Pawo Choyning Dorji Druk Thuksey is a filmmaker and photographer from Bhutan. He was born on June 23, 1983. His first movie, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” was nominated for an award at the 94th Academy Awards in 2019. His second film, “The Monk and the Gun,” is also getting attention for the 96th Academy Awards in 2023.
Dorji received Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Druk Thuksey, from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In his early life, Dorji lived in Darjeeling, India, as the son of a diplomat. He went to Kodaikanal International School in India and later to Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. He studied government and international relations at Lawrence University in the United States, graduating in 2006. He also studied Buddhist philosophy at the Sarah Buddhist Institute in 2009.
Dorji worked as a photographer for publications like VICE, Esquire, and Life. He authored several photography essay books, including “Light of the Moon,” which took five years to complete.
Being a devout Buddhist, Dorji learned filmmaking from the Buddhist master and filmmaker Khyentse Norbu. He worked with Norbu on films like “Vara: A Blessing” and produced “Hema Hema.”
Dorji’s debut film, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” was shot in a remote school in the Himalayan village of Lunana. The film received awards at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival and became Bhutan’s first Oscar nomination.
On Bhutan’s 115th National Day in 2022, Dorji received the Royal Order of Bhutan, the Druk Thuksey, making him the youngest recipient and the first Bhutanese filmmaker to be honored.
His second film, “The Monk and the Gun,” premiered at film festivals and was shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards. Dorji is married to Taiwanese actress and producer Stephanie Lai, and they have a daughter and a son, splitting their time between Taiwan, Bhutan, and India.