The Monk and the Gun
In Competition
11/9 & 11/11 - Followed by Q&A w/ director Pawo Choyning Dorji
Synopsis:
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. An elderly lama (Kelsang Choejey), recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right." The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.
Schedule
Location: The Culver Theater
9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City
First Screening
November 9th @ 3:30 PM
Second Screening
November 11th @ 6:30 PM
Director
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Pawo Choyning Dorji (Director & Writer) started his film making career under the guidance of film Director and renowned Buddhist Lama, Khyentse Norbu. Pawo worked as Norbu’s assistant for Norbu’s films Vara: A Blessing (2013) and Hema Hema: Sing me a Song While I Wait (2016). Pawo made his directorial debut in 2019 with Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. The film went on to become a festival favorite, winning numerous awards, before making history by becoming the first ever Bhutanese film to secure an Oscar nomination when it was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The Monk and the Gun is Pawo’s second feature film as Writer, Director, and Producer.
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Country: Bhutan
Duration: 107 min
Language: Dzongkha
Subtitles: English
Cast & Crew
Director:
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Cast:
Tandin Wangchuk
Deki Lhamo
Pema Zangmo Sherpa
Tandin Sonam
Executive Producer:
Choi Byung-hwan
William Horberg
Lisa Henson
Chayamporn Taeratanachai
Kris Eiamsakulrat
Janee Pennington
Producer:
Jean-Christophe Simon
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Hsu Feng
Cinematography:
Stephanie Lai
Jigme Tenzing
Editing:
Hsiao-Yun Ku
Screenwriters:
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Sound:
Tu Duu-Chih
Chiang Yi-Chen