The Bhutan Film Institute (BFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of Bhutanese cinema, has embarked on a pioneering training initiative aimed at honing the skills of local filmmakers and actors. This ambitious program, which marks the institute’s first foray into formal training, seeks to refine the craft of directing and acting to elevate the standard of storytelling in Bhutanese films.
Tshering Phuntsho, the Executive Director of BFI, explained the rationale behind combining directing and acting training in one program. “Directing and acting are deeply interconnected,” Phuntsho noted. “By addressing both areas simultaneously, we aim to enhance the overall quality of storytelling in Bhutanese cinema.”
Phuntsho highlighted a key challenge facing local filmmakers and actors: the majority have acquired their skills through practical experience rather than formal education. “Our local talents are learning that there is a significant difference between field experience and the technical knowledge offered through this training,” he said. “One of our main goals is to provide them with innovative techniques and formal training to refine their craft.”
The BFI’s training program is set to expand further with future sessions on cinematography, makeup and prosthetics, film production, and personal development, among others. These initiatives reflect the institute’s broader mission to develop Bhutanese cinema to a level where it can stand competitively on the global stage. “With robust support from our government and relevant agencies, I am confident about our progress,” Phuntsho added.
The current training series is led by two distinguished experts: Beek Groot from the Netherlands and an unnamed professional from the USA. Groot, who is focusing on directing, brings a wealth of experience from European cinema. “In Europe, it’s typical to spend years making short films before moving on to feature films,” Groot explained. “Here, many are already working on feature films, which is a testament to the industry’s growth.”
Groot emphasized the importance of storytelling and authenticity in filmmaking. “Good characters are drawn from real life, not just imagination,” he said. His training aims to help participants craft compelling narratives and translate them into engaging visual and auditory experiences. For Bhutanese filmmakers, the objective is to produce films that are both original and deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture.
Groot also pointed out the need for local filmmakers to embrace their unique strengths rather than emulate Bollywood, which operates on a different budgetary scale and production system. “International audiences are interested in stories about Bhutan,” he said. “It’s all about originality and authenticity. I am confident that Bhutanese filmmakers can make a mark globally by highlighting what makes their culture unique.”
This capacity-building training program represents a significant collaboration between the BFI and the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property, aiming to set a new standard in Bhutanese cinema and prepare local talent for an international audience.
