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Current projects :
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS IN BHUTAN
A film and documentary - and DVD documentary
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The Gate of Bhutan
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Bumdeling National Park
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Gom Kora
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Tashigang-Dzong
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Co-produced by a Bhutanese and Swiss film crew
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Executive summary :
The Kingdom of Bhutan, situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayan Range, is a little known country despite its full membership of the United Nations since 1971. Roughly 5'000 tourists per year are allowed to visit this pristine region where millennial traditions co-exist with modern technology.
Under the guidance of its Head of State, His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Royal Government of Bhutan is implementing a unique, long-term political strategy called "GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS" (GNH). This policy is based on the belief that the primary purpose of development is to bring happiness to the population of Bhutan, rather than aiming solely for an increase in Gross Domestic Product.
The idea of GNH receives more and more attention around the world by academic circles and leading newspapers like the Wall Street Journal (October 8th, 2004), New York Times (October 4th, 2006). The basic ideas behind this novel approach are based on four pillars:
1. Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
2. Conservation of the fragile Himalayan ecology
3. Preservation and promotion of the traditional culture
4. Enhancement of good governance
These four principles for a modern government policy are in tune with the Buddhist traditions prevailing in Bhutan from the time this philosophy spread from India northwards in the 9th century.
In a world where material prosperity appears to be the only measuring stick for progress, it is important and highly interesting to investigate this alternative approach by GNH through an audio-visual documentary. All levels of the Bhutanese society, ranging from government level to farmers in remote areas will be filmed and questioned about their reaction to the GNH-policy: Does-it work or not? Fully, partially, not at all?
In order to obtain an inside view of Bhutan and the mind of its people, a trans-cultural crew consisting of Bhutanese and Swiss nationals has realized the documentary.
- Phase I activity, an exploratory visit to Bhutan by a Swiss crew of three, has taken place in September and October 2004. The Royal Government of Bhutan agreed to let BBS sign a Letter of Understanding, allowing thus the project to go ahead. The final agreement was signed in December.
- Phase II activity, i.e. filming, has taken place in April and May 2005.
- Phase III activity, i.e. post-production and DVD-mastering, is under way in Switzerland during the second part of 2005.
- Phase IV activity, i.e. distribution of the final product, starting in 2006 will take place through institutional and commercial channels.
The total time-line of the project will last from autumn 2004 to June 2006.
The budget for phase II and phase III is estimated at 250'000 US $.
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