Film Industry comes out in support of more cinema halls

5 Cinema Halls in the 13th plan

Recently, a prominent Bhutanese film maker Pawo Choyning Dorji, in the larger context of needing to give incentives to filmmakers and also reduce regulations, questioned the need for building more cinema halls in Bhutan in a local newspaper.

The cinema hall part of the comment led to a major reaction from the Bhutanese Film Industry with many coming out in support of building more cinema halls.

Tshering Peldon, a member of Film Association of Bhutan’s (FAB) Board of Trustees, highlighted the challenges of limited cinema halls and inadequate distribution networks.

“I have worked in more than 40 local films, all screened here in Bhutan at Gewog and school auditoriums, and sometimes in the open air,” Peldon noted.

Sonam Rinchen Kuenfel, a film director and actor, emphasized the need for new cinema halls and film sets to improve production quality and foster community building.

 “Infrastructures like these are game-changers for the industry, adding new dynamics in doing film business and making it vibrant,” Kuenfel stated.

Sangay Tsheltrim, a film actor and producer, highlighted the broader impact of expanding cinema infrastructure.

“Having cinemas in other dzongkhags would promote businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth and development,” Tsheltrim remarked.

Kezang Dorji, an actor and director, emphasized the importance of cinema halls by noting the support from the highest level. “His Majesty granted land to construct cinema halls, which is why I believe it is important to pursue this development vigorously.”

Tshering Pem, a local film producer and FAB member, underscored the importance of dedicated cinema spaces. “The significance of movie halls cannot be overlooked, especially for those who rely on films for their livelihood,” Pem said.

With the importance of Cinema Halls for the local Film Industry, the 13th Five Year Plan has listed five cinema halls to be constructed at various locations across the country.

The implementation will be done by the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA).

Of the 5 cinema halls in the plan two has already received approval to be built in Bajo, Wangduephodrang and Samdrupjongkhar.

The fund of Nu 50 million (mn) for each cinema hall coming to a total of Nu 100 mn is already approved by the government under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP).

Bajo was approved as it can serve the two Dzongkhags of Punakha and Wangdue while Samdrupjongkhar can serve not only audiences in Bhutan but also across the border.

A BICMA official said that Samdrupjongkhar can cater to regional tourists as it does not have to show only Dzongkha films but can also show foreign films subject to review by BICMA.

Currently, Bhutan has only a total of five cinema screens with 3 in Thimphu at Lugar and City Cinema and 2 halls in Paro. The Trowa Theatre is being used for a reality show. 

The lone MIG Cinema in Phuentsholing is demolished while the Norgay cinema hall also in Phuentsholing is not screening films.

Each of the cinema halls will aim to fit 150 to 180 people and it will be state of the art and serve as a multipurpose location with the ability to host reality shows, musical tours, theatre, Royal Audiences and also be a Town Hall.

The other three screens in the plan costing Nu 50 mn each are in Samtse, Tsirang and Rangjung, Trashigang. The government will have to approve the budget for these looking at how the above two go first.

In Phuentsholing, the Thromde is already planning an entertainment park which will also have cinema screens.

In Bumthang a private person is building a hall and so the project does not want to disturb private players.

BICMA is looking at the operational modality of how these government built halls will be run once complete.

A BICMA official said that cinema halls are required as the current number of screens in Thimphu and Paro is not enough and this affects film distribution as films cannot go outside Thimphu.

The land for all the five cinema hall spots has been granted as Kidu by His Majesty The King.

The FAB strongly supporting the building of more cinema halls, listed its advantages.

FAB said that in terms of distribution and exhibition cinema halls are essential platforms for the distribution and exhibition of Bhutanese films, enabling filmmakers to reach wider audiences.  A proper distribution and exhibition system, which is currently lacking, will make the film business more viable.

FAB said halls have an economic impact as the development of modern cinema facilities can increase footfall and boost incidental revenues, contributing to the overall economy.

 A viable industry will attract more investors, further strengthening the economic impact.

FAB said that cultural preservation and promotion will be strengthened as cinemas help preserve and promote Bhutanese culture by showcasing local films that reflect the country’s traditions, values, and stories.

They serve as a medium for cultural expression, allowing filmmakers to tell stories that resonate with the Bhutanese people.

 The Association said that moving away from primitive ways of screening films in makeshift tents during Tshechu and village house stores will enhance the cultural experience.

They said it will enhance community engagement, enhance local audience experience and strengthen the Domestic Market.

FAB expressed its profound gratitude to the government for its transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s film industry.

FAB said the government has implemented a 10-year Tax holiday for the film and creative industry, complemented by other tax incentives to attract investment and facilitate the production of high-quality films within Bhutan.

Additionally, the waiver of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for experts and professionals engaged in domestic and international co-productions reduces production costs and enhances global collaboration opportunities.

The review process for theatrical screenings has become more lenient, allowing greater creative freedom and significantly contributing to the growth of storytelling in Bhutanese cinema.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated a budget to provide grants to six films, supplementing their production costs. This initiative supports filmmakers in creating works that reflect and celebrate Bhutanese culture.

Additionally, funds mobilized by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property for human resource development and capacity building will undoubtedly benefit the industry, said the FAB.