𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐥

Loday Chophel studied filmmaking at the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) in India, where he was honored as the Best Student of the Year by AAFT in 2009. Before embarking on his career in film, he pursued Arts and Humanities at Delhi University, India. Loday Chophel is proficient in direction, acting, and editing, drawing inspiration from Buddhism for his storytelling. His debut short film, ‘Khamsum,’ received the Best Short Film award at the Beskop Tsechu, a Bhutanese film festival, in 2011, and ‘Rent and Grains’ achieved the same recognition in 2013.

Q. What were the key experiences or influences that shaped your desire to become a storyteller?
A. From a young age, storytelling has been my passion and hobby. I hail from a remote village in eastern Bhutan, where there was only one television for the entire community. I vividly recall sneaking into my neighbor’s house to watch Bollywood movies. It was during those moments that my fascination with storytelling began to take shape. While I didn’t fully understand the intricacies of storytelling back then, one thing was clear- I had a deep-seated desire to become a storyteller in the future.

Q. Have you undergone any formal training in the field of movie production?
A. Following my university graduation, I returned to pursue my lifelong dream of studying film. I am immensely grateful to the individual who sponsored my film studies at the Asian Academy of Film and Television in India. This institution attracts students from various corners of the globe, and I am delighted to share that among the diverse student body, my creative abilities were recognized. I was honored with the title of “Best Student of the Year” for the 64th batch.

Q. Could you describe the pivotal moment or significant achievement in your film career?
A. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a few seasoned filmmakers in my journey. My initial foray into acting in films occurred during my college years when the senior director Pelden offered me a small role in the movie “Wai Charo.” However, at that time, I was still focused on my studies, so I temporarily stepped away from acting. It wasn’t until 2009 that I fully immersed myself in the world of filmmaking. My breakthrough moment arrived with my significant role in the movie “The Prophecy,” which was both directed and written by Zuri Rinpoche. I am proud to mention that this film received recognition on the international stage, earning awards at the New York “Social Relevant Festival in 2017” and the Asia “Pacific Asian International Film Festival in 2016”.

Q. Can you share some insights and key details about your major film ‘The Prophecy’ and explain its significance in your career?
A. “The Prophecy” is a film centered around the theme of gender equality, with a strong focus on the spiritual journey of women. The movie showcases stunning landscapes from various regions of Bhutan, capturing the country’s breathtaking beauty. Notably, one of the most prominent aspects that garnered praise was the film’s photography.

Q. What are your personal views and insights regarding the state of the Bhutanese film industry?
A. Our film industry is relatively young but progressing rapidly. We produced our first feature film approximately three decades ago, and we’ve made significant strides since then. However, I believe there is still a long road ahead for us. Due to our country’s size and population, our film industry has encountered challenges. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were facing limitations. The pandemic further exacerbated the difficulties faced by filmmakers in our country.
As a filmmaker myself, I have concerns about the sustainability of our industry. We seem to have reached a saturation point, primarily due to our limited domestic market. To ensure the survival and growth of our industry, I believe it’s imperative to seek investment and collaboration from the global film community. Fortunately, in the past few years, some Bhutanese films have gained recognition on the international stage. This recognition has demonstrated that Bhutanese storytellers have the potential to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
I am pleased to note that my friend Paw, a fellow filmmaker, is playing a significant role in elevating our industry to new heights. His journey is not just a personal one but a representation of our entire film industry’s aspirations. I want to express my gratitude to all the directors, writers, producers, and filmmakers who have worked tirelessly to bring Bhutanese cinema to an international audience. It is heartening to see our connections with the global film community growing stronger with each passing day, as every filmmaker strives to establish a bridge to the international market.

Message:

I want to wholeheartedly extend my best wishes to filmmakers, not only in our country but also to those around the world. I strongly encourage all of you to persist in the endeavor of crafting and sharing impactful stories through your films. As someone who is also a filmmaker, I hold a steadfast belief in the transformative potential of a compelling narrative. It has the remarkable ability to inspire and catalyze positive change within society, making the art of filmmaking a potent tool for social transformation and awareness.