Director: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Starring: Sherab Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lhendup, Pem Zam, Kelden Lhamo Gurung, and Tsheri Zom
Distributor: Rialto Distribution
Runtime: 109 mins. Reviewed in Jun 2022
Reviewer: Peter W Sheehan

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Rating notes: Occasional mild coarse language

This subtitled film from Bhutan tells the dramatic story of a disgruntled teacher assigned to a remote village. In bonding with his students, this teacher becomes a pupil himself.

This Bhutanese drama film is directed, written, and co-produced by Pawo Choyning Dorji. It is Choynjng’s directorial debut. The film was a nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 2022 Academy Awards and is Bhutan’s first Oscar nominated film.

A young teacher, Ugyen Dorji (Sherab Dorji), yearns to be a singer, and has one year to complete his training for the Government of Bhutan. He dreams of relocating to Australia, but is assigned to finish his training in a remote mountain village called Lunana, which has a population of just 56 persons. Ugyen contemplates quitting, but accepts his assignment to please his grandmother (Tsheri Zom). The morning after treking to the distant school village, he is beckoned by class captain, Pem Zam (Pem Zam), who tells him that the children are waiting for him outside their classroom. The classroom has no electricity or blackboards, is totally lacking in adequate infrastructure, but Ugyen is met by welcoming students, eager to learn.

Ugyen does all that he can, making use of what is available, to help the children in his class. They respond enthusiastically. Soon, Ugyen meets a young girl, Saldon (Kelden Lhamo Gurung), who sings traditional herd songs in the hills of the town. She gives Ugyen a Yak called Norbu, which, because of the cold, Ugyen decides to keep in the classroom. There, he teaches herd songs to his children and Norbu becomes part of the their lessons.

This is a delightful film about a restless young teacher, who finds contentment and solace among the poor people in an isolated Bhutanese village. Ugyen initially resents going to the middle of nowhere with no teaching supplies, where the weather is terrible. He succumbs to the charms of the children he teaches, and realises that the rituals and practices of the impoverished town, and the people in it, have set him free.

The film communicates happiness in many ways, and presents viewers with a life-affirming drama that is gentle, and heart-felt. The film is directed to charm, and succeeds in that intent. Compassion, happiness and respect unfold among natural surrounds which are exceptionally well photographed. This is a simple movie that conveys messages about the meaning and importance of education for those eager to take advantage of it. The story depicts a transformative journey for a young teacher, and viewers are asked to share the journey.

The Buddhist philosophy of happiness permeates the movie. Education, the film says, is a much-needed feature of the path to happiness and should be valued. The narrative communicates compassion, contentment, and inspiration. This is a beautiful production with unforgettable scenic and human moments.