Supar Pilut

Keith Pakiz’s animated short Supar Pilut tells the story of an intergalactic explorer with serious daddy issues and an even more serious mission: to slap every alien in the galaxy. A chaotic blend of revenge and oddball comedy, Supar Pilut channels the scrappy spirit of indie animation into a surprisingly heartfelt tale of friendship – all in just six minutes.

Along for the ride are Supar Pilut’s trusty companions: Bobbino, a small humanoid with a serious hot dog addiction, and Rats, a dog-like creature clearly past his prime. Together, this unlikely trio bounces from planet to planet on a journey that, while not the most original on paper – except for, you know, the alien slapping – is instantly engaging. The short may be brief, but it hints at a much bigger universe, and by the time the freaky ending hits, you’re certainly left wanting more.

Visually, the film has a rough-around-the-edges aesthetic, but it works – part of the charm lies in its scrappiness. Where Supar Pilut really shines, though, is in its world-building. From the creative creature designs to an array of imaginative alien landscapes, Pakiz crams a surprising amount of visual flair into a tight runtime. Whether we’re watching Supar Pilut lay into a lineup of bizarre alien species or vibing through a musical montage on planet 29.29B, the film cuts fast and loose between wide shots and close-ups, offering up some delightful “gross-ups” along the way.

Super Pilut on a mission to slap every alien in the galaxy.

But the real magic is in the experience. Supar Pilut is consistently funny, packed with gags that range from the purely physical – slapping aliens never really gets old — to the bodily (Bobbino ejecting barf from his helmet) to the straight-up dark (there’s an unexpected and twisted beat involving alien necrophilia that somehow still lands). Six minutes may sound short, but in the world of short films – especially for seasoned viewers – it can feel like forever if the pacing’s off. Not here. Pakiz keeps things brisk, weird, and wildly entertaining from start to finish.

A quick glance at the credits confirms Supar Pilut is a true indie effort – the only collaborators listed are Harper Sims (as Rats) and Josh Bellford (as Bobbino), who lend their vocal talents to the short. It’s a clear showcase of Pakiz’s multifaceted skill set and while he clearly thrives in this DIY environment, he also brings mainstream chops to the table, having previously helmed Thundercats Roar! and Aquaman: King of Atlantis for Warner Bros. Animation.

If you’re digging Supar Pilut’s offbeat energy, head over to A Studio Digital’s YouTube channel, where you’ll find more wild, inventive work from creators like Felipe Di Poi, Nate Milton, and others keeping the spirit of indie animation alive.