Saturday, November 28, 2009

Kezang Tobgden

From Bhutan Observer

An actor, a producer and an aspiring director

28 November 2009

He has acted in nine movies, produced a movie and is presently working on his next movie.
Popular for his role in the Korean remake The Rose, Kezang Tobgden made his debut in 2005 in Muensel, where he played the role of a blind student who goes on to become a doctor.
While studying in Kolkata, Kezang Tobgden met movie director Karma Tshering who promised him a role in a movie. Right after his graduation in 2005, he met Karma Tshering who offered him the lead role in Muensel.
A fter Muensel, Kezang started getting offers from producers and has since been in the film industry. After acting for some time, he decided to start a production company and embarked on producing his own films. Kuzoo, his first production, he said was well received by the audience.
Talking to Observer, Kezang Tobgden said he had a dream of appearing on the wide screen one day, and is happy that he got the opportunity to live his dream after graduation.
His passion for movies and acting developed early. As a kid, Kezang said he would participate in skits and dramas in school. But he could never be a good dancer, he added with a smile.
D uring his college days in Kolkata, he said he would bunk classes to go and watch films being shot in a local film city.
He always found local Bhutanese actors fascinating. “I had an uncle who worked in the Bhutanese film industry, and loved hanging out with him because I got to meet our local actors and singers,” he said. His favorite local actor is Kinzang Dorji of Rangdol and Yangdon fame.
Kezang said acting was all about the right attitude. The 29-year-old actor said his role in the movie The Rose was the most challenging of all the roles in his movies so far.
Most of his fans are high school children, and he recollects an incident where some high school children came to him with a pen and a book asking for his autograph. “We are not used to such things, but that shows that they love us,” he said.
Kezang said he would also like to try his hands on editing and directing in future.
A s a producer, he said it was easy and fun producing a film, but when it came to screening it was a big problem because of shortage of movie halls in the country. He, however, said that the future of film industry was bright.
From Mongar, Kezang is a happy father of a son.


He has acted in nine movies, produced a movie and is presently working on his next movie.

Popular for his role in the Korean remake The Rose, Kezang Tobgden made his debut in 2005 in Muensel, where he played the role of a blind student who goes on to become a doctor.

While studying in Kolkata, Kezang Tobgden met movie director Karma Tshering who promised him a role in a movie. Right after his graduation in 2005, he met Karma Tshering who offered him the lead role in Muensel.

A fter Muensel, Kezang started getting offers from producers and has since been in the film industry. After acting for some time, he decided to start a production company and embarked on producing his own films. Kuzoo, his first production, he said was well received by the audience.

Talking to Observer, Kezang Tobgden said he had a dream of appearing on the wide screen one day, and is happy that he got the opportunity to live his dream after graduation.

His passion for movies and acting developed early. As a kid, Kezang said he would participate in skits and dramas in school. But he could never be a good dancer, he added with a smile.

D uring his college days in Kolkata, he said he would bunk classes to go and watch films being shot in a local film city.

He always found local Bhutanese actors fascinating. “I had an uncle who worked in the Bhutanese film industry, and loved hanging out with him because I got to meet our local actors and singers,” he said. His favorite local actor is Kinzang Dorji of Rangdol and Yangdon fame.

Kezang said acting was all about the right attitude. The 29-year-old actor said his role in the movie The Rose was the most challenging of all the roles in his movies so far.

Most of his fans are high school children, and he recollects an incident where some high school children came to him with a pen and a book asking for his autograph. “We are not used to such things, but that shows that they love us,” he said.

Kezang said he would also like to try his hands on editing and directing in future.

A s a producer, he said it was easy and fun producing a film, but when it came to screening it was a big problem because of shortage of movie halls in the country. He, however, said that the future of film industry was bright.

From Mongar, Kezang is a happy father of a son.

By Tandin Pem

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Bhutanese cinema

Source: Asiafan.org
AsiaFan's interview with Norbu, moderator/owner ofkuzu weblog(2008/03/10)

asiafan: - Imdb lists 10 movies from Bhutan, are there more?

