EXCLUSIVE: Roadside Attractions has acquired US rights to Bhutan’s official selection for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. The monk and the weapon, A spiritual fable written, directed and co-produced by the 2019 Oscar-nominated director Lunana: A yak in the classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorj. In competition for best international film Lunana was the first Bhutanese film ever to be nominated for an Oscar. The monk and the weapon premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and later the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was praised by critics and audiences and currently holds a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In my Deadline review of the film after the Telluride premiere, I said, “If I were a betting man—and I am—I’d probably say that about his second film.” The monk and the weaponThe director returns to the Dolby Theater next March, having just had his world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend and heads to Toronto next week. There’s no sophomore jinx here, this one is actually better than his first, and that’s saying something.”
The monk and the weapon capture the wonder and turmoil as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, known around the world for its extraordinary beauty and emphasis on gross national happiness, was the last country to be connected to the Internet and television. And as if that wasn’t enough change, the king soon after announced that he was going to hand over his power to the people via their right to vote and a new form of government: democracy.
An elderly lama (Kelsang Choejey), who realizes that extraordinary changes are about to spread across his country, worries about the possible consequences. He instructs his young apprentice Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) to enter the kingdom and bring him two weapons before the full moon to “set things right.” The young monk is confused by his guru’s request and his familiarity with weapons is based solely on footage from the only film available on television: James Bond. His search brings him into contact with the cunning American arms collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), which leads to a completely unexpected result.
“Pawo Dorji’s brilliant comedy is the film we all need right now,” said Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, co-presidents of Roadside Attractions. “We fell in love with the people of Bhutan through this enchanting film, and American audiences will too.”
“The monk and the weapon tells a unique story about a country and people that the world knows very little about,” said Dorji. “This is a unique story that celebrates the universal quality of innocence. Roadside Attractions has always showcased the best independent films and I am thrilled that they will be bringing this film to American audiences.”
The cast includes Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Tandin Sonam, Harry Einhorn, Choeying Jatsho, Tandin Phubz, Yuphel Lhendup Selden and Kelsang Choejay.
The film was directed by Jean-Christophe Simon (Mia Madre, Birds of Passage, Farewell to the Night, Judgment, Handjob), Hsu Feng (Goodbye, my concubinee), Stephanie Lai (Lunana: A yak in the classroom) and Pawo Choyning Dorji. Zhang Xin (Ezra)BAFTA nominee and PGA winner William Horberg (Kite Runner, Queen’s Gambit, Cold Mountain), Oscar winner Lisa Henson (Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro), Kris Eiamsakulrat (House for rent), Chayamporn Taeratanachai (House for rent) and Janee Pennington (Chlorine, how to ruin the holidays) serve as executive producers.
The monk and the weapon is a production of Dangphu Dingphu: 3 Pigs Production, Journey to the East Films, co-production with Films Boutique, Tomson Films, in association with Closer Media, Animandala, N8 Studios, Wooden Trailer Prods. Films Boutique takes care of international distribution.
The acquisition was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by co-president Cohen of Roadside Attractions and UTA Independent Film Group. Dorj is repped by UTA, Black Bear Management and Fox Rothschild LLC.
Roadside plans a US theatrical release in 2024 The monk and the weapon.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify that Roadside has acquired US rights.
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
