The Bhutanese Leading the way.
To familiarize the Bhutanese children with local folktales, legends and mythology, the information and communication ministry’s (MoIC) Information and Media department (DoIM) launched an animation program titled “Ro-Ngoedrup-chen” on August 22 at the ministry’s conference hall.
Most Bhutanese children are into foreign folktales by way of access to foreign television content through cable TV channels like Cartoon Network, Nickledon, Disney and Pogo among others. The initiative is expected to promote local entrepreneurship, creativity and generate employment in the creative industry.
According to the Media Policy, “Information and Media play a central role in development in a knowledge based society. Because of its diverse and pervasive impact, information and media are integral to socio- cultural change, shaping and transforming values, lifestyles, national economies, as well as socio-political systems.”
During the event, MoIC secretary Dasho Kinley Dorji stressed on how such initiatives will help promote and preserve one’s identity.
Druk Vision Studio was awarded the work to produce the animation program through an open tender. The company’s chief executive officer Pema Tshering D said animation industry in Bhutan faces difficulties due to lack of sophisticated tools, technical know-how and the lack of encouragement for the art in society. He also said the tendering system does not favour qualitative works of animation.
One of the participants at the launch of the animation, Chimi Rinzin, 12, student of Jigme Losel Primary School said the animation was good for it helps to promote the national language.
DoIM had initiated production of eight comic books in the year 2010-2011 and is in the process of animating all the eight folktales. So far, a children’s story, “Kado Nado” by Green Dragon Media, and folktale “Memay Helay Helay” by BBS have animated.
“Ro-Ngoedrup-Chen” is a 2D animation series and it took five months for a six people to work complete the animation works. The animation will be aired on BBS TV for public viewing. The department also plans to distribute DVDs to primary and middle secondary schools across the country.
The event was graced by MoIC minister D N Dungyel, other officials, school children, monks and local reporters.
