With eight out of 21 categories won, the film “I, the Song” swept the 24th Bhutan National Film Award yesterday. The movie was also nominated in 11 categories. At the event, the government also announced plans to support the Bhutanese film industry.
The movie “I, the Song” won in seven categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor Male and Female, Best Visual Editor, Best Production Designer, and Best Original Score.
The movie’s lead male actor Jimmy Wangyal Tshering won the Best Actor Male award while Tandin Bidha who played the lead female role bagged the Best Actor Female award.
Directed by Dechen Roder, the movie follows a woman who searches for her lookalike to prove her innocence in a viral video scandal. Her journey from Thimphu to Gelephu leads her to uncover deeper truths about herself and the reality surrounding the events in the movie.
The movie, a drama, is about exploitation, music, identity, love, and culture balanced precariously on the threshold of a reckless digital age.
“We are very happy and excited tonight with the recognition the film “I, the Song” has received, and I think it is just a big boost of encouragement for us to keep making more films, keep striving to make the best films, and continue trying to find authentic stories that will shine through. So, we are very grateful for this recognition,” said Dechen Roder, Director of I, the Song.
“I think the most important thing for us as producers is to support more independent cinema in Bhutan, and part of what we do at Samuh is just that. We realise that many filmmakers in Bhutan do not get the right kind of support to make independent cinema. At Samuh, every year, we have been trying to support filmmakers, especially independent filmmakers, to make their films, and “I, The Song” is one of them,” said Nyema Zam, Co-Producer, I, the Song.
From 17 movies made last year, nine movies submitted for the Bhutan National Film Awards consideration. The event is fully supported by the government, through the Economic Stimulus Programme.
“For the Best Film, there is a cash prize of Nu 350,000, and Nu 100,000 for the Best Director, as well as Best Actor in both male and female categories. Similarly, other categories also have cash prizes, which, in a way, motivate performers to do their best,” said Yeshey Tshering, President of the Film Association of Bhutan.
“JazaLhamo- The Cursed Valley” won the Best Film Promoting Culture and Language. It also won three other categories. Horror comedy “Sheindrey” bagged three awards and the family musical drama “Aum Penjor” won two categories including the Best Actor Male by Tshering Dorji. This is the first time that two actors have won the Best Actor Male award in Bhutan.
Industry, Commerce, and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji who was the chief guest at the event announced that the government would provide funding support to filmmakers during the pre-production phase, based on the quality of their proposals.
This initiative, according to the minister aims to enhance Bhutanese film production, enabling the industry to compete internationally while showcasing Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions.
Additionally, the minister said the government will soon unveil more plans to further strengthen the Bhutanese film industry.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
