With good number of films produced annually, it sure defines the growth of the Bhutanese film industry, which is still at a nascent stage. However, challenges such as small population and lack of movie theatres especially in dzongkhags are hindering the film market.
Recently in Damphu town, Tsirang, the film producers of Bhutanese feature film ‘The Gold Ring’ had to erect temporary tents at the common parking lot to screen their movie. However, much to their disappointment, not many movie buffs turned up. Due to low attendance, the film producers said, they incurred losses.
Residents in Damphu said, a proper movie hall is required as a recreational space for them. “Open threatre in winter is to endure coldness. Only few come to watch films. If we have a movie hall, more will come to watch movies,” said one of the residents, Karma Wangchuk.
Although, the dzongkhag administration has no plans to construct a well equipped movie hall in the near future, they are building an open-air entertainment centre with funds of Nu 3.3 M. This facility is expected to create a win-win situation for both the movie makers and viewers.
“The dzongkhag has allotted a plot to Bhutan Film Association to construct a cinema hall. Despite that, we are constructing an open-air entertainment centre. It can screen movies and organise LIVE entertainment programmes,” said Tshewang Tenzin, the Principal Engineer of Damphu Municipal.
The Executive Director of the Bhutan Film Association, Yeshi Dorji over a telephonic interview said, the association is working on the design of the movie theatre after which the ground works will commence.
