Sydney Film Festival
Travelling Film Festival
Buy Tickets
Search
We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF are based.
We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Play Trailer

The Monk And The Gun

Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji
2023
Bhutan
107 minutes
Buy Tickets
Buy a Flexipass now and save!
Bhutan, 2006, and the country’s first democratic election is on the horizon. But trouble may be brewing when an elderly monk requests two guns. The latest charmer from Oscar-nominated Pawo Choyning Dorji.
Dorji’s (Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom) Telluride-selected, delightfully droll and slyly satirical film takes place in rural Bhutan during the lead-up to his country’s first-ever election. A trial run with fictional parties is planned to introduce voters to the concept of democracy. But when a dedicated young monk is asked by his elderly lama to bring him two guns before voting begins, it seems trouble is in store. A cavalcade of characters and misadventures ensue, in a tale as suspenseful as it is winning.
An unexpectedly suspenseful shaggy dog story, as well as a pretty funny one, with subtly pointed barbs about American politics
Michael O’Sullivan, The Washington Post
A droll, shrewdly satirical tale
Peter Debruge, Variety
In a place whose greatest aim is its population’s happiness, Dorji’s The Monk and the Gun contemplates whether complete modernization of his country is worth the price of this very happiness
Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com
Program Strand
Teaser
Year
2023
Country
Bhutan, France, USA, Taiwan
Language
In Dzongkha and English with English subtitles
Director
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Producer
Stephanie Lai, Jean-Christophe Simon, Hsu Feng, Pawo Choyning Dorji
Cast
Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangpo Sherpa
Screenwriter
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Cinematographer
Jigme Tenzing
Editor
Ku Hsiao-Yun
Premiere
NSW Premiere
Genre
Politics & Economics, Festival Award Winners, Religion & Belief, South East Asia
Company Credits
Australian Distributor: Rialto Distribution

If you like this, you might like...

Ceddo

Feature Historical epic Ceddo (SFF 1978) remains Ousmane Sembène’s most controversial film, strongly indicting both Islam and Christianity and showcasing the traditional African religion that came before them.

The Battle For Laikipia

Documentary A powerful film set in Kenya’s spectacular Laikipia region, home to traditional herders, wildlife conservationists, and white pastoralists; a place where drought, politics and colonial history collide.

The Rye Horn

Feature A rural Galician midwife flees after an illegal abortion goes awry in this elemental, visually ravishing exploration of bodies, motherhood and female solidarity. Winner, Best Film at San Sebastián.

Mandabi

Feature Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival 1968 and considered the first feature-length film in an African language, Mandabi (SFF 2021) is regarded as one of Sembène’s most significant works.
Cart
Clear Cart

Your in cinema cart is empty.

View over 500 sessions to find the right films and events for you!

Browse In Cinema Program

Check out our list of films showing in your area

Browse Films

Donate Today
Help us bring you the best in cinema worldwide.
Booking Fee
$0
Subtotal
Total
Planner

Your planner helps you schedule your entire SFF experience. It shows sessions you've saved, purchased or added to your cart in a helpful timeline.

Sign in or register to save your planner!

Your planner is empty.

Use your planner to create your own unique SFF Experience

Browse Films & Events