There are lots more movies than 10. The number should be close to 100 or even more.

- Are people interested in local movies? Are they released on DVD?

Local movies are very popular now with their qualities improving. People know about every local movie shown through advertisement and word-of-mouth. Most of the movies produced have DVD releases.

- How many movie theaters do you have?

There are 3 formal cinemas. One in the capital city, Thimphu – it is called Lugar Theatre. Two are in the southern city, Phuentsholing, called Norgay Cinema Hall and Mig Hall respectively. In other parts of the country, movies are shown in rented halls e.g. auditorium.

- Are people more interested in hollywood movies?

Generally or majority of the people prefer local movies with good qualities. However, more educated people still prefer Hollywood movies over local productions.

- Does the country have any kind of principle in choosing what to show on screen?

There is no principle like it. There is only a censorship board.

- Can you tell me some recent movie hits in the country?

Kushi Thara, Sangwai Chharo, Zhepchu-Zhegu (49 days), Sergyel, Tshering Meto, Baak Chha, Laywang Hingi Meto, are some of the recent hit movies.

- Are movies dubbed in local language?

All local movies are in local language. Few movies which are shown outside carry subtitles.

- Do new things like television, movies and internet have an impact on life in Bhutan?

The impact of tv, movies and Internet have been tremendous. While they have been good in terms of learning about the outside world, Bhutan is loosing our closed-knit social and community life. People are more glued to themselves now than with society and community. So, the impacts of these on our tradition and culture are kind of negative.

- What kind of popular music do people listen to? Are there any rock bands?

People listen to pop music. It is very hard to tell whether local, English or Indian music is the most popular in Bhutan.

Monday, November 23, 2009

LIFE OF A TAXI DRIVER

By BhutanYouthMedia

We chose this topic to help the taxi drivers who are working hard for their living. They suffer for a living since they are not educated. We chose this topic because we knew our film will be on the internet. We hope the people and especially the government will watch our films and help the taxi drivers by trying to understand them and give them business.

Lungten Dorji, Khenrab S. Tharchyin, and Tandin Wagchuk

This film was made in the summer 2009 media club program sponsored by the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (http://www.bhutancmd.org.bt/).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Bhutanese film in Pan-Asia film festival

Source: Bhutan Observer


Bhutanese film in Pan-Asia film festival

19 November 2009

Milarepa, a Bhutanese film directed by Neten Chokling, will be shown alongside international films at the 2nd Pan-Asia Film Festival at the Apollo Cinema, Piccadilly Circus in the UK from November 27 to December 11.

Milarepa is a feature film, which follows the life of the legendary 11th century Tibetan Buddhist mystic and saint, Jetsun Milarepa.
A selection of the best new cinema from across Asia will be screened at the festival. The festival will showcase the latest work by Oscar-nominated director of House of the Flying Daggers, Zhang Yimou, and other films by award-winning film-makers and emerging talents from China, Japan, Iran, Taiwan, Bhutan and the Philippines.
The Asia House Pan-Asia Film Festival 2009 provides a unique snapshot of current film-making across Asia. The festival films, presented this year at the Apollo Cinema reveal film-making talent in unexpected places like Bhutan and the Philippines, and confirm the influence and depth of cinema from countries with established film industries including China, Japan and Iran.
This year’s selection of films also offers unique insights into the lives, both fictional and real, of people from a variety of Asian countries, small and large.Milarepa, a Bhutanese film directed by Neten Chokling, will be shown alongside international films at the 2nd Pan-Asia Film Festival at the Apollo Cinema, Piccadilly Circus in the UK from November 27 to December 11.Milarepa is a feature film, which follows the life of the legendary 11th century Tibetan Buddhist mystic and saint, Jetsun Milarepa.

A selection of the best new cinema from across Asia will be screened at the festival. The festival will showcase the latest work by Oscar-nominated director of House of the Flying Daggers, Zhang Yimou, and other films by award-winning film-makers and emerging talents from China, Japan, Iran, Taiwan, Bhutan and the Philippines.

