𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐢

Sangay Wangdi, an accomplished animator, clinched the Silver Khadhar at the 2024 Beskop Tshechu Film Festival in Bhutan for his evocative work, “Flicker.” Known for his ability to infuse simplicity with profound themes, Sangay’s animations resonate deeply with audiences, offering contemplative insights into the meaning of life. Motivated by this recognition, Sangay is driven to further explore the realms of animation in his native Bhutan, fueled by his unwavering dedication to storytelling and a commitment to artistic excellence that continues to captivate viewers worldwide.

Q. what is your inspiration or motivation?
A. As a child, I was inspired by watching animations. Just like many kids today who watch shows like Pogo and Doraemon and may feel motivated to create their own animations, I too found my inspiration and drive to create animation from watching these shows.

Q. How did you start your animation journey?
A. During my childhood, I was captivated by the world of animations. I would spend hours watching animated shows and movies, completely enthralled by the creativity and storytelling they showcased. These experiences sparked a dream within me: the dream of one day creating my own animations. However, there were significant obstacles in my path. At that time, there were no teachers or resources available to teach animation, especially in my local area. Despite this lack of formal education and guidance, my passion for animation never waned. I remained determined and kept the dream alive, knowing deep down that someday, I would bring my own animated stories to life.
This year, my long-held dream encountered a fortuitous opportunity. The Beskop Tshechu Film Festival announced a special program dedicated to animation. As soon as I learned about it, I knew this was my chance to turn my childhood aspirations into reality. The program provided the perfect platform for me to finally dive into the world of animation. With excitement and determination, I seized this opportunity and committed myself to creating an animation for the festival. It was a chance not only to showcase my creativity but also to fulfill a dream I had nurtured for so many years. The experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to transform my early fascination with animation into a tangible and creative achievement.

Q. What are challenges did you encounter? Can you share your storyline?
A. To be honest, I didn’t face any problems while making my animation because I utilized the resources available to me. While other animation creators in Bhutan might struggle with limited resources, I made the most of what I had. Using the Precut software on my iPad, which includes an animation creation option, I was able to create my animation without any significant challenges.

Q. How do you feel after receiving this award?
A. Receiving the award filled me with immense joy and happiness. I believe it is important to express gratitude to those who supported me along the way. First and foremost, I am thankful to Koen Cho Sum for their blessings, which helped me win this medal. I am also deeply grateful to my family and friends for their encouragement and support during the creation of my animation. To me, this award is not just mine; it belongs to all of them as a token of my gratitude for their unwavering support.

Q. Earlier, you mentioned that you created your animation using Precut. Are there any other techniques or software you plan to use in the future?
A. If I have the opportunity to use new technology in the future, I will definitely take advantage of it. However, if such opportunities don’t arise, I will continue creating animations using Precut.

Q. How was your support from your family and friends?
A. Of course, my family and friends have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. In today’s digital age, many kids tend to misuse iPads by primarily watching YouTube and other videos, often leading to passive consumption rather than productive use. However, my situation is different. My parents and friends recognize the unique value of Precut and the potential it holds. They understand that I’m not just spending time on the iPad for entertainment; instead, I’m leveraging it as a powerful tool to work on something meaningful and impactful. They see the dedication and hard work I put into developing and utilizing Precut, and this understanding has translated into their full and unwavering support for my efforts. Their encouragement motivates me to continue pushing forward and making the most of this opportunity.

Q. What are your future plans?
A. In the future, I don’t have any specific plans. I prefer to go with the flow, taking on whatever opportunities come my way and making the most of what’s in front of me.

Message:

I may not offer profound messages like others, but I aim to convey something crucial to our youth. Instead of idling away time claiming there’s nothing to do, focus on what’s right in front of you. Take on the tasks at hand with determination. Success will come in due time, but until then, it’s vital to stay grounded and committed to the present. While many young people aspire to attain prestigious positions, it’s essential to recognize that laying a solid foundation by addressing immediate responsibilities is key to future success.