Behind every successful film lies a story worth telling. In Bhutan, a growing initiative is ensuring that the country’s next generation of storytellers has the support, mentorship, and resources needed to bring those stories to life.
The National Script Development Grant (NSDG), now in its third year, is steadily emerging as one of Bhutan’s most significant platforms for nurturing screenwriters and creative talent. Designed to support aspiring filmmakers at the earliest stage of the filmmaking process, the programme focuses on transforming ideas into compelling scripts capable of reaching both local and international audiences.
Jointly organised by Golan Pictures and the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA), with support from the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the initiative forms part of the broader Art for People Programme. While many film-development efforts concentrate on production, NSDG places its emphasis on storytelling—the foundation upon which every film is built.
Participants undergo an intensive training process that combines creative exploration with technical instruction. Over several months, they learn how to develop concepts, craft narratives, and refine their scripts under the guidance of experienced mentors. The programme concludes with a producing bootcamp, exposing writers to the practical realities of taking a story from page to screen.
What sets NSDG apart is its commitment to long-term creative development. Rather than simply rewarding completed projects, the programme invests in the growth of emerging storytellers, helping them build skills that can open doors to international grants, festivals, and collaborative opportunities.
The impact is already becoming visible. Since its launch, NSDG has trained 15 writers from diverse backgrounds, creating a small but growing community of storytellers equipped to contribute to Bhutan’s evolving film industry. Some projects developed through earlier editions have already progressed into production and further development, demonstrating the programme’s ability to generate tangible outcomes.
This year’s top grant was awarded to Thinley Wangchuk for The Last Blue Moon, while special jury recognition went to Dawa Norbu Sherpa for Seven Months and Phurpa Tshering for Daughters of the Sky. Their achievements reflect the range of voices and perspectives emerging from Bhutan’s creative landscape.
As Bhutan continues to strengthen its cultural and creative industries, initiatives like NSDG play a vital role in ensuring local stories remain at the centre of that growth. By investing in writers and fostering original storytelling, the programme is helping shape not only future films but also the future identity of Bhutanese cinema itself.
