Rated: PG-13; 107 minutes; in English, Dzongkha; Directed by: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Starring: Harry Einhorn, Tandin Wangchuk, Tandin Sonam
The Monk and The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world's youngest democracies. The film follows the story of Tashi, a young monk in Bhutan whose lama (teacher) asks for guns, an odd request considering the rarity of guns in Bhutanese society. Meanwhile, Ron, an antique gun collector has travelled to Bhutan to acquire a special piece. The film explores Bhutan's movement towards democracy, while satirizing the fascination for guns and violence suggested as endemic in democratic society. The villagers humorously attempt to understand elections, while tension builds as Ron's and Tashi's stories intertwine.