Lanuna: A Yak in the Classroom

If you want to see an utterly enchanting, feel-good movie, do go see this one, catch it if you can.

As it's set in Bhutan, you've got the backdrop of the wonderful scenery - which, with global warming, is changing rapidly; "I remember when this valley was once covered in snow," one of the Bhutanese remarks. The valley is now completely green. A city boy, Uighen, (Sherab Dorji ) is eager to leave what is in his eyes his backward country for the fleshpots of Australia as he dreams of a glittering singing career. But he is forced by the government to go to THE most remote district and school in the world, to complete his training as a teacher, for which he feels he has no vocation. The journey there takes for ever, first in a rickety minibus to Gesa where he is greeted by Michel, sent by the village headman to welcome and guide him back to the village of Lanuna. They stay overnight, Uighen disgusted by the non-table manners of his host, sitting cross-legged on the floor and permanently attached to his earphones.

The story continues with their six-day trek to the village and - you've guessed it - he wants to leave immediately… but is gradually wooed by the beauty, the peace, the children SO eager to learn and the simple life.

Is Bhutan the happiest country in the world? How do you measure that? This movie might set you thinking about what happiness is and where we might all find it.

Lanuna: A Yak in the Classroom was directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji in his feature directorial debut. The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. It was a nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Watch the official trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbeVZtegdP0

Kelden Lhamo Gurung as Saldon