Wangdue Phodrang will soon have its cinema hall, enhancing access to quality screenings for movie lovers. The cinema hall will be constructed with a Nu 65 M investment through the government’s Economic Stimulus Programme. The groundbreaking ceremony was held today, with the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment in attendance.
The cinema hall will be built on 21 decimals of land, granted by His Majesty The King. It will be located in Bajo town, above the present taxi parking.
Construction will begin this month and is expected to complete within 18 months. The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority, BICMA, is overseeing the project, with the Construction Development Corporation, CDCL, handling the construction.
The president of the Film Association of Bhutan said that this development will enhance screening opportunities and benefit the Bhutanese film industry.
“It is obvious that a standard cinema hall will attract more people. And as the number of viewers increases, movie owners will also see a rise in their income. Movies are screened in school halls by requesting permission from the school authorities. But we can’t show quality films due to the lack of a proper hall with sound systems and soundproofing. As a result, we can’t provide the movie experience that standard halls offer,” said Yeshey Tshering, President of Bhutan Film Association.
Currently, movies are screened in the multipurpose halls of Bajothang Higher Secondary School and Wangdue Primary School for a minimal fee.
However, the new cinema hall will offer a much better experience with improved quality seating for over 150 people.
“There is a seating problem for moviegoers. No chairs are available, and theater owners struggle to borrow them, making it difficult for both the owners and the audience,” said Kinley Dorji, Thromde Ngotshab, Bajo Throm, Wangdue Phodrang.
“Since there is no dedicated movie hall, people who arrive early get the best seats, and those who come later are left with seats at the back. The flat floor makes it hard to see the screen, as views are blocked by people sitting in the front. The school chairs are also uncomfortable,” said Rigzang Lhazhin, a resident of Bajo.
“Many people come to watch movies, but the halls have small screens. Movies are shown using projectors in schools, so it is hard to see the movie clearly with a large audience and a small screen. The multipurpose hall also struggles to accommodate everyone,” said Sonam Dema, another resident.
The cinema hall will also serve as a multipurpose hall for the community.
A similar cinema hall will also be built in Samdrup Jongkhar. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled next week.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
