The Monk and the Gun

In Competition

11/9 & 11/11 - Followed by Q&A w/ director Pawo Choyning Dorji

Synopsis:

Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards 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. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.

Schedule

Location: The Culver Theater

9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City

First Screening

November 9th @ 3:30 PM

Second Screening

November 11th @ 6:30 PM

Director

Pawo Choyning Dorji

Pawo Choyning Dorji (Director & Writer) started his film making career under the guidance of film Director and renowned Buddhist Lama, Khyentse Norbu. Pawo worked as Norbu’s assistant for Norbu’s films Vara: A Blessing (2013) and Hema Hema: Sing me a Song While I Wait (2016). Pawo made his directorial debut in 2019 with Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. The film went on to become a festival favorite, winning numerous awards, before making history by becoming the first ever Bhutanese film to secure an Oscar nomination when it was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The Monk and the Gun is Pawo’s second feature film as Writer, Director, and Producer.

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Country: Bhutan

Duration: 107 min

Language: Dzongkha

Subtitles: English

Cast & Crew

Director:

Pawo Choyning Dorji

Cast:

Tandin Wangchuk

Deki Lhamo

Pema Zangmo Sherpa

Tandin Sonam

Executive Producer:

Choi Byung-hwan

William Horberg

Lisa Henson

Chayamporn Taeratanachai

Kris Eiamsakulrat

Janee Pennington

Producer:

Jean-Christophe Simon

Pawo Choyning Dorji

Hsu Feng

Cinematography:

Stephanie Lai

Jigme Tenzing

Editing:

Hsiao-Yun Ku

Screenwriters:

Pawo Choyning Dorji

Sound:

Tu Duu-Chih

Chiang Yi-Chen

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