| Ap Bokto | |
| Producer: | Karma Dhendup |
| Studio: | Athang Animation Studio |
| Runtime: | 53 minutes |
| Country: | Bhutan |
| Language: | Dzongkha |
Ap Bokto is a 2014 Bhutanese animated film produced and directed by Karma Dhendup under Athang Animation Studio.
It is the first computer animated film in Bhutan and the first animated film to be based on a Bhutanese folk tale. The plot revolves around Ap Bokto who encounters and outwits several wild animals whose goal is to make him as their meal.[1]
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]
The film was first released in Thimphu in September 2014. The film was scheduled to be screened in other districts in the country but future screenings were halted following reports of the film being leaked.[2]
Although the film was aimed at targeting kids above five years of age, it overwhelmingly poured in viewers as young as one-and-a-half year old babies.Internet traffic Analytics showed there were more than five thousand viewers of Ap Bokto everyday on YouTube and traffic showed 30% of the viewers were from outside Bhutan and almost every country on earth have viewed this channel.
YouTuber PewDiePie reacted to the film's trailer in a 2016 video, dancing to its theme song. [3]
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. Karma Dhendup has received invitations from European film festivals due to the film's success.[2]
Ap Bokto sequel are yet to be released and synopsis differs but all in line of its original shapes.
Dhendup's animation studio was approached by a woman who found a flash drive from a customer containing the film for theatrical release on February 6, 2015. Dhendup believes that the film could have been leaked as early as the end of January 2015. Dhendup said that he heard copies of the film reached India.[2] [4]
As we live in a rapidly changing world it becomes crucial to equip our children with right values and help them navigate the challenges they encounter in life through stories. Ap Bokto's film are made to connect the past, scenes and style of the characters all from ancient times.
Animating also helps transcribe and preserve stories that are to be lost as in most countries oral tradition (folktales) are diminishing.
It also gives opportunity to showcase beautiful culture and tradition of the Himalayas.