The Asia House Pan-Asia Film Festival 2009 provides a unique snapshot of current film-making across Asia. The festival films, presented this year at the Apollo Cinema reveal film-making talent in unexpected places like Bhutan and the Philippines, and confirm the influence and depth of cinema from countries with established film industries including China, Japan and Iran.

This year’s selection of films also offers unique insights into the lives, both fictional and real, of people from a variety of Asian countries, small and large.

By Tandin Pem


Buddhist-Billboard,Roadside,Bhutan


Buddhist-Billboard,Roadside,Bhutan
Originally uploaded by photosadhu

This rock painting in Bhutan was created in conjunction with the making of the film “Travelers and Magicians” Bhutan’s first full length feature film. While it is a prayer it reads like a poem and perfectly illustrates the Buddhist concept of “The Middle Way”.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Destination Bhutan: The Bhutan Yeti

Josh returns to Himalayas, this time to the Kingdom of Bhutan on another hunt for the Yeti.
Source: Youtube
Uploaded by AusAries


Part 1/5


Part 2/5


Part 3/5


Part 4/5

Part 5/5

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Bhutan's First Entertainment Magazine



Druk Trowa: first film and entertainment magazine

6 November, 2009 - You have seen them cry, laugh or fight for their beloved on the celluloid for long enough in different roles and characters. But Bhutan’s first film and entertainment magazine, Druk Trowa, will bring the people in the entertainment industry closer to you by sharing their stories.

Scheduled to launch on Monday, November 9, Druk Trowa’s first issue introduces those in the glamour industry through comprehensive one-to-one interviews and profiles. A galore of colourful pictures of singers, actors and actresses, Druk Trowa in glossy papers also offers cut out pictures of some of the popular actors apart from a 17-page picture essay on the 8th national film awards. It also has a section on movies in the making.

The magazine’s editor, Yagchen Dukpa, calls the magazine a “dictionary for the industry”. It is an addition to compliment the growing film and entertainment industry, says Yangchen. “By bringing the industry in print, we want to promote the industry and create a stronger interaction between the production set and the viewers.”

Chief executive officer of Wisdom Pictures and publisher, Yeshey Tshering says the magazine also aims to promote the Bhutanese culture. Druk Trowa is a biannual magazine with an aim to go once in four months from next year. With a seven-member team including the CEO, producing the first issue was challenging and interesting, says the editor. “We all did everything from reporting to editing to designing and taking photographs,” said Yangchen.

Meanwhile, you can wait for some gossips about our local celebrities with the magazine planning to get intimate with the celebrities in its future editions. “We need to have some spice to make it interesting, but we will strictly follow the media ethics,” says the editor.

The magazine which cost Nu 100 is printed in India.

By Ugyen Penjore

Friday, November 6, 2009

Bhutan Adventure

Source: Serac Adventure Film School

Bhutan

LIVE IT, FILM IT. In Bhutan!


Join Serac Adventure Films at the 2010 Bhutan Film School and learn to make your own adventure film.

Why Bhutan?

Bhutan is one of the most mystical and alluring travel destinations on earth. The tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked amongst the hulking Himalayas offers hushed temples, virgin forests and remote villages waiting to be explored. It’s there, in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, that students will capture the beauty of a forgotten region and create their own adventure film.

What will you film?

Everything from in-depth cultural stories and stunning landscape sequences to behind-the-scenes shots—you decide!

Past student films have covered topics ranging from mountaineering expeditions and extreme sports, to cultural explorations, all while exploring the most exotic edges of the globe. Our students have trekked to Peru’s magical Machu Picchu and to the roof of Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro, filming all the while.

Bhutan Teva Mountain Games

What will you learn?

From the beginning of the adventure film experiences, film school students are immersed in the adventure filmmaking process. Our expert instructors will let you in on the tricks of the trade while you develop your film from pre-production (when you’ll learn how to create a compelling story while planning for your expedition), to production (when you film your thrilling adventure), to post-production (when you edit your film and screen before a live audience).

After this experience you will have the skills and confidence to make more films, enter them to festivals, post them to the Internet or even start a career in film. Some of our student films have won awards and have appeared on national television. Many students have started successful careers in the industry.

