For many students, films are still seen mainly as an entertainment. But a pilot programme wants that to change. They want young students to look at films as stories, tools for learning, and even a possible career path. Launched in Thimphu, the six-month long film literacy and awareness programme will introduce students to filmmaking, storytelling, copyright, and ethical content creation.
For these students, watching film may no longer be just about following a story on screen. It could also mean learning how stories are told, how images influence people, and how films can reflect society.
The pilot programme will work with students from classes eight to 12 in seven government and private schools in Thimphu and Paro.
The Bhutan Film Institute, with support from the Australian Government’s Direct Aid programme, is leading the initiative with Samuh as the implementing partner.
Ambassador of Australia to Bhutan Philip Victor Green OAM said, “We think it’s a great thing because it would give young people a new skill and a sense of purpose, and create skills which might be relevant for their future lives. And the fact that it is in relation to film is very important. In my country, Australia, film has played a big role in our understanding of our history, the present challenges and where we should be going in the future.”
“If we involve students in this project, then right from the school, they’ll be able to understand the role of films not just as a means of entertainment, but also how films can create social change and also look at different kinds of genres of film and understand films more critically,” said Nyema Zam, the founder and CEO of Samuh.
“Whether for the nation, as a training ground, or in terms of interest, everything is already present in schools. The aim is to nurture the youth. Schools, teachers, and students have also shown strong interest in this programme,” said Tandin Tshering, the marketing and PR officer of Samuh.
Through film screenings and discussions, students will be introduced to both Bhutanese and international films.
The participants will also receive hands-on training in filmmaking during their vacation. Workshops will cover storytelling, camera work, and basic editing skills.
The initiative also aims to educate students on copyright, intellectual property rights, and ethical content creation – issues that are becoming more important as young people increasingly create and share content online.
“It’s going to benefit us a lot because we are going to learn how to behave better and present ourselves beautifully to others. Overall, it would build confidence in us, the students, while in front of the camera and filming,” said Yeshey Nangsa, a student of Taktsang Academy, Paro.
“Through this programme, we will understand the dos and don’ts. Moreover, it can help develop our skills to produce and present films at the national level,” said Garab Karma Tharchen, a student of Yangchenphug HSS, Thimphu.
Officials say the pilot phase will help assess whether such learning can be taken beyond a few schools.
Nyema Zam said, “From a pilot project, we want it to become a national-level project with the Ministry of Education, BICMA, and MoICE on board, and then make it part of the school curriculum.”
“If the results are positive, with support from schools, I see the potential for the programme to be integrated into the school curriculum. For now, however, even the Education Ministry cannot make a decision, as we do not yet have sufficient results,” added Tandin Tshering.
The programme will conclude in November with a school film festival, where students will showcase their short films. Awards will be presented to recognise creativity and storytelling.
If all goes as planned, the initiative will not only contribute to youth development, but also strengthen Bhutan’s growing creative industry.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
