Tashi Gyeltshen on making films, finding freedom and embracing risk
Summary
Bhutanese filmmaker Tashi Gyeltshen reflects on his journey from journalism to cinema, the artistic freedom behind his films, and the risks of making art-house work. He also discusses The Red Phallus, its international festival success, and his upcoming love story inspired by Wong Kar-wai.
Key Points
- Tashi Gyeltshen says he was drawn to filmmaking after watching Travellers and Magicians and later became a self-taught filmmaker.
- He says The Red Phallus was shaped by philosophical conflict, rural Bhutanese life, and his personal memory of the colour red.
- The film won the FIPRESCI Award at Busan, screened at Berlin, and was not released theatrically in Bhutan after censor board cuts were requested.
- Gyeltshen says he is preparing a second feature next February or March, with Nepali producer Ram Krishna Pokharel again involved.
