[ad_1]
Jigmi Wangdi
The Bhutan Film Institute (BFI), a non-profit organisation registered with the Civil Society Organisations Authority, has launched its first ever directing and acting training programme for local filmmakers and actors, with an aim to enhance and upskill local filmmakers and talents.
Tshering Phuntsho, executive director of the Bhutan Film Society, said the two trainings were combined because they are interrelated. “Directing and acting are closely linked,” he explained. “By addressing both areas in the same program, we hope to improve the overall quality of Bhutanese film storytelling.”
Tshering Phuntsho said many local filmmakers and actors acquired their skills through hands-on experience rather than formal education. “Our local talent is realizing there is a huge difference between their experience on the ground and what they have learned through training,” he said. “One of our main goals is to provide them with technical knowledge and innovative training to enhance their craft.”
The BFI programme offers a number of trainings including cinematography, make-up and prosthetics, film production and personal development.
“Our goal is to develop the Bhutanese film industry to a level where it can compete on the global stage. With strong support from the government and relevant agencies, I am confident of our progress,” said Tshering Phuntsho.
The capacity building training was conducted by two experts from the Netherlands and the United States.
Beek Groot from the Netherlands is training local filmmakers and actors to direct films.
“In Europe, people usually spend years making short films before moving on to feature films,” he said. “Here, however, many people are already making feature films, which is one of the great things about the industry.”
Beek Groot stressed the importance of storytelling and authenticity in filmmaking. “Good characters come from real life, not just imagination,” he explained. “I am helping participants understand how to create compelling stories and translate them into audio and video formats. For Bhutanese filmmakers, the goal is to make films that are both original and deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture.”
He added that local filmmakers will start making films for markets outside Bhutan.
“Part of the film culture here is that a lot of inspiration comes from Bollywood. The system of Bollywood films is different and the budgets are much higher. If you try to copy it, you will always fail,” he said.
He added that his main aim is to make local filmmakers see their strengths and understand what makes Bhutan an interesting country. “I am very sure that international audiences want to see stories about Bhutan. It’s all about originality and authenticity.”
The capacity building training is a collaboration between the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Department of Media, Creative Industries and Intellectual Property.
[ad_2]
Source link
