A shelved-but-loved project from Jumpaa Comics
Every studio has a project that holds a special place in its heart — one that captured the team’s imagination, even if it never reached full production. For Jumpaa Comics, that project is “Paper Plane,” a quiet, heartfelt animated short set in the historic and dreamy city of Luang Prabang.
Though the project is currently shelved, its story remains one of our favorites — a reminder of why we create, who we create for, and how even the smallest moments can inspire big emotional journeys.
“Paper Plane” is a 5-minute animated short that follows Namfa, a gentle and socially anxious student who struggles with confidence. The story takes place amid the peaceful rhythms, wooden houses, riverside air, and golden light of Luang Prabang — a place where life moves slowly, yet every moment feels filled with meaning.
This city’s calm beauty was chosen intentionally.
We wanted the setting to feel like a character itself — a place that reflects Namfa’s inner quietness and her search for courage.
The story begins with a classroom activity: students must fold and fly paper airplanes for a friendly competition.
But for Namfa, something so simple becomes overwhelming.
No matter how many times she tries, her paper airplane refuses to fly — crash-landing again and again. Her failure stings, not because of the competition, but because it feeds into her own self-doubt.
This moment captures a feeling many of us know well:
the fear of being seen trying… and failing.
Everything changes on her walk home.
A small gust of wind lifts a failed paper airplane from her hand and carries it across town — all the way to a quiet bridge. Namfa follows it, unsure whether she’s chasing the plane or escaping her thoughts.
At the bridge, she finds the airplane resting softly… and beside it, a stranger who notices her struggle.
This unexpected meeting becomes a gentle turning point.
Through sharing ideas, folding new planes, and watching them glide over the river, Namfa slowly opens up. Bit by bit, she discovers that creativity isn’t about being perfect — it’s about connection.
What starts with a drifting paper airplane becomes the beginning of a new friendship, and the first step in Namfa learning to trust herself.
Director: Kate KN
Executive Producer: U.R PANYA
Together, they crafted a story rooted in emotion, culture, and everyday beauty — a reminder that even small stories can leave big impacts.
Even though “Paper Plane” is currently a shelved project, it represents something important for Jumpaa Comics:
Our commitment to heartfelt, character-driven storytelling
Our love for Southeast Asian settings and emotional realism
Our belief that quiet stories deserve to be told, too
Our desire to explore themes of courage, friendship, and identity
This project continues to inspire future ideas, new scripts, and creative directions within our team.
And who knows — one day, “Paper Plane” may take flight again.
At Jumpaa Creative, not every project reaches the production line — but every idea shapes who we are.
“Paper Plane” reminds us that even the simplest stories can touch hearts, and that creativity often begins with a small step… or a small fold of paper.
Thank you for supporting our journey and the ideas waiting for their moment.