Screening times:
Friday, March 8, 6:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Friday, March 8, 8:50 PM - Half-capacity screening
Saturday, March 9, 6:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 10, 6:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Pawo Choyning Dorji | Bhutan, France, USA, Taiwan | 2023 | 107m | Dzongkha with English subtitles
with Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Tandin Sonam, Harry Einhorn, Choeying Jatsho, Tandin Phubz, Yuphel Lhendup Selden, Kelsang Choejay
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption of a transitional moment in the history of Bhutan. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was in 2006 the last nation to connect to the internet and television. With the modern world at the doorstep, the King announced 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. Tashi's quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.
The Monk And The Gun is written and directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the director who brought us Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
"With both films," says the filmmaker, "I have tried to touch upon the value and uniqueness of the Bhutanese culture and traditions. Bhutan, as with any other country, is on a relentless quest to become modern, educated and western. Many times, in this quest, we shed away our own culture and traditions which make us so very unique."
"With The Monk and the Gun, the audience will see that many of the rural characters in the story, who are driven and motivated by innocence, something that is highlighted even more when we contrast the story between the rural and urban."
"Who’ll get the gun? The rest of the plot is best left unspoiled, but you can be sure Dorj finds a way to tie his threads together in a way both comic and biting, both entertaining and provocative." -Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press
"Genius - a compelling, exciting story, the opportunity to experience life in a far distant country with a vastly different culture than our own, and the mischief fate concocts, and its keen sense of wonder and humour." -Anne Brodie, What She Said
"In a place whose greatest aim is its population’s happiness, Dorji’s 'The Monk and the Gun' contemplates whether complete modernization of his country is worth the price of this very happiness." -Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com
Special Jury Award - Best Film - Rome Film Fest
Audience Award - Vancouver International Film Festival
Norwegian Peace Film Award - Tromsø International Film Festival
Audience Choice Award - Mumbai Film Festival
Tickets $8.75 ($8 cash at the door if available).
