Beskop Tshechu, the first documentary and short film festival in Bhutan, begins today at the Royal Thai Pavilion in Thimphu at 6:00 pm.
The film festival will screen short films and documentaries made by Bhutanese as well as some foreign films.
According to the organizing committee, the festival is aimed at promoting and encouraging creative filmmaking in the country. To commemorate the historic royal wedding, the films will be screened free.
There are seven entries in the short film category while five documentary are by high school students.
The three-day film festival will also have non-competitive screenings from around the world to share a range of artistic films with Bhutanese viewers.
There will also be a “Bhutan Special” category, out of competition, which will highlight films made in the past by Bhutanese, including the international award-winning Yonten Gi Kawa by Ugyen Wangdi.
Films in competition will be viewed by a jury panel, which comprise both local and foreign members, and the event will conclude with an award ceremony at the clock tower, where winning filmmakers will recieve cash awards.
There will also be several other filmmaking or arts-related programme like master classes by foreign professionals, and music and drama activities.
Dechen Roder, one of the organizers, said that since this is the first time, the organisers are both excited and anxious. “We really hope this event to contribute something great to our film industry,” she said, adding that the festival is also in honour and homage to His Majesty the King for his committed support and interest in the films and art.
Beskop Tshechu 2011 is financed by Department of Information and Media under Ministry of Information and Communications.
Source: Bhutan Observer
