Find what you seek in a place you never expected.|Nov. 16, 2019|Bhutan | China|109 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Family
Description: “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” is a 2019 film that tells the story of Ugyen, a teacher who has completed four out of his five required years of government training. Despite his qualification, Ugyen lacks passion for teaching and dreams of moving to Australia to pursue a career in singing. When he is assigned to teach in the remote mountain village of Lunana, he contemplates quitting his job. However, encouraged by his grandmother to fulfill his duty, he reluctantly accepts the assignment and leaves the city for Lunana.
Upon arrival, Ugyen is guided through a treacherous path by Michen, a village guide. The villagers are thrilled to welcome him, but Ugyen is dismayed by the poor living conditions and immediately wishes to return. Michen explains that the mules need rest and that he can take Ugyen back in a few days. The next morning, Pem Zam, the class captain, wakes Ugyen to inform him that the students are waiting in the classroom. Touched by their genuine affection and belief that teachers can “touch the future,” Ugyen decides to stay and teach for the remainder of the year.
As days pass, Ugyen adapts to the challenges of teaching in such a remote setting. In the absence of a blackboard, he improvises by writing on the wall with charcoal until Michen constructs a makeshift one for him. Ugyen makes gradual improvements to the classroom, even sacrificing the paper covering his windows when the students run out of writing materials. He quickly becomes a beloved figure among the children, teaching them math, English, and Dzongkha, and entertaining them with songs on his guitar. However, when the children learn that Ugyen plans to leave come winter and not return, they are heartbroken.
The film beautifully captures Ugyen’s transformation as he finds purpose and connection in the most unexpected place.
Cast director: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Cast actor: Sherab Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lhendup, Keldon Lhamo Gurung, Pem Zam, Chimi Dem, Kunzang Wangdi, Tshering Dorji
Original name: ལུང་ནག་ན