Bhutan Film Institute (BFI) has announced that the inaugural Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival (KBIFF) will take place from September 17 to 23 in the main cities of Paro and capital Thimphu.

According to a press statement by Bhutan Film Institute, the groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s cultural and artistic landscape, celebrating the power of cinema to inspire, educate and entertain.

The statement adds that with the blessing of BFI’s royal patron the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, KBIFF will feature a diverse selection of films from around the world, showcasing the talents of both emerging and established filmmakers.

The festival aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through the universal language of film, offering a platform for filmmakers to share their unique perspectives and stories, it adds.

Bhutan International Film Festival

According to BFI, the Opening Gala will be held on September 19 at Paro, with a grand opening ceremony that will bring all the guests together. The film screenings will take place from September 20-22 at Thimphu where a curated selection of feature films, documentaries and short films from various genres and countries will be shown.

On the same dates, various workshops and panels with interactive sessions with renowned filmmakers, actors, and industry experts will be held at Thimphu. On September 23, the awards and closing ceremony will be held in the capital to honour the winning films and filmmakers.

“We are thrilled to launch the Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival. This festival is a celebration of creativity and storytelling, and we are excited to bring together filmmakers and audiences from around the globe to our beautiful country,” says Tshering Phuntsho, Festival Director, KBIFF.

The statement adds that Kingdom of Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to Gross National Happiness, provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for this festival. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Bhutanese culture while enjoying a diverse cinematic programme.

The organisers say they also invite guests from all over the world to attend KBIFF, adding that from a film enthusiast and industry professional to those simply curious about Bhutanese culture, the festival offers something for everyone.