Lunana, a Yak in the Classroom

In his penultimate year of studying, Ugyen, a teacher in training, dreams of becoming a professional singer in Australia. A civil servant tells him she has never seen a less motivated teacher than him. Bhutan has a policy where every child has the right to education, and that will be the slap on the wrist. He has to travel to the most remote school on the planet.

It is in Lunana, a village in the Himalayas. It is a trek that will take him 8 days, and when he finally arrives, he realizes there is no electricity, no school books and no blackboard in this village. Even though the people are poor, they do welcome the new teacher with open arms. They might be enthusiastic, but Ugyen has already decided he did not come to stay. The Spartan lodgings, the unreliable electricity and the lack of phone reception are only a few of the downsides. This feel-good debut by Pawo Choyning Dorji stands out thanks to its authenticity. The journey to Lunana is a perfect example. The young teacher is welcomed with unconditional hospitality, even by those who have nothing to give. The trip makes it possible for the director to seduce the viewer with sights of misty mornings, flowing rivers and snow-covered mountains.

A simple film about happiness and identity. The decision to make this a location shoot with sun-powered batteries and using the villagers as actors, gives this film an even more refreshing feeling of authenticity. The breath-taking mountains and nature contribute to that appeal.