This film is part of the BYKIDS project, which gives cameras and instructions to children in various parts of the world, and with professional backup helps them tell their own stories.
This story is about Rinzin Jurmey, an 18 year old in Bhutan, who already at the age of 11, inspired by Milarepa, decided he wanted to become a Buddhist monk, which indeed is what he did.
Rinzin tells his own story, but also the story of his country, which is somewhat caught between tradition and modernity. Rinzin embarces both, and is as comfortable filming hip-hoppers and dance crews as he is filming around the monastery.
The issues are commented on by Siok Sian Pek-Dorj (director of the Bhutan Center for Media and Democracy) and Lyonpo Niorbu Wangchuk (former minister of education), who add nuances about moving forward while maintaining roots.
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to see an album of screenshots click here