The Bhutanese film industry is taking a bold step toward higher cinematic standards, with local makeup artists now equipped with advanced prosthetic and special effects skills. A 13-day intensive training on prosthetic and special effects makeup, led by award-winning Indian makeup artist Ramakrishna N.K, concluded yesterday in Thimphu.
Organised by the Film Association of Bhutan (FAB) with support from BICMA, the programme aimed to enhance realism and creativity in Bhutanese cinema — from subtle scars to complete character transformations.
Raising the Bar for Realism
Over the course of nearly two weeks, 18 Bhutanese makeup artists underwent hands-on sessions that focused entirely on practical learning. Participants experimented with techniques rarely applied in Bhutanese films, such as crafting prosthetic body parts, realistic wounds, and intricate hairstyling to match character roles.
Participant Kinley Zam described her experience with enthusiasm:
“My head looks bald in the picture, but it’s just makeup — and it looks real. I realised that experimenting on myself first helps me understand what I’m doing and how to make the process comfortable for others.”
Another artist, Tashi Pemo, reflected on the training’s transformative impact:
“We always had talented artists, but lacked quality materials and professional guidance. Now, we can create more believable looks that match the story and emotion of each scene.”
International Expertise, Local Passion
Trainer Ramakrishna N.K, who has worked on major Indian film productions, praised the dedication of Bhutanese artists.
“Their curiosity and eagerness to learn impressed me. They asked detailed questions and showed great initiative. With continued practice and exposure, Bhutanese artists can definitely take prosthetic makeup to new heights.”
The collaboration marks one of the first structured efforts in Bhutan to introduce advanced cinematic makeup, a field that plays a crucial role in storytelling worldwide.
A Step Toward Cinematic Excellence
For the Film Association of Bhutan, this initiative is part of a larger vision to elevate the country’s film industry to international standards.
Yeshey Tshering, FAB President, said:
“Our goal is to uplift the industry’s technical quality, particularly in makeup and prosthetics. Until now, we lacked specialisation. This training is a milestone toward more convincing storytelling and more professional production quality.”
Looking Ahead
The participants leave not only with new techniques but also a renewed sense of purpose — to bring authenticity, creativity, and depth to Bhutanese storytelling through makeup artistry.
As Bhutan’s filmmakers increasingly explore diverse genres and narratives, such professional development programmes promise to push the boundaries of what is visually possible on screen.
The Film Association of Bhutan plans to continue similar training initiatives, nurturing the country’s growing pool of talent and transforming the look and feel of Bhutanese cinema for audiences at home and abroad.
