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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. How would you describe your film in two words?
"Corrupted Soul."

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
AI filmmaking is currently in its early stages. The most significant challenges included maintaining consistent character movement throughout scenes, eliciting authentic emotional expressions from text prompts, and fusing this with a raw, live-action aesthetic—particularly when addressing a sensitive LGBT theme in Malaysia. Striving for realistic interactions in torture and intimate scenes tested both the technology and my narrative instincts to the fullest.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt profoundly moved and invigorated. Listening to viewers grapple with the story's moral complexities—challenging the essence of loyalty, justice, and the burden of a "corrupted soul"—affirmed that the film's combination of brutality and genuine emotion resonates, even when produced by AI, and that its themes are genuinely universal.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
At 14, I completed a school assignment that my teacher lauded for its vivid imagination, precise detail, and captivating narrative style. This praise ignited my journey. For many years, my corporate job delayed my filmmaking aspirations, but during quarantine, I found the opportunity to turn those early dreams into reality.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It varies from year to year, but nearly every Sunday morning, I enjoy watching Bridget Jones's Diary (LOL!) as my guilty-pleasure comfort film. The film's warmth and humour provide vital relief from my hectic week as CX Lead.

8. What other elements of the festival experience could help you further your filmmaking career?
I would greatly appreciate mentorship from seasoned producers and screenwriters within the community who can assist in bringing non-commercial, character-focused stories to life. Workshops on integrating AI with live-action, along with networking opportunities that connect AI creators to traditional crews, would be incredibly beneficial.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the platform?
FilmFreeway provided a seamless and easy-to-navigate experience for submissions, tracking festivals, and meeting requirements. Its global reach and simple interface facilitated effortless event discovery.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Nasi lemak represents comfort food that anchors me in home, resilience, and the everyday heroism found in ordinary life—similar to the humble traffic officer who is central to this story.

11. What is next for you?
I believe Jiwa Korup will spark interest for a live-action adaptation (I'm excited about any chances, as I love crafting stories) — it presents a compelling and distinctive viewpoint on corruption and forbidden love. Furthermore, I am working on a comprehensive AI-driven full-length feature that delves into the often stigmatised theme of grief in our community. I lost my partner in a tragic accident, so I wanted to explore that emotional realm and bring it to life. This project will investigate how unresolved grief can contribute to mental health struggles and the ways in which love can help us cope with profound sorrow.