EXCLUSIVE: Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. rights to Bhutan’s official selection for Best International Feature at the 96th Academy Awards, The Monk and the Gun, a spiritual fable written, directed, and co-produced by the Oscar-nominated director of 2019’s Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorj. Contending for Best International Film, Lunana became the first Bhutanese film ever nominated for an Oscar. The Monk and the Gun premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and later the Toronto International Film Festival where it won critical and audience acclaim, currently holding a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In my Deadline review of the film after its Telluride premiere I said, “If I were a betting man — which I am — I would venture to say that with his second film The Monk and the Gun, which just had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend and goes on to Toronto next week, will see the director back at the Dolby Theatre come next March. No sophomore jinx here, this one is even better than his first, and that is saying something.”
The Monk and the Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
An elderly lama (Kelsang Choejey), recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right.” The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.
“Pawo Dorji’s brilliant comedy is the movie we all need right now,” said Co-Presidents Roadside Attractions Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff. “We fell in love with the people of Bhutan through this charming film and American audiences will as well.”
“The Monk and the Gun tells a unique story from a land and people the world knows very little about” noted Dorji. “It is a unique story, and it is one that celebrates the universal quality of innocence. Roadside Attractions has always showcased the best independent films, and I am excited that they will be bringing this film to the U.S. audiences.”
The ensemble cast stars Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Tandin Sonam, Harry Einhorn, Choeying Jatsho, Tandin Phubz, Yuphel Lhendup Selden and Kelsang Choejay.
The film is produced by Jean-Christophe Simon (Mia Madre, Birds of Passage, Farewell to the Night, Verdict, Subtraction), Hsu Feng (Farewell My Concubine), Stephanie Lai (Lunana: A Yak in The Classroom), and Pawo Choyning Dorji. Zhang Xin (Ezra), BAFTA nominee and P.G.A. winner William Horberg (Kite Runner, Queens Gambit, Cold Mountain), Academy Award winner Lisa Henson (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Kris Eiamsakulrat (Home for Rent), Chayamporn Taeratanachai (Home for Rent) and Janee Pennington (Chlorine, How to Ruin the Holidays) serve as Executive Producers.
The Monk and the Gun is a Dangphu Dingphu: 3 Pigs Production, Journey to the East Films production, co-production with Films Boutique, Tomson Films, in association with Closer Media, Animandala, N8 Studios, Wooden Trailer Prods. Films Boutique will be handling International Sales.
The acquisition was negotiated by Roadside Attractions Co-President Cohen and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers. Dorj is represented by UTA, Black Bear Management, and Fox Rothschild LLC.
Roadside plans a 2024 U.S. theatrical release for The Monk and the Gun.
CORRECTION: This story was amended to clarify Roadside had acquired U.S. rights.