A story that crosses borders, a production that brings together two film industries, and a technical sophistication that sets it apart. Tunnel 26: The Curse Beneath the Mountain has brought together filmmakers and actors from Bhutan and Nepal for a project that goes beyond entertainment. With its simultaneous premiere in both countries this week, many see the film as a possible starting point for more collaborations between the two countries’ creative industries.
For Bhutan, the project marks a step up in ambition and offers a fresh take on Bhutanese cinema.
As per the producers, from cinematography and production design to visual effects and post-production, the film has leaned on technology to create scenes and environments that would be difficult to achieve through conventional filming alone.
The movie follows workers, engineers, a teacher, and students trapped underground after a tunnel collapses. But soon, they discover that they have awakened an ancient supernatural force and must stop it from escaping.
“Most of the time, producers have that sceptical feeling of not getting the return on investment. So, with this movie, I feel they will understand the capacity and capability of Bhutanese filmmakers, Bhutanese directors, Bhutanese cast, actors and the crew,” said Sangay Tsheltrim, cast and producer of the movie.
The movie features three Nepali actors. One of them is Anna Sharma.
She said, “The physical setting, the environment, was different, but other than that, I think everyone had something in common, and that was making the film. And even though there was a little bit of a language barrier, I think we all spoke one language on set, which was the film. So, I’m just very happy that Nepal and Bhutan have come together to create something this big.”
For the Bhutanese cast, working alongside a Nepali production team also meant stepping into a different filmmaking environment.
Phuntsho Kinrab Dema said, “The movies I worked on before were not as challenging. It was a different experience. We were shooting in a real tunnel, and I had the opportunity to work alongside international actors as well as some senior Bhutanese actors. The experience was enriching, and I learned a lot throughout its filming.”
Jigme Carlos said, “Looking at the international actors and even our senior actors here in Bhutan, I got to learn a lot of things about expression, also how to deal with certain fear, different challenges and all that.”
Yangzeen Sangay Tshomo also said, “Since this is a horror movie, we had blood thrown all over us, and we had to scream, cry, run and panic. So, these were basically the challenges I faced.”
The technical work involved professionals from different backgrounds, making the production a collaboration not only between actors and filmmakers, but also between technical teams from Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
The Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property, DoMCIIP, provided five million ngultrum to the project as part of its Economic Stimulus Plan co-production support. The grant was provided through an open pitching process.
In a written response, the department said that such projects contribute to the growth of Bhutan’s creative industry by creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional development, and greater exposure beyond the domestic market. It also shows that Bhutanese filmmakers can take part in productions made with a regional audience in mind from the start.
Movie Producer Dorji Wangchuk said, “I think it will totally depend on the success of Tunnel 26, whether people might consider it as a model in the future. But having said that, I feel like it’s just the beginning. We have to keep trying. If it hits the market well and good, if not, then we might have to enter from another dimension and make it successful at some point in time.”
According to the movie’s director, DD Kinley, he hopes the audiences see that Bhutanese filmmakers can experiment, take risks, and create stories that can reach beyond Bhutan.
Tunnel 26: The Curse Beneath the Mountain will premiere in Bhutan and Nepal on Friday.
For the movie, the premiere may mark the completion of one production. But for the two film industries, it could mark the beginning of something bigger, a future where stories, talent and technology move across borders more often.
Sherub Dadron Palzom
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
