THIMPU, Bhutan, Dec 5, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the
last country to introduce television, made waves last year with a film
director who walked the red carpet of the Oscars.

Now, as his nation prepares for a general election next month -- only the
fourth ever in its history -- director Pawo Choyning Dorji has turned his
lens on democracy.

"The film delves into the advent of democracy in Bhutan, coinciding with the
onset of modernisation and the influence of television," Dorji said of his
movie "The Monk and the Gun".

"It explores the tension between maintaining cultural innocence and adapting
to modern expectations," the 40-year-old told AFP.

Bhutanese people voted for the first time in 2008 after political reforms
were instituted soon after the start of the reign of the present king.

He remains widely popular among the majority Buddhist nation's nearly 800,000
people.

Dorji's film, set during Bhutan's historic transition from an absolute
monarchy 15 years ago, discusses the complexities of embracing change while
grappling with fears of losing cultural identity.

It examines the "clash between Western influences and Bhutanese traditions",
the director said.

- 'Clash' -

The film tells the story of a Buddhist monk who, worried as the nation's
first elections approach, sets off to find a rifle.

Not all Bhutanese welcomed the end of the absolute monarchy, Dorji said,
explaining the political change had not been a "choice made willingly" by
all.

Today, Bhutan has nearly 500,000 registered voters -- and many say it is
their civic duty to take part in the polls.

Elections, which have always been peaceful and orderly, are slated for
January 9.

"The film is not a pro-democracy stance but a narrative exploration of the
events that transpired," said the self-taught filmmaker, who was born to a
diplomat and went on to study political science in the United States.

"It acknowledges that the success of democracy depends on one's cultural
context, and that it is too early to pass judgement on its effectiveness."

Landlocked Bhutan, similar in size to Switzerland, lies squeezed between
regional giants India and China.

The mountainous country is famed for its philosophy of "Gross National
Happiness", which sees the country benchmark itself on citizen well-being
instead of economic growth.

Despite its focus on happiness, Bhutan also has its share of problems,
including corruption and rural poverty.

The youth unemployment rate stands at 29 percent, according to 2022 World
Bank figures.

- 'Scribe of our traditions' -

Dorji's drama, "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom", was the first Bhutanese film
ever nominated for an Academy Award, one of five movies named in the 2022
Oscars Best International Feature Film category.

"The Monk and the Gun", which premiered in September and has been submitted
by Bhutan to the 96th Academy Awards, has already picked up festival prizes
in Vancouver and Rome.

Dorji said that making a film in Bhutan, where there is no formal film
industry and the few cinemas are basic theatre halls, was just as hard the
second time.

On one hand, the country's actors provided "raw and authentic performances",
he said. On the other, there were logistical headaches and other challenges.

"Creating a film in Bhutan meant overcoming not only the lack of
infrastructure and professional equipment, but also the scepticism of those
who failed to see the purpose of making films," Dorji said.

The director believes his storytelling has value beyond entertainment alone,
by helping remind people of "their roots" and the country's history.

"As a filmmaker, I believe in two crucial responsibilities," he added.

"Sharing culture, tradition and spirituality, and serving as the scribe of
our traditions to preserve our culture for future generations."