Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s AI-powered fantasy film Gaap has secured an uncut censor certificate in the short film category, a requirement for competing in the National Film Awards, even as the 40-minute production makes its debut on YouTube.
The certificate is not mandatory for YouTube releases. However, films must obtain censor clearance to participate in the National Film Awards in the short film category.
Directed and scripted by Bannah, Gaap premiered on 31 October and is available in full on the Club 11 Entertainment YouTube channel.
The story follows Rafi, who loses his brother Ariyan to Gaap, a supernatural creature of darkness inspired by jinns.
Bannah said post-production alone took three months, with nearly 20 hours of work each day. He also hopes to explore AI-powered romantic cinema next.
Produced by Akbor Haider Munna, the film credits AI visual artist Ark Shihab and features Rizvi Rizu, Sinthia Yasmin Nupur, Mishti Ghosh, Momena Chowdhury, Saiful Islam Rafi and Jahangir Alam.
Veteran actor Abul Hayat said, “I have found many things here.” He added that he never expected a young filmmaker from Bangladesh to make a film like this. “In that sense, I am satisfied,” he said, encouraging Bannah to continue, adding that his road ahead was long and he could achieve much.
Khairul Alam Sabuj called the film an absurdity that holds life, affection, joy and even ugliness, describing it as an attempt to capture life as a whole.
The premiere was attended by cast members and guests including Monira Mithu, Dilara Zaman, Salman Muqtadir and Nusrat Imrose Tisha.