Why go with Serac?

The Serac Adventure Film School has built a reputation for innovative instruction and successful, exciting expeditions.

You will make your adventure film with Michael Brown as your mentor. Michael's films have garnered more than 50 film festival awards and three national Emmy Awards, and he has been a member of expeditions on all seven continents including four times to the summit of Mount Everest.

Our Adventure Film School gives you unparalleled access to the best instructors in the industry, who specialize in extreme adventure filmmaking and have taken cameras into the world's most intense environments. They’re at your disposal to teach you the true art of adventure filmmaking first-hand and to guide you through the stages of successful filmmaking.

Bhutan Teva Mountain Games

For more information, visit Serac Adventure Film School

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Story of Dorji Wangmo

Source: Bhutan Observer

Actor and mother, at once good

26 August 2009


To say that Dorji Wangmo is a woman who wears many hats is an understatement. This creative actor, director, producer and scriptwriter has devoted her life to the young Bhutanese film industry besides her children. How does this busy mother of five do it all?

D orji Wangmo has worked successfully with many of the industry’s top directors. Considering that she has no formal training in any of the fields in which she has done well, she is talented and versatile.

“I work closely with directors and actors. What I am today is because of them.

I believe that one needs determination and hard work and not a degree in acting,” she said.

Born in 1976 in Trashiyangtse, Dorji Wangmo has lived all her youthful life aspiring to be an actor.

“I think I was not even in my teens when I got excited about movies and actors. I always participated in dramas and shows in schools,” she recalls. She initially thought that she would take up acting as a part-time job, her choice of profession being teaching.

S ince her acting debut in 1994, she has acted in more than a dozen feature films including Rang Gi Sem , Druk Gi Goem and Yue gi Bum.

D orji Wangmo is today one of the most recognizable faces on the big screen. Born to a family of four, she is the eldest. Life wasn’t easy for her.

Her father passed away when she was young and her unschooled mother looked after her and her siblings. “Despite what happened, courage and determination kept me going,” she recollects.

Today, Dorji is a hard working artist and a doting mother. “I can’t believe when I look back. I was busy working when I was pregnant with my first child. And for another four years, I did the same. Five kids in five movies,” she laughs.

S he exudes an air of exuberance, optimism, humour and spirituality. “I just wish I was filthy rich. I would help every poor person on the street. But I need to think of my children and their education,” she sighs.

D orji Wangmo is 33 but has the vigour of a 15-year-old. Her children are her biggest fans. Three of her elder children have acted in a few films. “I am very proud of them. Acting runs in the family,” she says. S he made her directorial debut in 1998 with Jigdrel. “I wasn’t scared. I felt like I was born to act. I was born to be part of the film industry,” she said.

S he has plans to direct a movie in mid September and is already working on the story. “This movie will be different, something unique. Bhutanese films lack uniqueness.

I might fail to do it but I will try my best,” she says, bubbling with enthusiasm.

S he bagged the best actress award in 2003 and best makeup artist in 2006. S he says, “Emotions should come from your heart and not your head. I get into the character.

If I am playing the role of a village girl, I am not Dorji Wangmo anymore; I am the village girl.” D espite being a workaholic, she finds time to play with her kids, chat with friends and meditate, which is also her diversion.

“I love being a mother. I can’t imagine not being involved in parenting. Of all things I have done or ever expect to do, parenting is by far the most rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she says.

S he loves watching Hindi movies and gets motivated by her favourite Bollywood actors like Sharukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Aishwariya Rai.

A sked about her love life, Dorji Wangmo seems a little tongue-tied but then says flippantly, “I am a single mother. I believe that a woman needs a partner to share her sorrows and happiness with. But after all that I went through, I have a hard time trusting anyone to be my partner.” D orji Wangmo plans to work till she is 50.

“Then, if I can fulfill all my children’s dreams, I want to meditate for the rest of my life. Luxury is impermanent,” she says. “The only ultimate thing is god.”

By Kinzang Choden