Bhutanese filmmakers Dechen Roder and Arun Bhattarai are gaining international recognition for their films “I, the Song” and “Agent of Happiness”, showcasing their ability to craft compelling narratives. Dechen Roder’s “I, the Song” won Best Director award at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, screened at various festivals, and is set to premiere in the US. Film follows a schoolteacher’s journey to uncover the truth after a video of her lookalike surfaced, filmed in Bhutan over 42 days. Dechen Roder’s documentary “Agent of Happiness” secured funding from France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Samuh Mediatech, making it the first Bhutanese film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Agent of Happiness” won 12 awards and is set for theatrical release in 20 countries, exploring happiness from multiple perspectives and showcasing Bhutanese experiences from diverse social backgrounds. The documentary, based on Arun Bhattarai’s work, explores the universal theme of happiness, showcasing the hard-won success of a time-consuming, dedicated process. Dechen Roder and Arun Bhattarai’s success in film and short films is attributed to persistence and belief in their stories, winning awards at prestigious festivals.