Pawo Choyning Dorji
4:00 pm | Eldred Hall Room 203, 2070 Adelbert Road
This talk will focus on the themes of interdependence, impermanence, and the motivation behind storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences along with spiritual and cultural insights, filmmaker, screenwriter, and director Pawo Choyning Dorji explores how Bhutanese stories are deeply interwoven with Buddhist principles, reflecting Bhutan's unique perspective on creativity, existence, and happiness.
The talk will touch upon Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes holistic well-being and contentment over material wealth. This approach is rooted in the belief in interdependence, and recognizing that authentic happiness arises from a balanced relationship between individuals, society, and the environment. It also delves into how this national ethos influences Bhutanese storytelling, encouraging narratives that highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the transient nature of life.
This event is presented in Partnership with the Department of Religious Studies.
Pawo Choyning Dorji is a 2025 Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Scholar in the Humanities.
Registration is requested. Register HERE.
About the Speaker:
Pawo Choyning Dorji is an acclaimed Bhutanese filmmaker, screenwriter, and director. His debut feature film, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019), was nominated for an Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards. His second feature film, The Monk and the Gun (2023), premiered at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival and was subsequently shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards.
Deeply inspired by his Buddhist faith and Bhutanese heritage, Pawo's works explore universal themes such as interdependence, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. His storytelling is widely celebrated for its emotional authenticity, weaving deeply personal narratives rooted in Bhutanese culture that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In 2022, Pawo was honoured with Bhutan’s highest civilian accolade, the Druk Thuksey (“Heart-Son of the Thunder Dragon”), awarded by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in recognition of his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and its people. In 2024, Pawo received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from his alma mater, Lawrence University.
Watch Pawo Choyning Dorji discuss the process of making his film The Monk and the Gun HERE.