Set in 2006 just as the King of Bhutan has decided to transition the nation to a democracy, the film bemusedly follows the efforts of young government officials to teach rural villagers about elections, voting, and democracy. Two conflicting efforts (with very different goals) to secure an antique gun, drive the narrative forward until all elements converge at a full moon ceremony led by an elderly lama, the teacher of the monk of the title.

Working with mostly nonprofessionals again, as well as with talented cinematographer Jigme Tenzing (who lensed Lunana… ), Dorji captures the remote nation and its culture at the very beginning of its historic entry into democracy, and manages to poke some fun at American politics along the way. This is a polished and confident sophomore feature, with perhaps an even broader appeal than his first.

In English and Dzongkha with English subtitles
Director: Pawo Choyning Dorji (Bhutan 2023) 107 min.