Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (PG)
Director: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Starring: Sherab Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lheenduji, Kelden Lhamo Gurung
Family Drama Bhutan 2019
1 hr 50 mins Subtitles

An aspiring singer living with his grandmother in the capital of Bhutan dreams of getting a visa to move to Australia.

Unfortunately for Ugyen and his dreams he is assigned to a far-flung village where he’s been consigned to teach the local children, who desperately want to be educated.

“Lunana” emerged as a surprise contender for Best International Feature Film which is itself an astounding underdog story that shines a welcome spotlight on both Bhutan and its philosophy of “gross national happiness”, an idea which informs the film’s narrative.

Surrounded by the grandeur and glory of the Himalayas this sweet story conjures a true sense of serenity as Ugyen adapts to the pace of the village and comes to understand the notion of happiness.

Purbeck Film Festival 2023 at Bridport | Fri 20 Oct-Sat 4 Nov