The Hindu : Front Page : Will India’s new-look cinema influence Bhutanese films?

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Monday, Jul 07, 2008
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Will India’s new-look cinema influence Bhutanese films?

Thimphu: Bollywood has had considerable influence in Bhutan and now with the re-emergence of India’s ‘off-beat’ cinema, Bhutanese filmmakers are debating whether it would change in the country’s approach to movies too.

According to filmmaker Tshering Gyeltshen of TG Media and Infotainment, it would have a positive impact on Bhutanese cinema. “Bhutanese films have always followed Indian cinema. Our audience draws heavily on mainstream Indian cinema, so do our filmmakers.”

“The mentality among [Bhutanese] filmmakers, that an unconventional film won’t do well, should change.”

However, Chenzig Media’s Dorji Wangchuk, who is the director of an upcoming film, is not sure if Bollywood offbeat films would influence Bhutanese movies. “Bollywood films are not necessarily our main influence.”

“It appears that we’re copying Bollywood but that’s not the case. We’re not Bollywood or Bollywood is not us. ”

But he agreed that, at present, only commercial cinema sells in Bhutan.

The movie business in Bhutan is currently struggling for lack of funds, screening venues and government support. — PTI

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