Directed by
Pawo Choyning Dorji
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Ugyen, portrayed by Sherab Dorji, is at a crossroads in his life after completing four out of his five obligatory years of government teacher training. Lacking passion for the teaching profession and aspiring instead to pursue a career in singing down under in Australia, he is reluctant to take on a new assignment at the most remote school in the world, located in the isolated village of Lunana. His determination to quit is dampened by the heartfelt pleas of his grandmother, who urges him to honor his teaching commitment. Thus, he reluctantly departs the bustling city for the serenity of the mountains.
Accompanied by Michen, played by Ugyen Norbu Lhendup, a villager guide he meets in Gasa—elevation 2800 meters and a population of just 448—Ugyen begins the arduous eight-day trek to Lunana. Throughout this challenging journey, he is assisted by Michen and his assistant Singye, portrayed by Tshering Dorji. Michen proves to be a dependable companion, encouraging Ugyen to push on even when fatigue sets in. As they ascend to Koina, where the population is merely three and the altitude reaches 3100 meters, Ugyen’s discomfort intensifies with leaking shoes, leading to painful sores on his feet. Michen offers home remedies to alleviate his woes, but when Ugyen’s phone battery dies, he finds himself cut off from the world.
Upon reaching Lunana, Ugyen is met with the villagers’ warm welcome—a 56-strong community that traverses two hours just to greet him. Yet, he is taken aback by the village’s poor living conditions, lacking electricity, running water, and even a toilet. Overwhelmed and regretting his decision, he requests to return. But Michen informs him that the mules require rest, and he must stay a few days longer. The next morning, Ugyen is awakened by Pem Zam, the enthusiastic class captain, who tells him the eager students are waiting for his arrival. Realizing he can inspire these children who hold teachers in high regard, Ugyen decides to stay and fulfill his role for the year.
As Ugyen reconnects with the village, he learns from Pem Zam details of the subjects previously taught and discovers the teaching materials stored away in his room. Michen introduces him around, including to Pem Zam’s inebriated father and a grandmother seeking education for her granddaughter, highlighting the pressing need for a teacher. Ugyen begins to adapt, crafting a makeshift classroom using a wall for a blackboard until Michen constructs a more permanent solution. He receives supplies from his friend Tandin through Michen, including copies and a guitar, soon finding joy in teaching various subjects and engaging the children with music.
His connection deepens with the villagers, especially with Saldon, who teaches him a traditional song, Yak Lebi Lhadar, that she sings daily in homage to their village. As their bond grows, Saldon gifts Ugyen a yak named Norbu, to ease his struggles with collecting dung for warmth. Ugyen learns more about village life over dinner with Asha, the village leader, revealing layers of familial connections and loss.
As winter approaches, Asha advises Ugyen to depart before the passes become treacherous. Although he promises to return in spring, Ugyen must break the news to Saldon and the children, who express their deep appreciation for his kindness and teaching. Their touching farewells leave a mark on Ugyen, turning his heart towards the village.
On his way down the mountain, Ugyen reflects upon the meaningful connections he formed, leaving an offering at a shrine for safe travels and hoping to eventually return. Reaching Australia, he faces an initial lack of attention in a bar where he performs. Frustrated but resilient, he shifts to singing Yak Lebi Lhadar, captivating his audience and rekindling his spirits. This marks a poignant full circle in his transformative journey, revealing how much his experience in Lunana shaped his identity and aspirations.
Ugyen's Dilemma
Ugyen, a recent government teacher trainee, grapples with his future after completing four of his five mandatory years. Despite his family's expectations, he yearns to pursue a singing career in Australia, revealing his true passion lies beyond the classroom.
Departure to Lunana
Reluctantly fulfilling his commitment, Ugyen says goodbye to the bustling city life and heads towards Lunana, the most remote school in the world. His grandmother's heartfelt pleas for him to honor his duty weigh heavily on his heart during this emotional farewell.
The Trek Begins
Ugyen embarks on an arduous eight-day trek to Lunana, accompanied by Michen, a villager guide. As they ascend through challenging terrain, Ugyen experiences the physical toll of the journey, battling fatigue and discomfort.
A Challenge at Koina
Upon reaching Koina, Ugyen struggles as his shoes leak water, causing painful sores on his feet. Michen's home remedies provide only temporary relief, and Ugyen feels increasingly isolated when his phone battery dies, cutting him off from the outside world.
Arrival in Lunana
Ugyen finally arrives in Lunana, welcomed by a warm and enthusiastic community of 56 villagers. However, he is overwhelmed by their living conditions, prompting him to consider returning to the city before he has even begun his teaching assignment.
