With awards season around the corner, it’s time for countries to select the Best International Feature Film for the Oscars. Bhutan’s pick? Pawo Choyning Dorji‘s “The Monk And The Gun,” which had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival earlier this year. Haven’t heard of that, or don’t think it will make the cut in nominations? Not so fast. Dorji’s previous film, 2019’s “Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom” was nominated for the Oscar that year. Not bad for a feature debut.
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But “The Monk And The Gun” faces stiff competition for that award this year. But reviews out of Telluride and TIFF have critics ranking Dorji’s sophomore effort even higher than his first, so let’s see what happens. Set in 2006, as the Kingdom of Bhutan looks to become a democracy, an elderly Lama tells two of his monks to get weapons as the country changes. Meanwhile, an American antiques dealer touches down in Bhutan looking for a certain valuable rifle that falls into one of the monk’s hands.
Here’s an official synopsis for “The Monk And The Gun,” courtesy of Roadside Attractions:
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
“The Monk And The Gun” stars Tandin Wangchuk, Harry Einhorn, Choeying Jatsho, and Kelsang Choejey. Dorji writes his latest along with directing. He also co-produces the film with Stephanie Lai, Feng Hsu, and Jean-Christophe Simon.
Is Pawo Choyning Dorji someone to watch on the world cinema stage? If “The Monk And The Gun” nabs an Oscar this winter, he definitely will be. “The Monk And The Gun” hits theaters on February 2. Watch a trailer for the film below.
