Lunana - Das Glück liegt im Himalaya

Oscar nominee for International Film. Pawo Choyning Dorji's debut tells the universal story of a teacher sent to a tiny village to educate the local children. Sherab Dorji is Ugyen, a twenty-something who lives in Bhutan's capitol of Thimphu when he is dispatched to distant Lunana - population 56, and, with very limited electricity. It's considered so isolated that the school is referred to as the most remote in the world.

Dorji, who also wrote the screenplay, keeps things simple. There are no grand gestures or revelations, just Ugyen interacting with the locals. The theme of making a connection with the schoolkids may be plain to see (and, of course, it works vice-versa), but, it's done in a soulful way with no cloying or artificial drama injected into the mix. It's very lack of pretentiousness is its charm.

And, yes, there IS a Yak who lives in the makeshift classroom. All the more appropriate since the unofficial Lunana song is a paean to yaks.

Nominated for Best International Feature Film Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is simple in structure & earnest in its approach but the drama it packs in is a familiar one minus any conflict or complexity that's expected from such setups. Instead, it serves better as a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese culture & modest living through the unassuming ways of their countryfolk.

Written & directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the story follows a schoolteacher with different aspirations who's sent to the most remote school in the world where he, detached from his westernised comforts, slowly begins to understand the value & importance of his work and learns to appreciate the beauty of rural life. The narrative unfolds at a quiet pace but fails to do anything interesting to make itself stand out from the norm.

Shot in gorgeous mountainside locations and exquisitely assisted by its serene camerawork, the imagery comes imbued with a soothing quality & sense of calmness that makes the ride worthwhile but the transformation that our protagonist undergoes still feels simplistic since the story never digs into the character deeper than the surface and simply hurries through the process. Also, acting from the supporting cast is more authentic than the lead.

Overall, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom isn't without its merits and is a sincere effort by all means. Where most similar stories work towards something more complex or ambitious, this one finds comfort in the stillness of its surroundings. Though it only glances at its themes and is devoid of surprises, its silent reflection on what it means to be a teacher and how the simplest events in life can profoundly affect our being makes this Bhutanese drama worth a shot.

Lunana is a heartfelt story about a young teacher's self-discovery, along with his enticing journey from an urban setting in Thimphu (Bhutan's Capital) to the rural outskirts of his country. The story not only strives to showcase his voyage to become a better human being but also what his assignment meant for the villagers and the poor but ambitious pupils, who were denied rights to their Education and Learning.

The importance of education is unprecedented in any civilised community. In the 'developed' countries, the scenario for providing education to the younger populace is mostly favourable; whereas, for the 'developing' nations, there are still plenty of issues that need to be dealt with. And it has to be done immediately. The film aims to initiate the necessary dialogue regarding the same, and I admire the creators for their honest intentions down here.

Apart from its clear thematic goals, even from a strictly cinematic stance, I must say I'm impressed. Thanks to the Academy, for bringing this to my attention. This was my first ever introduction to Bhutanese films and culture. Notwithstanding, never for a moment did it look like a film made in a foreign land with foreign members, such was its prudent showing, so relevant and so benignant.

For the cons, there is just one and let me be blunt about this, I didn't like how it ended. Even though, I know not every story has to end on a positive note but I was anyway rooting for the same to happen here. Cause to me, it seemed like the nicest way to wrap up the narrative and I'm sure many would feel the same thing. If only the makers had conformed to the means of conventionalism, the outcome would have been even more delightful.

Just keep a gopro on anyone who is going to Lunana and you will get the entire scene, dialogue and emotion. The film is so real and well done. Overall an excellent movie.

Most of the extra hospitality shown by the people of Lunana may not be convincing for the people from outside, but its true: thats the way it is, the people in the villages are so welcoming and the movie shows it very well. From time to time, many teachers from India was working in some of these remote places of Bhutan. Many who returned were fed-up with the city life in India or outside and then went back.

In 2018 Indian teachers who worked in Bhutan were invited for a reception program in Kolkatta, India and Thimpu and HM thanked all of them personally. Many of the first set of teachers, who worked for more than 30 years in remote Bhutan were filled with tears bringing back the emotional connection between them and the villagers. A video which was played during the session in which the real hurdle of reaching some of the remote places was shown.. How they walked for days to reach some of these remote places. This element of emotion and hardship was much more intense.

Yes, actually the people in these villages are happy. May be the length could have been cut down a little to remove some of the cliche.

Must watch movie. Hope it reaches the OTT platforms soon.

A deceptively simple film that deeply probes into the meaning of 'home' and 'exile' - both literally as well as emotionally. A wonderful exploration of 'belonging' and 'longing'. I have rarely seen a movie where joy and sadness sit so finely balanced together. Set in a stunningly beautiful location, its real beauty lies in the depiction of the genuine warmth, kindness, mutual respect and general goodness of the villagers bringing about the gentle transformation of the teacher. Long may these communities continue, they may just have the answers to the questions that so many of us don't even know how to ask anymore. The role of Pem Zam, the young class captain, is inspired casting - the girl just shines! A film to truly warm you where it matters. (Thank you to the WOW Festival 2021 for screening this)