Lack of theatre across the country is one of the major reasons why Bhutan, even after decades still lag when it comes to film making. This was said by participants during the online capacity building training for Bhutan film Industry conducted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
“It is of utmost importance to have movie theatres in our country. For now, we only have theatres in Thimphu, Phuentshogling and Paro. In other places, we have to send our people, book a house and we don’t get much profit out of it. So no matter how much effort we put into films, if we do not get proper returns, the quality of the film goes down,” said Tobgay Wang, an actor.
Although the country has come a long way when it comes to film making, there is still room for improvements. National Film Commission in its country report mentioned lack of formal education in screenwriting, films adapted from foreign film or simply copied from Bollywood, and most people who are self-taught to be some weaknesses in Bhutanese film.
“Most people in the film fraternity have become what they are because of experience. It is important to some extent but film education is also important and training such as this,” said Ugyen Phuntsho Rabgay, a director.
The training this time focused on screenplay, direction and story.
“I visited the film studio that is recently being built. They have a building and all they need is technical support like sound-making, recording and creative writings. And also government plans to have an overall plan like creative art or film industry and IT in general because Korea is very advanced in the field,” said Eunkyoung Koh, the Programme Coordinator for KOICA Bhutan World Friends Program Office.
Korea International Cooperation Agency has conducted such training since 2013.
Samten Dolkar
