A documentary film ‘Bhutan- Taking middle path to happiness’ was screened at the cultural centre of the free university of Amsterdam in Netherlands on Sunday, 10th February. The documentary was shown as part of the two day Himalayan Film festival 2008 organized by the ‘Stichting Himalaya Archief Nederland’ foundation.
Bhutan- Taking Middle Path to Happiness is a documentary film featuring Bhutan and the government’s effort to bring ‘Gross National Happiness’ to its people. The 57 minute film directed by Tom Vendetti received a thundering applause from the packed audience.
A Bhutanese student who had come to watch the documentary said that it was proud moment being a Bhutanese in the hall.
Most of the audience that BBS talked to said that they were intrigued by such a wonderful concept of Gross National Happiness. Many of them heard it for the first time. A Canadian lady said that Bhutan has now entered her priority list to visit. Another man said that although he is wary of such a concept of Gross National Happiness it was a good representative film on Bhutan.
According to the organizers the general aim of the Himalayan Film Festival is to promote documentary cinema and to give credit to films or videos dealing with the Himalayan region. The festival also provides an opportunity for the audience to gain intimate knowledge of the landscape and people of the region.
Among other selected documentaries and films from the region, ‘Words of my Perfect Teacher’ featuring Jamyang Kentshe Rinpoche, Bernardo Bertolucci and Steven Seagal was also screened at the film festival.
The documentary was dedicated to the fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Reported by: Jigme Thinley
