai Fantasy Adventure Animated Short by Pumpkin Connection

NIRAT is a captivating animated short that blends Southeast Asian folklore with fantasy adventure. Created by the talented student team Pumpkin Connection from the Department of Digital Design and Creative Technology (DDCT) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), this project showcases their dedication and creativity. The animation combines 3D and 2D techniques, accompanied by a 60-page artbook, to bring the story to life.

Plot Overview

The story follows Phob, a young boy whose mother, Rayrai, falls ill with a mysterious disease known as “Pikul Prai.” Determined to save her, Phob embarks on a perilous journey across the world of Nirat to find rare ingredients for a legendary elixir. Along the way, he uncovers secrets about his mother’s past and his own origins, leading to unexpected revelations.

Cultural Inspirations

NIRAT draws heavily from Southeast Asian cultures, incorporating elements such as the Yee Peng Lantern Festival and the Pikul flower. The Lotus Sanctuary, a spiritual realm in the story, is inspired by Thai Lanna culture and Chinese influences. Characters like Pra Loh, Pra Puean, and Pra Pang are adaptations from the Thai literary work “Lilit Pra Loh,” adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Visual and Technical Achievements

The animation features a blend of 3D and 2D styles, with characters rigged using both manual and advanced skeleton techniques. The team utilized software such as Autodesk Maya, Maxon ZBrush, Adobe Substance Painter, and Redshift Renderer to achieve high-quality visuals. The environments, including Rayrai’s traditional Southeast Asian house and the mystical Lotus Sanctuary, are richly detailed, reflecting the team’s commitment to cultural accuracy and artistic excellence.

Team and Recognition

The Pumpkin Connection team comprises:

• Thitaree Weerapatinya: Co-Director, Storyboarder, 3D+2D Animator, Compositing
• Nawaphat Tamsamran: Co-Director, Storyboarder, 3D Character Artist, Lighting, Rendering, Compositing
• Paphon Chorpakapan: Lead Concept Artist, Illustrator
• Poobes Petchdee: Concept Artist, Illustrator, Matte Paint Artist, Lighting
• Thanawat Ngamwongvechakul: Rigger, General Artist, Lighting

Their work has garnered attention across multiple platforms, highlighting NIRAT as a standout 3D animation project.

Final Thoughts

NIRAT stands as a testament to the creativity and skill of emerging artists from Southeast Asia. By blending traditional folklore with modern animation techniques, the team has created a narrative that is both culturally rich and universally appealing. The project’s success highlights the growing recognition of Southeast Asian talent in the global animation industry.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NIRATAnimation