Bhutan’s acclaimed film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom has found a new audience far above the Himalayas, with Thai Airways International now featuring the movie as part of its in-flight entertainment catalogue.
The move is being celebrated as more than just a cinematic milestone. Officials and cultural observers say the screening represents a growing cultural connection between Bhutan and Thailand, allowing international travellers to experience Bhutanese storytelling while journeying across the skies.
Directed by acclaimed Bhutanese filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji, the Oscar-nominated film has drawn praise worldwide for its heartfelt portrayal of life in one of the world’s most remote mountain communities. Through the story of a young teacher assigned to the isolated village of Lunana, the film introduces audiences to Bhutan’s traditions, rural lifestyle, and enduring values.
Passengers aboard Thai Airways flights are now able to experience those themes firsthand, gaining insight into Bhutanese culture and the country’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness — an idea that places collective well-being and harmony above material growth.
The initiative has also been described as a form of “bridge in the sky,” strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations while expanding Bhutan’s cultural reach to a global audience.
The Royal Bhutanese Embassy expressed gratitude to the Government of Thailand, Thai Airways International, and filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji for helping bring the project to international travellers.
Cultural advocates say the partnership demonstrates how cinema can transcend borders, fostering understanding and curiosity through storytelling. For many passengers unfamiliar with Bhutan, the film may serve as an introduction to the kingdom’s unique identity, scenic landscapes, and deeply rooted traditions.
Originally released to international acclaim, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom became the first Bhutanese film to earn an Academy Award nomination, marking a historic achievement for the country’s film industry. Its inclusion on Thai Airways is now being seen as another significant step in sharing Bhutan’s voice with the world.