Realization of Purpose
Awakened by Pem Zam, the class captain, Ugyen learns of the eager students awaiting his arrival. This realization rekindles his sense of duty and inspiration, leading him to commit to teaching for the year despite his initial hesitations.
Connecting with the Community
As Ugyen becomes acquainted with the villagers through Pem Zam, he uncovers the desperate need for education. His efforts to adapt begin as he creates a makeshift classroom and receives teaching supplies from a friend, instilling hope within the village.
Cultural Exchange
Ugyen deepens his bond with Saldon, who teaches him the traditional song, 'Yak Lebi Lhadar.' This musical connection enriches his experience, as Saldon gifts him a yak, Norbu, to assist him with daily chores, showcasing the importance of community support.
Family Stories and Loss
Over dinner with Asha, the village leader, Ugyen gains insight into the familial relationships within the community. These stories of loss and connection resonate with him, deepening his appreciation for the people of Lunana.
Preparing for Departure
As winter approaches, Asha advises Ugyen to leave before the treacherous passes become impassable. The emotional farewells from Saldon and the children highlight the impact he has made, leaving him torn between two worlds.
Reflections on the Journey
On his way down the mountain, Ugyen reflects on the meaningful connections he forged during his time in Lunana. He leaves an offering at a shrine, symbolizing gratitude and a hope for a return one day.
New Beginnings in Australia
Upon arriving in Australia, Ugyen struggles to capture the attention of the audience at a bar where he performs. Frustration mounts until he recalls the joy of 'Yak Lebi Lhadar,' which ultimately captivates his audience and reignites his passion.
A Transformative Experience
Ugyen's journey in Lunana profoundly shapes his identity and aspirations. The growth he experiences through teaching and connecting with the villagers highlights the transformative power of community and culture.
Ugyen Dorji
Ugyen is a reluctant teacher who initially lacks passion for his role. Throughout his journey, he evolves from a city dweller indifferent to his assignment into a dedicated educator who finds joy in inspiring his students. His emotional depth grows as he forms meaningful connections with the villagers, and his character embodies the struggle between ambition and responsibility.
Michen
Michen is a supportive villager who guides Ugyen on his challenging trek to Lunana. His dependable nature shines through as he provides both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Michen represents the essence of community in Lunana, showcasing the importance of camaraderie in overcoming hardships.
Saldon
Saldon is an enthusiastic student who greatly admires Ugyen. She plays a crucial role in helping him acclimate to village life and teaches him traditional songs that cultivate his connection to their culture. Her warm spirit and eagerness to learn reflect the hope and richness of the village's youth.
Pem Zam
Pem Zam is the optimistic class captain who eagerly welcomes Ugyen to teach the children. Her leadership and excitement about education highlight the villagers' deep reverence for teachers. Pem Zam's character represents the unwavering desire for learning that exists in Lunana despite the hardships.
Asha
Asha is the village leader who provides guidance and advice to Ugyen during his stay. Her wisdom and understanding of the villagers' struggles underscore the community dynamics in Lunana. She embodies the collective spirit that binds the village together, emphasizing the importance of tradition and mutual support.
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, but highlights the stark contrast between the bustling city life Ugyen seeks to escape and the traditional, almost primitive lifestyle of the villagers in Lunana. Themes of obligation, personal growth, and connection to one's roots resonate throughout the narrative.
Location
Lunana, Gasa, Koina
Lunana is a remote village known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and simplicity of life. With a population of just 56, residents live without modern amenities such as electricity or running water. The nearby village of Gasa serves as a guide point for treks into the mountains, while Koina, a minimal settlement, presents challenges of extreme altitude and stark living conditions.
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Personal Growth
Ugyen's journey is one of profound personal development, transitioning from apathy to finding purpose through teaching. His initial reluctance gives way to a meaningful bond with the villagers and a deep appreciation for their way of life. The experience ultimately helps him understand the importance of commitment and community.
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Cultural Exchange
The film beautifully showcases the power of music as a bridge between Ugyen and the villagers. Through traditional songs and shared experiences, Ugyen learns not only about teaching but also the essence of their culture. This exchange enriches both his life and that of the villagers, illustrating music's universal language.
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Connection
The theme of connection is pivotal, as Ugyen moves from detachment to forming deep relationships with the villagers. His evolving bond with Saldon and the students reflects the mutual dependence and the impact of human connections on individual aspirations. Their heartfelt farewells signify the emotional growth Ugyen experiences throughout his journey.
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