Welcome to bhutanfilms.com.bt

bhutanfilms.com

Background

The Ugetsu Communications is a private audio-visual media firm based in Thimphu. It has been involved in varied types of productions both feature films and documentaries

We have been associated with many types of programmes ranging from subjects like industries, enviroment, health, agriculture, music and ethnographical documentations in the far remote corners of Bhutan. We had been doing this much before the advent of national television. Consesequently, the Ugetsu Communications has in its collection, rare fotage. The ethnographical documentations are on going.

Ugetsu Communications has been instrumental in providing reserach and logistical suppport to international film and broadcasting companies. see services.

Introduction to BHUTAN

BHUTAN is a small country of 38,394 square kilometres situated in the eastern Himalayas. It is wedged between the two most populous countries in the world, China in the north and India in the South. For this little Kingdom, preservation of its unique cultural heritage was critical to its survival as a nation. It was important to safeguard its identity. Bhutan could neither compete militarily or economically with its neighbours, so it was important to create a strong identity. The country was late developed. The first roads came to Bhutan in 1961. Tradition and culture moulded by Buddhism were strongly embedded in the psyche of the society. It was closely safeguarded, thus making it shrouded in mystery. With the opening of roads, came schools and hospitals and through media and tourism came the external influences as well. It became a high end tourist destination. As Bhutan slowly started opening up, globalisation was here to stay, the country could not afford to remain a museum peace. Although the people would have liked to live the way they had, within their own parameters and protected shell, there comes a time when you either join in the globalisation process or get left out. A continuous search for a development policy in Bhutan was to strike a balance by taking the ‘middle path’ between enhancing culture and socio-economic development. This is now reflected in a term coined by the present King, ‘Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product ’. Thus the core value of Bhutan is not economic, but linked to happiness.

	map showing where BHUTAN is located !

Bhutan is a photographer’s delight. The azure skies, white castle like dzongs, mysterious images of fluttering prayer flags, towering mountains, an abundance of flora and fuana and above all a smiling people provides the perfect backdrop for a film or documentary. Despite the world becoming closer due to easy access to media and the progress of information technology, the country has largely remained unknown to many people. The sitaution is now changing and access to the Land of the Thunder Dragon is easier. If you wish to film in this beautiful country contact Ugetsu Communications and we will make your path smoother.

Extracts from the Kuensel (Bhutan's national news paper)
Through photo lens
Posted on Wednesday, May 19 @ 14:22:19 CDT BST

Feature : 19 May 2004 -

Wangduephodrang Dzong from the banks of Punatsangchhu
(Photos : Kencho Wangdi)

…..“I’ve travelled a great deal and have taken a great many pictures in the 42 years that I’ve been a photographer, but Bhutan is by far been the best photographic experience I’ve had so far,” said 60-year old Jeff Quiggle from Colorado, USA. “I am looking for beauty and contentment, and I find it here in Bhutan.”


	“What I love about Bhutan is the compassion and reverence for nature and the way its culture and tradition is incorporated in it. I intend to capture this in my pictures,” Jeff said. “Besides, the patterns, the textures, varieties and colours, that the country offers is a rarity and a huge treat, especially to an ardent photographer like me.”

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…It’s the friendliness of the Bhutanese people that make the difference, Jeff said. Although shy, Bhutanese farmers and monks enjoyed posing for photographs. They did not mind when politely requested to go back to the task that first drew a photographer’s attention. Monks happily posed in front of the colourful doors and windows. For some of the photographers, having visited countries inundated with tourists where locals were largely indifferent, Bhutan was a breathe of fresh air…..

….“Bhutan is so photogenic and easy to photograph” said a geologist from Canada, David Smith. “For me it’s the smiles.” He added that it was difficult to “distill something (Bhutan) so varied and colourful a vision” into a single camera shot. A financial investment consultant from California, USA, Keith H Munger, said that it was simply wonderful to be around. “Everybody is devoutly Buddhist here. You get the feeling that people here truly believe in what they do. And their faces always have a story to tell.” …… ….travel photography and Bhutan began in 1914 when National Geographic published Castles in the Air. It was the first illustrated article of the country to reach the west. The article featured 67 illustrations which were photographs taken on heavy film plates with a bulky wooden box camera, according to Robin Smillie. The photographer was John Claude White who reported: “It is impossible to find words to express adequately the wonderful beauty and variety of scenery... the grandeur of the magnificent snow peaks, and the picturesqueness and charm of the many wonderful jongs (dzongs) or forts....”