Our Journey Creating “Lauk Ka Indai” – A 3D Animated Short Film for TVS Gawai 2024
As a newly established studio in Kuching, Sarawak, we at Rakan Animations Studio were thrilled to take on our first major project—“Lauk Ka Indai”, a 3D animated short film produced for TVS (TV Sarawak) in celebration of Gawai Dayak 2024. This project was not just our debut; it was a labor of love, a year-long journey that tested our creativity, teamwork, and passion for animation.
How It All Began
The initial spark came from our founder, Amirul Afiq, who envisioned a heartwarming and humorous story rooted in Sarawak’s Gawai traditions. From there, Sydney Atin developed the script, crafting a tale about a mother’s quest to prepare the perfect lauk (side dish) for the festival. We wanted something that felt authentically Sarawakian yet had universal appeal—a story that could make people laugh, relate, and maybe even feel a little hungry!
Finding the Right Visual Style
Early on, we knew we wanted a look that stood out. Inspired by Western 3D animations like Chicken Run, we aimed for expressive, lively characters and vibrant environments. Our concept artists, Ika Sulatri Dahlan (Environment Concept Artist) & Jia Ying (Character Concept Artist) worked hard to blend this style with elements of Sarawakian culture, ensuring the film felt both fresh and familiar. Seeing the first sketches come to life was one of the most exciting parts of the process.
A Year of Challenges & Growth
From scriptwriting to final rendering, the entire production took us about a year. As a new studio, every step was a learning experience—figuring out pipelines, troubleshooting animation issues, and making sure every detail aligned with our vision. There were late nights, last-minute fixes, and plenty of coffee runs, but the excitement kept us going.
The Reward: Sharing Our Work with the World
When “Lauk Ka Indai” finally premiered for Gawai 2024, the response was beyond what we expected. People connected with the humor, the cultural touches, and the heart of the story. For us, the biggest win was proving that a small studio from Sarawak could create something meaningful—and that this was just the beginning.
What’s Next for Us
This project taught us so much and gave us the confidence to keep pushing forward. We’re already dreaming up new stories, bigger projects, and more ways to put Sarawak’s creativity on the map through animation.
To everyone who supported “Lauk Ka Indai”—thank you. This was our first step, and we can’t wait to show you what comes next!
Produced by: Rakan Animation Studio (Kuching, Sarawak)
For: TVS – Gawai Festive 2024
Production Time: ~1 Year
Watch it here: Lauk Ka Indai With Subtitle
“Lauk Ka Indai” – A little dish, a big dream, and a whole lot of heart. 🎬✨
Rakan Animations 