Ap Bokto
| Ap Bokto | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Karma Dhendup |
| Produced by | Karma Dhendup |
| Starring | Phurba Thinley |
Production company |
Athang Animation Studio |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 53 minutes |
| Country | Bhutan |
| Language | Dzongkha |
| Budget | Nu. 4.5 million |
Ap Bokto is a 2014 Bhutanese 3D computer-animated film produced and directed by Karma Dhendup under Athang Animation Studio.
The film was the first Bhutanese 3D animation film to be made and the first animated film to be based from a Bhutanese folk tale. The story of the film revolves around Ap Bokto who encounters and outwits several wild animals whose goal is to make him as their meal.[1]
Production
Production for the film took more than 2 years with a budget of Nu. 4.5 million. The production team was composed of 30 people. Athang Animation Studio's proprietor, Karma Dhendup directed and produced the film.[2] The film's duration is 53 minutes.[1]
Cast
Ap Bokto
- (Voiced by:Phurba Thinley)
- the main protagonist of the story.
Release
The film was first released in Thimphu in September 2014. The film was scheduled to be screened in other dzongkhags by the start of the academic session in the country. It was briefly screened in Lhuentse but the screening were halted following reports of unauthorized leakage of the film. 5,000 comics in Dzongkha were also made in line with the film. The film is planned to be released in DVD due to its positive reception. As of March 2015, after the initial release, the production team has been adding English subtitles to the film.[2]
Reception
The film was positively received by the Bhutanese audience especially by children. By around March 2015, the film, including the relevant comics, has made money amounting to around 40 percent of the Nu. 4.5 million budget. 4,700 of the 5,000 comics made were sold. Karma Dhendup has received invitations from European film festivals due to the film's success.[2]
Leakage
Karma Dhendup said that he has received reports that his film. Dhendup's animation studio was approached by a woman who found a flash drive from a customer containing the final 3D copy of the film for theatrical release in February 6, 2015. Dhendup believes that the film could have been leaked as early as the end of January 2015. An investigation was conducted by the animation studio and it was suspected that the one who leaked the film came from the studio's office. Dhendup said that he heard copies of the film reached India.[2] By April 2015, the list of those suspected to have leaked the film has been narrowed down to four people, with some of them with direct relations to Athang.[3]
References
- 1 2 Thinley Zangmo (9 October 2014). "A local cartoon character for children". Kuensel. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 Kinga Dema (6 March 2015). "Animated film producer files piracy police report". Kuensel. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ↑ Kinga Dema (16 April 2015). "Search narrows down to four suspects". Kuensel. Retrieved 24 August 2015.