Bhutan on the big screen
TK Park’s Contemporary World Film Series continues this month with a movie from Bhutan, “Kushuthara-Pattern of Love” screening with English subtitles on July 29 at 4pm.
Filmmaking in Bhutan in still relatively small scale but this film is special as it marks the debut of the country’s first female director Karma Deki, who studied at the New York Film Academy. The cast includes some of Bhutan’s best-known stars including actress and Member of Parliament Kezang Wangmo, who plays the lead. It also stars a Western actor, another first for Bhutanese film, the talented British TV and film star Emrhys Cooper.
The film was shot in the exotic, largely unseen areas of Eastern Bhutan, where the director was born and grew up.
The story portrays an American photographer Charlie on a visit to Bhutan who finds himself strangely attracted to Chokima, who is married to Bumpala, and is part of the weaving community in the village. In the background is the legendary Bhutanese love story between Puntso and Meto, which fascinates them both. Charlie enjoys all the simple pleasures of the countryside, from the colourful weaving demonstrations, to the music, dance and drinking sessions. As he follows Chokima, the “patterns” increase, the memories enlarge, and he understands and accepts the rules of Karma.
The movie has been shown at several film festivals and also had a theatrical release in the US and UK.
The screening is supported by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy and Bhutanese Ambassador Tshewang C Dorji will introduce the film. Snacks and refreshments will be served by the Embassy after the screening. The film is rated 15+.
For reservations and more details, call (02) 257 4300
