Harnessing the soft power of film

The international success of Oscar-nominated director Pawo Chonying Dorji’s Lunana: The Yak in the Classroom and The Monk and the Gun is a remarkable achievement for Bhutanese filmmakers and the country’s fledgling film industry. To date, the two films have grossed more than $3 million at the international box office.

The commercial and critical success of these films clearly demonstrates the huge potential of Bhutanese cinema. What the government and the Bhutanese film industry must do now is to build on this, learn from the experience and replicate this success story across the industry.

However, Bhutan’s film industry has not been without its challenges. A host of challenges affect the industry’s development – ​​limited markets, lack of quality and professional standards, lack of necessary infrastructure (including state-of-the-art studios, post-production facilities and distribution networks), and the recent brain drain, to name a few. Additionally, much of the film industry operates informally, without standard practices, contracts or legal protections, which has hampered the industry’s growth and professional development.

All of these challenges severely undermine the potential of Bhutan’s creative professionals and the long-term sustainability of the industry. Much work remains to be done to overcome these challenges and replicate Pawo’s success on a larger scale.

Bhutanese filmmakers and producers should aim to produce films that appeal not only to local audiences but also to international audiences. This requires a major shift in mindset and a focus on stories that, while rooted in Bhutanese culture and spirituality, must have universal themes and emotions. By doing so, filmmakers can tap into larger markets and reap higher financial returns.

The government plays a vital role in promoting the film industry. There is an urgent need to simplify regulations and bureaucratic procedures for film production and distribution. There is a need to establish financing mechanisms for large international projects through grants, subsidies and low-interest loans. More importantly, the government must promote collaboration between local and international filmmakers to encourage more international co-productions.

Why should we invest in the arts, and especially film, when there are so many other national priorities?

The reason is simple. The arts, including cinema, represent the soul of our nation. It reflects who we are as a society, as a country. Art reflects our values, our spirit and our beliefs. It defines our existence. Never forget that just as the concept of Gross National Happiness put Bhutan on the global map and strengthened our national identity and sovereignty, cinema as a cultural and creative export can enhance our international standing. And films like Runana: The Yak in the Classroom and The Monk and the Gun do just that and more by acting as our cultural ambassadors.

Through film, we share our unique stories, culture and rich heritage. But most importantly, it helps us consolidate our national identity and sovereignty. If nothing else, this should be a solid reason why we must invest in film and must harness the soft power of the arts.