L'école du bout du monde

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)

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.

Bhutan's official entry to 2022's Oscars, that also was shortlisted, is simple yet so emotional. It's real, sweet, uplifting and heartwarming. It nicely tackles powerful and important topics like education in rural places, home and moving away. Cinematography and locations are amazing, with many stunning sceneries.

Bhutan! My first film that talks about this country and I must say that it was quite captivating to listen and watch the people from this remote place:) Albeit their claim of fame is how happy they are, at least at the official levels, the movies shows the regular life of villagers and city folks: not as happy as they say. Love, community life, family , are all universal expressions that have been captured countless times in movies, but the unique setting of this particular movie, combined with a very unique culture, make this endeavor stand out! Again, nothing ground-breaking here, but just a very enjoyable, well made movie.