EP. 1508: Filmmaker MOHD HISHAM SALEH (JIWA KORUP)
JIWA KORUP. 15min., Malaysia
Directed by MOHD HISHAM SALEH
A low-ranking officer’s corrupt leadership is scrutinised, compelling him to confront the repercussions of his unethical behaviour. This raw AI short film delves into themes of power and loyalty, illustrating how even the most reliable individuals can become lost to corruption.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I wrote the screenplay in 2020 amidst Malaysia’s COVID lockdown, motivated by daily news of sacrifices made by frontline police and the 1MDB scandal revealing pervasive corruption. My aim was to explore what truly compels someone to betray their oath—whether it’s power, love, or lust. By incorporating an LGBT relationship, I wanted to illustrate that love can remain untainted even amid profound corruption, and that true affection transcends legal and social boundaries.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take to make this film?
Remarkably, the whole film was created in only 20 days, driven by nearly 20,000 AI prompts. I had written the entire screenplay years beforehand but commenced AI production in early 2025. A close friend assisted with color grading—harmonising rain-drenched blues, earthy browns, and refreshing highlights—and another collaborator crafted the sound design, incorporating industrial percussion, menacing drones, and eerie water-drip effects.
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