In this enchanting Oscar-nominated drama, a daydreaming but discontented young teacher is posted to Lunana, a remote village high in the Himalayan mountains. There, he is disheartened to find a simple yak herding community lacking basic amenities such as electricity or even a blackboard in its school classroom. But the enthusiasm of his young students and the unassuming warmth of the village folk buoy his spirits and he must decide whether to return to the city before the gruelling winter sets in or remain in this strange and captivating land.

Beautifully photographed in extraordinary Bhutanese mountain locations, Pawo Choyning Dorji’s acclaimed debut feature gives a fascinating insight into a region rarely seen on screen. Balancing gentle humour with life-affirming drama, and performed with easy appeal by largely first-time actors, it’s an entertaining, irresistibly uplifting tale about the power of a new environment to effect personal transformation.

Dzongkha & English with English Subtitles

Oscars Nominee- Best International Feature Film 2021

'A breath of fresh air' - Ang Lee

Director’s Statement:

'One of the things I wanted to do was bring back appreciation of the traditional folk songs of Bhutan. These songs in the film really tell the story of our country and they are at the heart and soul of Bhutanese culture, but as we are modernising, they are being forgotten. I wanted to showcase these songs in the movie partly to show Bhutan to the outside world but also to remind Bhutanese about this amazing music we have’

Screening in partnership with the Chinese Cinema Project.